Chapter 17 - Have a Nice Dream

The bar's atmosphere was electric, a perfect setting for Talon's performance. As he took the stage, his presence immediately captivated the audience.

"Good evening, everyone," Talon's voice was warm and inviting. "I'm Talon, and I'm excited to be here tonight."

Alice found herself giving in to Talon's persistent persuasion. She was sitting alone, leisurely sipping her drink while gazing at Talon with a content smile.

"I have no doubt that he will become a star in the future," Alice remarked. "He exudes such confidence and authenticity."

Strumming the first chords, he began to sing, his voice rich and emotive. His performance was mesmerizing. Each note from his guitar flowed seamlessly, complementing the raw emotion in his vocals. The audience was visibly moved, hanging on every word and melody.

As the song reached its crescendo, a voice from the back of the room called out, "You're amazing, Talon!"

The shout was followed by a round of applause and cheers, echoing the sentiment.

"Thank you, truly," Talon responded.

He then added, "I'm also working on building my social media presence. I'd be honored if you could follow and subscribe to my account."

The crowd responded enthusiastically, many pulling out their phones immediately. The buzz of conversations around following and subscribing to his social media filled the room.

During a break, guests approached Talon with compliments.

"Hey, I saw your duet with Maya at the wedding! It was incredible!" one guest exclaimed from their table.

"You guys looked great together," another chimed in, "What a performance!"

Blushing slightly at the praise, Talon replied, "Thank you so much! Maya is incredible, and I was just lucky to share the stage with her."

As the evening progressed, the energy in the bar remained high, with people shouting out their favorite songs and Talon obliging with heartfelt renditions. Each performance was met with loud cheers and applause.

Finishing his set, Talon thanked the audience, who responded with a standing ovation.

"You've got a new fan in me, Talon!" someone shouted from across the room, others nodding and shouting in agreement.

As the evening wore on, the atmosphere in the bar shifted to a more intimate tone. Talon and Alice sat together, the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversations providing a soft background. Talon noticed Alice was quieter than usual, her focus mainly on her drink and the food in front of her.

He sat in front of her, offering silent support, creating a comfortable space for her to share her thoughts if she chose to.

Gradually, as the drinks took effect, Alice's guard began to lower, and she started to open up, her words tinged with frustration and a hint of vulnerability.

"It's just so annoying, Talon," Alice began, her voice slightly slurred. "My parents, they're trying to control every aspect of my life. An arranged marriage? Seriously? It's like I don't have a say in my own future."

Talon listened intently, nodding in understanding. He knew better than to interrupt, giving her the space to vent her frustrations.

"I don't want to be someone's trophy wife, you know? I want to live my life, make my own decisions," she continued, her voice rising with emotion. She gestured animatedly, her annoyance evident.

"It's like they don't even know me. I'm not just an extension of their wishes," she said, shaking her head, her brown hair swaying with the movement.

Talon remained a silent observer, offering a sympathetic ear. He understood the importance of simply being there for someone, even without offering solutions.

Alice's eyes flashed with anger as she recounted her parents' attempts to introduce her to potential suitors.

"I mean, the nerve of them! Arranging meetings with a stranger as if I'm some sort of prize to be handed over."

Talon offered a gentle smile, "You're strong, Alice. You always have been. I'm sure you'll figure this out."

Alice looked at him, her anger subsiding slightly. "Thank you, Talon. It's just so frustrating, feeling like I'm not in control of my own life."

He nodded, understanding her need to assert her independence.

"You've always been your own person, Alice. Don't let anyone change that."

The evening took a sudden turn as Alice accidentally knocked over her glass, spilling its contents across the table. Talon quickly moved to her side, his actions swift and careful as he began clearing the mess. He noticed Alice's clothes had caught some of the spills and gently dabbed at the wet spots with a tissue, trying to minimize the damage.

Alice, now visibly affected by the alcohol, slumped back into her chair and leaned against Talon. Her usual sharp and confident exterior had softened, revealing a more vulnerable side as she continued to speak about her father.

"He's always there, controlling every step I take," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and frustration. "Since I was little, it's always been about what they want, what they expect. I've tried so hard to be the best, but it's never enough. They still won't let me be free."

Talon listened, his expression one of empathy, as he gently supported her. The weight of her emotions was palpable, and it was clear how much the lack of freedom had affected her.

Alice's head tilted to rest on Talon's shoulder, her voice becoming more forlorn with each word. "I just want to live my life, Talon. Is that too much to ask for?"

In a moment of vulnerability, she reached out and hugged him from the side, her grip surprisingly firm. Talon could feel the tremors of her repressed emotions through the embrace.

He wrapped an arm around her, offering a comforting presence. "You deserve to make your own choices, Alice. You're strong and independent, and nobody should take that away from you," he said softly.

In the dim light of the bar, Talon could see the tears glistening in Alice's eyes, a rare show of raw emotion from her. It was a stark contrast to the confident and self-assured woman he knew her to be.

He stayed by her side, a silent pillar of support, as the bar's atmosphere hummed around them. The night had taken an unexpected turn, but at that moment, all that mattered was offering Alice the comfort and understanding she so desperately needed.

Talon carefully supported Alice as they left the bar, her steps unsteady. He gently held her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist, guiding her with a steady, reassuring presence. The cool night air did little to revive her spirits as they made their way to the car.

Once inside the vehicle, Talon carefully arranged Alice in the passenger seat, taking a moment to brush away the strands of hair that fell across her face. He then got behind the wheel, casting occasional glances at Alice as she slowly drifted off to sleep, her face reflecting the exhaustion and emotional turmoil of the night.

The drive was quiet, save for the soft hum of the car and the occasional flicker of streetlights that danced across Alice's peaceful visage. Talon couldn't help but smile at the sight, a stark contrast to her usual vibrant and strong-willed demeanor.

Upon arriving at Alice's apartment, Talon gently helped her out of the car and into her room. He laid her down on the bed with care, pulling a blanket over her to ensure she was comfortable. As he turned to leave, thinking not to overstep his boundaries, he felt Alice's hand grasp his own.

"Talon, don't go," she pleaded, her voice soft and vulnerable. "Please stay with me until I fall asleep."

Talon paused, looking down at her. Her eyes were half-open, a mix of sleepiness and sincerity in her gaze.

He hesitated, torn between the urge to stay and provide comfort and the respect for her privacy. Finally, he made a decision.

"Okay, I'll stay," he whispered back, pulling a chair up beside her bed. He sat down, watching over her as she drifted back into sleep, ensuring she felt safe and not alone in her vulnerable state.

Talon remained there, lost in his thoughts, a silent guardian in the quiet of the night.

"Have a nice dream, Alice," he said, then immediately left.