‟There is no way in Skrillex or Shakespeare that I am going back to that place! ˮ, Laura exclaimed, when confronted by an excited LaF.
‟But didn't you hear what I said, we found a really suspicious looking locked door ˮ, LaF argued.
‟One more reason not to go back there ˮ, Laura pointed out.
‟But what if there's people trapped behind it. They must be so scared in that dark and dirty place ˮ, Perry mumbled.
‟Yeah Perry is right. I have a feeling that door is the key to the mysterious disappearances that were reported to have happened at Silas ˮ, LaF continued.
‟Yes, well, I'm sure you two will have a great time playing Sherlock and Watson, but there is no reason why I need to be dragged along. I have a big Literature assignment to finish for Monday. My average is in jeopardy ˮ, Laura told them.
‟It's Friday night ˮ, LaF disputed, ‟You will have all weekend to finish your paper ˮ.
‟And we need you to be our lookout, because I am not letting Su-… LaFontaine go back there alone ˮ, Perry explained.
‟Oh alright I'll go ˮ, Laura sighed. ‟However, if that despicable creature starts up anything I'll be out of there faster than any of you can say creampuff! ˮ
‟Why creampuff? ˮ, LaF questioned.
‟Because I am hungry and craving sweet pastries, now let's go before I change my mind ˮ, Laura snapped.
Shortly after, the trio arrived at the bar.
Laura was hoping the cute barmaid from last time would be there. Partly because she was short on cash and that free drink would be nice, but also, Laura had enjoyed talking with her and didn't really shake the idea of her beautiful red hair and sweet smile from her mind.
As soon as they stepped through the door, LaF and Perry disappeared and Laura was left alone.
Jeez, they don't hesitate, Laura thought.
She moved towards the bar section and sat on a stool, relieved to see Danny standing behind the counter.
When Danny turned around, she looked surprised to see Laura but immediately smiled.
‟Oh hi! ˮ, Danny exclaimed. ‟You're here ˮ.
‟I am ˮ, Laura blushed.
‟So what will it be? I did promise you a free drink because of last time's inconvenience ˮ, Danny recalled.
‟Anything non-alcoholic is fine ˮ, Laura told her.
‟So you prefer virgins ˮ, Danny stated.
‟What? ˮ, Laura gulped, taken aback.
‟Virgin cocktails, as in, non-alcoholic drinks ˮ, Danny clarified.
‟Oh. Right ˮ, Laura smiled, relieved that the conversation was going in that direction and not otherwise.
The two chatted for a bit. Everything was going smoothly, until Laura heard the rumble of a motorcycle motor approach from outside.
Oh no, not this again, Laura thought.
Sure enough, Carmilla, the dark girl from the previous visit to Silas, entered the bar. However, she wasn't alone. Laura watched as she marched towards a booth on the dining side of the bar with a girl walking alongside her. Laura observed their proximity, when they both side beside each other, and the girl accompanying Carmilla didn't let go of her arm.
Danny noticed Laura's interest in Carmilla, but didn't let that stop her from trying to form a connection with her new favourite customer.
‟Don't worry about her ˮ, Danny said, startling Laura who hadn't been paying attention to the bar's employee. ‟I'll make sure she doesn't come and chase you out ˮ.
‟Well she seems pretty preoccupied to me ˮ, Laura said sharply.
Realizing her tone of voice, Laura took a deep breath to try and calm down. She didn't understand why she was upset. Was it Carmilla's presence, or the fact that she didn't even notice her? Last time, Carmilla nearly ripped someone's throat out, and now she was laughing (more like flirting) with the girl she came in with.
‟Yeah she does that a lot… ˮ, Danny said.
‟What do you mean? ˮ, Laura asked her, not understanding what Danny was referring to.
‟Carmilla comes in every week with a girl. They sit back there, talk, laugh. Then the week after it's a new girl ˮ, Danny explained.
‟That's odd. Why do you deal with her if Carmilla causes problems? You know her by name so she must be a frequent customer ˮ, Laura pointed out.
‟Carmilla isn't really a customer ˮ, Danny stated, ‟Her mom owns Silas bar ˮ.
As if she knew she was being talked about, Carmilla stood and approached the counter.
‟I'll have two glasses of Champagne ˮ, she told Danny, standing next to Laura.
‟I'm afraid we're out of stock ˮ, Danny groaned.
‟Well, what are you waiting for, go check the back ˮ, Carmilla ordered.
Danny headed out, shooting an apologetic look to Laura, who was now stuck alone with Carmilla.
‟Hello ˮ, Laura said, clearing her throat.
Carmilla looked puzzled.
‟Do I know you? ˮ, she asked.
This got Laura furious.
‟Really? Last week you practically killed me because I was sitting here, and now you act like you've never seen me! ˮ, she yelled, ‟You are infuriating! ˮ
‟I've been told I have that impression on people, cupcake ˮ Carmilla smirked.
Danny returned with a bottle of Champagne and handed it to Carmilla with two tall glasses.
‟Enjoy ˮ, she grumbled, as she handed over the items.
Once Carmilla was out of ear's reach, Laura addressed herself to Danny.
‟Can you believe she had the audacity to tell me she had no idea who I was? Danny I don't know how you deal with her. ˮ Laura whispered harshly.
Before Danny could respond, the lights flickered and Silas was plunged into total darkness.