Behind the Curtain

It's just a bachelorette party right? Ava's feisty older sister drags her out for a night on the town to celebrate her last few days as a single woman. However, Ava is in for an unforgettable night.

“Kate, this is not necessary. ” My older sister Kate fell into a fit of giggles, her strawberry blonde curls bouncing with each chuckle. She added the finishing touches to her makeup, concealing her eyelids with thick, black eye liner and sparkly gold eye shadow. 

“Oh please Ava! Of course this is necessary!” Kate spun from her spot at the ginormous, golden mirror to stand in front of me, teasing my wavy reddish brown locks with her red manicured nails.

“You only get one bachelorette party in your life, and trust me, this will be one for the ages,” she said with a wink. Anxious, I bit my lip as Kate blotted her lipstick on a napkin, puckering her bright red lips before throwing my outfit at me. 

“Put that on and don’t even think of bailing.” Kate demanded with a stern look, her perfectly arched eyebrows warning me as she left the room, the click of the bolt signaling her departure. With a heavy sigh, I got up from my bed in the apartment we shared and changed into the dress my sister had picked out for me. I pulled up the zipper and turned to look in the mirror. I gasped. The girl who stared back at me was a stranger I had never seen before. My usual jeans and band t-shirt was replaced with a black dress fabricated from sequins and lace, the dress ending right above my knees. The back of the dress dipped and landed right above my lower back, granting me a strange confidence I had never had the pleasure of embracing. However, my new found confidence was brought to a halt as I glanced at the shoes Kate had chosen for me to wear. I cringed just looking at my demise hidden in 5 inch high heels. As if she could read my mind, my sister yelled from the living room.

“Don’t even think about it Ava!” I glared at the door and cursed Kate in my mind. She knew me all too well. Glancing at the clock, I hastily slipped on the 5 inch black ankle boots praying to the gods the night wouldn’t end with Kate dragging me to the emergency room the night before my wedding. 

With one last look in the mirror, I took in a deep breath. This is as good as it’s going to get, I thought. I grabbed the matching black, shimmery clutch and exited my room.

***

I saw the sign before we even exited the yellow taxi. 

“Kate! What is this?! You brought me to a strip club?!” I panicked while my sister only chuckled, one hand on my shoulder.

“Ava, relax. This is a burlesque club. Come on. You look hot, and it’ll be fun.” Kate gracefully slid out of the taxi, reaching for my hand. I tipped the driver before grabbing her hand with my own, the red fluorescent sign glowing above us, beckoning all to enter. The Winking Eye, it read. Kate tugged on my hand and guided us to the club, leading the way through the double doors.

***

“Isn’t this great?” Kate yelled, attempting to get my attention over the roaring music. The lights were dim and the only source of real light seemed to be emitted from the stage in the middle of the club, the curtains not yet pulled. I turned to my sister just as the next song came on,  ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me’ by Def Leppard. 

“Seriously Kate? What is this place?” I took one sip of her drink and choked, the burning sensation sliding down my throat.

“Easy there tiger. That’s vodka, and stop worrying. Just wait! My favorite dancer is coming on next, and you’ll be thanking me!” Kate downed her drink before signaling the waiter for another. I was starting to think it was Kate’s bachelorette party, not mine until the song changed. ‘Stripper’ by the Soho Dolls boomed over the speakers, one spotlight hit the stage, and the curtains slowly opened to reveal the most mesmerizing woman I’d ever seen.

Long, luscious black curls flowed down her back. Her stilettos were taller than mine! Her costume consisted of a red lacy one piece and knee high black tights with an intricate rose design. Her costume would have put Jessica Rabbit to shame! She turned, her red lipstick standing out so much I’m sure every guy in the room had their jaws to the floor. As she danced her routine, I couldn’t help but notice that her legs went on for miles; each of her steps looked so natural and free. Kate nudged me. 

“What did I telllll you? Isn’t shee great?” My sister slurred, and I had to agree with her. The music, the lights, the dancers, The Winking Eye seemed to be one of those places where somebody could be anybody. I was pulled out of my astonishment when the dancer on the stage put one finger to her lips, silencing the audience. 

“I hear we have the future Mrs. Canton here tonight!” Kate busted out laughing beside me, and I punched her in the arm. A single spotlight hit me, and I gulped. Leave it to Kate! The mysterious dancer crooked a finger at me and for some odd reason I felt myself getting up from my seat and making my way to the stage. 

“Congratulations! How about one dance to seal her single days?” The dancer asked, completely enthusiastic. I felt a bright pink blush rush over my face. 

"No worries,” she whispered, “I’ll go easy on you.” The dancer signaled to the DJ and ‘Express’ from Burlesque came on. At least it was a song I knew. With a deep breath, I watched the dancer as she started moving to the lyrics, every movement hitting the beats. I mirrored her and actually began to feel confident. I felt empowered in a way, and I had to laugh at Kate screaming in the audience, a martini in her hand as eh danced in her seat. 

The song ended, and the audience clapped. The dancer gestured to me with a smirk, and I took a bow. I laughed and left her the stage as another dance song came over the speakers. Kate threw her dainty arms around me and hugged me. 

“Youuu were great!” Kate started giggling and I grabbed her glass. 

“Ok Kate, I think it’s time we go home before you get into trouble.” I chuckled as Kate started shimmying to the music and mouthing the words. I threw her hand over my shoulder and grabbed our purses, but she stopped. 

“Wait! I want you to meet Anya!” She said excitedly. She grabbed my wrist for the 5th time that night and led me backstage. The curtain had fallen as Kate’s favorite dancer left the stage, and the club was getting ready for the next act. Backstage was both kaleidoscopic and chaotic. There were girls rushing back and forth, feathers everywhere, shimmery costumes in every color you could think of, and an array of makeup mirrors surrounded by shining lightbulbs. Finally, we came to a door with Anya’s name on the doors in elegant, black cursive. Kate knocked on the door, and I couldn’t help but laugh; she got along with everyone. 

“Come in.” A cheery voice called from behind the door. Kate opened it and urged me to follow her. 

“Great show tonight Anya! As always,” my sister praised.

“You’re too sweet Kate!” Anya, clad in a baby blue robe, hugged my sister before sitting in a wheelchair.  My  feeling of consternation was answered as she began taking off her prosthetic legs. My jaw instantly dropped; I couldn’t believe it! My eyes went wide, and I looked at Kate who didn’t even seem fazed. Anya must have seen my expression because she laughed. She laughed!

“Don’t mind me dear!” Anya smiled. “I’m just taking off my dancing shoes!” 

***

Author's Note

Hey guys! This is different than most of my writing so PLEASE REVIEW! Also, check out my writing contest on my page called The Pressure to be Perfect & be sure to submit your writing!

Reviews

[Marie]

I think this is just great. I don't believe I've read any of your writing before, but I'll have to do that.