boss bitch

ALONDRA ALEMAN. thirty-one. CEO.

[alondraaleman]

HANNA ZYLKA.

“Do you have a light?” Hanna asked, cigarette in hand, with no method of flame on her person. Her company obliged, lighting the tip of her smoke as she inhaled.

Alondra exited their hotel, being immediately met with a plume of smoke as soon as her heel clicked against the cement. Her nose scrunched up in distaste, peering over at the couple near the entrance. She flashed them both an obligatory smile, her smile brightening a bit when she recognized Hanna. “While I don’t really give a damn, I’d love if you two would be a doll and spare me the complaints about smokers right out front the hotel.”

[alondraaleman]

GABRIEL ALEMAN.

     Alondra. Safe. Gabriel felt a tremendous weight lift off his shoulders as she arrived at his side, getting close. He breathed in her scent, letting his eyes fall shut for a moment before he turned his head to place a kiss on her temple.

   “My love, I’d carry you to the ends of the earth. I’d break my legs before I let your feet touch the ground.” Smiling, he retrieved his phone from his pocket to call their chauffeur.

Alondra’s face lit up with affection, leaning into his kiss as she continued to watch the officers before them. She tried to overhear some of what they said over the radio, but they were too far off, and once Gabriel began speaking to the chauffeur it was next to impossible.

Once he hung up, she turned her gaze to him, clutching his arm as she adjusted her heel again. “I hope they said of course Mr. Aleman, we’re right around the corner.” She dropped her foot back on the cement, careful not to put too much weight on that foot, “Is Joaquín here too?”

[alondraaleman]

GABRIEL ALEMAN.

   “Excuse me, Officer,” Gabriel called softly for the attention of the policewoman performing crowd control at the edge of the park: young, austere, a tinge overzealous. “Have you caught the shooter?”      “Sir,” dark brown eyes fixed on his face – sharp, in the middle of a blank expression, “please step back.” Gabriel took a step backwards.    “How long will you keep us here?” he continued, undeterred, though she made certain he knew she had more important things to do than answer his questions by carefully scanning the other festival-goers in the vicinity and telling a couple more of them to step back before giving him a reply.      “Until I’m told otherwise, sir. Step back and wait.”      He had just opened his mouth to ask another question when the officer suddenly rushed off towards a commotion somewhere behind them, one hand on the weapon at her hip. Overzealous, Gabriel thought again, watching her go.

   “You’d think their first priority would be getting civilians off the scene,” he commented absently, tilting his head slightly to the left without averting his gaze from the spot where the policewoman had disappeared a moment earlier.

It’d taken more time than her patience allowed, but finally, Alondra had made it through most of the disorder, the bodies beginning to break up as she approached the police barrier. She held a finger in the air, lips parting as she was about to try and catch one of the police officer’s attention, when she noticed her husband, instead letting out a whoosh of breath in relief. 

“Thank god.” She looped an arm through his, leaning her head on his shoulder as she examined the officers. “I’m sure you can get us off the scene.” Alondra peered up at him, batting her lashes, “The car can’t be that far off, right? Someone must be able to bring it around. My heel is about to break and I refuse to walk barefoot on these streets.”

[alondraaleman]

BEN LOWELL.

Thankfully nothing knocked him down, not that a grab should, but he was pretty stable. It was probably his height. “Oh yeah, I’m sure,” He had never worn heels but they seemed hard to even walk in, let alone run. “But you seem to have ‘em under control and everything, which is very impressive. I can barely walk in these things,” He looked down at his shoes as he spoke. 

Ben couldn’t help but chuckle, “Uh, well,” He looked around, then on his top toes, “Everything’s kind of a mess right now. And everyone’s kind of clustered together. Your best bet is to probably to keep on going or get into your car if you can,” There wasn’t much else to do. “Are you at least alright right now?”

Alondra let out a sigh and she took his arm again to adjust her heel, balancing on her other foot as she wiggled it into place. “Well, my car isn’t anywhere close by, so it looks like I’ve got quite the hike ahead of me.”

“Oh, I’m fine. I’ve dealt with with far worse than a little chaos.”

[alondraaleman]

BEN LOWELL.

Shots rang through his ears, Ben was still not used to the sound, and probably never would be. He basically flinched at the loud sounds. He knew he had to get out of there, but his first instinct was to look for others. “Do you need any help?” He asked the nearest person, not knowing who was injured or stunned or whatever. 

Alondra had gotten separated from Gabriel amidst the bustle of chaos. Someone had been sprinting past and knocked into her side, making her stumble off balance and grab on to the nearest stable thing.

It just so happened to be a gentleman she vaguely recognized. In this city, that usually meant he belonged to one of the families in some way, but was just low enough that Alondra hadn’t memorized anything in particular short of their face. Releasing him immediately, she flashed him a smile, “Looks like you might’ve already helped me, right? Heels in chaos aren’t exactly friendly.”

She let her eyes rake over the man, smile still dancing on her lips, “You see any quick route out of here from up there?”

[alondraaleman]

PAITYN COSTELLO.

Paityn didn’t like what this woman was implying about her families: the one she was born into and the one she married into. Clearly this stranger knew far more about her than she her. It made her uncomfortable. On edge. 

“Perhaps what you need is people telling you what to say,” Paityn replied, rather sharply. “It’s not very attractive to be a bitch for no reason to someone you don’t know.”

She went back to the fitting room and slammed the door shut, hoping by the time she emerged, the nightmare of a woman would be gone. Paityn had countless more garments she wanted to try; she doubted she would be able to handle so much snark directed at every single option. 

The next dress, Paityn adored. However, what she feared looking at in on the rack proved true: it exposed a bit too much of the discoloration in her skin. How much, she couldn’t be sure without better lighting and a better mirror. 

Suck it up, she said to herself. Paityn was home and she’d been through hell and back. You can handle this. 

She walked out and stood where she was only a moment before. The different angle and brighter environment made it clear she wouldn’t be able to wear this dress out in public. Not until she properly healed, at least. Paityn felt a twinge of hurt in her heart, but she tried to not let the disappointment show. Just as she tried to ignore any company that may have been around.

“You might be right, but,” Alondra’s palm faced the ceiling in a casual shrug gesture, “I’m very content with my level of attractiveness.” She’d barely noticed when Paityn retreated back to the dressing room, only catching Alondra’s attention when she stepped up to the mirrors parallel to the one she was at. 

Bruises were clear in the dress she was wearing, the lighting in the room leaving little to imagination. Alondra didn’t look at her directly, instead, she kept her eyes on herself, catching glimpses of the damage her family had done to Paityn in her peripheral. 

She felt no remorse, no guilt; it had all been for the family, for their business, and that made it worth it. There’d always be casualties, always prices to pay. Alondra had become used to it, she thrived in it -- and with a man like Gabriel at her side, she wouldn’t give any of it up for the world. 

She smoothed her hands along her curves, feeling the silky fabric of the dress against her skin before turning, casting a quick glance in Paityn’s direction on her way back to the dressing room, “You have lovely rest of your day, Mrs. Costello.”

[alondraaleman]

JOAQUIN ALEMAN.

Joaquín got into the backseat with Alondra. Their food was piled neatly in the middle seat. He reached for the ridiculously priced bottle of water, uncapped it, and took a drink. He instructed the chauffeur to drive across town to El Palacio. If Alondra needed to go elsewhere, she could speak up and change their destination at any time.

His assistant had coordinated their meal. He peered inside the bag: Alondra’s favorite salad, and a sandwich for Joaquín. He reached inside and divided their food. 

“Jerry Provost. Wants to host an event at the new hotel location in California. Something for his charity–” A pause, to unwrap and take a bite of his sandwich. “– I told him I’d see what I could do. Wants to host it at the end of July, but the hotel won’t be finished until mid-August. Could we swing it? He’s a good friend to have.”

Alondra balanced the salad in one of her hands, legs crossing as she lifted her fork to take a bite. She listened to Joaquín, occasionally directing her gaze out the window, watching buildings pass by. When he finished, she gave him a prize-winning smile, the type that people like Jerry Provost got when he wanted an event before their hotel was even open.

Any publicity is good publicity. Alondra always did what was best for business -- for the family. 

“I’m sure we could. At the very least, I can make sure the area where the event would be held will be done. We can push off some of the work on the rooms, prioritize that--” She paused to take a sip of her water, lifting a hand in a carefree gesture, “Shouldn’t be a problem. I’m all for making good friends.”

[alondraaleman]

LIAM EDWARDS.

Liam cleared his throat when he noticed that the woman began to occupy herself by ogling at her own reflection. At least it’s good to know that someone’s more conceited than him. It’s no wonder that she carefully knows her style, judging from her demeanor, she seems to be very full of herself. Not that he minds though, Liam is tired of all the bullshit rich people does, it’s almost unnerving. “Yes, I am always forward about myself, but I do assume that you’re better at being forward than I am.” He chuckled, this woman had to guts to deliberately say the words that shouldn’t be spoken. Liam assumed that the character is because of all the money cushioning her lack of self-control. It’s almost a cliche thing in rich families, to think they are the top of the world, the finest of rubies, when in fact, each turns to dust, helpless in their last breath. He has seen it before, money doesn’t astound him, especially arrogance fueled by it. “Liam Edwards.” He introduced, offering his hand. “Judging by your skin and face, you look like a kid sheltered by a lot of privilege, I’d like to ask which rich family you came from, but I assume from your strong persona that you try, or have made a name for yourself. Well then, who are you?”

Alondra eyed him thoughtfully as she took his hand, meeting his gaze as she gave it a firm shake. “Alondra Aleman. Pleasure.” She tried to decipher something about him, even what he did for a living. He wasn’t a face she’d seen before, and since she’d done her research, she knew who all the important people in Chicago were. This guy wasn’t one of them — but that didn’t mean he didn’t have some other role somewhere else that might’ve interested her. She might’ve asked what he did for a living, but she was stuck on how he’d followed up his introduction, amusement flittering across her face.

“Judging by my skin and face?” Her features lit up as she laughed, a wide smile lingering after the delighted sound had faded, “What are we in Silence of the Lambs now? You sure about me being more forward? You don’t seem to have much of a filter yourself, Mr. Edwards.”

[alondraaleman]

EVA CALDERON.

“I am sorry if it is a grievance for you to have to hear the misstep of someone who was caught off guard by your condescending tone.” Far from sorry Eva looked at the other she had always admired for her strong work ethic and determination to make things happen. Yes, she had rambled and her voice might not have had the clarity it did not but she would not allow what made her human be belittled. Speak even though your voice may shake. Her voice would not shake with Alondra; Eva would never give her that pleasure.

“I have managed to make plenty of people listen to me over the years despite this misstep that happened in your presence. Just as your brother in law and husband. I made them listen when I first met them.” Infuriating, no good- Alondra managed to get under her skin. Eva may not have raised her voice to get her message across but there was an even toned force behind every work that she spoke. Alondra may be Gabriel’s wife, Joaquin’s sister in law and had the pull to remove Eva from her job if Alondra so wished but that did not give her the right nor entitlement to speak to her in that manner.

Just because she was kind does not mean she is a doormat to be stepped over.

Hands down at her sides she turns to the dressing room where Alondra has gone in. One pleasant remark would not kill either of them. “The night went well. Your hotel was a favorite amongst those in attendance and many vied for the room that you had graciously donated for the cause. A substantial amount of money was raised off that alone for the orphanage which I am sure we can both agree on is what the night was all about.” A little less than gracious Eva was beginning to suspect if this is how she was 24/7.

“Of course many caught my eye, I had to make sure the night went to plan, but none in the way your wording applies.”

Alondra stepped from the dressing room, looking absolutely tickled as she approached Eva, now wearing the dress she’d come in with. “There it is. Although, I have to say, interesting route scolding me for being condescending then turning around and doing it yourself. Thank you so much, by the way, for reminding me what the evening was about.”

She shrugged, her bottom lip jutting out ever so slightly as she reached forward to tuck back a few strands of Eva’s hair, her eyes focused on the other woman’s head. “Hm.” She smiled, “My husband and my brother-in-law, huh? Pick a lane, Miss Eva. I do so appreciate a woman who can stand up for herself, but I appreciate it more when she does it with some dignity. I can tell you with utmost certainty that shade of bitch doesn’t look all that good on you.” 

It was well-known Alondra could have an attitude, it was part of her personality; domineering and sometimes a little overly judgmental. Usually, she made up for it, and those closest to her, knew to take it with a grain of salt. She could spar with the best of them, but the way Eva brought up Gabriel and Joaquin felt like a power play, like a girl pretending to be meek as a means to an end. It wouldn’t have been the most surprising; most people couldn’t be trusted. Especially in this business. Alondra’d never had a problem with Eva before, but perhaps the move had shifted something, perhaps the other woman wanted more.

She let her hand fall away, crossing them over her chest as she met Eva’s eyes, still the picture of composure, smiling away as if she were having a conversation with a neighbor or even a friend. “I appreciate what you do. I love your causes. You have a bright mind and I know you can really go places. I’m sure you, as well as I, want to keep that road nice and open. We’ve all grown just so fond of you, Eva.” Again, she reached forward, leaning in closer to Eva as she took her by the hand, “Let’s keep things pleasant, shall we? I’d hate for anything to ruin our relationship now.”

[alondraaleman]

JOAQUIN ALEMAN.

Joaquín had heard of Alondra’s whereabouts through her security detail. Joaquín was still overseeing the day to day operations in California while they found a trustworthy replacement to manage things out west. And, even though Alondra took care of the legitimate side of business, the Aleman brothers still had a very pristine reputation in California. Joaquín maintained relationships with politicians and local figures and, sometimes, that meant they’d reach out to him personally for a favor. 

A new hotel, owned by the Alemans, was being constructed in California, and Jerry Provost was desperate to host an event there. Joaquín didn’t necessarily need Alondra’s permission to approve things like that, but he respected her, and her position within their business. Besides – she was far more familiar with the operation and whether or not they could manage something like that by the time the hotel opened in August. 

Joaquín didn’t expect to hear Alondra critiquing someone’s outfit choice, but it was rather interesting. She was really letting them have it. Joaquín could be cruel, too, but he kept to himself for the most part. He didn’t enjoy interacting with people unless he absolutely had to.

Moments went by – Joaquín waited for the interaction to finish before he called out for Alondra.

“It’s me. Come out when you’re done. I got lunch in the car and some shit I need to run by you.”

Alondra was just zipping herself back into her own dress when she heard Joaquin’s voice, a beam dancing across her features as she stepped out to greet him. Hands on his shoulders, she leaned in and gave him a kiss on either cheek, wrinkling her nose as she flashed him a broad smile.

“Hello, handsome. How nice of you to think of me and bring me lunch! You’re a darling. I’m absolutely starving.” She wiggled her fingers in a wave at one of the attendants who’d been helping her as they made their way out, “I’ll be back for that dress!”

She followed Joaquin out to the car, typing on her phone as she shuffled a few things around to make sure she wasn’t late. Once they were in the car, she made herself comfortable in the back seat, crossing her legs as she reached into her purse for a small mirror. She spoke again as she checked her make-up, peering past it at Joaquin briefly, “So… shit to run by me…”

[alondraaleman]

LIAM EDWARDS.

He heard the clacking of heels coming towards him and he knew from that point on he was dead meat. At least the lady did find it funny like he did, but he knew not to mess with women’s affairs. With women, anything could get worse. “I consider myself non-existent, ma’am.” He answered as if to duck from any attention that might be thrown at him, but it was too late. She was already beside him giving him the same look as she did with the other woman. Ah shit, he thought. He really should have gone with the black suit or else he wouldn’t have been in his position now. 

The attendant came near and the woman extended her arms towards the suit. “Is dark blue good enough?” He asked. Liam was confident enough he could pull off even rags so he doesn’t really mind. However, to avoid conflict, he’ll have to pretend he was interested. “Look, I apologize for laughing. I don’t know, I can’t explain it.” He said, still slightly chuckling at the idea of it. “But I really just wanted to finish shopping for clothes, I’m better without it anyway.” Liam shrugged.

“And why exactly do you feel you need to apologize for laughing? Clearly, you found my comment funny. If anything, I’d apologize to the woman I was speaking to, if I were you. But we don’t really care about her, do we?” Alondra wasn’t looking at him anymore. Instead, she was admiring herself in the mirror, tilting her frame from one side to the other, her neck canting back to get a glance from different angles.

She paused when he spoke again, making what she could only assume was a joke about him being better without any clothes. A brow arched in his direction, her index finger delicately balancing on her chin, “Oh, are you now? I’d ask if you were always this forward too but... as you said, shopping to do.”

[alondraaleman]

CHANEL ALBRIGHT.

Chanel had been making her rounds to her favorite shops in Chicago, picking out outfits for her own personal social life having already picked up quite a few items for her professional side. As little as she actually had to have a personal life, she still liked to be prepared for all occasions. Right now she was trying cocktail dresses, some of them going swimmingly while some… Not so much.

She was just about to head back to her dressing room when she heard a rather judgmental tone floating towards her. It was in regards to the dull white dress she had on, admittedly not one of her finest picks. The attitude that came with the criticism, however, was something Chanel could do without.

“Well the supervisors at the ward had their hands full today so they let me go on my own since I’ve demonstrated such good behavior.” The words were biting though she regretted it the moment she turned around and realized who it was she was speaking to. Though she hadn’t had the opportunity to meet with her directly at the recent charity event, Chanel still knew exactly who Alondra Aleman was. And starting off with a rocky introduction wasn’t exactly something she’d been hoping for when it came to creating further relationships with the Aleman family.

Smiling sheepishly, she looked down at her dress and gave a short laugh before wagging a finger at Alondra. “You sure can call them, though. This dress should probably be burned out back.”

This woman’s comment elicited a grin from Alondra, laughter falling from her lips despite the other woman’s biting tone. Alondra had been a bitch, she knew that much; sometimes she couldn’t help herself. But she appreciated a fair sparring partner, at the very least, someone who could handle it all with a relatively good nature.

“Good for you, darling. Might as well make the day worth it, terrible attire and all.”  While she couldn’t say she recognized the other woman, she knew she’d seen her somewhere before. Her lips pursed as she gave the blonde a real look. Then it came to mind: Chanel Albright. Alondra had done her research on both families and who worked for them. Gabriel and Joaquin had made the information available to her, and she’d done a little extra digging on her own. Public relations. Costello.

“I believe one of the people here are supposed to give you some direction before allowing you to head off in something so… dull.” She offered a bright, polite smile, stepping away from the mirrors, “Especially for someone who looks like you, huh?”

“Alondra Aleman,” she held out her hand as she approached Chanel, hand extended and smile still firmly in place. “You’re funny.”

[alondraaleman]

EVA CALDERON.

“I-” The heat of embarrassment spread across her cheeks like a raging fire at Alondra’s words. The dress hadn’t been something she normally gravitate towards. The style loud; boisterous; attention seeking. Everything Eva was not. It was a chance to know what it would feel like to be dressed in a garment that woman with that kind of confidence could pull off. For a single moment it had been fun but now she felt like a fool. 

Eyes downcast, Eva did her best not to fidget in the dress that grew more and more uncomfortable under Alondra’s eagle eyed stare. What was I thinking? “If you’ll excuse me.” Her words a whisper before she dashed back into the dressing room before another word could be said about the state of her appearance. Of all the people to see her like this it just had to be her. The woman with poise and an air about her that naturally made people stare. Alondra Aleman was stunning and the woman that would wear this dress rather than it wearing her as it did Eva. She probably should have said hi to Alondra and she’d kick herself for that too but with each passing second she felt her body temperature rise from the embarrassment. 

Warm hands fumble with the clasp at the back of her throat; the metal slipping between her fingers each time she tried to do undo it. It would be several more unsuccessful attempts until the clasp was unhooked and she could take the thing off and slip on her red, wrap dress with a white floral print that she arrived in. She muttered to herself a reminder that such outlandish things were not her nor could they ever be. The less complicated the silhouette the better it would be for her. Was it minutes or hours that had passed since her fast departure? She hoped for the latter only so Alondra could not see just how embarrassed she was but that was not the case for there she was standing outside looking like Aphrodite herself. “Thank you.” A short strung together sentence with some dignity was better than none. “For the comment on the dress. You were right about it I just thought I’d try something on for fun but I now see how grave the error was I had made.” Now she rambled. Great.    

Sometimes Alondra forgot how sensitive Miss Calderon could be. Eva was angelic in the way she served the community, how she hoped for and wanted to see the good in everything. Alondra found it part amusing, part annoying, how her personality should so match her activities. A meek, doe-eyed thing who buckled at the sight of confrontation. She’d noticed how Joaquin looked at her, the minor changes in his body language when Eva was present. And if this woman could hold his attention for this long, if anything were to come of it, Alondra expected the girl to grow a spine. Perhaps that what Joaquin liked about her in the first place.

“Hmph,” Alondra twirled her fingers through the air, dismissing the blushing woman as she took the time to admire herself in the mirror. The dress was gorgeous; still, not right. She had her hair bunched up against the back of her head, imagining a different style as she examined herself, spinning back toward the dressing rooms just in time to be met with Eva once again.

An exasperated sigh fell from her lips, brow rising as she let brunette locks fall back over her shoulders, “So then say you were trying it on for fun. And how much it looked hideous. Like you mean it. Then move on, Eva. How can you possibly expect to get anyone to listen to you if you’re just stumbling over your words all the time? You’ve been around long enough to know I have little patience for these things.” 

She brushed past Eva, back into the dressing room to try on another, this time blue, though she continued the conversation from the other side of the door. “How did the other night go, by the way? I do hope you enjoyed yourself. First big event here in Chicago. Maybe a person or two caught your eye? One of the best things about a new city!”

[alondraaleman]

PAITYN COSTELLO.

“That’s kind of what I’m going for,” Paityn responded, used to snide remarks from models and socialites. It drove her to insanity once. “I’ve been told I look terribly pale lately, by people other than you. Might as well make it a look.” She was sure if she hadn’t taken a Xanax before leaving the apartment, she’d probably crawl away and hide at the moment of confrontation. 

Paityn had security keep their distance, but was sure if this woman caused trouble, they’d be able to step in quickly. The stranger looked vaguely familiar; like a face passing by in a crowd. 

Looking in the mirror, the dress wasn’t sparking joy. Paityn wanted to buy things to feel better. That was the point of retail therapy, no? She shrugged before saying, “I don’t need anyone to tell me what to wear.” 

“Usually, when one wishes to make something a look, they’re going for a good one.” Paityn Costello. It was almost comical, seeing her here, unaware of Alondra’s knowledge of her kidnapping, of her role in it. She wore it in her smile, entertainment tugging at the corners of her lips as she watched the blonde study herself in the mirror.

There was a nervous air to the young woman, blanketed in apathy she could only assume was drug induced based on her history. Of course, they’d done their research. Of course, Alondra made sure it was kept in her memory. Everything Costello or Sinclair related had a special place in her mind, filed away with everything else they intended to burn down and rebuild in this fine city.

“Perhaps you might want to rethink that strategy. You just had that big wedding. Big family. Big names. Surely you don’t want to look like a stray dog they found in an alley — on either side.” Alondra held her hand out, palm facing upward as she gestured at the dress, “I know plenty of people who are absolutely perfect for telling you what to wear.”

[alondraaleman]

LIAM EDWARDS.

Liam thought it was dumb that he had to buy a formal attire to an event he was required to attend to. They could just simply wear a uniform and that would be fine, but if he had any chances of having a promotion, obeying orders had to be a part of it. He went inside a fancy store and began to fit whatever his hands could get on. The ladies were kind enough to help him through it, almost as if they were the ones already choosing for him in the first place. He saw a woman come inside the store as he was checking himself out in front of the mirror but the female staff were too occupied debating what color suits him the most. “I think I’ll get the classic black one.” He suggested, but one of the girls insisted he tries another one. A few moments later, he saw another woman in yet a rather dashing dress come outside of the dressing room.  Minding his own business, Liam sat on the stool wearing his black suit and began to read a newspaper as the lady fetched for the dark blue suit which she prides upon. He heard the woman in a pink dress speak and caught a glimpse of her subtly insulting the other woman beside her. He couldn’t help but let out a sudden laugh before both women looked at him. “No, I–, uh. Funny news we have here today.” He attempted to reason out his inappropriateness before hiding his face once more at the back of the newspaper.

A burst of laughter caught Alondra’s attention, the corner of her mouth quirking into just a hint of a smirk. News. She clicked her tongue against her cheek, amusement glinting in her eyes as she spoke, “Would you consider yourself more educated? Mister... ?” Browns cast over him, examining his outfit and whether or not he seemed to be the type to frequent a place like this often. 

When the attendant came to offer the man the blue alternative, Alondra extended a hand toward the suit, “Perhaps you should try a little color.” 

[alondraaleman]

Alondra had yet to fully acquaint herself with the city of Chicago. Since she arrived, she’d been running all around the place, but it’d been for primarily business, and she had yet to get a glimpse of the city for what it was outside of that. She’d heard of Oak Street and it’s boundless shopping opportunities -- and Alondra had never been one to pass up the fashion scenery. 

She was in one of the shops, stepping from the changing room to get a look of herself in one of the larger mirrors. And better lighting. Her dress was absolutely spectacular -- a pink flowing number she absolutely had to get for her and Gabriel’s next date night. But as she turned to head back into the dressing room, she caught a glimpse of the person next to her, and their anything but spectacular choice. 

“That... is all wrong. Washes you out so badly you look like you belong in a hospital ward. Isn’t someone supposed to be with you to keep you from making terrible decisions like... whatever that is?”

[magiciansladies]