Helheim

CHAPTER 13

The event of the season was finally happening. That Friday everybody was running late to finish something or to be somewhere. We had a tight schedule: parents, investors, media and other important people would be arriving around 4:00pm, by 6 we were all supposed to be attending the inauguration ceremony, which was to be followed by the dance presentation, music presentation and theater play, finally dinner was going to be served at 8:30.

The Institute had laid out some type of red carpet, where some interviews were taking place along with the pictures. I needed extra points for my pharmacology class, so I had volunteered to serve as a barista for the first part of the evening; I was moderately nervous before seeing the place starting to get crowded, but currently, with the job I had taken, the anxiety was consuming my body and mind at the same time. I was in such a rush that just thinking about forgetting an order, spilling a drink, dropping something, or bumping into someone, gave me headache.

As I was picking empty glasses from a table someone approached me from behind.

-Hey, where can I get two more of these red cocktails? –asked a male voice I knew too well.

I was almost afraid to turn around. I hadn't had time to feel concerned about someone seeing me until that moment, because for some reason I was ashamed, absurdly concerned that he would look at me as if I was less than him or everybody else.

-Hi...-I greeted with no other option, and as his hazel eyes met mine rounded with surprise- I can get you another one, but you'll have to wait until I finish this- I responded forcing a smile.

-Soph what are you doing? –he questioned.

Elio was wearing an auburn red suit that made his blonde hair brighter. He looked stupidly good, and I kind of wanted to punch him in the face for it.

-I'm about to fail a class, so I really need extra credit- I replied, and as I analyzed him I realized he was a little unsteady and his breath smelled like vodka- Are you drunk? -

-Better be grateful I'm not black out on a chair already like Zian- he answered grinning- Look around you girl, half of the people here are either high or downing too many drinks-

-Why? –

-Too much pressure- he shrugged.

-Why? - I insisted.

-Parents, teachers, media, appearances, conversations...it's different for everybody- he replied as if it was obvious.

-Well I guess I wouldn't know- I said annoyed at how dumb his reasoning sounded to me- I actually have to worry about cleaning everybody's mess, not taking a good picture nor smiling bright enough- I added resentfully.

-Uh someone's bitter- he scoffed.

He was right, I was jealous, but how could I not be? They had it all so easy, still, they complained.

-Don't you have somewhere better to be? - I cut coldly. I usually loved spending time with him, not now though.

-Isn't it your job to attend the people here? –he questioned disparaging, and it felt like a slap straight to my face which I was sure was already burning red with fury and shame- I do in fact have somewhere else to be, and I'll be on my way as soon as you tell me where the fuck can I get more drinks-

-Walk towards the main entrance, you should see a couple of boys and girls with trays- I indicated before turning my back on him and continuing my job.

-Thank you- he retorted before walking away.

After that discussion my mood for the rest of the afternoon was dead. I kept working until it was time for me to go and take a quick bath before the inauguration ceremony and the dance presentation. Thanks to Amelie I was going to be able to dance with the rest of the group, I had practiced extremely hard since the beginning of the year and prayed with my whole heart I wouldn't forget or ruin the choreography.