Generation 2; Chapter 2: Loosen Up

“Come ON, Vic, loosen up!” Victoria had become very accustomed to hearing this from Clyde the past few days. “All you’ve done since you moved in is go to work and come home and write on your computer.”

“I’m sorry, Clyde, but I’ve got to get these articles written for work.” Deep down, Victoria had been hiding behind her work. She was afraid of her strange feelings for Clyde and this newfound freedom. She didn’t know what to do with herself.

“What happened to the young, feisty Victoria from high school?” As Victoria stood and turned to face Clyde, she asked herself the same question.

“You know…” she said, searching for words, “I don’t know.”

“Come on,” Clyde said, grabbing her hand, “Let’s go out tonight.”

“I don’t think so,” Victoria replied, pulling her hand away and turning again to her computer.

“I know you want to,” he drawled, starting to massage her shoulders. “Just relax for one night. I know you can handle it.”

Victoria didn’t know whether to run or give in. Her emotions always went wild around him. She honestly couldn’t tell if she was frightened or excited.

She looked down again at her computer. He had a point. She would do better work if she took some time to relax. She sighed in consideration.

“Alright. I suppose you’re right,” she finally said. Clyde let out a whoop.

“That’s more like it! Get ready, girl, because we’re going clubbing tonight!” he strutted out of her room to go get ready. Victoria exhaled deeply and turned to choose a new outfit from her dresser.

Isn’t this what she had always wanted? The freedom to go out on her own and do this stuff? To choose her own destiny?

Then why was she so scared?

Victoria cautiously entered the small living room. Clyde hadn’t come out of his room yet, so she looked around. It wasn’t at all decorated. Just a sofa and a small TV.

Clyde came out of his room looking “dangerous”, as usual. “You ready?” he said as he was walking out the door, not waiting for a response.

They took a subway and were there in no time. Victoria had never ridden a subway before; she had always had to drive to get all the way in town.

Emerging on the other side of town, they approached a building much smaller than the bar they had gone to in high school.

“This beauty is a new and upcoming dance joint,” Clyde told her. “Only the frequent club-sceners know about it right now, but it’s getting more popular every night.”

Upon entering, Victoria was greeted by a dark room, primarily lit by a blacklight and flashing lasers. The room was slightly foggy and had a huge dance floor. 

The music blared so loudly that Clyde had to shout to get her attention.

“Come on, Vic, let’s dance!” He pulled her by her arm out to the dance floor. She giggled and started to dance, trying to relax and shake the nerves.

“Now that’s the girl I remember!” Clyde yelled over the music. As the music played and their dancing intensified, they started to move closer.

Victoria began to feel the adrenaline kick in and got adventurous. She reached up and touched his face as they moved. Clyde immediately took advantage of the moment and quickly kissed her.

“I’m gonna order us some drinks,” he said, smirking. He brushed her hand with his and jogged up to the bar. Victoria breathed in deeply, feeling the effect of what had just happened. She was just collecting her thoughts when she heard a voice behind her.

“Excuse me, you don’t happen to be Margaret Kepley, do you?”