CHAPTER 11

Crystal positioned himself strategically at the table, his gaze commanding a clear view of the entrance. The soft glow of the bar's upscale ambiance cast a warm light on his face, illuminating the hint of curiosity in his eyes. He had never set foot in this opulent Manhattan bar before, yet here he was, surrounded by the city's elite. Across from him, sipping a delicate cocktail, was the stunning High Fashion Model who lived next door. Her presence was as unexpected as it was captivating.

Their paths had crossed numerous times in the building, but their interactions had been limited to polite smiles and brief hellos. Tonight, however, she seemed to have shed her reserved demeanor, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief as she chatted with Crystal. The contrast between her glamorous persona and the relaxed, intimate atmosphere of the bar was striking, and Crystal found himself drawn to this unfamiliar side of her. As they sipped their drinks and conversed, the sounds of clinking glasses and muted laughter filled the air, creating a sense of sophisticated revelry that neither of them seemed to want to end.

His eyes remained riveted on the sleek, frosted bottle of vodka, its translucent surface reflecting the dim, golden light of the bar. As he swirled the crystal-cut glass, delicate bubbles began to form, rising tantalizingly to the surface like tiny, shimmering spheres. Entranced, he stared into the hypnotic dance of the bubbles, his mind awhirl with the turbulent events that had beset him. The unfair twists of fate, the relentless pressure of finding employment, and the crushing uncertainty of his future all swirled together in a maddening vortex.

And yet, in the midst of this turmoil, he found himself sipping vodka with a breathtaking model, her porcelain skin and green eyes a jarring contrast to the chaos that roiled within him. The absurdity of it all struck him with sudden, wry clarity. "Crazy," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the soft clinking of ice in his glass. The word hung in the air, a poignant affirmation of the surreal, topsy-turvy world he inhabited. 

Crystal's introspection was interrupted by her voice, as she broke the silence. "You seem to be busy," she said. His eyes finally locking onto the stunning woman seated across from him. Her gaze met his, and she smiled, her lips curling upward in a subtle, enigmatic smile.

"It's nothing serious," Crystal replied, his own smile spreading across his face. He nodded toward the vodka bottle on the table, his eyes crinkling at the corners. 

"You're a veteran drinker, I see," he said, his tone laced with admiration. "That bottle's already half empty, and that's all you," he added, his smile deepening in a gesture of respect.

"It's a talent, Crystal," Aurora said, a sly, self-assured smile spreading across her face like a slow-burning flame. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and her voice was husky, confident. She knew that dropping his name would be a bold move, one that would grab his attention and leave him wondering. And it did.

Crystal's eyebrows shot up, his expression a mix of surprise and intrigue. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if sizing her up, trying to determine how she knew his name. "How do you know that?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity, a hint of wariness.

Aurora's smile deepened, her lips curling upward in a sultry, enigmatic smile. She extended her hand, her slender fingers ending in sharp, crimson-tipped nails. "To make it fair, I'm Aurora Willis," she said, her voice dripping with sophistication. Crystal's gaze lingered on her outstretched hand for a few moments, as if hesitant to take it, before finally closing his fingers around hers in a firm handshake.

"Crystal, no last name," he replied, his eyes locking onto Aurora's, his gaze drawn to the enchanting green depths. Her eyes were like two glittering emeralds, sparkling with mischief, intelligence, and something else... something that Crystal couldn't quite put his finger on. Was it a spark of vulnerability, a hint of secrets untold, or something more sinister? Whatever it was, Crystal found himself captivated, his curiosity piqued, his senses on high alert.

"Nice to meet you, Crystal," Aurora replied, her voice a sultry whisper that seemed to caress the air, as they settled back into the plush, velvet-covered chairs. With a subtle, elegant flick of her wrist, she summoned the waiter, who had been discreetly hovering a few meters away, attentive to their every need. The waiter's piercing blue eyes locked onto Aurora's, and he nodded imperceptibly, his chiseled features a mask of polished professionalism, before gliding silently toward their table on sleek, black leather shoes that seemed to absorb the soft glow of the bar's ambient lighting.

The air in the bar was warm and inviting, enveloping Crystal and Aurora in a cozy cocoon of sophistication. As the evening wore on, the bar's luxurious ambiance seemed to grow even more refined, its opulent decor and impeccable service a testament to its reputation as Manhattan's most exclusive haunt. This was a members-only enclave, a rarefied realm where the country's elite gathered to see and be seen.

As they sipped their drinks, the smooth, soulful sounds of a live jazz quartet filled the air, imbuing the space with a vintage glamour that seemed to transport Crystal and Aurora to a bygone era. The musicians' instruments seemed to whisper sweet nothings to the audience, the saxophone's mournful wail, the piano's lilting melody, and the bass's thumping heartbeat blending together in perfect harmony. The music was like a warm hug, enveloping everyone in its sonic embrace, and making the bar feel like a true

Aurora's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she raised the vodka glass to her lips, taking another sip. "So, why Crystal?" she asked, her voice tinged with intrigue.

Crystal's brow furrowed, his expression puzzled. "What do you mean?" he asked, his tone laced with genuine confusion.

Aurora's smile was languid, her words slightly slurred from the effects of the vodka. "I mean, why Crystal? It's an unusual name for a man...not many people answer to Crystal." As she spoke, a long, silent yawn stretched her face, and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, spilling over onto her cheeks.

Without hesitation, Crystal reached into his pocket and produced a crisp, white handkerchief, offering it to Aurora. "Here," he said, his voice low and gentle.

Aurora's eyes met his, a fleeting moment of connection, before she took the handkerchief and dabbed at her tears. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Aurora delicately dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief, its sumptuous softness a surprise to her sensitive skin. The fabric felt like a whisper against her cheeks, a gentle caress that soothed her vodka-soaked senses. "It's the fluffy kind," she said, a giggle bubbling up from her throat like a sparkling fountain, as she caressed the fabric, her fingers tracing the delicate, silver-embroidered edges. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, shining like bright, green jewels in the soft light, as she handed the handkerchief back to Crystal.

Crystal's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his voice low and smooth, like rich, velvety chocolate. 

"You can keep it," he said, his gaze locked onto Aurora's, the air between them vibrating with tension. He had watched, entranced, as Aurora's face lit up with delight, her eyes shining with pleasure, her skin glowing with a soft, golden light. Just then, the waiter appeared, as if summoned by fate, his arrival a sudden, welcome distraction from the palpable tension building between them. With a discreet smile, he set their drinks and snacks on the table, the clinking of glasses and the rustle of napkins a sudden, sensory explosion that shattered the spell that had formed between them. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafted up, enticing their senses, as the waiter vanished, leaving Crystal and Aurora to navigate the charged, emotional landscape that had been unfolding between them.

The jazz performance continued to weave its magic, the saxophonist's soulful solo binding everything together in perfect harmony. The melancholic notes seemed to dance in the air, swirling around Crystal and Aurora like a sensual mist. Crystal had heard about this bar, its reputation for luxury and exceptional service preceding it. He had expected opulence, but the reality exceeded his expectations. The bar's sophisticated ambiance, the impeccable service, and the outstanding jazz performance all combined to create an unforgettable experience.

As he gazed around the bar, his eyes lingered on the jazz performers once more, appreciating their talent and passion. Then, his attention shifted back to Aurora, her face flushing a deep shade of crimson from the effects of the vodka. Her eyes, though slightly glassy, still sparkled with mischief, and her smile, though slightly lopsided, remained captivating. Crystal's gaze roamed over her face, taking in the subtle changes wrought by the alcohol, and his expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners with amusement.

"I'm okay," Aurora said, her voice husky and confident, as she met Crystal's intense gaze. She noticed his eyes scanning her face, searching for any telltale signs of vulnerability, his pupils narrowing slightly as he scrutinized her. But Aurora was not one to be underestimated. "I'm far from being knocked out yet," she added, a throaty giggle escaping her lips, like a playful, melodic trill.

As they smiled together, the atmosphere shifted, becoming more relaxed and convivial. The tension between them dissipated, replaced by a sense of camaraderie, like a warm, golden light that enveloped them. But beneath the surface, Crystal's mind remained sharp, his curiosity still simmering. There had to be a reason why Aurora had brought him here, why they were drinking together in this luxurious bar. He was determined to uncover the truth.

Just as he was about to probe her further, Aurora spoke up, her voice slicing through the comfortable silence. "So, to the reason I brought you here," she said, her eyes still fixed intently on Crystal's face, her gaze burning with an inner fire. Crystal's eyes locked onto hers, his expression attentive, his voice low and even. "Why am I here?" he replied, his words a gentle prompt, inviting her to reveal the mystery that had brought them together.

"I heard you're in need of a job," Aurora said, her eyes darting back to the vodka bottle like a hummingbird returning to its sweet, intoxicating nectar. Her slender fingers wrapped around the crystal neck, her grip confident and assured, as she poured more vodka into her glass cup. The liquid glugged smoothly, filling the air with its crisp, alcoholic scent, like a siren's call to indulge and let go.

Crystal's gaze narrowed slightly, his mind racing with the implications, his thoughts swirling like a maelstrom. "Daniel said that?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with a hint of surprise, his tone low and even, like a steady drumbeat.

He wondered how close Daniel must be with Aurora for him to share such personal information. But then, Daniel was like that - everyone was his friend, and he wore his heart on his sleeve, like an open book waiting to be read. Crystal had always seen that as a blessing, but also a flaw - one that could get Daniel into trouble, like a ship sailing blindly into treacherous waters.

"Yes, he did," Aurora replied, her voice matter-of-fact, like a gentle breeze on a summer's day, "So I have a job for you" she said as she raised the glass cup to her lips, the vodka's crystal clear liquid glinting in the soft light. Crystal stared at her, hesitant for a second, his eyes searching hers for any hidden motives, his gaze piercing like a shaft of light cutting through the darkness. He had always been a cautious man, weighing his options carefully before making a move, like a chess player studying the board and trusting his guts, And he's guts was telling him, it was a dirty job. But something was off about him tonight - he wasn't caring about caution anymore. A restless energy stirred within him, like a wild animal awakening from a deep slumber. He needed to survive, and if that meant taking a risk, then so be it. The stakes were high, but he was ready to play.

"So, what do you have for me?" Crystal asked, his curiosity piqued, as he proceeded to fill his glass with the crystal-clear vodka, the liquid glugging smoothly into the glass, a remedy for his building nerves. 

"It's not a tedious job," Aurora said, a sly smile spreading across her face, like a whispered secret. "I just hope you're good at math," she added, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"Math?" Crystal asked, his voice tinged with surprise, his eyebrows arching upward in inquiry. He hadn't expected math to be a requirement for the job.

"Yes, math," Aurora replied, her voice confident, as she emptied the contents of her glass, the vodka disappearing like magic. She savored the taste, her eyes closed in appreciation, before opening them again to gaze at Crystal.

"You're going to be working in sales," she said, her voice dripping with excitement, like a sweet, succulent secret. She knew from the start that the job was far from Crystal's regular ones, and that made it more thrilling for her to reveal the details to him. The challenge of it all was exhilarating, like a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

"I still don't get it," Crystal said, his brow furrowed in confusion, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sought clarification. 

"What do you mean by sales?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with a hint of skepticism.

"It's my uncle's company, Green Earth Foods," Aurora replied, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes, like a sparkler igniting in the darkness. Crystal's eyes widened in shock, his face a picture of astonishment, as the pieces began to fall into place.

"You mean GEF?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his tone incredulous. Aurora nodded, a giggle bubbling up from her throat, like a playful, melodic brook.

"Yes," she answered, her eyes sparkling with amusement, her smile radiant. She saw the shock written all over Crystal's face, and it delighted her. "Don't be shocked," she added, her voice teasing, "it's my uncle's company."

"But how am I supposed to get a job there?" Crystal asked, his voice laced with skepticism, his eyes narrowing slightly as he pondered the impossibility of it all. "I heard they only hire graduates for important positions, and sales seems really important," he added, his tone tinged with doubt, his mind racing with the limitations of his own qualifications - or lack thereof.

Aurora's smile, however, refused to falter, her lips curving upward in a reassuring arc. Her eyes, though dimmed slightly by the vodka, still sparkled with amusement, and her cheeks were flushed a deep, rosy red. "It's fine, like I said, it's my uncle's company," she repeated, her voice confident, her tone dismissive of Crystal's concerns.

She reached into her purse and extracted a sleek, black business card, which she handed to Crystal with a gracious smile. He took the card, his fingers brushing against hers, and examined it carefully. "Aurora Willis," he read the name embossed on the card in a whisper, his eyes scanning the elegant script. He flipped the card over, and his eyes widened slightly as he saw a phone number etched on the back.

Crystal's thoughts swirled back to the possibility of him getting a job at GEF, the leading food producing company in the continent. It was a daunting prospect, one that filled him with both excitement and trepidation. The job would be a radical departure from his usual line of work, but he was determined to make it work. The prospect of a steady income, of a legitimate job, was too enticing to resist. He looked up at Aurora, his eyes locking onto hers, filled with a newfound sense of hope and determination.

"So when do I go?" Crystal asked, expecting a response, but instead, he was met with a profound silence, like the stillness of a quiet lake on a windless night. He looked over at Aurora, and his eyes widened in surprise as he found her fast asleep, her head resting on the table, her chest rising and falling with slow, rhythmic breaths, like the gentle lapping of waves on a moonlit shore.

The vodka bottle, once full and proud, now stood empty, a hollow sentinel guarding the secrets of the night, its label worn and crumpled like a discarded love letter. Crystal stared at Aurora, his eyes roaming over her peaceful features, drinking in the beauty of her face, like a thirsty traveler savoring a cool drink on a scorching desert day.

He wondered why a beautiful, well-off woman like her would drink so much vodka all by herself, what hidden demons or secret sorrows drove her to seek solace in the numbing embrace of alcohol. There had to be more to the story, more to her motivations, like a complex tapestry woven from threads of joy and sorrow, love and loss.

As he gazed at her, Crystal felt a pang of curiosity, mixed with a dash of concern, like a pinch of salt added to a sweet dish. He reached out, his hand hovering over her shoulder, hesitating for a moment before gently shaking her awake, his touch like a summer breeze rustling the leaves of a sleeping garden. But as he touched her, her phone rang, shrill and insistent, like a sudden alarm piercing the calm atmosphere of the bar. Crystal's eyes dropped to the screen, and he saw the caller ID "Bat" flashing ominously, like a warning sign on a dark and deserted road. 

"Must be her boyfriend," Crystal thought to himself, a faint whisper of curiosity and speculation echoing in his subconscious mind.

He looked back at Aurora, still sleeping peacefully on the table, her chest rising and falling with slow, rhythmic breaths, like a delicate flower swaying gently in the breeze. Crystal's gaze lingered on her face, drinking in the serenity of her features, before he turned his attention to the bar, taking in the peaceful atmosphere like a man savoring a warm bath on a cold winter's night.

The soft hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the muted strains of music all blended together to create a soothing melody that seemed to wash away Crystal's worries and concerns. He felt his tense muscles relax, his mind unwind, and his spirit lift, as if the bar was a tranquil oasis, a haven from the storms of life. 

He gazed down at the phone, its screen glowing with an insistent ring, like a beacon calling out for attention. "He should come pick her up," he muttered to himself, assuming the caller was Aurora's boyfriend or partner, someone who could rescue her from her drunken slumber. He picked up the call, and a lively, feminine voice burst forth, her tone jokingly friendly, like a warm breeze on a summer's day.

"I almost thought you were dead?" she said, a hint of playful teasing dancing in her voice, like a mischievous sprite flitting about a moonlit garden. Crystal's eyes flicked to the caller ID, "Bat" still flashing on the screen, like a tiny, glowing bat signal summoning aid. He realized, with a slight smile, that Bat was probably Aurora's best friend, not her boyfriend.

"Good evening," he said, his deep voice calm and reassuring. The voice on the phone paused, taken aback by the unfamiliar male voice answering Aurora's phone. 

"Oh," she said, her tone laced with surprise, like a whispered secret shared among friends.

 "Are you friends with Aurora? She sent her driver home and—" Crystal began to explain, but the woman cut him off, her response almost instinctual, like a reflexive jerk of the knee.

"Is she drunk again?" she asked, a hint of exasperation creeping into her voice, like a faint, worried crease etched on a smooth forehead. Crystal hesitated for a moment, weighing his words, before answering.

"Yes," he admitted, his voice low and even, like a steady drumbeat. The woman sighed, a soft, resigned sound, like a gentle breeze rustling through dry leaves.

"I'll be right there," she said, and with that, the line went dead, like a sudden, abrupt silence falling over a bustling marketplace. 

"I'm guessing you're a regular," Crystal said, his voice low and teasing, as he gazed down at Aurora's peaceful form. She was sleeping like a baby, her chest rising and falling with slow, rhythmic breaths, her skin pale and luminous in the dim light of the bar. Crystal's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his expression softening with amusement.

As he spoke, he carefully draped his jacket around Aurora's shoulders, the soft fabric enveloping her like a warm hug. The air-conditioned bar had grown chilly, and Crystal had noticed Aurora shivering slightly, her skin prickled with goosebumps. He tucked the jacket gently around her, trying not to disturb her peaceful slumber. But just as he settled the jacket around her, Aurora's arms snaked out, and she grasped Crystal's arm, pulling herself closer to him. She crashed onto his chest, her head thudding softly against his shoulder, like a gentle wave lapping against the shore. Crystal's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he didn't push her away, Instead, he tried to gently remove her head from his chest, but Aurora was having none of it. She head-butted him slightly, a soft, sleepy bump, and then adjusted herself comfortably on his chest, her body relaxing into his warmth. 

Crystal's heart skipped a beat as he felt her soft breath on his skin, her gentle weight pressing against him.

Despite the sudden, intimate contact, Aurora remained fast asleep, her breathing slow and steady, her body trusting and vulnerable. Crystal's eyes gazed down at her, his expression softening with a mix of amusement and tenderness. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, and let out a soft, amused sigh, feeling a strange sense of comfort and connection with this mysterious, sleeping beauty.

He shifted his gaze to the stage, entranced by the performance unfolding before him. The jazz musicians had concluded their set, and a lone pianist had taken the spotlight, weaving a sonic tapestry of elegance and refinement. The pianist's fingers danced across the keys with effortless precision, while the mournful strains of a bass violin provided a haunting counterpoint. The music was nothing short of enchanting, transporting Crystal to a realm of serenity and wonder.

As the final notes faded away, Crystal's attention returned to the sleeping form of Aurora, now nestled comfortably on his thighs. He glanced at his watch, the soft glow of the face illuminating the time: almost midnight. Just as he was about to retrieve Aurora's phone, it sprang to life once more, the screen flashing with an incoming call from "BAT."

"Hello?" Crystal answered, his voice low and cautious.

"I've seen you," the woman on the other end of the line replied, her tone enigmatic and intriguing.

Crystal turned around, and his world came to a screeching halt. His heart seemed to freeze in his chest, suspended in a moment of paralyzed shock. It was as if the very fabric of his reality had been torn apart, revealing a painful truth he thought he'd left behind. The traumas he'd tried to keep locked away came flooding back, like a dam bursting under the pressure of its own secrets.

Standing across from him, with an unmistakable glint in her eye, was Brownie. The little stitch scar above her eyebrow seemed to gleam in the dim light, a constant reminder of the past they shared. She waved at him, her hand moving in a slow, deliberate arc, as she walked towards him with an air of quiet confidence.

Crystal stood frozen, his heart throbbing with a mix of emotions - shock, fear, and a deep-seated pain. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of memories, unable to escape the undertow of his own past. The sound of his own ragged breathing was the only thing that broke the silence, a harsh reminder that he was still alive, still trapped in this never-ending cycle of hurt and trauma.