---- Nicholas Farrell and Zoe Collin's engagement – broken off ----
That's right! Zoe!
She was avoiding me yesterday. Maybe because of what happened on Monday?
I wonder what's wrong with her?
"What is it?"
Sensing my troubled expression, Cain asked with a worried voice.
After seconds of just staring at the newspaper, I took a deep breath and look at Cain with a serious expression.
"I . . . I won't be home tonight."
"Why?"
The protest and unwillingness in his voice made me hesitate. But I couldn't shake my worry about Zoe.
"I think . . . something is wrong with Zoe. I want to go and check her tonight . . ." I pause and added with finality. "In her dorm."
Cain's eyebrows twitched. "You can go, but I don't think you should sleep in her dorm. I'll fetch you tonight however late it is."
A smile broke my worried expression, and I poked a finger between his creased eyebrows and massaged it.
"I think I should spend the night to make her feel that she's not alone."
. . .
. . .
Cain sighed through his nose. "I'll only agree if you'll take Estela with you." The finality in his tone spoke to me that either that or nothing at all.
"Alright. I'll tell Estela later."
----
"Again . . . What am I doing here?"
Zoe woke up from her trance when I sat her down in front of the dresser so I could do her make up.
We were in Grand Hotel, preparing to lose ourselves later. After class, Estela and I agreed to kidnapped Zoe and party later until we vomit all our insides out.
Of course, that was a metaphor. I hate clubs . . . but hey! As they say, get drunk and let loose was the best way to forget all your troubles . . .
. . . Sorta.
"You better keep your mouth shut, or this eyeliner might poke your eye," I warned.
"Leanna, I'm sorry, alright? I have a lot of things––"
"Yes, yes, there's a lot of things going on with you right now," I cut in. "That's why we are going to get wild later to forget those –– a lot of things."
"I have a class tom––!"
"Zip it, Zoe! You're coming with us whether you like it or not. That's the only way I'll forgive you." I held her chin to keep her face steady as I did her eyebrows.
"I––"
"Hello, girlfriends~!"
Estela chimed in as she entered our room together with . . . err . . . neatly dressed people, each holding dresses in both hands.
"Zoe, which one do you want to wear?! This one or this one~?!"
"Estela, I don't wear dresses––"
"This one then!"
Estela grabbed a blazing red scoop neck body-hugging mini tank dress paired with red bondage boots while saying, "You have to wear a push-up bra so the scoop neck will have its effect and the mini tank will help your butt looks fuller and your legs longer. Tehehehehe~ Or you can forget the underwear all together! It will be more fun that way." She winked.
Zoe's protest was unheard as Estela cut her off. "How about you, Leanna? Do you want this one or this one?"
"Estela, they're too revealing. I don't want––"
"This one then!"
Estela snatched a mid-thigh black maxi dress paired with slingback shoes. "All right ladies! Time to doll up for the party~!"
"Do you even need our opinion at all?" I murmured as I shook my head before I resumed doing Zoe's eyes.
----
[Leanna's POV]
[Dance Club]
The car drove us into a high-end dance club. The entrance was lined by hundreds of wealthy teenage and college students waiting to have some fun.
The car stopped at the back entrance, and after Estela said a few words to our driver, we entered the club. The two bearded muscled men didn't even stop us as Estela led us inside.
As soon as we entered I was assaulted by an overpowering smell of different perfumes and body sprays with mixtures of sweat. I breathed through my mouth when that familiar feeling of dizziness assaulted my brain, which made me want to puke.
We were in the dark hallway where only flashes of disco lights illuminated the surroundings towards the wide spacious dance floor where mass people wiggled their bodies from the DJ's wild mixed of sounds.
The music was so loud it resonated with my bones, and I felt my skeleton buzzing. It was like my spine was a vibrator, shaking my whole body to the beat of the music. The lights blinked on and off and changed colors in rhythm to the sounds. It made the entire scene played in slow motion.
Estela grabbed my hand as I caught Zoe's hand when we arrived on the dance floor. Estela then led us towards a reserved table.
Once we were seated and settled ourselves, I swept the place. There was a bar counter near our table and above the bar counter was a balcony with a full-length one-way glass reserved for VVIP's.
The place was pack even on a Wednesday night, and no one seemed to notice us amidst the chaotic dimly lit room. Much to my relief.
Most of the guys wore trousers and jeans with their shirt tucked in while the girls wore body-hugging revealing clothes most in tube top or backless top with skirts and high heeled boots complete with glittery makeup.
My observation was disturbed when a waiter served us three glasses of zombie.
My eyes widened at Estela.
"Tehehehehe~ No better way to lose ourselves than a savage dose of zombie~!"
. . .
. . .
Minutes later, we were rocking on the dance floor, completely wasted, and high. Our insecurities, together with our modesty, were drunk with us.
My throat screamed for water as I caught my breath. I excused myself and went towards the bar counter.
"Barman! Water if you please!" I shouted amidst the loud noise.
I felt refreshed as the soothing cold water glide down my throat. I didn't return to the dance floor when I sobered a little. I wasn't that drunk since I knew my limit. Among the rest of us, Zoe held the victory with her one and a half shot of zombie.
She must have her issues.
"Hi, beautiful! Where have you been all my––"
"I have a dick," I said, not looking at the man.
Even without glancing at him, I knew his eyes were wide by now. Then he turned and meekly walked away.
I didn't know how many times it was that men approached me. Honestly, I lost count. I was getting bored at hearing their usual pickup lines.
My attention shifted to Zoe.
The girl was a natural at dancing. She could be a sexy dancer or a pole dancer. Then my eyes slid at the awkward little charming girl, dancing together with Zoe.
Estela is . . . well –– cute.
She knew that she was an awkward dancer with her weird moves, but she still dances like she was the best dancer there was.
I laughed my hearts out until I noticed Zoe froze and covered her mouth.