The Call of the Void H.S.

Three

A Year Later

Delilah's pov

I've been looking forward for today for months. Never did I ever think I would make it to my 21st birthday. I was sure I would have ended up dead by now but I'm not, and that's why we're celebrating. I was sure I was going to make this the birthday I'd never forget.

My boyfriend, Jacob, was supposed to be here in a few hours to pick me and Victoria up. We were going to this new club downtown called The Void. And I needed to start getting ready soon, so I got up and headed towards the bathroom. I locked the door and turned the water on so it was very hot. I then got my towel ready and got undressed. I stepped into the steaming water and let myself get completely consumed by the downpour.

Sometimes when I close my eyes, I still see those dark green eyes. Even though it's been a year now I'll never forget that day. I'm still surprised they let all of us go alive. But I'm very thankful even though I came to terms with dying a long time ago. Maybe that's why I didn't sit down when he first told me to. Maybe I was still that teenage girl that wanted to die, but I thought the meds were working. I needed to stop thinking about this or I'm just gonna stress myself out even more.

I got out of the shower and wrapped the towel around me and stood in front of the mirror. I stared at myself for a couple minutes then shook myself out of it when my sister knocked. "D what's taking so long? I still have to shower and we only have 30 minutes." Shit. There was no why I've been in the bathroom for over an hour. "Yeah, sorry. Just a minute." I shouted.

As soon as I got into my room I dropped my towel and headed for my closet. I didn't have that many clothes, but I knew exactly what I was wearing tonight. A maroon, bodycon dress that has been in the back of my closet for years. The back was open and it went to about my mid-thigh. I haven't actually worn it before, but I knew I would need it someday.

I slid it over my body and looked in the mirror. I looked amazing, and I never say that about myself. I sat down on the floor in front of my mirror and plugged in my curling iron. Once I curled my hair and did my makeup to match the dress, my phone went off. I got up to see it was a text from Jacob saying,"Here. Hurry up." I rolled my eyes and went to check on Vic.

I knocked on her bedroom door," He's here. You almost ready?" As soon as I finished the last word the door shot open. She looked beautiful, same style dress as me only black. She smiled,"Wow I never thought I'd see the day you'd be wearing a dress." I just rolled my eyes at her and said,"Well it is my birthday after all." She laughed.

We made our way down the apartment stairs and towards Jacob's car. I opened the passenger seat door,"Took you long enough." I rolled my eyes and just got in the car. Most of the drive was silent except for the quiet buzz from the radio. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't upset. He didn't make one comment about how I looked today, not that he ever does. Sometimes I wish I would just brake up with him, but then I remember the good times we've had. The good overpowers the bad, right?

We pulled up the the crowded parking lot and found a place to park. We all got out of the car Vic came up to me and whispered,"He's being a real bitch today. Say the word and I'll beat him up." I laughed and whispered back,"He's fine. Leave him alone." Victoria and Jacob have never really gotten along and I don't think they ever will.

We started walking towards the door when Jacob caught up to me and grabbed my elbow harshly to guide me. He leaned down to my ear to whisper,"Happy birthday, baby." I smiled,"Don't leave my side tonight, okay?" I get that he's worried about my safety, but I can do things by myself. I sighed in defeat and whispered back,"Yeah, sure."

We made it inside, and the dark blue lights and smell of alcohol and sweat hits you right as you walk in. The place was very crowded which made my anxiety go up but I pushed that feeling down because like I said this was going to be a birthday to remember.

We found a couch off to the side in the back because that's where Jacob insisted on sitting, and I wasn't in the mood to fight back today. So, after we had been seated for awhile I stood up and said,"I'm going to get drinks. Want anything?" I could see that Jacob was getting mad but he wouldn't let is show because we were in public. He stood up and said,"Let me come with you." I rolled my eyes,"No." he laughed,"Wasn't a question, babe." I could see Victoria getting uncomfortable when she said,"Let her go Jacob. She's fine. And you can't leave me here alone" he sighed in defeat and sat back down.

Once I walked away, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I knew he wasn't going to follow me but I also knew that him and Vic would be arguing till I got back, which I didn't plan on being a long time. My plan tonight is to just get so drunk I wouldn't have to remember anything. I also knew that Jacob wouldn't be drinking tonight because he had to drive home which was a good thing because the few times he has gotten drunk around me I ended up with bruises the next day, and not the good kind.

I made my way to the bar and ordered myself a few shots that I knew would get me started. I downed the first two easily, but right as I was about to take the third I felt a pair of eyes on me. I looked around, and that's when I seen him. Those green eyes I thought I'd never see again. We made eye contact and he looked just as confused as me. I don't think he could remember me; it was over a year ago but how could I forget. That robbery changed my life, but for some reason those eyes didn't scare me they intrigued me. I broke the eye contact and took my last shot, but ordered some more. I was gonna need them for this.