I stumbled across the room towards the open door, my stilettos sliding on the hay strewn across the warehouse floor. Tripping over the cement step, I walked outside. I leaned against the wall and let the cool October wind dry the sweat off my body.
Closing my eyes, I felt the thump of the bass through the metal walls. My black hat tilted, my hair frizzed from the heat and press of the dance floor.
I opened my eyes and took a swig of water from the bottle in my hand. The Witch's Brew had tasted sweet and smooth, but I had enough sense left to wonder what was in it. My brain was fuzzy, my mouth numb. I couldn't feel my feet.
I searched the patio for Snow White, finally finding her sitting with Teen Wolf and Batman. I walked unsteadily towards her, plopping on a chair and tuning into the conversation.
UFO's.
Leaning forward, I listened as Teen Wolf passionately discussed the feasibility of UFO's. Watching the trio speak, their fingers lazily dangling lit cigarettes, the smoke curling to the heavens, I felt an urge to join them.
I had the crystal clear thought that I'd never done anything so "bad" as smoke a cigarette. And, quite suddenly, I wanted to be a little bit bad. I wanted to join them in their flirtation with death.
The conversation turned to Zombies.
Leaning forward, I asked Teen Wolf, "Can I have one?"
Snow White spun towards me, "You don't smoke!"
"I thought I'd try one."
She stared at me in disbelief, her face annoyingly sober in spite of an equal number of drinks. Leaning back in my chair, I struck a sophisticated pose. "Why not? I'm going to be thirty next year."
Teen Wolf handed me a cigarette and a lighter. Holding one in my right hand, I stared at the other.
"You're holding it like a joint."
"Oh." I adjusted my fingers, mirroring Batman. I put the cigarette to my lips, tasting the dry paper and cotton of the filter. I put the lighter to the end and flicked it.
Nothing happened.
Snow White took it from me and, with a practiced puff, lit the cigarette. She handed it back to me, the glowing ember daring me to taste.
I put it to my lips, holding it for a moment.
Breath in. I told myself. I sat frozen, lung cancer statistics flashing in my rum soaked brain. The smoke curled and twisted as I held it in my hands. Pictures of emphysema patients played like a silent film.
Finally, I put it down. "I don't think this is for me," I said, disappointed at my inability to rebel, even in my sodden state.
Snow White patted my shoulder. "You're better off without it."
I leaned my head back and watched the stars whirl above me while the conversation turned back to UFO's.
This post was inspired by The Red Dress Club RemembeRED prompt showing a picture of a smoking cigarette. I've never been a fan of smoking. This was the one time I was tempted.
As always, concrit is welcome.
Also, I'm over at Makes Fun today writing about LeapFrog. The computerized reader, not the game.
34 comments:
Reminds me of my first time, too, when I decided I didn't like the taste. I smoked for a few more years after that, but we're all better off without it.
From the first paragraph to the last, its very visual. I feel as if I am standing there with TeenWolf and Snow White.
"the glowing ember daring me to taste">> I Love this line, the image of it daring you, the call of the cigarette.
You have one typo near the bottom...Finally I put it down. "I don't think this is for me" I sad...I think you meant said.
You know what? Snow White is absolutely right. You are better off without it.
That was too fun! I love that you remember the costumes, and the topics of conversation. Zombies and UFO's are perfect Halloween chatter, don't you think?
it was perfect, I could have been sitting right there with you. Trying that cigarette the first (and last) time.
I was in awe at the imagery! WOW.
I love that the rebel in you was kicking at almost 30!
What I thought was interesting about this piece is that it is structured around almosts. We don't actually see the party/club, but you coming from it. We don't actually meet your friends, just their costumed alter egos and though you seriously contemplate smoking you don't actually.
And I love the line about the annoyingly sober Snow White.
I love the detail that her face was annoyingly sober even after how much she had had to drink.
I was 27 when I had my first cigarette. Late bloomers huh....
Love it lady!
The first time that I tried (and failed) to smoke was in college; also considered late.
You described the draw and revulsion perfectly. Love the costumes and UFOs in there!
This was a great read!
I love how you were looking for "Snow White". :) I'm glad you didn't smoke. No reason to start.
wow. The characters .. LOL! glad you "quit". You'll never regret it.
I loved everything about this---the characters, the mystery of so much of it, and the fact that you weren't afraid to admit it wasn't for you. Loved the "rum soaked brain" and the statistics in your head----before the first ever puff at almost 30!
I love how it ended! I've been in that spot and remember my first cigarette making an already drunken night so much worse, getting so sick. I really dreaded that's what would happen to you. so glad it didn't!
You just can't take the good out of the girl.. ;)
Okay, I want to go to your next halloween party! For the costumes, of course! And the conversations, yeah, the conversations.
I loved your description of the characters. More than that I love you did not give into temptation.
Good girl. I love you even more now.
You just can't take the goody two shoes out of the girl.
Riiiight. lol
Even three sheets to the wind, I couldn't stop thinking of lung cancer! I'm such a nerd.
No matter how hard I try, I just can't be a rebel.
*sigh*
I was sick enough without it.
Snow White - and she knows who she is - is a bad influence. ;)
HA! I'm glad too.
I know! I'm such a weirdo. I just couldn't get my brain around how dangerous they are.
Same reason I've never bungee jumped.
I like say cautious.
Thank you so much!
You have no idea. That woman not only drank me under the table, but she was annoying okay the next day.
LOVE that you got that.
Well, I tend to talk zombies and UFO's all year around, but at Halloween, other people respond! lol
Thank you so very much.
Thank you! I fixed it and yeah. The next morning I would have been mad at myself.
Totally.
I think all of us have had that weakness. I'm glad you prevailed. I love referring to the other characters by their costumes.
Thank you. :)
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