Dawn leaned against the side of Eliza's car, her gaze fixed on her phone screen as the daylight slowly waned, casting a dim glow over the surroundings.
They were parked near The Strip, a unique mall that differed from the conventional ones, with stores lined up along the street like an outlet. As the night approached, the sight of The Strip transformed into something truly captivating.
Beyond its assortment of stores, The Strip boasted a vibrant social scene, featuring clubs, pubs, and various other hangout spots. Dawn and Eliza strolled along the stone sidewalk, taking in the lively ambiance surrounding them.
Breaking the silence, Eliza voiced her thoughts, her words carrying a tinge of frustration. "I really need some stress relief today, especially after having to endure that tedious SDV class at school. Our mall is nothing like the typical ones, you know? It's like a whole experience, especially at night."
Dawn's attention momentarily shifted from Eliza's words as she became engrossed by a dress on display at Hot Topic. She turned her head back toward Eliza, her voice filled with awe. "You're considering trying out for the VCU cheer team?"
Eliza nodded, her eyes scanning the storefronts. "Yeah, it's something I've been thinking about. New school, new life, you know? I feel like I need to get involved in something."
Dawn smirked, her gaze returning to Eliza. "Come on, Liza. You're not invisible. Sure, you've got that wild, frizzy mane of hair," Dawn briefly glanced at Eliza's hair and then refocused on her face. "But seriously, you have friends. Like Jake, for instance."
A smile crept across Eliza's face as she considered Dawn's words, her mind dwelling on the possibilities that lay ahead.
Eliza's eyes rolled with annoyance as she recounted her past encounter with Jake. He had asked her to the homecoming dance during their freshman year of high school, but his clinginess and desire for a relationship had turned her off. The situation escalated, and he began stalking her throughout their high school years. Eliza had no interest in him now and didn't care to know his whereabouts.
Dawn's voice broke her reverie, "He's no one, Dawn. It's just you and me."
"And? What's the matter with keeping a small circle?" Dawn responded.
They both entered Urban Outfitters, greeted by a friendly associate. Dawn confidently replied, "Great," when asked how they were doing.
"Anything I can help you find?" the associate inquired.
"Nope, we're just browsing," Eliza said dismissively.
The associate, a short woman with caramel skin and a fashionable outfit, continued her duties, well-versed in the world of fashion. Eliza couldn't help but notice her expertise, attributing it to her job at the retail store.
As time passed, the friends had fun trying on clothes, playfully modeling for each other. Dawn confidently strutted out in tiger print joggers and bracelets, her pink hair adding flair to the ensemble.
Eliza emerged from her fitting room, sporting a black t-shirt with 'YOLO' emblazoned across it and a 'BARBIE' beanie. The irony of the hat choice amused her, leading to a genuine laugh.
Through the store's glass, Eliza spotted Eric outside, accompanied by a charming blonde guy. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she discreetly kept an eye on them, trying not to appear like a stalker.
Dawn interrupted her wandering thoughts, "Hey, Liz, I'll be in the fitting room. Gonna try this one," she said, sighing when she realized Eliza wasn't fully listening. "And...you're totally not listening to me. All right then."
Meanwhile, Eric and his friend exchanged words before glancing at the store where Eliza stood. Panicking, she quickly moved to another section of the store to avoid their attention. The motion sensor chimed as someone else entered the store, and Eliza took solace in the distraction, browsing through scarves and socks.
Suddenly, she felt hands around her waist, causing her to turn around and inadvertently press against someone's chest. To her surprise, it was Eric, who wore a mischievous grin.
Eric chuckled as he glanced at Eliza. "What are you wearing?"
Eliza smirked, teasingly asking, "You like it?"
"Love the beanie," he replied, flashing a smile. Gesturing toward the blonde guy next to him, he introduced, "This is my friend, Alex."
"Nice to meet you," Alex said, emanating the fresh scent of cologne with a hint of flowers, which prompted a quiet laugh from Eliza.
Curiosity piqued, she inquired, "So, what's up? Why are you on The Strip?"
Eric casually walked past an associate named Dawn, with whom they had a previous encounter. Dawn smiled at him before wandering off into the men's section of the store. Meanwhile, Alex decided to explore the store on his own.
"Nothing much. I just heard about The Strip on Tumblr and wanted to check it out. We don't have this kind of stuff in Canada," Eric replied.
Eliza considered inviting them to join her group but hesitated. As the words were about to escape her lips, something seemed to trouble her, and she hurried back to the fitting room to check the time on her phone.
Seeing that it was 9:00 p.m., she felt a pang of concern. Her mother and Jared had warned her countless times not to be out past eight, citing vague reasons related to her safety. Their concern for her wellbeing was evident, and she knew it was essential to abide by their wishes.
Dawn emerged from the fitting rooms, accidentally dropping some clothes. Alex promptly rushed over to assist her. As he helped her pick up the items, Dawn's eyes locked with his, and a grateful smile spread across her face. Alex leaned casually against a fixture while they engaged in conversation, his mannerisms suggesting a hint of flirtation.
Eliza observed their interaction from a distance, contemplating whether to intervene or not. She didn't want to disrupt whatever was brewing between Dawn and Alex, especially considering her mother's peculiar beliefs about witchcraft and the impending departure the next day.
Sidling up to Dawn, Eliza whispered, "It's nine o'clock."
Dawn was engrossed in conversation with Alex, who seemed to be quite taken with her, engaging in playful banter. Her laughter filled the air, drawing attention from Eliza, who observed the scene with narrowed eyes. It appeared as if Dawn was oblivious to everything around her, her focus solely on Alex.
"Really, cats are amazing. I have, like, five," Dawn confidently declared, playfully showing five fingers. Alex wrapped his arm around her waist as they strolled toward the fitting rooms, his hand enveloping her smaller fingers amidst the shelves of beanies and socks. It was as if Eliza had become invisible, an unnoticed observer in their presence.
Eliza couldn't help but feel uneasy about their behavior. She wasn't an expert on retail policies, but she was pretty sure that opposite genders weren't supposed to be in the fitting room together.
Curiosity got the better of Eliza, and she followed them discreetly. As she neared the fitting room, Dawn's giggles faded away, replaced by an odd sense of discomfort.
Peering around the corner, Eliza was surprised to witness Alex and Dawn locked in a passionate embrace in front of the large mirror. This was uncharacteristic of her friend.
Dawn seemed entranced, as if under some spell. She spoke incoherently, her words blending with the kisses. It was apparent that she wasn't entirely comfortable with this public display of affection, yet she allowed it to continue. Eliza couldn't help but wonder why she was behaving this way, especially with someone she had just met.
Alex's intense gaze met Eliza's as she quietly approached them. She hesitated for a moment, then gently whispered, "Dawn, we should probably get going. Jared will be waiting for us."
However, Dawn remained captivated by Alex, seemingly lost in the moment. He ignored Eliza's presence, focusing solely on her friend. He touched her cheek and hand, and then began to caress her under the ribcage. Eliza could sense that Dawn was uncomfortable, and she knew this wasn't the type of affection her friend would willingly embrace.
Conflicted and concerned, Eliza wondered what could be compelling Dawn to act this way with a relative stranger. She wished to protect her friend from any discomfort or harm, but she also knew that it wasn't her place to intervene forcefully. She could only hope that Dawn would soon regain her senses and recognize what was truly best for her.
In the bustling department store, Eliza's voice echoed with authority, cutting through the air like a blade. "Hey! Get off of her, creep," she shouted, her hands forcefully pushing the guy against one of the glossy fitting room doors.
Her body surged with adrenaline, her brows furrowing with an intense anger that she struggled to contain. She clenched her fists, envisioning herself dragging him across the ground and delivering punishing blows. With pursed lips, she strode purposefully toward the guy.
His eyes widened in shock, but a smirk played on his lips, as if he found the situation amusing. Undeterred, Eliza seized the collar of his shirt, pulling him closer before delivering a swift punch to his face.
Without a second thought, her knee shot out, jabbing him in the stomach, sending him sprawling to the ground. His hand instinctively went to the side of his jaw, his smirk replaced with a look of disbelief, his eyes locked onto Eliza's.
Dawn, who had been in a trance-like state, seemed to snap out of it at the sound of Eliza's actions. Her eyes grew wide with shock as she saw Eliza by her side, a glimmer of recognition in her gaze. The commotion had brought her back to reality, and she coughed, holding her hand against her throat.
Meanwhile, the guy struggled to regain his composure, wiping blood from his lips with his thumb. He staggered to his feet and hastily made his way out of the fitting room, retreating from the confrontation.
Eliza turned her attention back to Dawn, concern etched on her face. She gently moved her friend's hair away from her face and noticed a fading colorful glitter on her lips, triggering a sense of familiarity within her.
"Are you okay, Dawn?" Eliza asked, her voice softening as she assessed her friend's condition.
Dawn appeared disoriented and bewildered. "I'm so confused. I was—I was just looking at this purse," she stuttered, her voice fading. "I—I don't remember anything else." She shook her head, attempting to make sense of the situation. "Who was that guy? What the hell?" She rubbed her mouth in disgust.
Eliza sighed, trying to find the right words. "You were talking to him, and things got a bit... intense between you two." She cast a glance around the store, only to notice the guy had already left. "Well, he's gone now."
Dawn looked at Eliza, her expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. Her hand went to her lips, as if searching for answers she couldn't grasp.
Eliza's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, "I don't know. The guy you were talking to, Eric's friend..." Her eyebrows furrowed, indicating her concern about the situation. "We need to go. It's nine."
☆☆☆
As Eliza entered the open fitting room, she felt a sense of relief taking off the clothes she had tried on. Time had slipped away, and she had spent longer in there than intended. Emerging from the fitting room, she noticed Eric's watchful gaze fixed on her. She walked over to him while her friend Dawn settled her purchases at the register.
"Sorry, I have to go. Family problems at home," Eliza explained, casually flicking her hair behind her shoulder.
"Oh, curfew? No need to lie," Eric joked, his hands in his pockets.
"No, really. I just have to go."
Eric's expression turned puzzled, and he set down the clothes he had been considering purchasing. He raised an eyebrow and watched as Eliza lifted her hand to check her breath.
"Are you going to keep running from me every time we meet up somewhere?" he asked, gripping her arm tightly, causing her to flinch from the pain.
"Hey, that hurts." Eliza looked up at him, her eyebrows knit together in discomfort.
"I'm playing with you, Liza. Calm down." He smirked, then waved goodbye as he left the store.
Eliza couldn't shake off the odd feeling of being grabbed like that. She rubbed her arm and realized there was a bruise where he had held her.
After leaving the store, Eliza and Dawn strolled down the strip, the golden white glow of streetlights and neon lights from bars and clubs illuminating their path. They encountered a few drunk individuals stumbling around, their laughter echoing through the night.
"Hey, babe, you lookin' sexy," a guy called out to Dawn, who pretended to be engrossed in texting to avoid confrontation.
"You lookin' sexy," Eliza teased, playfully nudging her friend.
"Shut up."
Their destination, Eliza's car, was a few blocks away, situated near a peculiar French jewelry store. The walk seemed to stretch on forever, and Eliza's legs grew heavier with each step, her muscles aching from a day of standing.
"So, who was that guy you were flirting with at Urban Outfitters?" Dawn inquired.
"Oh, I met him on the way to school. He noticed me embarrass myself while I was driving. I was dancing to Taylor Swift, and he watched," Eliza said with a faint smile. "I also ran into him again that same day on the way to student services. His name's Eric." She brushed her frizzy hair from her face and glanced toward the ground, lost in her thoughts.
"You like him..." Dawn teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Eliza's words caught in her throat as she struggled to form a coherent response. "Wha—"
"Don't even start, Liza," Dawn interrupted, her laughter bubbling up.
"I don't—" Eliza began, but her protest was swiftly cut off by her best friend.
"I'm your best friend. Shut up," Dawn said, her laughter mingling with her words.
As the words hung in the air, Eliza couldn't help but wonder if her feelings for him were so transparent. After all, they had only just met, and she couldn't be sure if she truly liked him or if it was just a passing interest. The guy was peculiar, grabbing her as if it were a joke and leaving a bruise behind.
Attempting to ease the tension, Eliza spoke up, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I'm sure he doesn't know anyone since he's from... you know, Canada and all."
"Oh... and you know where he's from? You go, Ms. Eliza Rose," Dawn playfully smacked her friend's shoulder.
They continued walking, the neon lights gradually fading, leaving the surroundings dimly lit with only the streetlights casting a glow on the sidewalk. Across the street, a dark path loomed, littered with discarded garbage cans. Eliza rummaged through her purse, shaking it in search of her keys, the jingle of metal eluding her. Dawn, lost in her music, hummed along to the lyrics, her headphones firmly in place.
A soda can rolled onto the street, propelled as if deliberately kicked.
A shiver ran down Eliza's spine as an eerie sensation gripped her stomach. Slowly, she raised her gaze, scanning the darkness to discern the source of the sound. Finding nothing but obscurity, she hastened her search for the keys, her fingers finally closing around them just as footsteps echoed from the dark path, crunching on loose gravel.
Moving toward her car, Eliza pointed her key's remote, causing it to emit a confirming beep, unlocking the vehicle. "Hey," Alex's voice reached Dawn, devoid of any warmth. She paused her singing, removing her headphones. The intensity of his gaze mirrored the one he had given her in the fitting room earlier.
A smile tugged at the corners of Dawn's lips. "You look familiar."
"Yeah, we should get going, Dawn," Eliza interjected, her voice betraying a hint of unease. She cleared her throat, attempting to redirect her friend's attention. Alex maintained his gaze on Dawn, his smirk hinting at hidden intentions. Adjusting his hair, he bit down on his bottom lip.
Without a sound, he turned on his heels and disappeared into the dark path. Unthinkingly, Dawn followed suit, skipping after him.
Thickening blood coursed through Eliza's veins, her heart racing with trepidation. Her trembling hands clutched her keys, mirroring the tremors within her. Searching her surroundings, she sought the presence of any bystanders who could assist her if needed.
Alone on the desolate street, Eliza couldn't help but feel as if she were stranded in an unfamiliar void.
"Dawn!" Eliza's voice echoed through the narrow path as she hurriedly chased after her friend. Panic consumed her, causing her breath to quicken and the frigid air to sting her lungs, making each inhale a struggle.
In the enveloping darkness, Eliza's senses heightened. She stumbled over discarded trash, the sound of her steps merging with the sudden appearance of a black cat colliding with a nearby trash can. Seeking solace, she pressed herself against the rocky wall, stifling the urge to scream. The narrowness of the path amplified her claustrophobia, overwhelming her thoughts.
Carefully, Eliza continued onward, her voice subdued as she abandoned calling out for Dawn. In the pitch-black darkness, her lack of glasses left her completely blind, and she berated herself for forgetting them at home.
A memory resurfaced, her mother's voice echoing, mentioning something about instinct. She couldn't shake off Jared's accusatory voice, proclaiming her to be a witch.
Taking a deep breath, Eliza strained her ears to catch any sound, and faintly, amidst the eerie silence, she heard giggles. Dawn's giggles. Determination surged within her, fueled by the knowledge of Dawn's location.
Her newfound agility surged through her limbs as she sprinted, drawing upon her mother's reflexes. Almost as if channeling her, Eliza glided swiftly toward the sound of Dawn's laughter, determined to rescue her from this unknown threat.
Her speed increased, causing her hair to whip back from the gust of wind, striking her face with force. Ahead, a faint light illuminated the dead end, suggesting that Dawn and her captor were somewhere within its glow.
Eliza strained her eyes to see through the dimness, her heart pounding in her chest. As she approached, the figures became clearer. Dawn's voice, heavy with intoxication, welcomed her.
Golden sparkles of blue and green dust adorned Dawn's skin, while Alex, his actions almost vampiric, showered her with kisses, leaving behind a trail of glitter. His wings, sharp and ethereal, fluttered gracefully upon his back as he hovered slightly above Dawn, his touch venturing beneath her clothing.
The tattoos that wrapped around Alex's smooth skin formed intricate swirls, his pointy ears protruding from beneath dark green attire. Eliza couldn't help but notice the change in his hair, once blonde, now a luminous dark grey, illuminated by his fluttering wings. The breeze they created caressed her face, carrying a soothing fragrance of fresh lilies and roses that invaded her nostrils.
As Eliza's vision blurred, her nose twitched in response. She recognized this scenario, but the memory eluded her grasp. Determined to intervene, she discreetly scanned the ground, hoping the enigmatic creature wouldn't notice. His attention remained captivated by Dawn's allure.
With a tremor of fear, Eliza discovered her broomstick hidden in her pocket, her grip tightening around its rusty handle, the rough metal scraping her palm. Overwhelmed, she steadied her trembling hands, taking a deep breath to regain composure.
"Let her go!" Eliza's voice reverberated through the air, charging forward towards the disturbing tableau. Waving her useless weapon aimlessly, she hoped to deter the creature. Yet, despite her desperate actions, nothing changed. Frustration gripped her as she pressed the button on the broomstick, but it remained inert.
The creature abruptly ceased his advances on Dawn, turning his attention towards Eliza. Glitter glistened on Dawn's lips, and drool trickled down her neck, her face etched with a dazed smile, reminiscent of their encounter in the Urban Outfitters fitting rooms.
Eliza knew she must have appeared quite peculiar, carrying her broomstick everywhere she went. As she wandered along, a strange creature suddenly swooped toward her. Reacting quickly, Eliza deftly dodged to the left, bracing herself against the nearby wall.
Her eyes caught sight of a discarded trash can lid lying on the ground. "This might actually be more useful than the broomstick," she thought to herself. But her focus returned to the creature, which was now fixated on Dawn, holding her tightly by the neck. Without a moment's hesitation, Eliza grabbed the lid and hurled it with all her strength at the creature's head.
The impact of her strike jolted the creature out of its trance, releasing its grip on Dawn, who fell to the ground, laughing with relief. The creature, still recovering, stumbled backward, shooting a furious glare at Eliza. Its eyes, resembling shimmering crystals, locked onto her, and it revealed its sharp teeth by pulling back its red lips.
Intriguingly, the creature had an array of rainbow-colored tattoos that began to glow. Despite its monstrous appearance, there were still traces of its original human features. Eliza found herself simultaneously terrified and captivated by this creature's beauty.
Suddenly, the creature lifted off the ground, soaring menacingly toward Eliza. It gripped her neck with icy cold hands, causing her to gasp for air as its colorful wings stirred a gust of wind against her face.
Struggling to breathe, Eliza felt her vision starting to blur. Her heart raced, and in a desperate attempt to break free, she clawed at the creature's hands, trying to pry them away from her throat. But the creature maintained its grip, chuckling as it cracked its neck to the side.
Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Eliza heard a loud thud nearby. Blinking through tears, she managed to focus on the source of the commotion. Someone was coming to her aid.
The approaching person's footsteps quickened, and Eliza could hear the sound of gravel crunching under their boots. Determined to survive, she mustered her strength, planting her hands firmly on the ground, and prepared to take action.
Soon, a figure with colorful, silver lights darted past her, flipping gracefully in front of the creature. With a swift motion, the person activated a slender object, turning it into a medium-sized bar that they skillfully twirled in the air. Eliza's eyes remained fixed on this new savior.
Stopping the twirling, the person pressed a button on the bar, and two daggers sprang forth from each end. The imposing figure now stood before the creature, clad in a striking black suit adorned with studs, leather pants, and heels.
The creature's rainbow markings seemed to crawl over its face as it focused on its new adversary. Its eyes continued to shift between various colors as it took to the air again, its wings flapping wildly.
Swift as the wind, the lady sidestepped the creature's attack, allowing her to swipe at its right wing. A mist of rainbow colors rose from the wing as it vanished into thin air. With a crash, the creature plummeted to the ground, sending gravel flying in all directions.
Eliza wasted no time and quickly moved to the side, seeking shelter by the nearby wall, grateful for the arrival of this enigmatic woman who had come to her rescue.
Eliza's eyes widened as she watched the mysterious woman approach Alex with an air of confidence. Her face was partially obscured, but her glowing silver markings were unmistakable, leaving no doubt that she was a witch.
Swiftly, the woman reached out, seizing Alex by the neck and forcefully pulling him away from Eliza. Alex hissed and retaliated, attempting to kick her, but she displayed an impressive agility, evading his attack effortlessly.
The woman wielded an unusual weapon—a broomstick adorned with silver lines. As she skillfully maneuvered it, she landed a precise strike on Alex's cheek, leaving a visible gash. Eliza squinted, trying to comprehend the weapon's properties; it was clear to her that the broomstick was more than just a simple cleaning tool.
The creature's markings glowed even brighter, and he tried to retaliate, swinging his fist towards the woman. But she effortlessly dodged his blow, countering with a swift kick that sent him stumbling backward, crashing into a nearby wall.
With a fluid motion, the witch closed the distance between them once more, jabbing the end of her broomstick under his right nipple, causing a spray of rainbow mist to erupt from the wound.
Eliza couldn't believe what she was witnessing—the broomstick seemed to be infused with some kind of mystical power. The woman continued her assault, inflicting another painful puncture under his left nipple, eliciting an agonizing sound of bones cracking.
As the creature writhed in pain, the woman's attention turned to Eliza, addressing her as her daughter. Eliza was stunned by this revelation, but there was no time to process it as the woman resumed her attack, kneeing Alex and slamming his head against the wall.
The white cat that had been observing from the stairs now approached, its movements elegant and mesmerizing. Unfazed by the situation, it observed the scene, tail swaying gently. The woman's boots crunched against the gravel as she turned to face Eliza, her hair whipping in the air. Her gaze held a mixture of intensity and mystery.
"Who's the crazy witch now?" Grace uttered, leaving Eliza speechless, struggling to comprehend the reality of the situation and the witch being no one other than her mother.