<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/b/bd/CourtneyChristmas21.jpg)<br/><div align="center"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 12pt;">Courtney<br/>(Butterfly)</span></strong></div></div><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 11pt;">I could protest, I could. There's much to do at the office, with my secretarial duties reinstated at the office, and they weren't going to wait until the new year. Someone thought I needed a drink, though, to celebrate the holiday. I couldn't argue with that, it sounded fun! If I could ever get done.<br/><br/>By the time I was, the office had cleared out and everyone else was on their way to their own respective celebrations. At least the Steel Horse wasn't far from here. After a quick shower, I went to my actual office to change. Selecting what to wear was decided last night, that part was easy. What wasn't easy, was staring at myself in the mirror. I'm still stunned every time I see my reflection, namely the piercings. The tattoo was at least out of sight, unless I really turned to look.<br/><br/>That was almost unavoidable. A, 'yep, it's still there,' sort of thing. I put a good face on about it, but they still bug me. I've debated with myself a million time over, about at least taking the unasked for piercings out. What would be the point though? I would probably get them redone eventually anyway. Why go through it again? Because then it's my choice? Sure, but also more pain. It seems silly to take them out, let them heal, then have it redone. The nose ring has been the hardest to get used to. It feels weird, gets odd looks from some people, and can't really be hidden. Even if I forget it's there, most people don't, whether it's a positive experience or not.<br/><br/>None of that matters tonight though, at least that's what I'm trying for. Drinks and merriment. Some non-case, non-work related fun. I wiggle the nose ring with my finger and *sigh* Someday I'll get used to you. For now though, let's go get wasted. Smile. remember to smile.<br/><br/>By the time I arrived, rumor of a free round of drinks was circulating. That was definitely something that didn't require a fake smile!<br/><br/>"Just a beer, Mechelle," I say from behind Steffy. "Something from the tap that's not an IPA."<br/><br/>"Hey you!" I say, bending down to give Steffy a *kiss* before sitting down myself.<br/><br/></span>