Night Shift

Chapter 1

-Chapter 1-

Four years, endless hours of studying and many sleepless nights. In ten minutes it would all be over. 

Andrea glanced at the clock and sighed with relief. The exam had lasted three hours and had gone better than she had expected. All around the room people were dropping pens onto their desks, re-checking their exam papers and slumping back in their chairs. 

'I will now begin collecting all examination papers, please finish up now' came the voice of a middle aged gentleman standing at the top of the hall. 

The sun light outside the college bore down on Andrea as she jumped in her car. Wiping the sweat from her brow she assessed what had just taken place. 

Ever since she was young, Andrea had wanted to help people, understand them. Now she had that opportunity. In two weeks time she would find out her results, either way she knew she'd have a job. 

Working in psychiatric care wasn't very common, employers took whoever had even the slightest qualification. 

'Hey!' squealed an attractive blonde from outside the car. 

Andrea rolled her window down and beamed back at her friend. 

'How did it go?' she asked Andrea. 

Lindsay was Andrea's closest friend. They'd met at the beginning of college, shared a room together and even shared the same last name. 

'It went good. No, it went great' replied Andrea, nearly shaking with excitement 'how was your's?'

'I've had better' she shrugged. 'So, tonight's the night we've waited for' continued Lindsay, trying not to get side tracked at her appearance in Andrea's wing mirror. 

Andrea fixed a strand of brunette hair behind her ear and responded 'I don't know Linds, I'm not sure I'm ready yet' 

'Oh come on Andrea, it's been nearly six months, what are you worried about?' she barked back with a sense of pity in her voice. 

'I'm not worried, it's just, I haven't been to that club since she died' 

Andrea thought back to the dreadful night six months ago. Her and her best friend Chloe had gone out to a club in the town. The night had gone great, good music, good atmosphere and Andrea and Chloe had both met nice guys. 

They left the club later that night. Chloe never made it home. 

Andrea glared out the window as she drove past the scenic beach. The weather hadn't been this good in months. 

'You know, you have to let her go Andrea' said Linsday as she followed Andrea's gaze to the beach. 'It's been six months, you can't keep reliving it' 

Lindsay was right but Andrea refused to accept it, she hadn't gone through it, Lindsay didn't know how it felt to watch her best friend die right before her. 

'You're coming out tonight, we're celebrating' 

Lindsay had a way of convincing people to do things so Andrea had decided not to argue. 

The town Andrea lived in was small, a couple of thousand inhabitants at most. Andrea and Lindsay had rented an apartment near the beach when they had started college. 

The apartment wasn't big, it had one bedroom, a kitchen, bathroom and living area, but what more did the two need? 

Andrea removed her jacket and walked to the bathroom, after splashing her face with water she examined herself in the mirror. 

She was an attractive twenty-two year old. Long brunette hair and large hazel eyes, her face was well structured, almost mannequin like. She didn't believe in make up but she did lightly coat her face when she'd leave the house. 

It was nearly twelve o clock, she had a few hours to decide what her plans would be tonight. She could stay at home, maybe get a bottle of wine and apply for more jobs online, or she could go out with Lindsay, go to that club, maybe have a good night, maybe not. 

'Andrea?' called Lindsay from the living room. 

'How do I look?' she asked as Andrea popped her head out the door. 

Lindsay had on a sexy black dress that ended a few inches over her knees, her breasts were quite obvious in the dress with her cleavage well exposed. 

She pouted at Andrea in a seductive way and both girls laughed. 

'You look great' she smiled. She did, her long blonde hair contrasted well with the black fabric, her green eyes seemed to sparkle in the light. 

Andrea was quite jealous of her room mate but it's not something she let anyone know. 

'Buzz' Andrea's phone vibrated in her pocket.

'Hey' she called as she realised who she was speaking to. 

'How did it go?' came the soft male voice from the other end. 

'Great, I think I have a good shot at getting the marks I'm looking for' she beamed.

'Thats brilliant, are you going to be out tonight?' 

Andrea sighed 'I'm not sure, maybe' 

'Oh come on Andrea, it'll be great' 

Dale Harriss was Andreas other best friend, she'd known him long before she'd started college. He'd been there for her through thick and thin, they'd even shared their first kiss back when they were children. 

Lindsay was among the many that were convinced there was more to Dale and Andreas friendship. There wasn't but Andrea would be lying if she said she didn't want there to be. 

7:30 came, the sun was still shining and Lindsay had already changed and re-changed three times. Her make up was perfect but in Andrea's eyes she'd used to much and it was unnecessary. After much persuasion she'd been convinced. Andrea was now dressed in a dark blue, tight dress that ended closer to her knees than Lindsays. 

A horn beeped outside the apartment to indicated Dale had arrived and was waiting for them. He didn't drink so he was the designated driver for the night, and every other night they partied. 

'You's two look great' he smiled, his white teeth nearly glistened as he showed them. 

'Whatever' sneered Lindsay as she sat in the back. She wasn't too fond of Dale and everyone knew it. 

Andrea sat in the passenger seat and smiled at Dale who returned the favour. 'Tonight should be great' he said as he started the car. 

'I hope so' sighed Andrea. 

-Not too exciting I know, but keep your eye out for the next chapter-