The Stafford Legacy: Generation 1; Chapter 2: Welcome to the Night

“I am NOT walking around in public while showing my legs!” Emory said, laying all previous humor aside.

“Alright, alright! Here, here’s a long dress.” Thomas laughed as he handed her a gown. “It’s a little formal for the club we’re going to, but I guess that’s alright.” Emory took the dress and headed to the bathroom to change, leaving the door cracked so they could talk.

“Not to be rude or anything, but why on earth do you have women’s gowns in your wardrobe?” Emory asked with a hint of a jab in her voice.

“They’re not mine!” Thomas replied, mocking indignity.

“They’re actually… my ex girlfriend’s.” He got serious. “She left about a month ago." Emory listened to his story through the bathroom wall.

"Left a few things here by accident. I haven’t heard from her since, so I haven’t been able to return them.” He trailed off into silence.

“I’m sorry,” Emory said softly.

“Eh, it’s alright. She wasn’t right for me. She couldn’t have been.” He replied. There was a slightly awkward silence between them.

“Thomas, I look absolutely ridiculous!” Emory broke the silence, having finally finished changing. She came through the bathroom door. When Thomas first caught a glimpse of her, he stopped dead in his tracks.

“Emory you look… stunning.” Emory felt her cheeks burning pink.

“Thank you. You’re too kind,” she said, concealing the small rush of joy she felt at his approval.

Thomas hadn’t stopped staring at her since he walked in the room. He shook his head to clear it.

“Well, you’re certainly ready for a night out! Are you ready to go?” he asked.

Emory paused. “I think so.”

~*****************~

The whole subway ride over, Emory had had to hide her eyes. She couldn't even conceive of how fast they were moving. Faster than any horse she had ever ridden. She was relieved when they finally arrived in the lobby of the high-rise dance club.

Emory stood close to Thomas, afraid of loosing him in this huge city. Her hand accidentally brushed his, and she blushed and giggled his apology.

"These buildings are beautiful," she said, marveling at the lobby.

"Just wait until you see the actual club," Thomas said with a laugh.

When they stepped out of the elevator on the 18th floor, Emory stepped out in awe. She had never seen such an array of lights, fog, and strange people ever in her life. "Pretty cool, huh?" Thomas said, placing his hand on her back and starting to guide her toward the bar. "I think we better start with a drink. It'll take the edge off."

Emory felt as though she couldn't even look at the young lady preparing drinks. So scantily clad, she couldn't understand how she could possibly be comfortable.

"Bartender, one round on me!" shouted Thomas. Emory giggled as the bartender flipped bottles and spun cups, preparing some sort of beverage she had never seen before.

When the bartender placed the tray of drinks in front of them, Emory instinctively stood up. "Thomas, I can't drink with a man I hardly know without a chaperone." Thomas stood up and placed his hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, hun, I promise. Look, there are other people here. And you know me well

enough to know I wouldn't try anything. Just try to relax."

Emory thought for a second and decided it'd be alright to have just one. But she walked around the other side of the bar to keep her distance from him while they drank. The bartender tried to stop her, but Thomas shook his head, saying that she wouldn't be any trouble. The bartender just laughed and started serving the next guest.

After a few sips, Emory relaxed into it. She started to loose herself a little bit. She even started imitating some of the people around her, who she said were "acting like barbarians".

In no time, Emory had downed her whole drink. But little had she noticed that another girl had approached Thomas. She had clearly been drinking, too.

"Hey you, wanna hit the hot tub with me?"

"Excuse you!" Emory shouted, coming out from behind the bar. "This man is my escort, not yours! I suggest you leave, now!"

"Woah, Emory, calm down!" said Thomas, moving her away from the girl. "It's alright. I'm here with you. She was just having some harmless fun." Emory still looked upset.

"Come on, dance with me."

He pulled her out on to the dance floor. Emory could feel the alcohol taking her cares away.

"So tell me, where do you act?" Thomas asked as they danced.

"For the hundredth time, I don't act!" Emory said, yelling to be heard over the music. "I'm learning to rule England. I speak all of the main tongues and attend combat strategy meetings and such."

Thomas was beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol, too. "Well I should have known you played a princess. You're gorgeous enough to be one." He grabbed her waist.

The touch of his hands sent something like an electric shock through her. She stopped dancing. All thought of the things he was saying about her, not being a princess, but an actress instead, left her mind. He gazed into her eyes.

Thomas continued, "In fact, you're beautiful enough to..." He trailed off as he gently grabbed her hands.

In one swift movement, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. His kiss electrified her.

It must have been the alcohol. That was all she could think before she succumbed to the kiss. In fact, she found herself kissing him back. What was this?

When they pulled away, her mind was blurry. But she was content. Perfectly content. In fact, maybe even more.

They stood there, gazing at each other for what seemed like hours. Thomas looked at his watch.

"Emory, it's almost 3am. The club is about to close. You look tired. Let's head back to the apartment."

"I guess... I guess that's ok." She was having trouble collecting her thoughts. "Thomas I... I don't know where I am. I don't know anybody, I-"

"Shh..." He put his finger on her lips. "It's ok. You just need to go to sleep." He led her to the elevator.

By the time they got back to Thomas' apartment, she could hardly stand. "Thomas, what is going on?"She fell into his arms. "It's going to be ok. Let's get you to bed."