Marie had always been a bit of a night owl. Ever since she could remember, she had always kept late hours. It didn't really seem that odd to her parents at first, considering most babies rarely slept. But, Marie hardly ever slept, as a baby, and now as an adult. That's not exactly true, she slept the majority of her day, but the instant the sun set and nightfall came, Marie was on the prowl. She rarely ever step foot outside during the day, for she preferred the night. And she even had the perfect job for her odd hours, an internet magazine columnist, she simply checked her emails three times a week and emailed her responses back. Her love life seemed to suffer though from her odd hours. Most men she met seemed to only want to take long walks on sunny beaches, when she preferred to sit in her hammock, swinging in the midst of a thunderstorm in the darkest of nights.
"Hmm...let's see what the world of depressed and sexually repressed have for me today." Marie said, signing on her PC. She quickly scanned through the myriad of emails, trying to pick out the best and most promising to respond to. Then a particular email seemed to jump right out her.
"The Temple Night Club invites You to celebrate the Grand Opening. Exclusive party, invitation only...RSVP and reserve Your table!"
"Hmm, exclusive party...sounds fun." she giggled as she sent her RSVP. A few moments later, the familiar "You've got mail" chimed, letting her know that her RSVP was confirmed. Marie continued working, contemplating what her outfit would be for the party. Her thoughts were interrupted by the incessant ring of her telephone. Glancing at the caller id box, she decided against answering the phone, clicking on her answering machine.
"If you recognize the voice, then you know the routine. 'BEEP'"
"Hello dear. This is your mother. I really wish you would change that message, not very ladylike. Anyway, your father and I are having dinner with the Clarks and wanted to know if you would like to join us. Their son, Alexander, is coming with them. He's a pre-med student, very handsome, not to mention very single. Call me. Smooches."
Marie wrinkled her nose, listening to her socialite mother trying once again to set her up with one of her rich friends' dull ass sons. Sighing to herself, she hit the speed dial on her phone, turning on the speakerphone.
"Hello Mother."
"Marie, darling, what a wonderful surprise. I just called you."
"I know, I heard the message."
"You did? Why didn't you pick up the phone?"
"I'm working Mother, can't you hear me typing?" She punched the keys harder to emphasize her point.
'Ah, yes, the little magazine column. When are you going to get a real job, darling? Better yet, why don't you come back home and get rid of that flat you call an apartment." Marie tuned out her mother's condescending voice, realizing yet again why she rarely spoke to her family.
"Marie are you there? Stop ignoring me." her mother's shrill voice jolting her back to reality.
"Yeah Ma, I'm still here." she said, deliberately speaking in that "ghetto" voice her mother hates.
"Marie, I really wish you wouldn't speak that way. You are a Cushmore, we simply do not speak that way." she said right on cue.
"Whatever Mother. I was just calling to decline your dinner invite. I have plans."
"Plans? Why what could you possibly have planned that is more important than dinner with the Clarks?"
"Mother I have a life. Please respect that."
"I will respect that when you decide to grow up and assume your proper role in society. Dinner is at eight sharp. I suggest you try to make an appearance, if not for me or yourself, then do it for your father. He misses you." She knew her father was her Achilles' heel. But, for some reason, she wouldn't cave in.
"Mother, I have plans."
"Marie Devon Cushmore..." her mother whined.
"Mother I have a deadline, we can talk later. Bye." she lied, quickly hanging up on her mother.
The rest of the week went by in blur. Marie couldn't believe that it was Friday already. She stood in front of her closet, fingering through her clothing, trying to decide on what to wear. She deliberately chose this midnight black crushed velvet gown, with form fitting sleeves that belled out at the wrists. The bodice was form fitting as well and laced across the breasts. Selecting a pair of velvet platform boots and a matching crystal studded choker, she laid her clothes out the bed, before strolling nude into the bathroom. The sounds of Nina Simone filled her studio apartment. Marie couldn't resists dancing in the shower as Nina's soulful voice crooned on. Opting on the natural, wild look, she let her hair air dry, curling into its natural state, brushing against the nape of her neck, bouncing as she danced into her underclothes. A wicked thought crossed her mind.
"Mother wants me to make an appearance, didn't she?" she laughed, pulling off her thongs, tossing them aside. She slipped into the gown, sighing as the soft velvet molded against her lush body. Lacing up her boots and putting her choker on, she headed back into the bathroom. Carefully applying dark black eyeliner, emphasizing her almond shaped charcoal eyes. Hers was a natural beauty, not needing much make-up, just eyeliner and shiny lip gloss was enough for her. Painting her short manicured nail black with thin silver stripes, she headed for her home.
"Hiya James, wonderful to see you again." she said, greeting the stoic doorman.
"Hello Miss Marie, you are looking rather different today." he said, looking over his former charge. He always loved her independence, secretly loving ever moment she embarrassed her uptight parents, especially her mother. He opened the door, suddenly aware that this was no longer a child he watched, but a beautiful woman in all her dark glory.
