The velvet strap

“Excuse me, can I get a margarita please”, I ordered, resting my hand on the counter. “coming right up, sir,'' was the instantaneous reply. I received my drink and perched myself at one of the empty spots.

Dim lights shrouded the bar as the intoxicating scent of cigarettes filled the air. Warm bodies swayed, accompanied by dominating beats of music. I went in deep thought about my exhausting day at work when suddenly my chain of thoughts was broken by a couple occupying the table next to mine.

I eavesdropped on their conversation. The girl gasped.” Honey are you aware of the surreal news that is spreading around town?”. ”Are you talking about the Urban legend? Who hasn’t heard of it? The news is ubiquitous; five men have lost their lives by choking on a velvet strap", the boy retorted.

After savoring my drink, I proceeded back to my car, my mind still processing the details of their talk. Urban Legend-- whoever heard of that except in movies? I shunned the thought while I turned on the ignition of the car. It began drizzling and the air grew chiller as a fog now cloaked the windows from within. Advancing to clean the mist, I steered the car out of the driveway and on the highway. My car suddenly braked as I witnessed a beautiful girl, perhaps in her teens, drenched in the rain. Her mesmerizing beauty struck the right chords of my heart, making me drawn towards her.

Nevertheless, I got out of my Sedan, gripping over my umbrella as I ascended towards her. I saw a smile part it's way on her lips. As I got up close, I could witness her distinctly sharp features and an exquisite velvet strap, with a pearl broach adorning her neck.

” Excuse me miss if may ask, how come a girl as stunning as yourself is alone and homeless at this hour?”, I state, raising my concern for her.

“Oh sir, I am a tourist here and seem to have lost my path back to the hotel,'' she answered in a captivating voice.

”Very well then, may I have the pleasure to escort you?”

”However sir, I fail to remember the hotel if only I could get

shelter for the night” ,she remarked with a hopeful tone.

Albeit the thoughts of avoiding a stranger dawned upon me, I offered her refuge. She settled herself in the passenger’s seat as I accelerated down the deserted road. I hadn't driven long enough when I noticed that the girl seemed to have already fallen asleep. With the heater on, her dress had dried, however, I caught a glimpse of droplets of water on the velvet strap.

Her beauty was overpowering. Lustrous long hair, fair but pale, almond-shaped eyes with long eyelashes, flawless skin and plum lips. Curiosity got the better of me and I caressed her ethereal skin. The palm of my hand moved over the velvet strap around her neck. Intending to remove it and free her from being choked, my hand searched to unhook it. Appallingly, the next thing I felt was something choking me. I touched my neck and felt something soft, something furry--The velvet strap! An intriguing voice whispered, in a more threatening than sweet tone,

“never summon the urban legend.”