I hate parties. Really, truly honestly hate them. Between the large amount of people, in a confined space, plus a lot of drugs, i just detest them. Being here tonight was not my choice, oh no. it was the work of my agent, Ruby. Boy she was gonna get it when i went back to the office.
Currently, i was on a very expensive chair in the penthouse of The Hotel Clairemont, playground of New Yorks richest, and most famous. The hotel itself was a symbol of luxury in its purest form, from the satin linens on every bed, to the tiffany lamp that illuminated the small area where i was sitting. But here, little luxury was able to be seen through the mess of stumbling, loud mob of people.
Tonight's party was being hosted by some thuggish types, no doubt the source of all the alchohol. People had been passing me all night. Occasionally, a passerby would give me a good stare. I was supposed to be out there, making an image for myself. What bullshit. Half the people here had never seen me, and all of them were too drunken to care. Night had fallen, all to slowly.
I sighed and stood up, planning on hiding out on the balcony. I had barely taken a step, when out of nowhere an abrasive, crashing sound resonated through the room. I winced, turning slowly to see two young men, both about my age, broken bottles in hand, ready and aching for a fight. One of the men, bulky and very drunk, stumbled toward the other menacingly. The other, more slender, with fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes, appeared sober and extremely irritated.
Seconds later, the larger one lunged toward the smaller guy, and the room erupted into an all to small box of screams and chaos. Women ran for the door, some men tried to get in on the fight, others were taking bottles of booze and following the women. All the sudden movement badly disoriented me. A glass bottled flew at the wall above me and shattered. Goddamn Ruby, why me. I moved quickly with the crowd, heading for the exit. My head started pounding from all the chaos. Everyone was pushing and shoving, a few people were trampled. Since when did these doors get so small? Suddenly, a crushing sensation overwhelmed my back, no doubt doueto the large girl behind me, trying frantically to get out. Yeah, Ruby would really get it for this one.
Eventually, I burst out into the hallway, and was able to freely breathe again. Sounds from the fight were eminating through the walls. The narrow hallway was better than the room, but was still crowded none the less. I walked toward the elevator, away from most of the people. The hall was dimly lit, just enough so i could see the light blue panels alternating through the building. As i walked, the sounds faded and died. It was much brighter here, in comparison with the dark, smoky penthouse.
Finally, the elavator was in view, and i picked up my pace just slightly. As soon as it was in reach, I rang the bell anxiously. All i knew was that I wanted out of here now. If anything, to avoid the police. The elavator took an agonizingly long time to arrive. I waited, wondering how I should get home. When the elevator came, i practically broke the small button at the bottom of the bronze plate. First floor. i got out and walked into the lobby. it was more calm here, almost sleepy. What time is it anyway? I looked at my watch. Damn almost 3. I stepped onto the street, my heels clicking sharply against the pavement. All at once, i regretted my descision to not invite my brother, Vincent. Normally, the city buzzed with life, but at this hour, only sailors, thugs, and the homeless walked these streets. Definitly not where a young actress should be wandering.
I had eight blocks before i would be home, an easy enough walk, but everything in the city changed after dark. I began my small journey, walking quickly down 135th street. From where i was standing, i couldnt see anyone on the street. Just darkened shops, and an occasional apartment building. Thats when i heard it. The worst, most painful scream i had ever heard. The kind that made you want to turn and run, the kind that was so primal, so raw, you wanted to make it stop by any means possible. I was frozen. Then again it sounded. It was definitly a man, and from what i could tell, he wasnt too far away.