Dark and Light

Chapter 7

 I released a deep breath and unlocked my front door. Chad leaned against my doorframe twirling a rose between his thumb and index finger.

He looked up and smiled at me. "Hey gorgeous.”

“Hi,” I spoke. 

He reached out and took my left hand, placing the rose in it. I naturally lifted it up and smelled it. I loved the smell of flowers. It was fresh and delightful.

 “You look nice,” Chad complimented me. I was shocked a derogatory comment wasn’t made. Moments like this made me take a double take on Chad.

 “Thanks, you look nice too,” I felt myself blushing.

 “I hope our date goes well. I think we are going to have a lot of fun toni-“

 My mom’s chirpy voice cut him off, “Do I hear Chad’s voice?”

 A loud thunderous noise came down the stairs and my mother stood at the end with curlers in her light brown hair and her body dressed in pajamas.

 “Hello, Ms. Lori how are you?” Chad smiled his cheeky grin. I could tell why my mom liked him so much. That smile of his. And the fact that he just oozed with charm wasn't a hinder.

 I stood there awkwardly as Chad and my mother conversed.

”Oh I mustn’t keep you two from your date. Have fun kids!” Mother winked at us. Chad lightly held my hand and I accepted. I decided not to rebel in front of my mom. I doubt she would believe me if I told her that Chad scared the shit out of me.

 When we walked into the night air, earshot from the house Chad whispered to me, “ Thanks for letting me hold your hand for once. “

 I could tell he was smiling without even facing him.  I nodded as if saying okay. We hopped into the car and drove off to the club.

 ~~~~

We walked toward a building with bright lights. I spotted a flashing sign that read “TONIC”. It had faded letters in a dark shade of blue color.  I walked fairly close to Chad. We still had our hands entwined with one another and it made me feel safer. Some of the people we had passed were sketchy so I was happy to be protected.

 A line wrapped around the block. Girls were trying to flirt with the bouncers, trying to get in. I examined a toxic boy get thrown out the door. He tumbled forward and tripped into the pavement. I shook my head and felt no pity for him. No one should be getting that drunk.   

I tapped gently on Chad’s shoulder and asked how we would be getting in.

 “Don’t worry about it babe,” He winked at me. My heart fluttered and I cursed at myself. Don’t let his looks seduce you again Aubrey.

 As Chad assured me we got in with ease.

 As we walked in I was blinded with lights. White, red, green, and blue lights danced all over the room. Strobe lights covered each corner. Occasionally a silhouette would appear then vanish as quickly as it came. A strong smell of alcohol and sweat filled my nose. Dancing bodies tangled with each other out on the dance floor. The bar had a line and the barmaids looked frantic trying to get everyone what they wanted.

 Chad pulled me down to the center of the dance floor. I had to elbow my way through just to stay close to Chad. The music was louder out here. My chest vibrated with the heavy bass of the song.

 “Dance with me!” Chad’s voice shouted at me. A rush of deja vu flooded to my head. I giggled remembering the night I met Chad. I shook my head up and down and turned my body around. I swivel my hips and Chad pressed up against me. He placed his hands on my hips. This time when we danced, I wasn’t nearly as I scared. I sorta of liked it this time. Smiling, I continued dancing, letting the music take over control.

 “I’m going to go get us a drink,” Chad shouted in my ear. I nodded and continued to dance but he whipped me around. “ Don’t talk to anyone. Keep dancing and act like the people around you are your friends, okay?” He looked worried to leave me alone.

 “Okay,” I called back. I watched him walk over to the bar. His dark wash jeans complimented his bottom nicely and his tight v-neck shirt made it visible to see his abs. I shook my thoughts away and decided against being into him. He wasn’t safe. Hopefully one day and I’d be back to my normal life.

 As I was dancing I noticed a cute blonde boy. He looked familiar. Holding ny gaze on him, I tried  to figure out how I knew him. He smiled at me and it hit me. It was the other boy from the party.