The Light Within - Book 1

Chapter 2

Saturday is here before I know it and I only have 2 hours until I need to meet up with Kam and the others. It's been so long since the four of us have hung out and I'm just grateful that they made time for me on my birthday. Vickie and Sam are two friends me and Kam met in college. The two got married shortly after we graduated and it's been hard finding time to hang out when we all have grown up jobs and conflicting schedules.

What to wear? I am stuck between a little black dress or this gorgeous gold one I recently ordered from online. I am trying to dress to impress tonight. I even bought a birthday girl banner in hopes to score some free drinks. I hold both dresses in my hands, standing in front of my full-length mirror, trying to decide which one to wear. I alternate between the two, holding each up to my body to see which looks better.

I'm twenty-five today and I feel better than ever. So I end up choosing the short glittering gold dress, just so everyone else can see how good twenty-five looks. I pair it with my nude flats, I hate heels, and go to work on my hair.

I start by separating my platinum blonde hair into sections and pull out my curling wand. I am going for the loose curl look tonight. I hold each section of hair around the wand for a few seconds before releasing, creating soft waves that frame my face. After finishing my hair, I apply some light makeup and add a touch of shimmer to my cheekbones.

As I make my way out the door, I grab my purse and banner taking one last glance in the mirror. I can't help but smile at my reflection. Twenty-five looks good on me, and tonight is going to be a good night.

....

I push my way through the throng of people, eager to escape the chilly night air and lose myself in the pulsing heart of the Neon Oasis. The moment I step inside, I'm assaulted by a riot of colors and sounds that wash over me like a tidal wave. The neon lights and glow sticks cast a glow over the dance floor, while the thumping bass of the music reverberates through my body. The scent of booze and sweat is thick in the air, making my head spin. I scan the bar looking for my friends when a familiar sensation tells me I need to turn around.

As you turn to face Kamden, you take in his appearance. He's dressed to impress, with a crisp white shirt and black trousers that hug his lean frame perfectly. His dark hair is slicked back, and he's sporting a neatly trimmed beard that highlights his chiseled jawline. His brown eyes sparkle with mischief.

"You can't even hear a thing in this place and you still knew I was there," Kamden shouts over the music in a mixture of disappointment and disbelief. Kamden's eyes widen as he takes in my outfit, and his disappointment quickly fades into appreciation. He shouts over the music, "Wow, you look amazing! How did you even manage to find something that sparkly?"

I grin and do a little spin, showing off my sequined dress. "I have my ways," I say, then ask, "So, how do I look?"

Kamden nods approvingly, "You look like a star, as always."

"Not too bad yourself," I say before adding, "We are definitely finding you a girl tonight." Kam rolls his eyes and we turn our attention back to finding our friends.

"There they are," he leans close so he doesn't have to shout and point towards the bar. With his help, I finally spot Vickie, her dark curly hair is hard to miss, and next to her is Sam. I grab Kam by the hand and we make our way through the crowded dance floor and close in on our friends.

Sam spots us first and he taps on Vickie's shoulder and points our way. Vickie throws her arms around me and shouts, "Happy birthday!". She lets go and takes a step back, admiring my dress. "You look amazing! Did Kamden help you pick that out?" she asks with a mischievous grin.