2 Welcome to Hell

In front of my eyes stood a high rise building in the center of the city district. The palatial structure almost made me feel insignificant and tiny.

"C'mon Mirae, lighten up! You know I have to impress him. I heard he's going to be at the club!" Sera says as she pulls me closer to the revolving doors into the shopping center.

I've always believed that everyone in this world puts on a mask to adapt to our surroundings. It's natural to us. We just do it unconsciously. Putting on a different mask to suit different situations. Most of us put on a mask to hide what's within. We do it to protect ourselves.

I hesitantly stepped into the grand arena of the shopping area and allowed myself to get carried away by Sera's enthusiasm.

After grabbing a quick meal and going in and out of a bunch of stores, Sera and I went into a modern boutique styled with mannequins clothed in expensive party dresses. Sera quickly turned to me and demands, "Mirae, I think we'll find something here. Let's get something quickly and head out, the mall is closing in a bit." Sera looked around and picked up a black mini dress sprinkled with gold sequin. "Mirae, this would fit you perfectly! You're wearing this."

I looked at the price tag. My mouth gaped, "I am not wearing that. It's too revealing and expensive. I'm fine wearing this."

Sera eyed my grey shirt and jeans and was about to make a comment before something catches her eye. She pulled out a red spaghetti strap dress with a v down the back. "Wow, this is definitely eye catching enough." She took both the black and the red dress and headed towards check out. "Wait, Sera!" I cried out, "put the black one back. I don't want it."

"No, Mirae. We are both going to step into that club tonight and make an impression. Got it? You won't be able to get in with your boring old t-shirt anyway." Sera eyed my outfit again.

I retracted behind her as she checked out knowing whatever I said would not persuade her stubbornness. "I'll pay you back, Sera." Sera turned to me and smiled, "No need. It's a present to you. Your birthday is coming up anyway right? In two weeks." I glanced at her, "thank you Sera."

I've almost forgotten about my birthday being that it's not much of a neither important nor memorable event in my life. My mother was always too busy working her multiple jobs. She was always regretful for not being in my life more. But I don't blame her. She was the only one supporting us. I fidget with the pendant dangling on my neck.

...

Flashback: I woke with the warmth of the sun seeping into the room. Rubbing my eyes, I head to the kitchen through our narrow living space. I found a note on the table next to a bowl of liquid. 'Mirae ah, I will be home late today. I'm sorry for not being here on your birthday. I want you to have this seaweed soup. And this crescent moon necklace is for you. Keep it close to your heart. May you always be reminded to follow the path where the moonlight shines. Happy 13th Birthday.'

...

I grunt as I struggle to zip the back of my dress. Sera turns around and snorts, "This is the only time that I'm not jealous of your amazing curves." I laughed as Sera zip up the back of my dress. "You look sexy! Here, let me put your hair down." Sera said in awe as she pulls down my black elastic hair tie. "I still can't believe your hair is naturally brown. Do you know that people have to dye their hair to get that color?"

"Should I cut my hair and give it to you so you can have it as a wig?" I grinned. Our laughter echoed in the empty bathroom of the almost closing shopping center. We quickly head out to the already darkened sky. Sera waves down a taxi and showed the taxi driver a location on her phone.

The 20 minute drive there was mostly silent. I could almost sense the jittery feeling bouncing off Sera. Was she that excited to see Ewan? I, on the other hand, could not shake off this feeling like something bad is going to happen.

The taxi comes to a halt in front of the bright neon red sign reading 'Hell's Club'.

Sera pays the driver as I thanked him. She took my arm quickly, dragging me off the backseat of the taxi. I stepped out into the chilly night of May. My goosebumps fades as I rub my own shoulders to keep warm.

The girls waiting in line all looked slutty with their dresses that their behinds can be seen hanging out. I wondered if I looked that way as well with my mini dress. Sera and I stayed close keeping each other warm until the line shortens to our turn. The bouncer checks off our ID and from the corner of my eye, I see that he stole a few glances at my cleavage before letting us in, "Welcome to Hell's Club." I felt dirty.