I exited the bathroom, trying not to be too noticeable and found Mom talking with Original Cindy. "Hey, boo, want some dinna?" Original Cindy asked me, waving what appeared to be tuna noodle casserole on a plate.

"I…uh…no thanks," I stammered. "I'm not that hungry." I then turned to Mom. "Can I go out and check out the city?"

She shrugged. "No problem. Just don't get lost. You know where the apartment's at-right?"

"Mmm-hmm," I replied. "I'll be back before midnight, if that's ok."

"Yeah, or else I'll send the cops after you," she joked.

"Goody," I said with sarcastic glee and hurried out of the apartment. Bounding down the stairs, three at a time, I really didn't care anymore if they decided to crash underneath me.

Fortunately, my bike was parked where Mom and I had left it. I raked my fingers through my hair before shoving on the helmet. It was time to party.

The city, with the sun dying down in the far sky, was just starting to come alive. It was a beautiful city, despite the wretched things it held. Still, I missed California. The pounding surf, the endless boardwalks, the palm trees…everything. Yet, it wasn't time to go all sentimental right then and there. I gunned the engine of my bike until I balanced on one back tire and continued.

Buildings whizzed by, and I didn't even bother to read the signs they held. If I had to go somewhere, I'd know it. Besides, I wasn't even sure where I wanted to go. Seattle was a big city, though; I was bound to find something.

Finally, on the other side of town, after close to twenty minutes of riding, I found a tiny place. It wasn't extremely fancy, but it wasn't run-down like many of the other buildings in the area.

I pulled my bike up on the curb and examined the place, deciding if I really wanted to enter or not. It was a dance club, and I could hear the music from where I stood outside. Whether it was just me and my ridiculous genetics again, or the music really was loud, I didn't know. But, the fact remained that I liked what I heard.

Pulling off my helmet, I shook my head, ruffling my hair in the quickly cooling night air. I could feel the vibes already. This city was alive. Maybe Seattle wouldn't suck as bad as I thought it would. I shoved the keys in my jean pocket and headed inside.

The inside of the building was thick with cigarette smoke and voices. An old CD player boomed the sound of oldies. Although it wasn't exactly my type of music, it had a good beat, and I liked it. Off to the side, some people had pushed aside tables and chairs to clear a dance floor. Already, there were a few couples and singles dancing, writhing to the beat.

I smiled and headed over to the bar, wondering if I could trick the bartender into believing that I really was twenty-one, not just eighteen. Having done it before, I hoped it would work again. Throwing one leg over the peeling stool, I sat down comfortably on it and waited for the bartender to wait on me.

"What'll it be?" he asked through puffed eyes. I was twenty-one to him and that's all that mattered.

I bit on my lip thoughtfully. "Just beer, please," I replied, stupidly not remembering any other alcoholic beverages at the time. Besides, the ones I did remember were far too expensive. The bartender sighed, but headed around to the back to get it. As he was getting my drink, I glanced about the room, admiring the many people. Everyone appeared to be happy, if even they were poor. Perhaps it was just the effect of the alcohol, but people were happy nonetheless.

"Here ya go," the bartender said, setting my drink down in front of me.

"Thanks," I smiled. I sipped gingerly at my drink. It was bitter, but most alcoholic drinks were. As I was sitting there, sipping away, I didn't notice a man who had sat down beside me. It wasn't until he had received his drink, that I fully noticed him.

"Hello," I said.

"Hi," he smiled back, revealing perfectly formed teeth.

I removed my clammy hand from the side of my glass cup and wiped it on my pants before offering it to him. "Alanza," I told him. Having no friends in Seattle my own age, I figured it was time to start making some. Starting then.

"Alanza?" he repeated curiously. "It's pretty."

"Thanks."

He accepted my hand and shook it warmly. "I'm James."