Dinner Meeting

The restaurant was bustling with loud chatter and tightly packed people. The venue Bastion had picked out tonight, was the newest restaurant that had opened a few weeks ago. High priced meals and finely dressed people really defined the place. Those who live in the lower-class budget wouldn't be able to afford places like these, so it was mostly upper-class snobs that found their way to the tables. I absolutely hate restaurants like these. Those that are power hungry and set in their own ways will come to do nothing more than hate on the lower class, flashing their money around like it's nothing more than paper.

"I want something new this time. We do the same clique thing every year, and even I am starting to get bored with it. I mean our Winter Wonderland theme last year was the tilting point for us and we have lost many sales. I need a wow factor. Something that will get people talking you know?" Bastion said as he put a brown bottle to his lips. Aaron sat quietly, his finger to his chin as he thought. I cut into my steak unenthusiastically. I always had this great idea in my head, but I never thought they would agree to it. It sounded childish in my head, but Bastion was right. We needed a "wow" factor.

"Why not add a touch of fantasy? The Winter Theme already has some sort of Magical aspect to it. The twinkling of the sparkles could represent the snow, and we can alter some of the dresses into longer skirts so the fall to the floor as opposed to around the ankles. I mean it is winter after all. I have some really pretty good ideas about the wings as well. We don't have to stick to just white either, grays and silvers are also known for their winter themes. Blue is also often a representation to winter. We have many choices and options to choose from." I was so focused on cutting my stake, that I hadn't realized their quiet stares. It wasn't until I looked up, popping a juicy piece of stake in to my mouth, that I had noticed them.

I watched as both of their eyes glazed over, lost in thought about my suggestion. To be honest I half expected Aaron to make some rather teasing remarks like he did, but a wide grin spread across his face instead. He seemed completely won over by the thought and I could even see the gears turning in his head. Bastion was slowly swishing the brown liquid of his beer around and around, staring blandly at the table. The more I watched him, the more silly and anxious I felt. After a moment, he readjusted himself in his chair, getting closer to the table, his own grin forming.

"I absolutely love the idea. I can even alter some of the men's close to have a majestic like look to match. Rosaline Freeds you are an absolute genius. Why have I never thought of something like this? Everyone like to be in a fairytale. Winter is such a romantic season as well. It would be a fairytale worth talking about for years to come!" Bastion cracked a smile while putting the brown bottle to his lips again. He seemed to enjoy the idea.

"I am not opposed to this idea; A Winter Fairytale has a good ring to it as well. I know that our usual attendants that come to these especially would like this idea. Gloria Finch would be impressed if you manage to pull this off." Bastion said as he finally placed the brown bottle down on the table. He gracefully rolled his sleeves before cutting into his salmon. Aaron picked up his glass of red wine and held it towards my direction. With a blush and a smile from the praises, I also lifted my red wine cup to Aaron's.

"To Rose, who always pulls us out of the toughest of pickles. I swear the company would have fallen years ago if it were not for you my dear." He clinked my glass with a wink before taking a long gulp. I snickered in response before also putting the glass to my lips.

"Flattery will get you know where Mr. Blake. But the compliments are noted. I expect you in my office first thing so we can go over the design changes. We also need to let the Venue know that we are making some slight adjustments as well. We have a lot of work cut out for us between now and the show. Not to mention the Spring Fashion show just shortly after that." I said placing down my cup. There was still so much work to put in with the Spring theme. We needed a venue, designs, and obviously a location as well after the venue to release a new magazine. We still needed to find suitable models to display our new set of clothing on top of that.

"Ah yes, the Spring theme. I think for now we can put a pin in it and brainstorm another time. For now, let's work on the Winter theme so we aren't overwhelming ourselves. Besides, I know that you will think of something brilliant. You often always do. Aaron, tomorrow I want you to call Ashley Tine and Darek Chamberlain. They have worked with us in the past and know our routines. I also want the two of you to get with the makeup crews and discuss with them the schemes so we can be on top of this." Bastion was now staring at us, his face emotionless as he gave his orders. There was that intimidating side of him again that made everyone who didn't know him better, squirm.

With the brainstorming out of the way, the table had slowly became quite. Often times we would make small talk and comment about small work things, but was surprisingly a quiet rest of the evening. When we had finished with our food and final bits of conversation we said our goodbyes. Thankfully this time, Bastion didn't drink himself under the table like he often did. So this time, neither of us was in charge of having to bring Bastion home. It was a pleasant night.

For once in my line of work, a part of me felt satisfied. My idea of a fairytale styled show was in the works and I could check that off my list of things I've always wanted to do. But apart of me was still craving for more. I honestly wasn't sure what more I could ask for. I had a great job, worked with good people, and a roof over my head. Yet, there was still an empty void making a home in my heart. Recently it was getting bigger and worse. No matter how busy I kept myself or how hard I worked, I would never fully became satisfied.

Irritated by my non-quenchable feelings, I drove home and quietly stared out the window. I wasn't really paying attention to the road as the snow fell quietly to the ground. I was so focused on this empty feeling; I didn't see the black streak in time that came across the road. Coming to my senses, I slammed on my breaks and swerved, trying to avoid the black creature in front of me. To my horror, the breaks kept jumping in protest with the weather, and with my sudden pressure. The brakes squealed as the tires turned on ice.

I sucked in a sharp breath as the car started to spin. My heart raced wildly as the world outside became a massive blur of white and brown. I clung to the wheel as I waited for the slamming of the vehicle to come. Finally, the car came to a stop, but not before the back end came into contact with a tree. I felt my head fall forward at the impact and slammed off the steering wheel. A sharp pain burst across my head, causing me to hiss in pain. Sitting with my head leaned against the steering wheel, I listened to the panicked beating of my heart. It pounded like a herd of wild horse. My hands where shaking uncontrollably as they sat wrapped around the steering wheel.

I gave a loud nervous laugh as I tried to peel my hands away from the steering wheel while leaned against the head rest. I was almost too nervous to get out of my car, knowing that it was going to be a total loss. Against my better judgement, I unbuckled and push the door open. Still shaking, I took a step out. The cold air hit me with a blast of freezing air. My knee length skirt did nothing to warm my body as I clumsily stepped away from my car. I was thankful that it was only the back that managed to hit the trees on the side of the road. My Black Kia Rio that I cherished so much, sat the ditch of snow, tires buried deep. The back passenger door was completely smashed in and formed to the tree it had smashed into.

With a distraught sigh, I searched the slightly snow dusted road in hopes I would find what I almost had hit. Stumbling and feeling wobbly, I walked slowly towards the road and gasped. A small black cat had curled into a tight ball, tucking it's head under its paws as it shook violently. My heart ached at the thought I almost ended such an innocent life. With hesitant and careful steps, I tried making my way over to the small animal. As I got closer, I watched it's ears flick nervously. Never once did it look up. It remained curled into a tight and frightened ball.

Now that I was in arms reach, I knelt down beside it. Reaching towards it, I gently grazed its soft fur along its back. It didn't move or utter a single meow as I tried to comfort it. We sat there silently for a few minutes, taking in our presence while recovering from shock. My mind was in a whirlwind of chaotic thoughts. Where did it come from? Was it owned by anyone? Was this a kitten or an adult? Did I accidently hit it anywhere, is that why it's not moving?

I watched as it slowly flicked its ears, and raise it's head. It's yellow eyes slowly wandered all over the place, silently taking in the it's surroundings. When it's eyes fell on me, it meowed softly, almost strained. With shaky legs, it rose on to its paws and feebly made its way closer to me. I scratched behind the black cats ears, surprised by how warm and soft it's fur was. Like a rich textured silk straight from the factory. I couldn't help a small smile from forming on my face as it rubbed against my exposed leg.

"You gave me quite a fright little one. I suppose if I had been a little more myself tonight, I wouldn't have almost hurt you. Do you have an owner? There aren't any houses for miles so you must be far from home." I said as I gently grabbed the cat into my arms. It never protested as I pulled my jacket around the small animal, hugging it to my chest. As I looked down the make sure it was ok, I noticed there was a small trail of blood running down my jacket.