"Now you've done it Em..." Emelia whispered. She looked away from her food to where the laptop sat on her desk. True to the Phantom's word, the laptop was off. Quietly, she stared at its black reflective screen, contemplating last night. Breathing out, she looked down at the food.

This really was for her then?

Her mouth watered even if she felt unsure and nervous at such a gift. But the words on the paper were not a lie. She needed to eat. Yesterday her stomach had taken in almost nothing but scraps. She had hurled the sandwiches at the wedding, and only Daphne's bowl of odd end bar treats had kept her going through the night. At some point after going to bed though, she had woken up with her stomach ready to purge the volume of undigested alcohol.

Emelia's eyes tentatively traveled to the toilet, surprisingly not covered in puke, but it still took most of her gut this early A.M. Her stomach ached, her head pounded, and she decided it was completely ridiculous to debate this anymore; she sank to the table and began to eat.

The medicine went down first, a little rough to swallow, but with water and toast coming in after it; the tightness of her gut began to relieve. The eggs benedict was next, she took small bites of the French toast, nibbled on bacon, popped a few grapes into her mouth, and finally leaned back in utter relief. She hadn't been full in so long- it was a welcome feeling- even if pleasantly uncomfortable.

Her eyes rose to stare at the fridge. She would need to get containers for the rest. No way in hell was she throwing away even a scrap of this. Checkout was at 1 pm. Emelia didn't know where she was going still, her own return ticket from her flight- not Gordon's- a few days out.

This whole wedding had been a nightmare to even pay for. It was made clear she risked being disowned, for whatever that even meant, if she didn't attend this wedding. Vicky still held this disillusion that there was nothing to be sorry for and it was Emelia who was at fault for all their grief and strain.

She had a year to pay for her ticket here; a cheap route that gave her multiple layovers but didn't break the bank. The hotels were a different story, but with determination she also found a rare deal on cheap rooms for her stay. She didn't fret over planning for food though. The wedding would feed her. The grand dinner afterwards was supposed to have been her shot at stocking up on the leftovers. And most hotels usually threw in free continental breakfasts- even if just bland cereal and toast. That had been her plan for food and accommodations. Now she had neither.

"Should I have just flown home on that early ticket Gordon gave me?"

And where would you have stayed? Her mind whispered. Your landlord already emailed you; the locks won't work anymore. He officially evicted you.

That wasn't part of the plan... but when one of her credit cards declined and the others were maxed for that month- Emelia had no choice but to use her rent money to pay for an overdue chemo bill. She thought she would still have time to pull extra shifts, work even later nights and her landlord would be none the wiser. But that didn't work- her manger refused to offer her more shifts, still begrudged that she had a whole week planned off for this vacation that fell on one of the busiest times for the cafe. So, she paid dearly for that gamble.

She needed to search for new rental. She needed to plan her next steps. She needed time. And time only gave her one thing; either be homeless here for a few more days- where WIFI was in abundance, the air was warm and there was a higher chance of nicking some food... or be homeless back home; a dreary colder city that just felt so uninviting.

The latter was unavoidable, but she didn't need to rush it. Emelia could use this time to find a new apartment. Find another part time job since she now only was employed through one. The café let her stay, though still begrudged at her scheduled absence. The gas station said not to bother coming back to work- vacations were not an option there.

She had no idea where she would sleep tonight but at least the nights were warm. She also had no plans for how she was going to eat... So, she was damn sure not going to waste this feast before her.

Biting into a pineapple for good measure.... She stood and approached the desk with her laptop. Booting up her laptop, she expected to see the CMD Prompt box from last night but instead her empty desktop background awaited her mouse movements.

She chewed slightly on her lip, her tongue catching a slight bit of tang the pineapple juice left on her skin. Hesitantly, she opened an email and sent it to herself.

Not knowing if it was for nothing.

Not knowing if her phantom would ever see it.

I choose to live.

.

.

.

.

Emelia hesitated at the large crowd moving through the casinos. Despite only being 10 am, the hotel was alive with gambling. Shuffling by people, Emelia pressed her way to the front desks on the far side of the hotel. Beautiful marble floors and countertops met her gaze. She always thought Vegas would be cheesy. It still had its grime in some places, but she couldn't deny one thing. It was fancy as hell.

"How can I help you" The auburn tressed receptionist smiled; her teeth brilliant white as they flashed beneath pink lipstick. Emelia returned her smile, hoping the dark circles under her eyes were not as prominent as they were when she looked in the bathroom mirror after breakfast.

"I was just wondering... is there any way I can extend check out for today? I'm sure the hotel is busy but I just wanted to ask..."

Frowning slightly, the front desk began tapping her computer screen, "We probably don't have the option today with how busy everything is because of Def Con, but I'll look." That word again. The hairs on Emelia's neck rose slightly. She wanted to look back into the crowd behind her suddenly but didn't.

"Name and Room number?" The front desk kept tapping, oblivious to Emelia's sudden distraction.

"Emelia Harper. Room 532."

Quick typing punched in the info before the front desk cocked her head slightly "Hmmm... it seems you aren't supposed to check out today? You booked us for two nights it looks like?"

"Two?" Emelia shook her head. She was so drunk last night but she remembered asking for a room and was told they only had one night. "I thought... I could have sworn I just paid for one?"

"Not according to our systems. Its unfortunately too late to cancel without a fee though." Sympathetically the front desk informed.

"No, no!" Emelia said, a little too breathlessly, "two nights is fine! I guess I just misheard. I was a little... err... out of it last night."

The women laughed slightly but asked "Anything else I can help you with?"

Emelia shook her head no and thanked the woman. Turning and walking away and paused and breathed in deep. She had a place to stay tonight. She couldn't believe it. Warmth spread through her tightened chest and she inhaled another long steady breath.

She had a place to stay tonight. Thank god.

"Emelia?"

The call of her name made Em jump slightly. Was it a member of the wedding party? Turning quickly, she scanned the people next to her before finally finding the bright hazel eyes of Daphne.

"Oh," Em said surprised "Hi!"

"Hi yourself sugar" Daphne laughed, though she approached Em suspiciously. "What in the hell happened to you?"

"What?" Emelia said unsure, before remembering the dark circles under her eyes. It didn't help that the bruise on her upper cheek had begun to darken as it settled. Though Amber had slapped her open handed, the force she used with those hard cold fingers had broken a blood vessel.

"Rough night" Em sighed, being completely honest. "But today is a new day. I'm trying to turn things around."

Daphne nodded; a bit bemused. Her lushes dark red hair framed her dark olive skin perfectly and Emelia couldn't help but to be envious of the beautiful women around her.

"Well, I'm not working the bar for a few more hours. I plan on stalking some prey here," Daphne jerked her head softly to the crowd of people. "Care to join me?"

"What do you do?" Emelia enquired curiously, looking out to the sea of people.

"Nothing too scandalous," Daphne said with a laugh. "Sex pays well down here and is legal, but it's not my choice of fun. Really because I don't trust half of these pricks to actually wash their dicks."

A few men heard that and glared over the slot machines towards Daphne but she just stuck her tongue out at them. "They know who they are." she whispered to Em, before looping her arm into Emelia's easily, dragging her away.

Emelia laughed softly, awe-stuck by the goddess next to her.

"Okay, so what do you do?" She asked.

"Simple" Daphne shrugged. "Dress cute. Smile. Get bought a few drinks. Make sure I'm clear about being a décor item; a pretty lucky charm to hang on their arms while they gamble. Maybe look good for the photos. I usually make a tip that way. But I don't leave the casino with anyone. Most folks get it. Men and women. I'm part of the show, the experience, as they gamble. I help them feel like they are in a movie. I'll kiss their dice. Breathe assurance in their ear. I make them feel like a million bucks. And so, they keep on throwing money down. And they keep on tipping."

As Daphne said this, Emelia glanced out towards to crowds of people gambling. At the slot machines, most the persons there wore fanny packs and tourists' shirts. But beyond them, at the tables, the atmosphere began to change. It was still early in the day, only a few serious players were out but Emilia could easily see how nighttime brought the beautiful out. The beautifully deadly, the beautifully smart, the beautifully cunning, and just the simply beautiful.

"I'm them." Emelia offered some dry humor- pointing to the least stylish of the two groups.

"Bullshit." Daphne scowled. "Listen, bruises can cover up well. Have some fun with me tonight. All safe I promise. Maybe win some money, but I assure you I will not let you gamble away your bank account."

"It's already empty, so problem solved." Em smiled but Daphne shook her head.

"Being serious love, that's how they get you. You decide to spare a dollar and guess what- you win a $100. It's a high, you want to invest that hundred and try and make even more. By the end of the night, you either have a dismal profit compared to what you spent, or worse; you are in the red, opening up a credit debt with the casino. The first part is fun, no shame in a little risk. But the key is to know when to stop and let go."

Emelia nodded listening. She couldn't help herself and imagined winning, trying to pay her debt. She could see the appeal. It only takes one big win. She could fix all the damage that had been done.

"I don't have spare change to gamble at all so don't worry. But the rest doesn't sound too bad."

"So that's a yes then?" Daphne grinned, "let's have some fun?"

Emelia hesitated for a moment but then smiled.

"Sure, why not."

.

.

.

Daphne was a magician with makeup. Emelia watched fascinated as Daphne brushed bright yellow under her eye, the color contrasting to the blue-purple underneath. Then concealer and foundation from Emelia's bag was tentatively placed over- until finally the mirror revealed a face blemish free.

Emelia was proud of her new... friend? But also, a little dismayed. She knew, from what Daphne had said the night before, her ability at covering bruises was a more personal learned skill.

The rest of the makeover was simple. Emelia's makeup warm, some golden-brown dusting on her eyelids. Soft dark lashes curled with some mascara. A hint of eyeliner but not too much- which left her with a minor smoky-eye that Daphne blended in softly. Her lips had just a hint of red lipstick on them; leaving them warmer than they normally looked but still natural and simple.

Daphne brought a spare dress, dark navy blue; thin small straps and a short tight hem that stopped halfway down Emelia's thighs. Emelia had slender legs and a curvier hips- but her chest was a little loose in Daphne's dress- leaving way too much cleavage.

"What do I do?" she asked Daphne, leaning forward and showing off the gap that revealed her bra and upper ribcage. Daphne was able to tie the straps into one solid connection behind Emmy's back; tightening the dress top as she did.

"Easy-peasy" Daphne smiled. Her own outfit was simple but beautiful. A black dress that hugged her thicker bum and chest. A thin silver chain with fake diamonds on it secured around her waist to accent it nicely.

"You like dark colors for dresses?" Emelia asked her on their way down to the casino in the elevator, eyeing the dark navy blue and the shiny silken black.

"Easier to transition into work with. Spills and stains happen when bartending".

"Oh." Em nodded, a little embarrassed at her puke stain from last night. "Thanks again for helping me" she whispered.

"Sugar." Daphne said softly. "That velociraptor bitch was probably the shittiest person I have ever seen. I thought about you and your heartbreaking face all night. I am ecstatic to sweep you off your feet tonight. You deserve this."

Emmy laughed and felt that small ball of warmth spread in her chest again.

If you would have ended it... you would have never experienced this happiness. She reminded herself. God what a fool she had been.

It still all hurt. The wedding. The betrayal. Her family.

But she could still press on. She could still keep her head held high. She could still do this.

"You'll be okay." Emelia whispered, repeating the phantom's words. Daphne didn't seem to hear it.

You'll be okay.

.

.

.

Emelia watched Daphne fascinated. For two hours they moved through the ever-growing crowds at the casino. The olive-skinned beauty distracted more than one person on their way by. Her hazel eyes were bright. Emelia had hazel eyes herself but while Emelia's were greener, Daphne's were more amber; flecks of gold in them. Dark red hair cascaded down one shoulder. It should have looked unnatural, but instead it looked ethereal. The simple black dress with the silver chain somehow outshone even the best dressed around her.

Emelia grinned wildly when Daphne looked over her shoulder at her. Daphne smiled brightly back then faltered, seeing the fanny-pack Emelia had snagged as a joke that hung around her slender waste.

Watching Daphne trying to keep her composure as she struggled not to piss herself laughing was worth every second of the trade Em had made with the old man earlier.

"I know you have plenty." she had bargained, scowling at the man in an attempt at negotiation.

"Aye I do- but you ain't stealing my identity."

"Don't want it. Just want that grand old thing." Em had pointed to the pack. She finally won, trading him the drinks she received for free since the old geezer's wife refused to keep paying for his.

"Ain't ever had cherries in my booze before." he had murmured impressed with the sweet beverage.

Em grinned proudly at Daphne now, refusing to take it off despite Daphne wheezing and motioning throw that fucking thing away.

Em moseyed on, enjoying the odd end glances of people. A few men smiled at her, then looked at the fashion statement across her waist. They moved right along, avoiding her gaze.

Someone walked by her and brushed against her shoulder. She turned to apologize to the man, but he was too quick. All she could see was his black jacket and lowered ball cap. He maneuvered around a few other people before disappearing into the crowd, heading towards the event halls on the far side of the casino. At least she wasn't the only one lazily dressed for the nicer area.

Emelia made her way back towards the slot machine aisles, enjoying the noise, the laughter, the liveliness. Away from the nicer gambling tables she enjoyed the more casually dressed folks. She eyed the old man she had bargained for the fanny-pack over. Delighted, she smiled as she realized his wife was back and had taken his drink. Even better, it was the wife drinking it herself.

Emelia turned and lowered herself to the slot machine. At this angle she could barely see Daphne a long way off. Daphne hung on a woman's arm, smiling and blowing a kiss to the dice before they rolled. A loud applause erupted afterwards and Emmy knew it was a good outcome.

She removed the fanny-pack now that her joke was over. It seemed right on cue the older man came waddling back by- noticing her only when he was a few steps away.

"Hardly a fair trade anymore" he stuck his tongue out at her.

"She stole your drink?" Emelia laughed, gesturing her head to the old woman still playing further back on a machine.

"Aye she most certainly did." He sneered towards his wife's direction.

"Well here." Emelia sighed, handing back the horrible fashion sin, "I'm all good now."

He seemed surprised but triumphant, like this was a bargain he had successfully strategized over and won. He thanked Emmy before leaving again, yet he paused unsure looking into the pack.

"Wait, you left your coin" and he handed Emelia a gold casino coin.

"Lucky you I'm honest." he sniffed at her.

"It's not mine," Emelia shook her head, "I haven't gambled at all."

"Not gambled?!" he huffed appalled, "The devil you doing here then?! Well anyways, it's not mine. I know my exact amount. I mean, if you really don't want it, I'll keep it. But I'm telling you, it's not mine."

Em debated it before taking the coin. "See you around Seymore." she smiled and off the old man went. Very clearly as far away from his wife as possible.

Em stared at the casino coin. Seymore was right, when she got the fanny-pack she had been sure there was nothing left of his in it. Her worst fear was she would be making off with someone's heart medicine.

Did he pretend it was in there as a 'thank you'? But Seymore seemed a bit stingy, though fair. A gift wasn't something she could picture in what little she knew about him.

She sighed and decide why not, sliding it into the machine. Pulling the lever, the slot machine began to sing and spin, the 6 wheels all turning with their imagines flying by. One after another stopped spinning and lined up. The same freaking image.

Emelia jumped at the lights and noise. People around looked up with shock.

"what in the fuck" she whispered, leaning back away from the machine like it had malfunctioned. Coins began spilling out. Dozens. Hundreds. Thousands. People cheered.

"What in the FUCK." she said loudly this time. The words glowed atop the machine.

$10,000

GRAND WINNER