C12 A SECOND THOUGHT

The moon light casted a soft glow on two beautiful ladies.Beatrice dressed in a seductive dress, took Hazel to a nightclub in a different town. The North of their community.

"C'mon beauty, I've got a whole new world to show you" Beatrice pulled her, The man at the door was baldheaded. He looked unfriendly, his body designed with dark tattoos. He took one look at them and shook his head. Beatrice leaned forward and spoke in the man's ear, as she slipped some foreign currency into his hand. He stepped aside and let them enter.

It was dark and smoky inside. Hazel's mouth fell open when she spotted two naked girls gyrating on a stage. The place was packed with people, mostly men. Beatrice pulled Hazel along behind her, to the vibrant bar, until she found a place for them to sit.

As she perched on the stool, men looked at her. She felt her skin crawl, she observed the science with curiosity.

The lively atmosphere surrounded them with pulsating music, and the rhythmic movements of dancing girls on poles set the stage for an exhilarating night.

A topless waitress came towards them.

"May I take your order?" She asked biting on her chewing gum nonchalantly

"I'll have a bottle of water please" Hazel told her. The waitress wrinkled her face and stared at her.

Beatrice slapped her forehead "Oh, come on, Hazel! Live a little. We're here to have fun, this is not a therapy session. Beatrice urged, I'll have a glass of fine Merlot."

"Coming right up sweetie" She left them

"Oh, Beatrice called after her. make that two" she winked, then leaned back to watch the stage

"Can we go now?" Hazel pleaded, mortified

"What? We just got here. I haven't even had my drink. Quit acting like a church girl and watch the act. She caught her by the chin and turned her head towards the stage. You might learn something to use on Carl" she teased and licked her lips seductively

Hazel, not accustomed to the lively environment, shrugged, "I'm not sure I'm cut out for this kind of place. The topless waitress returned with their drinks. Beatrice took one and handed it to Hazel. My skin crawls each time a nude person passes me" she rubbed her palms together

"Relax, loosen up. You'll thank me later," Beatrice assured, sipping her wine with a smile.

Hazel took her glass and held it closer to the light. "Do you think this is clean?"

"Very certain, the health department checks this place each month"

Hazel hesitated before cautiously sipping her wine, her gaze wandering to the dancing girls. The alcohol's warmth gradually eased her tension.

"See? That's better," Beatrice grinned, nudging Hazel playfully.

As the night unfolded, Beatrice noticed a single guy at the end of the bar.

"Wow Hazel. Check that out" she nodded towards an attractive blonde in white polo, seated at the end of the bar. She began teasing him and blowing kisses, she successfully lured his attention.

"Hazel, he wants me, she grinned. The night is all yours honey. Beatrice announced with a mischievous grin, adjusting her elegant black dress. She left Hazel.

Left alone, Hazel continued to observe the club scene. The sight of couples passionately dancing evoked a pang of loneliness within her. This club was supposed to uplift her mood and cheer her up, not to make her feel single and remind her of her miserable marriage.

Turning to the bartender, she ordered a glass of wine, and then another, drowning her unease.

Beatrice has left her, she felt betrayed and lonely. Observing the bustling environment, she ordered another glass.

Fourth glass

Fifth glass

Damn! She felt relaxed. Hazel felt a sudden surge of energy, she suddenly wanted to have fun. With a glass in hand, she joined the lively dance floor. The crowd cheered as she lost herself in the music. The rhythmic beat of drums pounded through her veins. A strange man pulled her up and danced with her. When he took his hands away, she didn't stop. She felt all her troubles ease her by just moving to the music. Men shouted encouragement, colored lights were in her face. She closed her eyes and swayed. Suddenly someone familiar approached her ---

"Hello, beautiful. I'm Mike. What's your name?" A tall darked haired guy approached her, shouting over the music.

"What?" Hazel shouted

"What's your name?" He repeated

"Hazel!...you're so good looking" she shouted back, the music blaring around them.

"Thanks, you too. He grinned foolishly. Come on, let's dance!" Mike suggested enthusiastically.

Dancing closely to the infectious beat, Hazel and Mike became immersed in the rhythm. Their moves synchronized, the atmosphere heated up as the danced so closely. Mike seized the moment grabbing Hazel's face, he kissed Hazel passionately.

A sudden fist landed on Mike's face, the hand lashed out, striking the man with force across his face. The crack echoed through the club, and people around screamed. He groaned as blood streamed down the man's nose.

Stunned, Hazel looked up to see her husband, glaring fiercely.

"Carl?!" she exclaimed in disbelief.

Ignoring the crowd, Carl moved over and grabbed Mike.

"Don't you have any respect?! Why the hell did you do that"

"What the hell man. Mike managed to speak holding his nose. What did I do?"

"My wife. Stay away from her!" He warned as he released his grip on him.

Hazel wanted to rush to his side, but Carl grabbed her by the arm. "Don't! Come love, were leaving" he propelled her towards the door. People made a path for them.

By a corner in the bar, Beatrice watched them. She watched as Carl led his wife out, a mixture of happiness and concern played on her face, for Hazel's wellbeing.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Leading Hazel outside, Carl's anger was palpable. His fingers dug into her as they strode to the car. Hazel had to take two steps to one of his. He yanked open the passenger door and almost flung her inside. She barely had time to put her legs in before he slammed the door. He moved over and slid into the driver's seat.

Carl cursed as he slammed the keys in and revved the engine. He sped down the street, the tires squealed as he turned the corners. Hazel suddenly became scared. A knot in her belly tightened. She was dizzy, still under the influence of alcohol. What the hell was going on.

"What were you thinking, Hazel? Going to a place like this without even telling me?" Carl scolded her, frustration evident in his tone. As he gripped the steering wheels furiously.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back home, Carl, still fully dressed, paced round their bedroom to wear off his anger. Hazel lay on the bed, her dress raised up to her waist, which made her underwear visible. Her suggestive pose unintentionally captivating Carl. His anger waned as he observed her beauty, a complex mix of emotions swirling in his mind.

Even in this state, she could still seduces him effortlessly. Damn! He raced his hand through his dark hair. Why was he feeling this way now? He was supposed to be mad at her. She looked so beautiful, her blonde hair shining beautifully in the night light. His gaze fell on her beautiful heart shaped lips. He felt shivers run down his spine. No, she looked more beautiful. Hazel shifted a little, then rolled up and sat up. Rubbing her eyes she yawned loudly, then burped.

"Ouch, my head hurts" she yawned, her sight still a little blurry, she recognized Carl's figure. Carl? What are you doing here?"

"The hell? This is my house" he replied sarcastically

"Ohh, right" she replied absentmindedly

"That guy at the club, you kissed him" he began

Hazel closed her eyes terrified. "What guy?"

He caught her wrist and pinned them up against the wall. "You dare deny huh? You look like a sunday school girl, but I know fire still burn inside of you. You whore around, you cheap whore" he spat out to her face

She managed to get one hand free and slapped him across the face. "Not more than you do at the bar houses"

He laughed, but it was a mirthful sound. He didn't say anything else. Moving closer to her, he grabbed her by the hair, and yanked her towards him. "I could mess up your life right now. If am to listen to people, I'll send you back to where you come from. What do you say about that?" The look he gave her made her heart jump

Her expression changed as she didn't reply him

"You know I can have you replaced right now. Huh? Most girls would be begging to be where you are right now. But you --- he gave her a punishing kiss. You're something else". He swallowed her lips, his hand took pleasure in exploring her body features.

........

No! She didn't want this. Hazel stood numb as Carl kissed her. It doesn't have to be this way. He could take advantage of her whenever he wanted, like he was his pawn. A tide of jealousy and hurt swept over her as his palm glided through her skin. Why? Why can't she resist him.

Emotions she had held in check for months came surging through her mind. Tears began to well up in her eyes.

"Turn around" she felt his hot breath, as he whispered to her ear.

No! I won't. Her mind thought, but she felt her body succumb to his will. Carl ripped her dress off her body in one drag. Hot tears fell down her eyes. She sobbed silently. She had never felt such hate or wrath towards someone.

Stroking her hair gently, he bent her over and bucked her up oh the bed. Hazel heard him unfasten his belt. And without warning, he thrust inside her totally. Hazel stifled her scream as he began pounding her.

It hurt. It hurt so bad, not the sex but her heart. The pain she's nursed for long. It was an emotionless pleasure. Stream of tears rushed down her face, as he thrust deeper inside her. Using the back of her palm she wiped her tears. No. She can't continue living this way---

~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, in a secluded tunnel within the community, a group of about forty people gathered to deliver Heather, Pascal, and Martins(The head of the warriors) delivered motivating speeches, emphasizing the importance of their mission, and why they shouldn't give up.

"Today, we risk our lives for a better tomorrow. Today, we step forward without looking back," A middle aged man, Pascal climbed the podium and declared, rallying the group.

"We are not going on a war, but if they want a war we give it to them" Heather

raised her voice from the group, fixing a stern gaze at them

"We risk our lives today, so our children and future generations, could have a better future" Heather continued

On the wooden table in front of them laid foreign and locally forged weapons. "You can pick whichever you choose. And the one you can flexibly use. Martins told them. Each members took turns picking their weapons. When they fell back to their position, Martins continued. And now, we step out without looking back ---"

As they exited the tunnel, their determined faces contrasted with the uncertainty of the path ahead.