The Crowded Room

1. Cheers.

The clouds are pregnant, threatening to give birth to wailing droplets.

I sit outside in the ice cold in bewilderment, there is something so beautiful about the rain.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Been ready since we got here."

Mila giggles knowingly. The only reason we came here is to satisfy her soon to be boyfriend's attachment needs. I kept silent and just nodded when she asked me if we could pop in to say hello at this not so serene bar, with the same people, same music, and same overpriced alcohol.

To be frank, I have been ready to go a long time ago.

Hushing me out the bar, she plops a haste kiss on the bouncer and leads the way to her car.

"So, where are we going again?"

As we both slam the doors shut to try and conceal ourselves from the chilly air, she scrambles onto her phone and dials a number. The call is brief.

"Tableview, they're in Tableview."

I have of course been to the beach more times than I can count even lived close by when I was younger, never of course, partied there. Well, I've never gotten the chance to really. Being so young, it's perplexing to me, having all the energy in the world but no time or being depressed and restricted, there really is no in-between. Also, moving to a small town does indeed put a damper in one's party phase. It's always the same things, the same places, and the same people. I sigh at my own repressive thoughts. Some big changes need to occur.

No time like the present I suppose.

The drive is pleasant, it feels shortened by a great distance due to our laughter. I always enjoy doing things, anything really with Mila. She's my best friend, twin flame. There is always a great time awaiting us when we are present.

I smell the beach before I see it, I feel my belly ache. Why am I nervous? No time like the present remember?

"Lulu, it's going to be fun."

I smile a genuine smile as she gives my hand an assuring squeeze. She really does know me all too well.

She parks the car and switches off the engine. The streets surrounding us are buzzing with life and laughter and the streetlights are illuminated by the rain on the tar. I smell the ocean breeze more intensely and I immediately get goosebumps.

She grabs my hand and leads me into a bar that I've never been to. It's extremely overwhelming at first and maybe even at second and third. People. Just people everywhere. No matter where I turn or go, I just feel and see someone staring at me. I try to keep the anxiety at bay as we make our way towards the bar to try and see if we can find Hannah, Michael or Neil, or anyone else familiar.

''I dont see them.''

The introverted urge to run away.

We walk, or at least we try, around the bar. I scan the area inside.

We are halted just before the bathroom and a corner table; Mila gives me a disgruntled look of annoyance.

"Maybe we should go outside so that you can phone Hannah and find out where they are?"

And actually, hear her.

She nods in agreement. As I make my way to turn around and walk back, I make direct eye-contact with the gentlemen sitting at the corner table. I notice the blond one first, long curly hair, quite attractive. Then a more tanned gentleman, with short dark hair. I don't notice much else as Mila whirls me away towards the door, but before we move, I flash them an awkward smile.