Fragile Heart

5

As I dug through my suitcase, chatting with Alex on the phone about finding the perfect dress, I of course wanted to look good. So Alex was the best option for this.

She's Charles' girlfriend, and we've been pretty close ever since they got together, she's always been there to help me with trouble, just like this one.

The plan? Impress the drivers and brace for whatever might go down with some drinks in the mix. That's what I'm worried for. Who knows, I might expose myself tonight.

I held up this dark blue dress with ruffled sleeves, but Alex immediately shook her head. "Stella, you're not going for a casual stroll, are you?" she teased. I frowned and looked at it again, but to be honest she had a point.

Next, I pulled out the last dress, a dark red mini dress with a tiny slit, strapless, and a revealing back. I started show casing it off wait for a response. Alex gasped, "holy shit Stella. That's the one." I grinned, holding the stunning dress.

"Okay, I'm gonna go now, thank you for the help, like always." I said giggling, picking up my phone and smiling at the camera.

"Don't get too drunk and make bad choices, okay? Love you," Alex warned furrowing her brow.

"Love you too," I replied, hanging up, I tossed my phone on the bed, and slipped right into the tiny dress.

Looking in the mirror, I couldn't believe I hadn't worn it before. It hugged my curves perfectly.

I overheard Charles storming into the room, "Why am I always waiting for you?" My eyes rolled, the dude needed to grasp that I'm just a girl.

"Chill, I'm ready now!" I grinned, giving my outfit a once-over and meeting his gaze.

"Hurry up! Everyone's already there," he urged, leaving no room for me to double-check everything. I shrugged off any lingering concerns, snatched my trusty black leather purse, slung it nonchalantly over my shoulder, and breezed out of the room.

"Carlos is driving us, and he's been waiting for, like, twenty minutes," Charles muttered, despite the fact that we had the whole night ahead, Charles was one of those guys who had to get everywhere early.

Me and Alex shared our own little gossip sessions about him, it was kind of our thing.

I slipped into the back of the car, getting comfortable for the ride.

"Stella, you look beautiful," Carlos complimented softly, and I couldn't help but flash a delighted smile. "You don't look too bad yourself," I said with a wink, and a shared giggle

"Alright, let's hit the road. Carlos, buddy, cut it out, that's my sister," Charles nudged Carlos, injecting a playful note, and the car resonated with infectious laughter. The anticipation for the night ahead mingled, and I couldn't wait.

I haven't been partying in forever.

|~~~~~|

Upon our arrival, Carlos assisted me in exiting the car, and before me stood a massive building adorned with flashing lights. The music from the inside was audible even from outside.

I was eager to join, to finally have some unrestricted fun for once, away from Liam's stupid childish rules.

I glanced at Carlos and Charles, and nodded as I smile at the entry, i made my way through the doors, finding an even better scene inside.

The music was louder than I expected, lights flashing, and the sounds of chatting and singing filled the air. Waiters circulated with trays of drinks.

This is my kind of party. Yet, being a bit different, I always carry my diary, knowing that I'll eventually tire and seek some alone time to recharge, sometimes being alone is comforting.

But tonight I'll at least try and survive without me trying to distance myself from everyone.

"Me and Carlos are going to get some drinks. You do you okay." Charles nudged me and I smiled nodding.
Even though I would've preferred to be with someone. But I guess I'll just figure out my own way around this place.

Approaching the bar, I boldly snagged a shot, and downed it, the feeling on the alcohol going down my throat, definitely calmed me down.

A second shot in hand, I ventured onto the dance floor, dancing to the music's infectious beats. Each sway of my hips was accompanied by the thrill of the lively atmosphere, amplified by the blasting speakers.

Interrupting this solo dance party there was a masculine voice that spoke behind me, "What's good?" Turning around, I found myself face-to-face with a guy with a buzz cut and a distinctive scar on his cheek. I started to think to myself.

Isn't this party only for Formula One drivers? And he definitely wasn't one I recognised.

Attempting to be polite, I greeted him "hi!" but discomfort crept in as he lingered uncomfortably close.

The situation took an unwelcome turn when his hands found their way to my hips. Unsure of his intentions, whether he wanted to dance or simply be friends. I quickly decided that I wasn't in the mood for another man's touch.

With all my politeness, I came up with a great excuse. Well I think it was great. "I'm sorry, I have to use the restroom." Nodding politely, I made a swift exit. Tonight, I had hoped to avoid distancing myself, but that unsettling encounter left me looking for a comfortable place to rest.

|~~~~~|

A.N- Landos coming next chapter!!😧