1. A Night to REMEMBER

Chapter 12

Fucking Shit Jessica! l can hear Carmen yelling behind me. She and Emihle are dragging her along as we all run for our lives.

For some reason we are all screaming even though that is likely to attract more attention to us.

The Beach! Sisipho yells in front of us as she crosses the road to the other side where many restaurants are located with us following right behind her.

We all stop for are breather. Jessica collapses to the ground, while l bend down with my hands on my knees trying to take in a few deep breaths even though it is very painful.

We cant be here in the clear. They will spot us right away when they come looking, Raven says.

I straighten up, looking at our surroundings. There are a lot of restaurants which are closed and also clubs which are open.

The clubs are buzzing with loud music, with light all around, almost blinding.

She--, shes right. We have to find a place to lay low. Still panting, Emihle agrees.

Looking around we argue about the best place to hide and finally decide on Joe Cools because it looks full; there are bouncers at the door; its a distance from the road and it is more elevated than the other places.

Ow Shit! The bouncers are also taking an entrance fee, Sisipho exclaims as we take a closer look, and she is right.

There are like seven of us, there is no way we can afford that, Megan adds on.

Are you sure, Emihle says turning to look at me, you could check your bag.

Nope, l know there is nothing. I dont think we even have enough money for an uber back.

What? What are we going to do? Distressed, Carmen asks.

Well think about that later. Right now let us deal with one problem at a time. We better hurry, we have been out here for too long. Raven says taking charge since we are all still basically out of it.

There are two entrances. On one side there are two flights of stairs leading to the top where two bouncers are waiting. On the other side there is a ramp leading to the top, where one side leads to the outside deck while the other inside.

Maybe the kitchen is at the bottom and we could try getting in through there? Megan suggests.

No, the building at the bottom is a totally different establishment.

Well then is impossible. We are going to jail and not just for drug possession but also for evading the police.

We end up spending the next few minutes arguing among ourselves on what best to do, all the while crouching down so as not to be spotted while Jessica is busy nagging me, tapping on my shoulder.

What! I turn to her annoyed.

No guard, she says pointing at the entrance and when we look up, she is right.

It must be a shift change. Lets hurry up before they come, Raven says and we dont waste any more time following in after her.

Darkness and green; blue lights flashing everywhere and that is the only way l can describe it.

The tables placed next to the huge glass windows sectioned off from the dance floor. The entrance to the VIP area is few steps down which is next to the Djs table which is next to the dancing floor.

The music is very loud and it is quiet packed.

Carmen spots one of the bouncers walking in our direction, not wanting to risk it we make our way to the dance floor where people are dancing to Ba Straata which is one of Emihles and Megans favorite song and they immediately starts dancing.

One thing l hate the most in the world are crowds and bodies rubbing up against each other, especially strangers. Since standing still is going to draw a lot of attention to me l start swaying my body around awkwardly with Sisipho joining me.

Somehow Jessica got free alcohol again and since things cannot get any worse l dont hesitate drinking this time, all of us.

Dancing; swaying our bodies to the beat of whatever song is playing; once again the scenery blurs with the all concern of the past and present forgotten. Busy having the time of our lives when out of no were the song changes into Sisiphos song.

Making my way downtown- The song continues and we all turn to her direction, pointing at each other while screaming our lungs out and laughing.

Making a way through the crowd! Jessica takes out her phone and starts recording us.

With her favorite part coming up we clench our fits, holding them up to our lips as if they are mics, with each of us a line to sing just like we have always done.

And l need you! I shout.

And l miss you! Raven sings.

And now l wonder. If l could fall into the sky! Emihle sings.

Do you think time would pass me by? Cause you know ld walk thousand miles! Megan sings.

If l could just see you tonight! Sisipho shouts the loudest and we continue along with the song.

Making a way thro-. I dont finish the sentence as someone collides into me which sends me stumbling into Emihle.

While l am still confused about what just happened, Emihle on the other hand seems to have gained her composure faster literally jumps on the guy who collided onto me and starts punching him.

He of course trying to get her off sends her flying, landing painfully on the floor. Very angry, Megan immediately throws another punch in his direction which he easily dodges because we are probably drunker than him.

Now his friends are involved and so are we and because of this people have stopped dancing and are now watching us. I think l even heard some people placing bets on who would win. Trust, that South Africans will always enjoy watching a good match.

Taking another swing at the guy someone stops me midway, angrily l look up to see who it is ready to take a hit at him too only to find that it is Carmen.

Another time. We have to go, she shouts pulling me away. Just as l am about to question her why, l spot two of the bouncers making their way towards us. I dont even put up a fight as she drags me out, all of us laughing hysterically as we stumble down the stairs. A drunk person leading another drunk person.

When we reach the bottom we follow Raven as she leads us further into to the beach, away from the chaos. A tiny voice in my head reasons that it is a bad idea but is overridden by a huge part which makes me feel invincible.