ELIZABETH
I wobbled to the only part of the building that was peaceful and quiet; the smoking lounge. I raced forward as fast as the shoes would let me when I found a bench to sit in. I groaned as I kicked my heels off in agony. For the hundredth time this evening, I wondered whose idea it was for the waitresses to dress up in this outfit. My feet were killing me from wearing them for over three hours now.
Not to mention how uncomfortable and suffocating the hall was. Lots of wealthy, fashionable people stood in small groups talking and laughing about things I couldn't even understand. I nearly dropped my serving tray several times when I caught sight of people I had only ever seen on television or magazine covers. I observed them as I served them. A majority of them were arrogant and snobbish. I felt a twinge of disappointment as I had always thought they would be just as they were on television; friendly, engaging. But they beckoned the waitresses like we were some kind of slaves. If our fingers brushed while I tried to hand them a drink, they would act like I had just ruined their expensive manicure, or their fancy tuxedos.
Sighing, I leaned back into the bench, letting the cool air wash over me. I had managed to slip out of the hall when it seemed like I wasn't needed. I clutched my phone in my hand to enable me to keep track of time.
"Elizabeth?" I heard someone call me just as I shut my eyes. I stood up so quickly that I began to feel dizzy. Looking up, I faced Benson. I felt my heart still. Benson was our supervisor for today from the catering company. Was this how I was going to lose my paycheck? I wondered, already feeling my throat tighten.
Before I could ramble out my apologies, he laughed. "Exhausted? Don't worry it's your first time, it's usually like that."
He was laughing. Okay, I was safe.
I rubbed my forehead. "I'm so sorry. I was going to come back inside in a few minutes."
He waved my comment off. "It's okay, stay for a while. You look exhausted."
I managed a laugh, my nerves relaxing. "I am." Smiling, he placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Me too. You should come with me after work. We could chill, hang out."
I refrained from letting my confusion show, wondering where this was coming from. Not wanting to find out, I shook my head. "Thanks but I'll pass. Gotta rest up for tomorrow, I have work."
When his hand still didn't leave my shoulder, I began to feel uncomfortable. Subtly, I tried to shake his hand off. To my utmost shock, he began to trail his hand from my shoulder to just above my chest.
"You're so beautiful, Elizabeth," He whispered. I could see the hunger in his eyes. "You're the most beautiful woman here tonight. Those rich snobs can't even compare. Come home with me, baby, I'll—"
Before he could finish, I had shook his hand away, shoving him backwards with all the strength I could muster. "Get the hell away from me you creep!" I shrieked, my eyes roaming around for the nearest exit. The only one was right behind him and I wasn't sure I could get to it. Before I could grab my things and leave, he had grabbed me firmly by the waist, drawing me closer to him. My heart beating rapidly now, I landed a hard kick to his shin and let out the loudest scream I could muster.
ENRIQUE
I leaned back in satisfaction as I took a second drag of my cigarette. The smoking lounge was hands down the best place in the entire building. I was peaceful and there wasn't a soul in sight. The perfect place to hide long enough to escape Mother and her tiring attempts to find my soulmate tonight. I would stay here for a few minutes then leave. If Mother asked I would tell her that something had come up. I had attended the event after all.
As I brought the cigarette to my lips, a piercing scream rented the air. It sounded like it was coming from the other side of the lounge. Curiosity getting the better part of me, I walked toward the direction the sound had come from.
I froze as I took in the sight before me; a lady was struggling to escape the tight grip of a middle aged man. I watched her land a well placed kick to his leg as his hand started to move down her waist.
My ears burned. There was nothing I hated more than a perverted coward trying to force his way with a woman. Disgust running through me, I reached them in one stride, turning the man over and connecting my fist to his face. I watched him fall over, clutching his face. Unsatisfied, I landed sharp blows to his face repeatedly until blood began to spew from his nose and mouth.
"And if you ever, ever, lay your hands on a woman again, you won't live to see another day."
As he opened his mouth to say something, he paused, staring at me. When the color drained from his face, I knew he had recognized me. Joining his hands in apology to both myself and the young woman, he sprinted out as fast as he could.
I faced her. "Are you okay? You have to be careful these days."
She only nodded, still visibly shaken. "Thank you," She muttered. "Everything happened so quickly I couldn't even understand it. I'm glad you came when you did."
I nodded. She looked so shaken I started to feel sorry for her. "These things happen sometimes, you know. I saw how you fought back. That was very commendable, just be more careful next time."
She gave a bitter laugh. "Yeah I guess. Oh, the things I do for my paychecks," She laughed, getting up and grabbing her phone and a pair of heels that were placed on the bench next to her.
I cocked an eyebrow, looking her over. Paychecks? It was only now that I saw the tiny black dress she was putting on.
Scoffing, I faced her, folding my arms. "Don't act like you didn't know you had this coming," I said, watching as her smile began to falter.
"What are you talking abo—"
"You had it coming," I said, my eyes trailing her skimpy outfit. "Harassment is common for women in your profession, isn't it?"
She looked as though I had slapped her across the face. She walked to where I stood.
"Excuse you, mister, but I am not that kind of woman," She spat, anger filling her eyes.
"Sure, if you say so," I sneered, turning to walk away. "Do well to get a life."
Before I could walk two steps, she had grabbed the hem of my jacket, stopping me. Shocked, I faced her. "How dare you put your filthy hands on—"
"One, you have no right whatsoever to talk to me that way. Two, just because you can walk in here in a fancy suit and a stack of cash, you think you're entitled to walk around making assumptions about people you don't even know? Very well, I will blame your stupidity on those cigarettes you've been smoking so much I can smell them on you. But don't you ever speak to me like that again."
Before I could recover from the shock, she had offered me a fake smile and walked away.