Chapter 22

The Arrival:Holly and Juliet

....

A/n:

This chapter is a part of the Phenom series. This Phenom scene will encompass many chapters. Hope you enjoy it. :)

RECAP:

"How do I look?" she asked striking a pose.

"Amazing." I laughed. "We're going to turn heads tonight."

"Holly, Holly, Holly. Normal girls turn heads. Me and my girls, we break

necks."

"Isn't that the point?"

....

Holly POV:

"C'mon," Juliet said towing me out of the hotel room. "We have to go."

"I'm coming," I said allowing myself to be dragged and grabbing my purse all the while. I looked around as I truned off the lights and closed the door. Juliet snapped it shut and locked it quickly.

"Ugh, down the steps again?" she groaned.

"You are free to take the elevator if you wish," I said and then I realized how Arty-like it sounded. Unfortunately, I seem to do this more and more when I want to be sarcastic. This is a habit that I need to break.

"Oh, you are infuriating. We can take the stairs," she sighed.

"Thought you'd see it my way," I grrinned as she grumbled about her shoes. I don't know much about shoes, but I don't think the stairs will scratch them.

We walked down all ten flights of stairs and amazingly my feet didn't hurt at all. I hate to admit it, but Juliet knew what she was doing when she picked them.

We finally reached the bottom and I was surprised to see our car already waiting. Juliet must have called while we were still in the room. "Thanks a bunch,"Juliet said air-kissing the valet. She then hurried out to the car and climbed in on the driver's side.

The valet was looking at me as if he was hoping that I'd do the same thing. No such luck, my friend.

"Ma'am, do you need help getting into the car?" he asked hopefully. A bit too hopefully.

"No thank you," I said barely stifling a giggle. I walked slowly and carefully to the car. Julet leant across the seat and rolled the window down impatiently. "Do you ever want to get to the club?"

"I can go slower," I shrugged. She groaned, but didn't say anything else on he matter, knowing that I would keep my promise to slow down. I reached the car and climbed in, being extra careful about the length (or lack ) of my skirt. I managed to get into the car with no major incidents.

"Bout time," she grumbled.

"Hey, I'm here." I said throwing my hands up in submission. Submission. If anyone who knew me was here to hear that then they would have died laughed.

"True," she said. "Now buckle up and let's begin this girls night out."

I quickly buckled my seat belt, and as soon as it clicked Juliet put it into first and zoomed off. At this point, I know exactly how Mulch feels. The speed wasn't what bothered me. I do three times this speed every time I drive an egg. (Small ship known as pod. For solo missions to the surface). The speed I can handle. No, it was her reckless abandonment that scared me. I think the scariest part is knowing that I'm exactly like her in a shuttle.

"Hey, let's turn on hte radio," Juliet said looking at me.

"Sure," I said pressing the button. Some sad was blazing out of her sound system. I'm not really a country fan. It's always a love sick girl or a cheating man. If all human relationships are that bad then you can count me out. To be honest, this if really positive reinforcement for why humans ruin the planet. If you can't deal with your own problems, how can you solve the worlds?

"Ewww, not that," she wrinkled her nose. "Next station."

I went through several stations but she still wasn't satisfied. "Ugh, just turn it off. There's nothing good on." I did as she asked, because she was right. The songs on the stations had been pretty boring or just plain old degrading.

We sat in a comfortable silence with her driving and me looking out of the window. We were out in what some people would call the 'boondocks'. The area was foresty and the road was black. I've never had very much experience with clubs. But how could a club be out here? It couldn't be as swank as everyone seemed to think.

"Almost there," Juliet grinned as if she had read my thoughts.

We followed the curve of the road and then all of a sudden made a sharp turn to the right. This road was clear and as we drove down it we came to a huge clearing. There was a giant parking lot and a squat gray building that looked like it had just popped up one day. For some reason, I couldn't imagine building crews out here working on this.

"The Phenom," Juliet said gesturing to the gray building that was in front of us. I couldn't help it, I laughed. I was completely and totally underwhelmed. Everyone had talked about this place like it was the hot spot. Obviously not. Juliet looked at me, but she didn't say anything.

She parked the car in the closest spot that she could find, which was still pretty far back. The place might not look like much, but judging from the cars in the lot, it was really popular. Human life. It never ceases to amaze.

The first thing I really noticed was the lack of a sign. I gues it was one of those places. The types that if you aren't important enough to know then you shouldn't be there. The only sign-like object was above the heavy, gray metal door. The next thing that I realized was that the 'Phenom' was not the actual name of the club. It's real name was 'Phenomena'. Phenomena was over the door in jazzy cursive and white neon lights.

"You ready?" Juliet asked as she shut off the car.

"I was born ready," I said flashing her my most dangerous smile and fluffing my hair like I'd seen Lili do a thousand times.

"Then let's go," And without further ado, we climbed out of the car. The air was somewhat warm, and it felt good.

"Hey, wait. You may want this." She tossed me a quarter sleeve, faux-leather, cropped jacket. "It won't stay warm all night."

"Thanks," I said pulling it on. "Now let's go for real."

"So you wish it, and so shall it be," she said in a mystical genie voice as she linked arms with me. We tottered up to the front door which was quite a ways from the car. Once again, I thanked Frond for the shoes comfortability. The bouncer was standing, blocking the front door. He looked somewhat tough, though nowhere near as tough as Butler. To be honest, I don't think there's any one tougher than Butler in the world.

But, back to the bouncer. He was a handsome man, or rather he would be to most. The man was tall, maybe around 6'4. He was an african-american with milk chocolate skin and deep hazel brown eyes. His lashes were long, almost too long for a man this masculine. His hair was a mix of black and brown. It was long and twisted into dread locks that curtained his face and brought attention to his high cheek bones and perfect roman nose. The guy was wearing a pair of black jeans that framed his legs and made them seem like they went on forever. His black t-shirt strained across the well developed muscles of his chest and arms. Only one word could describe him: wow!''

"Hello, beautiful ladies," he said. His voice was a deep and rich tenor, that seemed to shake his entire body. His words wree faintly tinged with a Jamaican accent. "My name is Adonis."

Hmm, Adonis. It made sense. Adonis was a Greek hero whi was known for his beauty. He captured the hearts of both Aphrodite (godess of love and beauty) and Persephone (godess of the spring time and wife of Hades). Unfortunately for him, many of the male gods became jealous and he ended up being slaughtered by a boar. His blood was said to color a flower and to cause a river to run red.

This man was definitely deserving of such a name. He was definitely a ladies man who could cajole any woman into doing anything with him. "Hello Adonis," Juliet said, fluttering her eyelashes at him. She can be such a flirt sometines. Though he didn't seem to notice it at all. He was probably used to seeing women who threw themselves at his feet.

"Hello Adonis," I said smiling and somewhat mocking them both. Juliet for her eagerness and Adonis for the way he expected women to be. I would say humans and their sub-par society, but all species (regardless of technological differences) are sexist. They view females as the weakest links. Which is true in some situations, but the accusation does nothing to cool my temper.

"May I have you names?" he asked, arching one long eyebrow.

"My name is Juliet and this is my best friend, Holinda." I groaned a bit internally. I didn't really want to give him my name. But what could I do?

"Ah, Juliet, Holinda. Two creatures of such ravishing beauty, that the very angels must sing your names."

"You are an awful flirt," I said hands on hips as I looked up at him.

He didn't even bat an eyelid. "It's true, but I speak the truth."

"Do you now?" I joked. I have to admit, this guy was likeable. It wasn't just his appearance. It was also his easy going manner.

"Yes, my lovely lady," he said and then corrected himself. "Ladies." Now, I'm sure he didn't forget Juliet was there. There are two possible reasons for this oversight. One, he wasn't interested in her due to her interest in him. Or two, he was showing me that he was interested in me die to my looks. Regardless, I watched him as his eyes swept back and forth and up and down as he looked at us. I imagine that this is how a hungry dog would look at fresh meat.

"So, what can I do for you two tonight?" he asked leaning against the brick wall. I repressed the urge to roll my eyes or start swinging. Why else would we be at a club? To get our nails done? Seriously, this flirting was getting a bit annoying, but I know from experience that there is only one way to get him to cool down.

"Well, I'd like to get in," I gushed.

"Of course," he said as though he hadn't forgotten his job. "You know I really have taken a liking to you two." He still didn't step aside. I realized that he was expecting something. And I have no clue what, so I'll do what I always do when I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Improvise and use my smart mouth.

"Who hasn't?" I smiled in a way that I hoped seemed more pleasing than predatory.

"Good point," he smiled, his perfect white teeth flashing.

"Anyway, what about the cover charge?" Juliet huffed, trying to get inside.

"No charge," he said stepping aside to let us in.

Neither of us moved. I could tell Juliet wanted to, but I didn't have much experience in the club scene and she was waiting on me. Even I know this isn't normal or smart. It would take money from the business. What's his angle? I know you're probably thinking that I'm stupid and should just go in, but I've definitely learned that there's no such thing as a free lunch.

"Made of stone all of a sudden?" he laughed, his dark eyes tinkling with joy. "What's the matter?"

"Us, made of stone? As if." Juliet laughed.

"True, you're too warm. Too vital to be made of stone," as he said that he took another opprotunity to look us up and down.

"That doesn't tell us why you're doing this for us," I reminded him.

"No, I don't suppose it does," he sighed and grabbed the bridge of his nose. I couldn't help but think of an ex-criminal genius in the same position. I felt my stomach convulse and flutter as if a thousand butterflies were fluttering their wings in there. Focus, I thought as I shut and locked the door on those thoughts. "Fine."

"Why are you doing this? What's your motive? What do you want?"

"More than one question," he smirked. "But, I'll answer them all if I can ask you one thing."

"Fine," I sighed, seeing no way around it. "One question."

"You wanted to know why I'm doing it. It's because of how you are. Every night I stand out here and talk to slutty idiots who want nothing more than a free ride. Let me be honest, you're pretty but tons of pretty women come in here. It's mostly you personality. You're honest and tell me how you really think instead of trying to flirt to get in."

Hmm, he had a point. We were a lot more open to him than other women would be. And we were definitely not trying to flirt with him or get a free ride. "As for motive, I don't have one. Not everyone in the world wants to do you harm. You know?"

I wanted to laugh. If the world knew what I was and that things like me existed, then they'd do me harm. Besides, everytime someone litters it does me harm. Any damage done to the enviroment 'does me harm'. "You'd be surprised."

"You have a point. But, let me assure you, I have no such intentions. Come on, we're standing out here alone. If I had wanted to hurt you, then I could've."

I gave him my most Artemis-vampire grin. "I'd like to see you try it." My smile seemed to work. Adonis involuntarily shivered as he wondered what I'm truly capable of. If only he had a clue. Unfortunately, he wasn't the type to be scared off so easily.

"Regardless. I believe you asked me what I want. The answer is nothing. Can't a guy be nice?"

I couldn't help but think about it. Artemis. He always used to seem like he wanted something. But lately, all of that was gone. It seemed like he had truly gone over from criminal to, well, hero. I can't really figure it out, so I do the best thing that I can. I put it out of my mind.

"Regardless," I said quoting him.

"Now, for my question," he grinned in anticipation. He had better hope, for his sake, that it wasn't about what kind or what color my panties are. Juliet may not be able to stop me.

"Fine, but after you ask we go inside," Juliet said hands on her hips and fire in her eyes.

"I promise," he said laying his large hand over his heart. He turned to me and smiled. "Would you like to go out with me.

I felt my jaw drop. I had never imagined anything like this. I had thought he'd ask something so perverted that I'd need to punch him. Unfortunately, my mouth was still open. I knew if Arty was here, he'd say something about catching flies. With a struggle, I managed to say: "What?"

"Will you go out with me?" he asked slowly putting emphasis on each word. I feel like I'm getting asked out all of the time now. First, Trouble and now Adonis. I've known Trouble for years, so it's more understandable(still weird). But, this random guy asking me out seems weird.

"I'm sorry, but I can't."

"Why not?" he demanded.

"Look, it's not you. It's me." I winced as I realized what I had said. It made me feel bad, but it was true this time.

"Oh yeah, I've never heard that before." I watched as his face crumbled. I felt awful, but I can't go out with him.

"Seriously. I'm not from here which would make dating impossible."

"Where are you from?" he asked curiously.

"I'm from down south," I waved it off. "I'm only here because Juliet flied me in because she missed me."

"How often do you come here to Dublin?" he asked, still hopeful. I don't understand how he can hold out so long. In most cases, persistance should be rewarded. But, this is one of those times where it hurts more than it helps.

"Not very. Probably once every two years and that's no way to date."

"Fine," he admitted. "But I still want to pay your way in."

I looked at him confused. Um, I don't get it. People usually don't continue to be nice after being rejected. "Are you sure?" I asked skeptically.

"Please?" he asked.

"Fine," I agreed huffily, but then my face involuntarily softened. "And thanks."

"Welcome to Phenomena," he said letting down the red, velour rope and ushering us in. "I sincerely hope that you have your own bit of amazement here tonight."

I smiled briefly at the thought. Adonis flashed me another white smile as he turned away. "Gotta get back to work, but I'll see you before you leave."

He went back to his job and Juliet grabbed my hand and towed me into the club. The theme of tis place seemed to be gray, black, and white. This littel area seemed to be a foyer or something similar. Though it seems weird to have a foyer in a club. I suppose there needed to be a place for people to make phone calls.'

Juliet quickly towed me through the gray metal door. Before it was silent, but as soon as the door opened a wall of sound hit me. "C'mon," Juliet said pulling me into the club.

The club was one huge room. There was a large dance florr that took up about half of the place. It was covered with many dancing couples. Though the dancing was closer to rump-shaking. I looked around again, noticing the walls. They were black with white, lit up dots that resembled stars. Strobe lights of various flashed around brightening everything that they touched. Then, there was the bar that took up another corner of the room. The rest of the area was taken up by tables. The tables were silver and metal-like and so were the chairs. They were rather high. Each table had a candle on it. They were obviously set up for intamacy. Most only held two chairs right across from each other. The biggest tables had five seats around it.

I looked up at the strobe lights again. They should have been annoying, but they weren't. They seemed to make the experience more... surreal. This place put me at ease, but I can't figure out why. It doesn't make sense, but it reminds me of something. Something that I should remember.

"Wow," I murmered looking around me in amazement.

"Yeah," Juliet shrugged like it was no big deal. "It's always like that the first time." she was so entranced in my expression that she did not notice the ambiguity of her words. Or maybe she did.

"C'mon. Let's snag a table." I said pulling her over to the table section. I pulled her over to one of the two seaters and she sat across from me. "So?" she asked.

"It's amazing," I said mouth agape. The music level was perfect. The only other club I've ever been in (Pixiedust) had serious problems with that. The music was always too loud for conversation or too soft for atmosphere. This place had it perfectly. I couldn't help but laugh. This was one of the first times that humans had ever gotten anything right.

"Want a drink?" Juliet asked. "I'm buying."

"Um, I can't drink anything alcoholic." I said.

"Why? You are definitely over 21."

My mouth quirked up in a smile. Oh, in elf age years I'm 80, but in human years I'm about 23 or 24. "Definitely. But the People can't share drinks with humans. It's in the Book, the fairy's equivalent of a Bible. If we do then we cannot be in the company of fairykind ever again."

"Oh, so you can't drink ever?" she asked seemingly terrified by the very idea.

"Just not with humans," I winked and she shot me a glare.

"Well, what can you drink here?"

"Umm, juice or water," I said. Then, I reconsidered. Drinking water would make me look incredibly stupid. "What kind of juice do they have?"

"Do you like cranberry?" she asked. "I'm sure they have plenty of that."

My ears pricked up. "Yes, I love cranberry juice. Just please make sure it's alcohol-free."

"Of course," Juliet said standing up and sashaying to the bar. "Trust me girl, I got your back."

With Juliet gone, I had a clear view of the door. Unfortunately,one of my least favorite humans was walking in it. Her eyes scanned the room and I could see the exact moment that she found me. Her lips curled up a bit into a smirk as she made a bee-line for me.

....

A/n:

Woo-hoo! Another chapter , the next chapter will be another Phenom chapter in Holly's POV. Hope you enjoy it. I hope to update this story soon. Keep reading and I'll keep writing. Oh and remember to review. Flames are welcome. They're what keep me warm and toasty at night. ;)

Remember: Reviews = happy camper. Happy camper = quicker updates. Quicker updates = you reading more. It's a cycle. Keep it going!

Yours truly, madly, and deeply,

Einstinette