My Own 4th Wall: A Short Story Collection

Psychedelic

The night buzzed with city light, and so much light flooded the streets you'd think it was day. I strutted purposely down the streets with all the best known bars and nightclubs. I had on my usual uniform: fishnet leggings, black skirt, white halter and slick, knee-high boots. My light brown hair was loose and fell just past my shoulders, and a red purse hung on my arm. I licked my blood red lips and slowed my pace. I was here.

A man, early forties/ late thirties with slicked brown hair and a blue business outfit, stepped out of a yellow cab. A total ken doll. He was my target. I sauntered over to him, keeping my lips parted and my eyes locked. As I got closer, he noticed me, and it only took one look to peak his interest.

" Well hello there. You're a cool chick." He said with a clear New York voice. I grinned a pearly smile and nodded towards the door of the bar. " You going in?" I asked. The man nodded as his driver drove away. I licked my lips again and leaned on my left leg. " How bout I be your escort for the night and mess around a bit?" I asked, arching my eyebrow a bit. I was a pro at this. The man smiled and waved me over. Score! I was in.

We walked inside the club. Purple light and psychedelic patterns littered the black walls, and people dressed in slick dresses and paisley bell bottoms littered the dancefloor. I followed the man straight to the bar, where the mop top headed bartender was mixing drinks. We both ordered a drink, then we sat and talked.

" So what's your name, sweetcheeks?" He asked. I turned to face him. " Mariah." I answered with a false smile. I sipped my drink then looked back at him. " So what's your name? I'm guessing you're some high class dressed all spiffy like that." I asked. He lets out a low chuckle. " The name's Tom, and I happen to be a humble broker. Nothing more." He answered. I already knew that, but I nod my head in understanding. Suddenly the beat quickens, and the wired crowd before me howls. A thin cloud of smoke cloaks the party-goers actions, but I don't mind. It's nothing new to me. This is 1964 after all.

Tom started to cough. The smoke must've been getting to him. He's obviously not a smoker. He switched his gaze to me and smiled. " Excuse me, Mariah." He said as he went to the bathroom to relieve himself. I smiled and nodded, and I kept this smile until he disappeared, then it fell. It's time to get real.

I opened my red purse and pulled out a couple tablets wrapped in tissue paper, then, when no one's looking, I quickly empty them into his drink. Then I took his straw and mixed it into his drink, making the tablet disappear. Just when the last bit of the powery medicine dissolves, Tom appears from the bathroom. I quickly drop my purse, and the tissue paper, into the floor. " Oh shoot!" I exclaim sweetly as I bend over to get it. A few of the contents of the bag has scattered, but that's alright. Tom sees this and bends down to help me. Without him knowing, I quickly stuff the tissue paper into the purse. Out of sight. He grabs a lipstick tube and a pair of round sunglasses and hands to me. I smiled an innocent smile and thanked him. Then we sat back down and continued to sip our drinks and watch the dancers. " They're crazy." Tom commented, staring at the group. He shook his head and took a sip of his drink. " They're all in la la land over there." I shrugged. " Hey, love it or leave it." He chuckled at my response then took another sip. This was gonna be easier than I thought. Luckily the alcohol cloaked the taste of the drug.

After a while, Tom started to sweat, and he started rubbing his head. " Man! I'm having a serious headache!" He said. I waved it off. " That's fine. You'll feel better." I said. He looked at me uncertainty. For a split second I was afraid he was onto me, but he shrugged and turned back to his drink. " You're right. It's probably jack." He said. Then he looked back up at me and started laughing.

" You know... I used to know a guy named Jack. He was cool till we got in a bit of trouble with the fuzz and I found out he was a rat fink! Stupid Jack." He muttered. I laughed along with him, discreetly examining his every move. The headrush was getting to him. Next would come the hallucinations if everything worked out.