FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 25

Shanelle's POV

I was by myself on the couch in a room that was not very bright. I kept looking at the plain ceiling without any interesting things to see. The whole day had been filled with loneliness, and I felt burdened by my own thoughts. It seemed like the rest of the world had moved on without me, making me feel empty and left behind.

As I continued my silent contemplation, two figures materialized above me, casting faint shadows on my face. I blinked, startled, and slowly raised my gaze to meet the concerned expressions of Beatrice and Kayleen. Their worried eyes bore into mine, silently urging me to acknowledge their presence.

"You two heading out?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper. Uncertainty tinged my words as I wondered if I was fit to join them in their plans.

Kayleen and Beatrice exchanged a quick glance before Bea spoke up, her voice filled with determination, 

"Actually, we're all going out tonight. We figured we might all need some fun and fresh air, especially you, since you've been home all day."

I turned my body to face them, the weariness evident in my expression. 

"No thanks, I'm just gonna go to bed."

Kayleen, however, had different plans. She stepped forward, gently stopping me from standing up, and pushed me back onto the couch. Her tone held a mix of concern and insistence.

"Nelle, you can't just force yourself to keep doing this. It's not healthy. You need to get out, and tonight is the night you do that and have fun. Seriously, nobody cares or even asked questions about you leaving the event yesterday, so it's really no big deal."

I let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of their worry seep into my being. Leaning back against the couch, I met Beatrice's gaze as she settled down beside me. Her voice was soft but resolute. 

"So let's go out tonight. Seriously, when have we ever all gone out as friends and had fun? Please? Let's go party, and you can forget about everything you've been depressed about and just live for today."

Her words struck a chord deep within me, and I realized they were right. I couldn't keep wallowing in my own despair forever. Perhaps it was time to let loose, even if just for a single night. I looked at their pleading expressions, their eyes filled with anticipation and hope.

With a heavy heart and reluctant acceptance, I nodded my head, my lips forming a hesitant smile. Their faces lit up with unbridled joy, and they erupted into screams of happiness, their excitement contagious.

As they pulled me up from the couch and hurriedly ushered me towards the bedroom, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation. Maybe, just maybe, this night out with my friends would be the escape I needed. An escape from the solitude that had consumed me and a chance to rediscover the joy of being in the moment.

OoO

As I approached the entrance of 'Pulse', the vibrant music pulsed through the air, beckoning me into a world of excitement and liberation. The club's neon-lit sign glowed brightly against the night sky, casting a warm, inviting glow onto the bustling street. With each step I took, the bass grew stronger, resonating within me and quickening my heartbeat.

Beatrice and Kayleen greeted me with wide smiles as we reached the entrance. Beatrice, with her glossy blond curly hair hair and infectious energy, and Kayleen, the epitome of elegance with her dark curls cascading down her shoulders, knew how to make any night unforgettable.

"You're in for a wild ride tonight!" Beatrice exclaimed, her voice barely audible above the music

I grinned, feeling a surge of anticipation coursing through my veins. Together, we made our way past the bouncers and into the club. As the heavy doors swung open, the vibrant atmosphere engulfed us, a sensory overload of lights, music, and dancing bodies.

Navigating through the crowd, Beatrice skillfully led us to the bar. The air was thick with excitement and the scent of perfumes mingling with sweat. I could feel the bass reverberating through my entire body, synchronized with my racing pulse.

Taking our place at the bar, Beatrice leaned towards the bartender, her voice confident and playful. 

"Three shots of vodka, please, my good sir," she requested, her eyes glinting mischievously.

The bartender swiftly prepared our drinks, placing the shot glasses before us. In unison, we each grabbed a glass, clinking them together with a resounding cheer. 

"Cheers!" we exclaimed, before downing the potent liquid in one swift motion.

Kayleen's voice suddenly pierced through the music. 

"Whoo, let's go dance!" she yelled, grabbing both mine and Beatrice's hands. 

Laughing and caught up in the moment, we allowed ourselves to be swept away by her infectious enthusiasm.

We moved through the crowd, bodies swaying to the rhythm, our inhibitions melting away. The music pounded in my ears, compelling me to surrender to its seductive allure. Beatrice, Kayleen, and I found ourselves dancing in perfect sync, embracing the music's pulse as it guided our every move.

As the beat intensified, three men approached, joining our provocative dance. One man's hands found their way to my waist, pulling me closer in a dance that was both sensual and electrifying. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the moment, letting the music guide my body as it intertwined with his.

A flicker of light illuminated his face, and my heart skipped a beat. 

It couldn't be, I thought, my mind playing tricks on me. But when I blinked and looked up again, I saw Vincent standing in front of me. His familiar features were unmistakable, and for a moment, the memories flooded back.

He leaned in, placing a kiss on my neck, and reality snapped me back. Pushing him away, I realized it wasn't Vincent at all. It was a stranger, clearly inebriated and lost in the moment. Disappointment mingled with relief as I scolded myself for even allowing the thought of him to surface.

I pushed my way through the crowd, yearning for a moment of respite. Returning to the bar, I called out to the bartender, my voice slightly shaky. 

"Tequila shots over here, please."

Settling onto a barstool, I observed the crowd, searching for a glimpse of Beatrice and Kayleen amidst the sea of bodies. The bartender nodded, acknowledging my request, as I wrestled with my own thoughts.

My gaze shifted to my silver clutch bag, a sanctuary holding a small packet of tablets. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I placed it on the countertop before me. Tonight was all about having fun and feeling free. I was looking for comfort in the lively atmosphere around me. The pills provided a temporary energy boost and a break from the inner chaos I was feeling.

With little hesitation, I opened my clutch, revealing the packet of tablets nestled within. In that moment, I reminded myself of the risks, the slippery slope of dependency. But tonight, I was willing to embrace the consequences, if only to live and move on.

I dropped two tablets into my drink, pausing briefly before deciding to add five more. I watched as they dissolved, mingling with the liquid, their effects just moments away. Resolute, I lifted the glass to my lips, ready to embrace the night and the transformation it promised.