Page 46 of Allured
The coffee machine in the staff lounge has always poured much too slowly for my liking. My fingers tap an unsteady beat against the counter as I wait. My head is hung low as I face the languid appliance, trying to not fall asleep.
A week has never dragged so slowly.
After dinner at Alek’s house last weekend, I stepped into the hell that was midterm week at the school. Well, it may not have beenhell,really, but until I’ve had my coffee, I reserve the right to be as dramatic as I would like. Also, I am personally not a fan of standardized exams when people are anything but standard. Through my childhood experiences and more recent revelations, I have come to appreciate how unique we are as humans and how we do not all perceive things the same way. A certain burlesque dancer with a vivid personality might be, at least a little, responsible for my new perspective.
All in all, it’s taken a lifetime to get to Friday.
Other than the proctoring of what seemed to be endless test sessions, I have also had a lot on my mind. Namely, the gnawing and all—encompassing feeling growing in my chest for the very object of my yearning.
Alek.
His name lingers on my mind as I finally raise the mug of much—needed caffeine to my lips. The mug reads ‘the past, the present, and the future walk into a bar…’ on one side while the other reads ‘it was tense’ and I roll my eyes at the gifted mug from my Anna.
Thinking of her only reminds me of the other reason this week has gone by so slowly.
I had been going for so long, just living life in the way that was expected of me and what I had believed to be proper. I’ve never been one to want for much, always comfortable in my routine, but eventually, the constant pacing tends to erode the foundation the routine is based on. When the foundation was never strong to begin with, it all implodes.
And I am unwilling to have Alek come into an unresolved implosion.
My mug could already use a refill by the time I make it back to my desk. I settle myself into my leather chair, a neat stack of seemingly unimportant papers stares back at me since I had forgotten to pack them away. I don’t suspect anyone would come in here while I was on my coffee run, with it being the last day of midterms and all. The university campus might as well be deserted.
Still, by propriety and not much other motivation, I tidy up my desk and take a deep, centering breath while I wait for students who are most likely on their way to vacation and not their professors' office hours.
Thankfully, Alek seems to have a talent for texting right when I need him.
Aleksander
you still coming to the show tonight?
Me
I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
I’d hope not bc I’m wearing this
Attached image.
When Alek let me know that their opening week of October act was going to be inspired by the Rocky Horror Picture Show, I didn’t expect to seethis.
I am very much tempted to print, frame, and display the picture on my desk so I wouldn’t forget the sight before me.
Alek is in a black sequined corset that exaggerates his already trim waist. His body is an upside—down isosceles triangle in all its glory. Straps hang at the bottom of the corset, only showing a peek of the black silk panties beneath before they are hidden underneath low—slung black leather pants.
His face is what leaves me breathless, though. Alek has very simple makeup on for this performance, but his hair is slicked back with stylish waves edged around his face. A sense of endearment rushes my heart when I see the stubborn tresses of his tawny hair still curled around the base of his neck.
I think to myself how I’ve never had the honor of claiming such beauty as mine. Until now. He ismine.
Me
There isn’t a bouncer that could keep me away from your performance if that is how I will be seeing you.
Aleksander
Idk man, Bri is pretty tough
Was she the one that called me a virgin at the bachelorette party?
yeah that sounds about right
