Chapter Four: Colette

"Wow sexy lady! You'll have the town talking going out in that."

I check myself over in the full length mirror. The glittering black dress hugs my chest area while flaring out from my hips and stopping mid thigh. Long sleeves cover the scars I once inflicted on myself while giving a what I call "witchy" touch as they droop a good seven inches from my wrists. I somehow managed to squeeze my thighs into faux leather thigh-high go-go boots. They're considerably bigger now than they were 7 months ago. A sign of a healthier, happier me now my life is no longer lived by constraints. I tell myself. With these platforms I probably stand around five foot eight, three inches taller than I actually am. Something about wearing thigh highs makes me feel all powerful, confident.

"You should take those shorts off though,"Ali purchase on the edge of my bed. Her beautiful curls individually locked in ringlets, her deep honey skin shining from the body shimmer she's coated herself in. Unlike me, Ali is sporting torn blue denim jeans and a white shirt unbuttoned to just beneath her black bra. She calls it 'womens kryptonite', meaning her aim this evening is to bring some poor woman home to our very humble abode.

"If I take the shorts off, I'm at risk of everything hanging out."

"And that's a bad thing why? You can't seriously still be hung up on the fact you're married to some douchebag who abused you and worked you to the point of collapse."

"We're still married, Ali. Despite all that."

She frowns the perfectly sculpted brows on her head.

"Colette. You can't remain caught up on the past. You're free."

"That doesn't change the law," it's my turn to frown, but only for a split second. I spin round, hands on my hip.

"Well? What do you think? Too much breast?"

"No such thing." she grins.

Jumping up from the bed, she hands me my handbag to check before we head out for our evening of fun.

A couple of Ali's high school friends meet us at Jodie's Bar. They've already secured a table situated on the edge of the small, already crammed dance floor with drinks waiting for us when we arrive. Tiffany and India, your stereotypical bimbos clap excitedly as we join them. I knew whatever I chose to wear would not nearly be as revealing as their chosen outfits for the evening. Not only were they both blondes, they both wore pink boobtubes and a shortened version of a tennis skirt that could have definitely benefited from a pair of shorts underneath. Though I take my hat of to them. It takes guts to wear something so revealing in a bar that's ninety percent men. Mullet rock blasts through the sound system, getting both men and women moving to the beat. Some lightly head bang while others accept being grinded upon by their female counter parts.

"How have you been, Lettie! It's been a while since you showed your face outside of the cafe."

"The hidden world does require a lot of my time," I smile.

"Well im so happy you've joined us. It's hard work making sure this one doesn't take home some std filled woman when she's had a few to many to drink," Tiffanys Southern accent is one of the thickest I've ever heard. The best way to describe her is cow-girl Barbie. She bats her thick, false lashes at the bearded biker sat in the booth to the side of us. Yes, Tiffany and India certainly know how to draw attention. The shot games begin while the band finish setting up in a corner of the venue. I'm faced with one of my oldest enemies, Tequila. I grimace as I suck the lemon. Shivers shoot up my spine. Ali celebrates as though she's just won a game.

" Lettie its your round next!"

"Please no. I can't take any more shots."

"Are you forfeiting after 8 shots, Miss Callahan?"

"Not forfeiting," I retort. "Id just prefer something not so… aggressive on my throat."

The look between each other, smirks stretching on all their lips.

"Fine. 6 more shots for us, and whatever drink you want. But there's a price."

"You have to get on the bar and dance."

Ali roars with laughter at the punishment Tiffany has decided on. My vision is blurred as it is. She surely can't expect me to get on the table.

"This isn't coyote ugly." There's a hint of despair in my voice.

"Drinks! Drinks! Drinks!" they chant, drawing attention from the other patrons. I try to hush them, jumping off the stall. I return not five minutes later with a tray of drinks. Downing both my double rums and coke for courage, I head to the Duke box while my awful friends stamp their feet and howl like wolves. The band finished not give minutes ago and now its my turn to give a show. I press the buttons on the front of the worn music box, flicking till I find the perfect song. I hit the button and watch the disks move, switching with the previous choice and spinning till music starts from the speakers. Heads turn as I wait for my queue. Cherry Pie by Warrant starts. Adrenaline mixed with the fuzzy feeling from the alcohol has me strutting towards my friends who howl even louder than before. I sing along loudly, swaying my hips as I approach the table. I run my hands through Ali's hair, giving her a little lap dance before climbing on the table. She scrambles to cover my arse from prying eyes but it's all in vain as I rock back and forth before standing on the table. I bet she wishes she didn't tell me to take my shorts off now. I throw a finger out, pointing to random drinkers. The alcohol has gone straight to my head. Cheers and shouts come from my audience, egging me on as I roll my body. Out comes the air guitar, dropping back to my knees. Tiffany is in hysterics while India Stares with her mouth hanging wide open. I grab a glass of water and throw it over myself like I'm in dirty dancing just as the song comes to an end. I'm sweaty, panting and now drenched with water. A couple of burly men help me from the table. Some try to talk to me but the only thing on my mind now is getting to the bathroom to try and dry myself out. Ali offered to come with me but I would have hated to take her away from the pretty blonde sat on her knee.

The women's bathroom was full, as expected. Luckily for me I just needed to dry off a bit and not use the stalls. A couple of women strike up a conversation, mostly complimenting my little performance. Somehow I manage to dab most of the moisture off myself and my dress. Someone should really suggest a hand dryer in this place though, it would have saved me time.

Upon leaving, I notice eyes on me. I've barely taken a couple of steps when I'm pulled onto some bearded guys lap.

"Quite the show you put on. You got me all

Excited." his hips push against me as I flail, trying to push my assailant off me.

"Let me go," I shout over the pounding music. My body shakes. His fingers slip through my hair, yanking it back. His friends egg him in, banging their glasses on the sticky wooden table.

"Dont be acting coy. A woman like you, dancing on tables in little outfits loves this kind of thing."

He licks up my neck to my jaw, grinding himself against me. I try to push him off me again but to no avail. His finger slips under my chin, pulling my head to look at him.

"How about we get out of here and you give me a little dance?" his grip tightens on my waist and I freeze.

"Let her go." a loud, deep voice comes from behind me. I snap my head to the side and find myself relieved to see the last person I expected to be here. Dark hair styled back and parted just off centre. His clothing a white shirt, ripped jeans and a leather jacket. Not the attire in used to seeing him in. His eyes are narrowed, yet his hands haven't moved from his pockets.

"Or what?" he scoffs, his friends joining an as he laughs.

"Or I'll kill you."

The Laughing stops instantly. I'm dropped onto my feet and shoved at the way, falling into the wall with an almighty slap.

"Oh yeah, pretty boy? I'd like to see you try."

His mates flank Felix, but he doesn't flinch.

"Stop," I breathe out. But no-one heard me. In that moment a punch is thrown. He misses Felix, as he steps to the side and brings his fist up out his pocket and buries it deep in the guys gut. One of his mates attacks from behind, punching him in the back, he stumbles a little before bringing his elbow round and hitting his assailant in the neck. An all out brawl breaks out as others are knocked in the scuffle and join in. Its like a free for all. I sink into my knees, cowering against the wall I was tossed into. There's shouting and scream in all around me as I shake uncontrollably. A hand grabs my arm and I panic, clenching my eyes shut.

"Lettie."

I look up. Felix towers over me. He reaches for my hand, pulls me to my feet and drags me away from the scene of the crime through the emergency exit and into the dark alleyway.

It takes a couple of minutes for me to snap out of it. Its as if the drunken haze has lifted and been replaced by an ice cold bucket of water. I yank my arm free of his grip and he stops.

"Felix," my eyes widen. I knew exactly who those eyes belonged to the moment I saw them in that dark Hall. Slowly, he turns towards me like some kind of reveal. His dangling earring shines in the street light. I cant stop trembling. I'm a terrified mess. He takes off his jacket, revealing muscular, vieny arms and wraps it around my shoulders.

"Thank you… for helping me. You didn't have to step in."

"I'd do it for any woman being harassed by a man."

That's fair, I think to myself. Though it makes me realise I'm not exactly special. I've only just learnt his name today after observing him for the last two months. Maybe that's the type of guy he is. Like a knight in shining armour for anyone in trouble.

"I'll walk you home."

He takes my hand so gently in his to lead me down the street. The fight in jodie's spills out onto the road behind us. Loud and chaotic.

"That might be a problem."

His eyebrow raises slightly, looking down at me from the corner of his eyes.

"My bag is back at Jodie's with all my things in."

He stops, rubbing the back of his neck then his chin, as if thinking of what to do. If we went back and someone pointed out it was him who started the fight, he could be in a lot of trouble. He sighs then looks me in the eyes.

"You can stay at my place. I'll walk you to work tomorrow."

I tilt my head. It isn't exactly safe to go back to some guy's house I don't know. But at the same time, returning to the scene of the crime isn't exactly the best idea either. I nod.

"Lead the Way," I murmur.