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[/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=a36209][I][b]CHARITY GALA[/b][/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=a36209][b]Hathor & Julie[/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr]

[color=silver]Tonight should’ve been the best night in Julie’s life. She would’ve danced with Alex. Drunk champagne that costs more than she earned in two weeks and maybe even exchange a few words with Leona herself! Instead she sat on a stool at the bar. The platinum white Aeon dress somehow felt off on her, even though it was a gift from the company itself. She wanted to let the gentle flow of music relax her. Instead she felt only emptiness. A pit in her stomach that seemingly nothing could fill. She just kept sipping the white martini in front of her, having nursed it for almost an hour now. Worst of all was that it felt like she couldn’t leave. Not when she was invited. Not as a photographer even. She was invited as a guest.

“What’s a girl like you doing alone at the bar?” Someone said from behind her. Before she knew it someone, a man, put his hand on her bare shoulders. Sending a jolt through her and forcing her to turn and throw off the touch. “Oh dear, smile! Those sad eyes really don’t look good on you.”

Her sad look did change, but into a frown. “Go away.” She said, softly. Hoping it would be enough as she turned around to face the bar again.

Instead the man sat beside her. He was old and round and somehow smaller than she was. “I’ll take a whiskey on the rocks and the lady will…” he gestured at Julie. She just sipped her drink. “Right.” The old man said. The barkeeper was smart enough to walk away to just fix up the whiskey. “You know most people would be elated to be talking to me. Do you have any idea who I am?” He said, as he somehow tried to push out his chest and look bigger than he was.

Julie couldn’t care who he was. In truth, if she encountered Leona she probably wouldn’t be able to summon up that spark that she always felt when looking at her dresses. All her friends had said it would pass. That she’d find someone worthy of her. But Alex felt worthy. He had his flaws. She knew that, she had accepted them. But when it counted he was sweet and caring and always there for her. Even when she didn’t even expect it. The memories flooded in again as she tried to fight the tears. How was she still not cried out about him!?

“Oh honey, no need to cry. I know you probably got me confused with just some schmuck who didn’t belong here but in truth I’m really a forgiving man.” The round guy beside her said, as he suddenly put his hand just above her knee.

Julie jolted from the touch again and slapped it away. “Please. Leave.” She said firmly as she looked the man straight in the eyes. Her will clashing with his. She wouldn’t give in. No matter how low she felt now.

Tlaz and her had been some of the first few to actually entertain the dance floor after one or two drinks were down the hatch, giving them even more reason to let loose. They laughed and spun each other about, moving and swaying to the beat of the music. Her friend was proving an excellent distraction, pulling her attention from the crowd so she didn’t search through the faces. She was finally feeling more confident than the nervous mess from before and honestly felt like she could take on the world. She was a goddess and just needed to remind herself of that from time to time when she felt powerless. She could still pick herself up and brush off embarrassment or whatever the fates decided to place in her path, but one more drink might not hurt. [color=FF0927]”Hey, I’m going to grab myself another drink. I’ll snag one for you too so don’t wander off or I’ll come searching for you!”[/color], Hathor smiles bright, easily making her way through the crowd. 

She gracefully hopped up onto one of the many bar stools, waiting for the bartender to realize she was there or snag their attention as they passed. Her obsidian gaze drifted down the bar as she remained patient but still needed some form of entertainment. It seemed there was quite the number of groups gathered at the bar, some more rowdier than others or loud talkers which reminded her of the good old days. There were a few that just looked content or were lounging nearby as she was but her eyes stopped on a certain sorrow filled face which was on the edge of tears. She could never stand it when women cried. It pulled at the very fabric that made her what she was and called on her to smooth as well as protect. Hathor found herself concerned on why anyone would be upset at such an occasion when she noticed the older portly man getting a little too touchy feely. 

It seemed as though he wasn’t taking a hint that the woman was not interested. How he couldn’t see the ‘fuck off’ sign clearly written on her features was beyond her but he either wasn’t taking no for an answer or just didn’t care as he seemed to get into the woman’s personal space again even after being slapped away. Hathor had no idea what the man was saying currently but at this point she could care less because she had already decided he had outstayed his welcome. She swiftly removed herself from her seat, taking a confident stride past multiple guests who naturally moved aside either due to a sense of self preservation or because they didn’t wish to be rude. Either way, she found herself behind the older man in question and gripped down harshly on the man’s shoulder, making sure to snag one of the pressure points while she was at it. 

He made out an almost strangled cry of surprise as she held him in a bruising grip but she pretended not to notice his shocked stare. An overly sweet smile was on her features, obviously showing her suppressed rage at the man currently in her gasp. [color=FF0927]”Honey, I’m so sorry I was late. I hope I didn’t worry you.”[/color], Hathor said in a gentle tone as one would a lover, letting go of the male mortal in favor of wrapping an arm around the waist of the female. Her heated glare locked onto the older man, her tone switching to something more serious with a hint of danger as she spoke once more to issue her disguised threat, [color=FF0927]”This gentleman wouldn’t be bothering you would he? I would hate to have to cause a scene or perhaps have a personal discussion with the holder of this event and explain that one of his guests doesn’t understand the meaning of the word harassment.”[/color]

At first Julie didn’t know what happened. One moment the man seemed unrelenting, the next he looked as if the newly arrived woman had severely bruised his ego. Then there was a hand on her hip and she turned stiff with fear. What had she gotten herself into? But soon she realized it was the new woman’s hand who embraced her. Julie let out a slight sigh of relief knowing she wouldn’t have to fend off another man. “I-I-“ Her eyes looked the man over. Gods she didn’t recognize him, but if he was in the fashion industry her career might just have ended.

“We’re fine here, thank you.” The man said, but noticed the hand on Julie’s hip then. With a grunt and huff he gave both ladies a nod and walked away. Out to find another young thing he could convince for the night.

When he left, all tension escaped Julie as her posture almost collapsed. “Oh gods.” She said, somehow a little breathless. “Thank you for that.” She then managed to get out with a meek voice. “I didn’t think he would’ve left me alone if you didn’t appear.” She quickly wiped away the tears that were in her eyes, but it didn’t do anything to brush away the obvious sadness where elsewise a bright spark should be, and held out her hand. “I’m Julie.” She said, trying to sound as happy as she could under the circumstances. Only now did the mortal get a good look at her savior. She was stunning! Something entirely different. Yet somehow… a little familiar? 

She let her arm drop back to her side once the portly prick was out of view and took it upon herself to steal the seat he had just vacated. Hathor smiled gently at the blonde mortal and shook her head, [color=FF0927]”No thanks needed, I’m happy to help anytime. I find some men just don’t take no for an answer and just need some encouragement to take a hike. Women have to stick together after all and I’m used to dealing with his kind at work when I have to.”[/color]. She noticed the bartender holding a whiskey on the rocks, looking confused as to what happened to the one who ordered it. She easily pulled out the amount needed and held out her hand for the drink as she wasn’t one to let good whiskey go to waste and a drink was what she had been looking for in the first place before coming to the other woman’s rescue.

She was eagerly about to have her first sip, glass already to her lips when her newest companion introduced herself causing pause in Hathor’s movements. A flash memory of guilt and heartbreak hit her as she slowly put her glass down to look over at Julie, the sadness behind her smile making her gut drop as she had a sneaky suspicion on who this might be. [color=FF0927]”It’s a pleasure to meet you, Julie. I’m Yasmin.”[/color], she replied, placing her hand in the one offered to give a small shake before moving it back to play with the rim of her glass. How did she manage to have such rotten luck? Why did she keep having to deal with Ares and the problems he left in his wake? She should just walk away, take her drink and head back to Tlaz as it wasn’t her problem but she couldn’t bring herself to do so. Why did she have to be like this? Hathor gave a sigh, taking a sip of whiskey before turning to face her new companion. [color=FF0927]”So, what has you on the verge of tears when we are at such a spectacular event? You don’t have to answer but I find talking about a problem can do a world of good and strangers can’t really judge or give you the typical advice.”[/color]

“Is it that obvious?” Julie said, trying to make it sound like a joke. But Yasmin’s acknowledgement of her state only made her feel worse really. Quite shamefully she looked down at her martini. She realized she really, really didn’t want to drink tonight. It would only get her in trouble and clearly it wasn’t easing her pain. So she put the glass on the counter and pushed it away. She took a deep breath, though almost felt a sob break through, to muster her courage. She opened her mouth but nothing came out. It was as if her own thoughts didn’t even want to say it all out loud. Again. “I’m sorry.” She quickly said as she took another deep breath. “A guy…” Terrible start. “No I mean there was someone…” Worse. “I got broken up with.” Saying it out loud felt like someone was squeezing her heart as she felt a tear fall from her eye. “I’m sorry. I know it’s stupid. I just… I love him. And I really thought he loved me too.” Her lip was almost quivering. “And then he just…broke up with me. Just suddenly.” He looked horrible that evening as well. Beaten and bruised. That in and of itself wasn’t strange for Alex from time to time. But that night he looked worse than ever before. She wiped the tear away, not really caring that it was ruining her make-up. “And I don’t know if I’ll find someone like him again.” She finally dared to look up at Yasmin. A woman who was so much more than she. Especially now she felt herself pale compared to her.

Hathor held her gaze, feeling whispers of that clawing guilt and heartbreak she had personally experienced for the woman before her and shoved it back. [color=FF0927]”It isn’t stupid to mourn the loss of your relationship. I can say that sometimes people leave not because they don’t love you but because they do, just not in the way you deserve to be loved even if you cannot see it from where you are standing now. What is that saying, if you love something then you should set it free? I can offer some positive news that you will find someone again, maybe not like him because no two people are alike but you will find someone that will make you forget what you saw in him because they will be that much more in your eyes.”[/color], she said gently, being completely honest. She knew from experience that the heart moved on, it just took time to do so. It took time to mourn what was and the future that wouldn’t be so you could look to something better and someone better. [color=FF0927]”I promise you will be alright.”[/color], Hathor added.

Yasmin’s words were true and full of wisdom. Anyone should listen to them and follow her advice. But not Julie. She couldn’t. Many already told her that she would find someone. That there were many fish in the sea. That any guy would be lucky to have her. She couldn’t see it though. To her there was only one Alex in the sea and she lost him. Somehow. And while the stunning woman sitting beside her was right, Julie felt how she turned away slightly. Her eyes drawn to her drink that the barman luckily hadn’t taken away yet. Like a crystal ball she looked into it, believing that if she wanted it hard enough, she could see him again in it. “He was supposed to be my Ares.” She muttered, mostly to herself. Gods how she wanted to use his real name. But the second she said it she realized her mistake. For a split second her eyes grew big, before she pushed the panic down again. Quickly she turned to face Yasmin again. “Alex, I mean Alex.” She said with a smile, trying to play it off as a joke. And of course it was a joke, or Ares was just a playful nickname.

She was a bit shocked by Julie’s words and the nervousness in her actions after saying the name Ares which did confirm her suspicions but Hath instead played it cool, taking another sip of her drink. She couldn’t say how much Ares had told her or if it was something she had overheard before assuming it was a nickname. Instead, she would continue to give her last piece of advice for someone struggling. [color=FF0927]”It’s natural to not believe me. I’m not saying that you should move on this second. I’m saying to allow yourself to sit in the moment and feel what you feel. Let time heal your wounds and let your thoughts settle before you make a decision on where to go next. I used to be with someone I loved with all my heart. I thought we were made for each other. That our souls were intertwined and our hearts one puzzle piece to another.”[/color] 

She paused, rolling the ice around in her glass as she stared in a daze, pulling some pleasant memories along with her most painful ones. [color=FF0927]“He left me, not even giving me so much as a warning while he tossed away all the years we had spent together. I knew I should have been furious...I was told that I would find someone better but all I wanted was him. I had longing for what was and honestly, it just made everything hurt so much more. I would hate for anyone to have to go through that. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. Longing and being stuck in what was while everyone moves on to find their own happiness is agony. Sometimes we think someone is meant for us when fate has a different plan. We can either greet it or run from it…..happiness or suffering.”[/color] Hathor stated, pushing her empty glass away from her and resting her chin on her palm while waiting for the bartender to return so she could snag Tlaz the drink she had promised. If her friend had already drifted away from where she left her than at least that would mean another for herself. Though, maybe she should slow down since she was getting overly talkative which Tlaz had joked about on the ride there. 

Julie couldn’t help but feel as if the woman’s story mirrored her own. How she felt that they were made for each other. That their hearts were entwined. Somehow that was the most comfort anyone had given her so far: to tell her this wasn’t the first time it happened. That she wasn’t alone in experiencing this, whatever this horrid feeling was. Though it also made her feel a little pale as well. Especially when Yasmin had described the suffering and pain she went through because she didn’t let go. It felt like a warning, or perhaps prophecy? She didn’t want to think about it so she turned her thoughts back to 

“Whoever he was-“ Julie said, somewhat mimicking Yasmin’s long stare towards the inside of the bar. “He’s an idiot for leaving you. I mean that, even though I just met you. You’re smart, you’re beautiful.” There was a hint of non-malicious envy there for Julie. “And I hope you’ve found someone else.” Though she had that one, nagging question kept popping up in her mind. If one suddenly left with barely a reason, why wouldn’t another? “I hope you’ve found someone who doesn’t just suddenly… leaves.”

[color=FF0927]”That is kind of you to say.”[/color], a genuine smile lighting up her face at Julie’s kind words and also to her amusement about Ra being called an idiot. Hathor could see why Ares liked her so much and cared for her. She felt her smile soften, a probably love sick and dreamy look to her features as she spoke, [color=FF0927]”Not someone that I can call my own, but yes, I have found someone I wish to give my heart to completely. If he accepts me, I won’t let myself fear if he shall leave me or not. I won’t let fear corrupt me in such a way. I wouldn’t really be giving us a chance if I’m already doubting him from the beginning. I have to trust that things will not happen as they did before and even if they do, I already survived it once and fell in love again. That’s the thing about love, it’s abundant. You always have people who will care about you, be there for you, and to love you.”[/color]

Again the words of Yasmin gave Julie hope. Hope that things will be better in the end. That she’d find someone else, maybe. Someday. Right now it still felt only a shimmering star in a sea of nothingness but her words made her remember a truly ancient saying. “īn nīz bogzarad.” It cleared her mind a little. Just enough to see that there were other things. “I guess I’ll just throw myself in my work for now though. Ride this feeling out.” If she ever could ride it out. Then an idea dawned upon her as she quickly swiveled around to face Yasmin. “Hey… I know this is straightforward but… would you ever want to model for me? You don’t need to like, give me a yes or no but if you ever want to, just give me a call!” And with that said she took out one of her cards she had made from her purse and handed it over to the woman. As she handed it over a frown suddenly grew on her face. She took her phone from her purse and looked at it. Her frown deepened. “I’m… sorry I have to… I have to go.” She said, as she looked up to Yasmin and her frown instantly vanished. Before Yasmin would be able to react Julie gave her a quick but firm hug while saying: “Thank you.” But then she shot off, away from the bar like an arrow released from a bow.

She took the card gingerly between her fingertips, playing with the edges as she thought about the offer. At least Julie wasn’t requesting an answer now, giving time to take into consideration everything that went with such an offer. Hathor knew Coco was a model and it did look like a fun thing to try even if just once. She had never done something like that before and it might be worthwhile to give it a shot. She didn’t have a moment to reply in any way though as the other woman was working on excusing herself. She was suddenly enveloped in a quick hug before she was alone once more. She chuckled lightly, flagging over the bartender to get Tlaz a drink and pulled out her purse to place the care inside. Once the drink was in hand, she made her way out of the bar and found herself searching the ballroom in a sea of people. 
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