Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa, my oldest, closest friend from high school. I remember in those days she was a fairly unattractive, shy, nerd. She did have good pipes, even back then, however. So when I saw the glow-up she had over the years. and how much of a name she made for herself, I was happy for her. I didn't expect to living in her downtown LA mansion with her, as I thought she had forgotten who I was. Safe to say, when she got in contact with me, I was surprised.

"Still job hunting?" she asked as she sat beside me on the couch, dressed in a baggy sweat shirt and jeans.

"Yeah," I sighed. "But ten odd years as a hypnotist doesn't make a good resume."

Dua smiled. "I'm sure you'll find something." She then looked at her feet.

"Something wrong?" I asked.

"I've been having trouble sleeping lately," Dua admitted. I was one of the few people she would open up to.

"You know," I said. "I can help with that. I've done plenty of insomniacs."

"Would you do that for me?" Dua asked.

"Of course," I said. "It's the least I could do after you let me live here rent-free for two years."

I set up all of my equipment in the room. First was the speaker, which was playing some irrelevant stereotypical relaxing music. Crucially though, the audio was laced with subliminals designed to both relax and weaken the subconscious.

Next was the candle. It was placed on the table in front of Dua and the moment it was lit up, she couldn't take her eyes off of it. The flame would draw someone's attention instantly and it would open help relax the client. When combined with the scent the candle gave off, which was chemically engineered to open the subconscious and make the client more trusting, I could usually induce the trance state needed.

Dua's eyes began to droop after five minutes. Then she fell asleep. In a trance. I blew out the candle and turned off the music.

"Dua, can you hear me?" I asked.

"Yes," she murmured.

"Good, now, when I snap my fingers, your eyes will open, but you will still be in a trance. All you hear is my voice."

I snapped, and Dua's eyes fluttered open, staring blankly straight ahead.

It was then I realized just how attractive my old friend was. Sure, I knew she had a glow-up, but seeing her pretty face here now...

It's not like she'll remember anything I do while she's under anyways, I reasoned.