It took everything in Laura not to shriek. Instead of making the situation worse, she opted to voice her concerns at a regular tone.
‟What is going on? ˮ, she asked, quite frantically, even if she was trying not to panic.
‟I have no idea ˮ, she heard Danny say.
Laura couldn't even see her own two hands in front of her face, which was very unnerving. However, hearing Danny's voice calmed her down.
She thought rationally.
Nothing has changed; the lights are only turned off. Everything is alright.
Being brought up by an overprotective father had gotten to her head. Laura was not used to situations going awry because her dad took so many precautions against it. When she left her household to go study, the freedom had been overwhelming to her, but she hadn't gone overboard with the liberties. It just wasn't in her personality to be rebellious.
A minute later, the lights flickered back on again and it was as if the disturbance hadn't even happened. Laura looked over at the dining side of the bar and observed that the majority of the customers looked either confused or scared. The only one who wasn't fazed was, of course, Carmilla.
Laura looked closely and noticed that something wasn't right. It took her a few seconds to figure it out, but when she did she couldn't get over it. The girl Carmilla had come in with wasn't sitting with her anymore; she had been there before the lights turned off. The two champagne glasses were there, but no girl.
She turned around to talk to Danny but didn't have the chance to speak.
‟I'll go check if everything is ok in the back. Kirsch can get easily flustered. I'll be right back ˮ, she told Laura.
Danny then disappeared in the back hallway LaF and Perry went into.
The clients in Silas were getting up and leaving. Apparently, random power outages were not their idea of a good bar experience. Laura would have split too if she didn't have to wait for her AWOL friends.
Just when Laura thought everything was getting back to normal and simple standards, Carmilla came towards her, the bike helmet in her hands.
Oh God, please don't talk to me, Laura silently prayed.
Unfortunately, God wasn't in her favor that day. Carmilla sat next to Laura, smiling.
‟Hello again ˮ, Laura uttered, leaning away slightly.
‟You're not leaving ˮ. Carmilla remarked. ‟The dark doesn't bother you? ˮ
‟I'm actually waiting for my friends ˮ, Laura replied.
‟Really? When I came by earlier, you were alone ˮ, Carmilla smirked.
‟They went to the washroom. Maybe something happened. Perhaps I'll go check. ˮ
Laura tried to rise but Carmilla put a hand on her shoulder. Laura stood, frozen.
‟I saw you with Danny. You know the employees aren't allowed to flirt with the customers ˮ, Carmilla said.
‟Flirting? ˮ, Laura said trying to sound unaware, ‟We were just talking. Besides, you seemed pretty busy before yourself. ˮ
Laura knew that referring to Carmilla's 'date' was a risky move, but after she was aware of the shady situation, she couldn't let go of it. She was studying to be a journalist, after all. Talking to people and fishing for information would be one of her main tasks later on.
‟Well I'm not an employee ˮ, Carmilla answered, leaning in.
Laura couldn't help but not feel indifferent to Carmilla's presence. There was something about her leather jacket and biking boots that screamed danger and invited Laura in.
So much for not being a rebel, Laura thought. She attempted to take the conversation further.
‟How long have you been riding ˮ, Laura asked, referring to Carmilla's motorcycle.
‟Oh I've been riding for a long time ˮ.
‟I've never been on one. My dad would never allow it ˮ, Laura laughed.
‟How old are you? ˮ, Carmilla surprisingly asked.
‟Um… 19 ˮ, Laura muttered.
‟Well you're old enough to decide for yourself now, aren't you buttercup? ˮ
Laura let that statement roll around in her head. Carmilla was right. She was a little annoying with her nicknames, but right nonetheless.
‟Do you ever give rides? ˮ, Laura tempted.
She immediately regretted her question. What was getting into her? Asking a stranger for a motorcycle ride was not at all in her character. Carmilla had this effect on her. Laura couldn't explain or understand.
Carmilla grinned. She handed her helmet over to Laura.
‟Let's go and make it happen ˮ, she said.
‟But what about you? Do you have an extra helmet? ˮ, Laura questioned Carmilla.
‟Don't worry about me, sweetheart. I'm very… durable. ˮ
Carmilla stood and gestured Laura towards the door. Laura knew what she was doing was completely insane. Her heart was racing, but her feet were urging her forward. She turned her head over her shoulder towards the hall where Perry and LaF disappeared in. They didn't seem in a hurry.
One short ride won't hurt anybody, right? Laura tried to persuade herself.
She decidedly marched out, Carmilla following her. Laura didn't look back and failed to see Danny stepping back behind the bar counter.
Once outside, Carmilla sat on the motorcycle, but Laura stood on the side, hesitant.
‟Hop on, cutie. Don't worry, I'm an experienced driver ˮ, Carmilla told her.
Laura slipped a leg over the seat and wrapped her hands around the female driver.
Carmilla started the engine.
‟Ready? ˮ, she asked, turning around to see Laura's face. The helmet probably blocked her from seeing Laura's features.
Laura nodded, and Carmilla took off.
The feeling of speeding through the streets in the open air was exhilarating. Laura completely forgot about her literature paper, her friends still at Silas, and the fact that she trusted a complete stranger with her life on a dangerous vehicle.
Carmilla's long, wavy, black hair was flowing freely in the wind, brushing against Laura's helmet visor. Laura tightened her grip, remembering she had to be cautious.
Carmilla drove uphill. Laura didn't recognize the area, being in town mainly to study, she hadn't explored the surrounding parts. When Carmilla stopped the bike, Laura saw that they were on a cliff overlooking the town.
She stepped down from the motorcycle and took off the helmet. The sky was clear and she could see millions of stars.
‟This place is beautiful ˮ, Laura said.
‟Yes, the view is quite pleasant ˮ, Carmilla added.
‟You must bring many people here ˮ, Laura sighed.
‟Actually, no, this is my secret retreat. I come here to get some peace ˮ, Carmilla explained.
‟Oh sorry ˮ, Laura said.
Carmilla sat on the grass. Laura decided to join her. The night was still young and full of possibilities.
