The Yin Yang Effect

by Dana Littlejohn

  “Naa, man, not this time, but I’ll keep that in mind when your birthday comes around.” He chuckled and sat back on the end of the sofa.

  “Oh alright, man,” he said with false disappointment and reached out to shake their hands. “I’m gonna hold you to that, too. How you ladies doing?”

  “Hi.”

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, Rock.”

  “So, what’s going on tonight, Rock? We’re looking for a place to kick it.”

  “Hmm, I heard about a few things going on. You girls want some company tonight?”

  “Sure they do. They’re here to have the full New York experience.”

  They looked around at each other and shrugged.

  “Cool. Let me make a few phone calls and check my resources.” A few minutes later he returned. “Ok, according to my people, Club Rapture is the hot spot tonight. They’re opening the Dark Room.”

  The girls looked at Tony and he laughed at the expression on their faces.

  “The Dark Room is a club inside Club Rapture. They’re like night and day, too. Rock, I heard it was a luck of the draw kind of thing to get in The Dark Room. How the hell do you know it’ll be open tonight ?”

  He smiled and smoothed his goatee. “I gots friends all over the place, son. I thought you knew.”

  “Hey Rock!”

  “Yo! Here comes Ray. He’s gonna roll with us so we’ll be coupled up.”

  He offered his hand to Ray. “What up, man? I’m Tony and this is my cousin and her girls from Indiana. Debbie, Opal and Pearl.” He pointed to each in turn.

  Ray was shorter than Tony and Rock at six feet and was so thin the wife beater he wore hung loosely off his shoulders and drooped at the sides. He wore his brown hair cut low and spiked at the top, a black spiked dog collar around his neck and dark shades. He slapped Tony five with the hand that had one glove with spikes to match the collar and nodded at the girls. “Sup?”

  “Oooh, I like this song. Who’s going to dance with me?”

  “Go ahead Ray, take Opal to the floor.”

  He slid his glasses down his nose, looking at her, and shrugged. “Whatever.”

  “Come on, girl, there’s room for us out there, too.”

  Rock pulled Debbie to the already crowded floor and Pearl moved closer to Tony.

  “So, what time are we going to this Club Rapture?”

  “I don’t know, around twelve thirtyish.”

  “Twelve thirty! Why so late? That won’t give us much time to party, will it? I mean, don’t your clubs close around three, too?”

  “Three o’clock? Hells no! The party is just jumping at that time. Depending on the club, it doesn’t even open until 11:00 and they won’t close until the last person leaves.” He laughed. “Shit, in Tammy’s case…” he nodded at the girl on the speaker, “… if she stays here all night partying, she’ll shower here and leave for work.”

  “She has to work tomorrow and she’s going to stay here and party all night? No way.”

  He shrugged and laughed again. “I don’t know about tonight, but she would if she came to hang with us. She’s kicked it like that with us before.” He looked around the living room. “You wanna dance?”

  She looked at the too tight dance floor and shook her head, chuckling. “I don’t think there’s enough room out there to walk let alone dance.”

  He laughed, too. “Ok, how about having a look see at what’s happening up in here?”

  He pulled her across the tiny dance floor, squeezing past people to the hallway on the other side. Down the hall they passed a small closet, the bathroom and a small area with a dresser on one wall and a bed across from it on the other.

  Pearl stopped on the other side. “That’s not much room for storage?”

  “That’s not storage space, girl. That’s a bedroom.”

  “A bedroom? That’s a bedroom? Where’s the door?”

  “This is one of those old boxcar apartments. Lots of apartments in these old brownstones downtown are like this.”

  “There isn’t a real bedroom?”

  “What, you mean, like, with a door?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Duh! Yes, with a door.”

  He laughed. “Yeah, man. Come on.” He pulled her down the hall stopping at a door at the end. “Hmm, it looks like someone is using it.” He smiled and turned the door knob, shaking the door hard.

  “Wait your turn! Get the fuck outta here!” came an angry voice from inside the room.

  He shook the door harder, banging his fist on it, while Pearl snickered behind him.

  “What the fuck?” the voice yelled again. “Go away! You fuckin’ up my groove!” Something hard hit the door from the inside.

  “Ok, motherfucker, damn!” Tony yelled, and then smiled at Pearl. “I guess these motherfuckers can’t take a joke, huh?”

  “I guess not,” she said laughing.

  “Come on, girl, let’s go party!” He laughed, pulling her back down the hall.

  Chapter 8

  Rock, Tony, Ray and the girls piled into the car and headed for Club Rapture in the heart of midtown Manhattan, just before 1 am. Though the club was on 43rd and Broadway they parked on 46th street and walked down to 44th street where lots of people stood around talking.

  “Why are we stopping here?” Opal looked up the block. “I know you’re not going to tell me this is the line to get in?”

  Rock chuckled. “Yup, this is it.”

  “But I thought you said the club was on 43rd street.”

  “It is.”

  She looked down the street again. “Damn, and you’re expecting us to get in?”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll get in. They should already be out picking the people they want in the club.”

  Debbie looked at Tony. “They pick the people they want in the club? What are they looking for?”

  “Don’t worry about it, cuz. If Rock says we’re in, then we’re in.”

  The line grew behind them quickly. A girl with black hair and makeup came up behind them wearing a black long sleeve, fishnet shirt that showed her black bra, a black micro mini, black fishnet thigh highs and Mary Jane shoes.

  “I think that’s a little on the overkill side,” Opal whispered to her sister.

  Pearl giggled, trying to look the other way.

  Ray pulled Opal along as the line moved forward, but she continued to check out the people as the line grew.

  “What kind of club is Club Rapture?” Debbie asked.

  Tony shrugged and they looked to Rock.

  “It’s like any other club, I guess. They got some banging ass music, a couple of stages for the people who want to be seen, no real drama jumps off, but what makes Club Rapture special is The Dark Room.”

  “You’ve been to this club, haven’t you?”

  “Yeah, man, I been in Club Rapture a few times, but never inside The Dark Room. I heard some really freaky shit jumps off in there. He only let’s a few people in at a time. You know, just enough to get a rumor or two started so everybody else will want to see what’s up. Just ‘cause you get into the club don’t mean you get into The Dark Room.” He moved up in the line.

  “He? He who?”

  “This dude I know named Rapture owns the club. We go way back.”

  “Hey, Pearl, check that guy out,” her sister said pointing.

  Pearl and Ray followed her finger to a rail thin man. The lime green net tank top was a bright contrast to his fire engine red hair. He rocked back and forth and fumbled with the two rows of chains that hung across his pelvis, as he spoke to his friends.

  Ray slid his shades down. “Hey, I know that guy. That’s Chunky.”

  They looked at him, shock playing across their identical features. “Chunky?” they said in unison.

  “Yeah, we call him Chunky because he’s so damn skinny.” He chuckled sliding his shades back up.

  They laughed with him, shaking their heads, and moved up behind Debbie.

  A short while later, a tal
l and slender, olive-skinned man came around the corner.

  He moved with the fluid lines and grace of a dancer as he chose who would enter the club.

  “Wow. Check that guy out. He's got to be a model. Look at him, he's just plain ole pretty. Not a hair out of place, perfectly arched eyebrows, the way he moves...

  Yup, he's got model written all over him," Debbie said in Opal's ear.

  "Girl please, that's not model qualities you see coming off him, that’s gay screaming out of his aura."

  "Gay? Uh-uh, that man is not gay. Girl look at him, he is fine. He probably goes through a hundred women a week and says no to a thousand more everyday."

  "Nope, you had it right. He is pretty, too pretty. I would have given him the benefit of the doubt, even though he’s wearing a sky blue suit because I don't know if straight guy’s rock pastels in New York, but in Indy gay guys not only wear pastels, they accessorize them...check out the shoes, girl."

  Debbie looked the man over from his head to his feet as he moved down the line tapping people.

  "Uh-huh, they match the suit perfectly, but even though that’s some serious accessorizing it was his shirt that gave it away."

  "What's wrong with his shirt? I like it, it works with the suit."

  “It sure does, but it's a white silk shirt with sky blue polka dots. Hello! That's gay, so very gay. Now shush, he's coming."

  “Rock, baby, is that you?” he squealed and walked pass half a dozen disappointed people that were trying to get his attention straight to him.

  "What's up, Rap?" He slapped him five and hugged him, but not nearly as rough as he hugged Tony earlier. "I see your club is still jumping. It’s been a minute since I’ve been out here.”

  “Hmm, no shit, but I forgive you.” He slapped his chest playfully. “Only ‘cause we got history, ok? So, who’s your friends?”

  “You remember my man, Tony. This is his cousin, Debbie and these are her girls Opal and Pearl. They’re from Indiana. Dude on the end is Ray.”

  “Indiana, huh? Here for the holiday, no doubt.” He looked the girls up and down. “Lovely…if you’re into that.” He turned to Tony and smiled. “Now see, this is more my style. Mmm, yes, I remember your friend Tony. Been a long time, Tony. You still chasing the cat?”

  “As often as I can, Rap,” Tony replied smiling.

  He shrugged. “Pity. Michael…”

  Opal sent Debbie a smug “I told you so” smile.

  Debbie rolled her eyes.

  A small mousy man seemed to appear from no where at his side, holding a clipboard tightly to his chest.

  “Make sure Rock and his friends get red arm bands to get into The Dark Room,” he told him and continued down the line choosing people.

  Michael wrapped the bands on their arms and ran excitedly to the front of the line. They showed their bands to the doorman as Tony slid a $100 bill to the lady behind a four inch thick window, paying for the four of them, and followed Rock and Ray into the club. At the first set of doors were the armed guards to pat the guys down as well as females for the girls before they entered the club.

  They entered a hollow area and pulled open the next set of doors and the music hit them like a strong wind. The only source of light was several black lights all around the ceiling and the blinking strobe lights over the dance floor. The girls stood in the doorway taking in the louder than loud house music, watching the people jump up and down, dancing and screaming all around.

  A giant, purple, neon ‘Club Rapture’ hung from the ceiling with two girls swinging on a makeshift swing from the C and E. One girl wore a red string bikini the other wore a bright orange nylon dress with glowing white panties underneath and no bra.

  Four other people pushed pass them, running into the crowd, as the guys took their hands pulling them the other way. There was little room to walk to the bar, and people were hugging, laughing, talking, kissing and dancing everywhere. The dress code was as different as the people; some wore jeans and a tee shirt, while others wore just underwear and all combinations in between.

  “Alrighty then. Let’s go dance, I need to build up a thirst,” Tony said over the music and dragged Pearl off to the dance floor.

  “Not me girls, I need my drink up front,” Rock said, pushing his way to the bar.

  “I’m with you.” Debbie followed him pulling Opal.

  “What’s up, man? Give me three Rough Riders.”

  She looked at Opal. “What’s a Rough Rider?”

  “It’s a drink. You’re in New York now, so you gotta drink like a New Yorker.” He smiled.

  “Alright, Rock, saddle me up!” Opal looked at Ray, laughing. “You drinking, too?”

  “Naa, man. I don’t drink for my high, I smoke.” He stopped at the end of the bar.

  She moved to the other side of Rock and pulled on his shirt. “Why’d you bring that guy, Rock? He‘s not very social.”

  He looked down the bar at him and shrugged. “I don’t know. I just told him I was kicking it with you guys tonight. He said he was bored, so I asked if he wanted to come.”

  “What did he say?”

  “Whatever.”

  “Whatever?”

  “Yeah, whatever.”

  She scoffed. “And what was that? Some sort of code for a yes or an ok?”

  He shrugged. “That’s what it was, man. Yo! Where’s my damn drinks?” he yelled and slapped the bar.

  She sputtered.

  “What’s up? You don’t like him?”

  She looked back at him.

  He leaned on the bar bobbing his head in slow motion, although the music was fast and he still wore the dark shades trying to look around.

  “No, he’s weird and believe me, I know weird.”

  “Then he stays here. Ray!”

  “Yo!” he said, not bothering to turn around.

  “Beat it, man. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Cool.” He walked away without a backwards glance.

  Opal and Debbie stood next to Rock with their mouths hanging open and eyes wide.

  “Rock, you can’t do that,” Debbie said urgently. “He rode with us. How is going to get home?”

  “What?” he said in a shocked tone and sucked his teeth. “He’s a grown ass man, he’ll get home the best way he can.” He banged the counter again. “Yo, man! The drinks!”

  The bartender hurried over with the drinks, placing them in front of him.

  “Damn, man. Thanks,” he said sarcastically and pushed a drink to both of them.

  “Sorry, but you’re not my only customer, you know.” He took the money Rock offered him and left.

  “See, that’s why these mother fuckers don’t get tipped like they should.”

  Opal stared at the bright blue liquid in the shot glass before her. “What’s in it?”

  Rock picked up his glass. “Stuff. Now stop being a pussy and lift your glass.” Debbie raised her glass, laughing.

  “A pussy? Me? No way!” She laughed and raised her glass.

  “Yeah right. You ain’t in Kansas no more, baby girl. We drink real drinks up

  and through here.” He laughed.

  “Uh, that’s Indiana.”

  “Whatever.”

  “Hey, what are we toasting?” Pearl came up behind them, breathing hard.

  “Hey, Tone, get her a Rough Rider so we can toast to them.”

  Tony went to the other end of the bar for the drinks. Handing her one he looked around. “Where’s Ray?”

  “He was dismissed.” He raised his glass again. “To you and New York and the good time you’re going to have here.”

  “To New York!” the rest of them said in unison and drank the drink in one gulp.

  “Wow. That was really good,” Pearl said licking her lips. “What’s in it?”

  Tony slid his glass across the bar. “Blue Curacao, butterscotch schnapps, some Sprite, I think, and Southern Comfort.” He signaled the bartender for another round.

  “It’s so smooth, why do th
ey call it Rough Rider?”

  “Because if you have more than two back to back, you’ll see how rough they can get when you try to ride them out.” Rock answered laughing giving her another drink.

  “Mmm, we definitely have to make these when we get home. We’ll call them a New York Rough Rider,” Opal said, taking the drink he offered.

  Debbie drank the drink and shook her head hard. “Woo! Ok, Rock, let’s go dance off these first two.”

  Tony and Opal watched them disappear into the crowd and a short while later Debbie reappeared at the top of the crowd dancing wildly.

  “Holy shit! Look!” Opal pointed to the dance floor laughing.

  “Uh-oh, she’s feeling those rough riders now,” Pearl said, laughing with her.

  They watched Debbie dance above the crowd, cracking jokes and having another drink until she and Rock appeared next to them, laughing.

  “One more drink and we’ll go find The Dark Room, ok?” He signaled the bartender.

  “Where’s the Dark Room, man?” he asked when he delivered the next round of drinks to them.

  “You can’t get in without a red band?”

  “I know that, man! Just tell me where the damn room is!”

  He sucked his teeth. “Just follow the glow in the dark arrows.”

  “Come on, man, let’s shoot these damn drinks and go before I slap the damn bartender.”

  He bobbed and weaved through the crowd, finding it difficult to follow the small glowing arrows under their feet, and so he started to just push people out of his way.

  Leading them down a narrow hall, leaving all traces of light behind them, he spotted a small red light glowing dimly at the end of the hall. Reaching the light, they knocked on the door below it. A small window in the door slid open showing only a pair of eyes.

  “Show me your red bands,” a soft male voice said from behind the eyes that appeared in the window.

  One by one they put their wrists to the window as they watched smoke streams willow out. The eyes looked at them a moment longer, and then the window slammed shut and the large door swung open.

  Just a few torches were used to light the room and it wreaked of a heavy incense smell that intoxicated them almost as much as the drinks had. The sound of bongos and animal noises played softly in the background.