It was mid summer, the year was 1921. The 19^th amendment was ratified a few years ago and prohibition still knocked on every door. As we all know though, that never stopped anyone. Speakeasies materialized around every corner and hid in every shadow. Margaret and I enjoyed partying, smoking and drinking with the boys. Tonight we’re going to the Cotton Club in Harlem, it’s a big hit now.

                Margaret pulled up in her Model T, her short, curly brown hair being blown back in the wind but somehow still perfectly in place when stopped. I watched her through the window above the sink as I ironed clothes. She stepped out of the car and walked up the driveway to the front door. She wore a fitting black dress that rested above her knee, her heels clicked with every step she took.  A cigarette rested between her fingers and touched her bright red lips. She was sexy, there’s no other way to describe it. All the men wanted her and she flaunted her looks at any chance she could get. Her confidence and bright smile illuminated throughout every room that she walked into. She’s my best friend, I like to think that some of her beauty would rub off on me. “Laura! Where are you my dear?” she yelled as she opened the front door. “In the kitchen!” I yelled back at her. “How do I look?” she said her voice full of excitement as she twirled around. Her hair bobbed and hugged her face as her smile widened. “You look spiffy.” “Now it’s your turn!” Margaret grabbed my arm and we rushed out to her car. She sped away from the curb and lit her cigarette. “Where are we going?” I asked, still in shock that she dragged me out the door so quickly. “To get you dressed of course!”

                We pulled up to her Daddy’s house and again she dragged me by the arm. We walked through the door and she jabbered quickly with her mother and father then took me to her room. I plopped down on the bed. “What’re we doing here? I have perfectly good clothes at home,” I lied through my teeth and she knows it. “I’m going to get you all dolled up and we gon’ have fun!” I sighed in defeat. Margaret pulled piles of clothes out and threw them at me and on the floor. Dozens of colors flew at me. Oh goodness, what did I get myself into. She bounced around her room like a child in a candy store. Next thing I know, I’m standing in the middle of her room in my knickers. “I have the perfect idea for you,” Margaret said as she turned back around to grab a black dress out of her closet then handed it to me. “It’s a good thing we’re the same size,” she winked at me. Again, with a sigh of defeat I put on the dress. It was tight and hugged my smooth figure. The dress was stretched to the middle of my thigh and the ruffles started at my hips to my knees. Margaret handed me a pair of shiny black flats. Then she linked with my arm and sat me down in front of the mirror to style my hair. My blonde hair was short and hugged my face. We decided that there wasn't much to do, it didn't look too bad in the first place. I put on some red lipstick and my transformation was complete. I stood in front of the mirror and was breath taken. My eyes grew wide and I had to catch my breath. “Wow,” was the only thing I could think of saying. My light skin complimented my red lips and my body was long and lean. The dress hugged me in all the right places. Margaret just smiled at me and I decided to finally smile back. “You look great. Now let’s go!” We rushed out the door to the car.

             It only took 30 minutes with the way Margaret drove. It was only 6pm and crowds of people entered the Cotton Club. There were so many different people, men, women, old and young. We parked on the street and immediately people gazed in our direction. As we stepped out, Margaret lit another cigarette and as we walked by men, they whistled at us. I felt my face get hot red and I giggled under my breath. Margaret looked at and winked at me. We walked through the door and the smell of whiskey and cologne punched us in the face. My eyes went wide and Margaret's grin grew. There was so much commotion. Women wore next to nothing and danced up on stage, wiggling their hips and kicking their legs. They sparkled in the dim lights and their shoes dazzled as they whipped around. A group of African American men stood in a group at one end of the stage playing music and tapping their toes. They wore suits while their fingers moved up and down the shaft of their saxophones and produced music that was smooth and soulful. I couldn't help but move my hips to the beat. Margaret grabbed my hand and led me towards the bar where men sat on their stools hootin' and downin' shots of whiskey. Margaret ordered something for us and when she handed it to me, the glass was filled with something that resembled black sludge. We clinked glasses and down it went, I felt like I was swallowing rubber. My body quickly felt warm, my finger tips tingled and my throat burned. I looked at Margaret and let out a soft giggle as I caught her staring at a good looking young man a few stools down. He paid no attention to her, he just kept ordering and sucking down drink after drink. Still, her glance never faltered. I ordered three more glasses of sludge and I could start to feel the effects of the alcohol making my balance fail and my giggles continue. "Don't just keep starin' at him, go talk to 'em," I tried to urge Margaret. "Oh.. I dun know," I could hear the nervousness blend with a slur in her voice. But she applied more lipstick, lit a cigarette and I gave a little push on her tush, over she went. 
           She took the empty seat next to the man and I gave her a thumbs up for reassurance. Then I took another swig from my glass and lit my own cigarette. My head bobbed and my hips swayed slightly to the rhythm of the song. Lights flashed all around and I felt that my head was filling up like a balloon. My mind was cloudy but I felt great. I looked around the room, it was full of laughter and music. The women on stage danced with such power I couldn't help but envy them, I want to be looked at and move like that. I glanced over at Margaret and the man but they were no longer sitting at the bar. I didn't really think much of it other than the fact that I was now alone. My heart fluttered and I felt the alcohol rise up to bubble in my throat. I quickly ran to the bathroom and leaned over the sink, trying to hold back vomit. My head was spinning and my knees shook violently threatening to give way under my weight. I couldn't think straight, I wondered where Margaret went and why she left me. I just wanted to go home. I staggered out the bathroom and out the front door, pushing my way through crowds of people, words being spewed in my direction. 
           It was dark out and streetlights barely lit the roads. The cold air burned my skin and throat. Panic took over and my thoughts raced. I don't know what to do, how am I going to get home? What way do I go to even reach home? Question after question circled my mind. What time is it? Tears began to flow and streak my cheeks. I tripped on the curb and my legs gave up on me, I hit the ground hard. My head bounced up from the concrete and stars circled. It was hard to breath and I could feel myself gasping for air. I couldn't move, couldn't get up and I couldn't find my voice. I laid there helplessly, my head throbbing. I felt warm, my breathing slowed and air became harder to find. Confusion overwhelmed me and darkness consumed me.