Clocks

Chapter 5. Chaos and Clarity

As the professor's instructions filled the classroom, I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the exam was finally behind me. "Alright, pencils down," he announced. "Please take your final exams to the back of the classroom. Final grades will be posted in two weeks." Glancing over at Nick, who sat beside me, I couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence. We were close friends, sharing laughs and supporting each other through the ups and downs of university life. "So, how do you think you did?" I asked Nick, a smile playing at the corners of my lips as I broke the post-exam silence. Nick chuckled softly, his easygoing demeanor putting me at ease. "Hopefully well enough to pass," he replied with a grin, his Irish accent adding a hint of charm to his words. "Yeah, fingers crossed," I said, feeling a sense of camaraderie in our shared anticipation of the grades to come. Exiting the English Lit class, I navigated through the familiar corridors of the university, my mind still abuzz with thoughts of the exam and the impending grades. As I approached my dorm, I was greeted by the unmistakable sound of Shannon's voice, her Irish accent ringing out in the hallway. "Hey, you all good?" Shannon asked, her words slightly slurred, hinting at a fun-filled evening ahead. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I replied, a smile tugging at my lips at Shannon's infectious energy. "We are so partying tonight," Shannon declared with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. As Shannon busied herself with applying makeup, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. "Oh my god. This is way too much," I remarked, eyeing the array of cosmetics spread out before us. "No, we're getting exactly the right amount," Shannon insisted, her confidence unwavering as she expertly worked her magic. "But all over my face?" I protested, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prospect. "That's the idea," Shannon replied with a mischievous grin, her Irish charm shining through. "Wow, no Shan," I chuckled, shaking my head in disbelief at her audacity. "Cab's early, let's go," Shannon announced, her excitement palpable as she grabbed her bag and headed for the door. We reached the waiting cab outside the dorm, Shannon's excitement was contagious, but a flicker of doubt danced in my mind. "That's the cab, okay, are you ready?" Shannon asked, her voice brimming with anticipation. "Are you really though?" she added with a playful grin, knowing me all too well. "Yes, yes, very," I assured her, mustering up as much enthusiasm as I could manage. "Let's get outta here," Shannon declared, her eagerness palpable as she led the way towards the awaiting adventure. With a final glance back at the dorm, I took a deep breath, ready to embrace whatever the night had in store for us.

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The atmosphere in the bar was electric, with Shannon leading the charge for a night of fun. "Shots! Shots! Shots!" she chanted, her enthusiasm infectious. "No holding back here, girl. SLÁINTE!" she exclaimed, raising her glass in a toast. "Did you do it all? Alright!" Nick cheered, joining in the revelry. "With my right eye closed and left-handed, I can get this in," Shannon boasted confidently, ready to take on any challenge. "What?" I interjected, feeling a sudden urge. "I gotta pee," I announced, excusing myself from the group. "Okay. One, two..." Nick began counting as I made my way through the crowded bar towards the bathroom, weaving past dancing bodies and laughter-filled conversations. As I waited in line with other girls, I absentmindedly scrolled through my phone, my thumb hovering over Christian Grey's name. Should I delete it? Before I could make a decision, I found myself pressing on the number and initiating the call. "Renesmee," his voice sounded through the phone. "Yep, this is me. Sending back your expensive books, 'cause I already have hard copies of that. Thanks though, for the kind gesture," I replied, trying to keep my tone light despite the alcohol coursing through my veins. "You're welcome. Where are you?" Christian inquired, his concern evident. "Oh, I'm in line, 'cause I have to pee really bad," I admitted, feeling a pang of embarrassment at my drunken state. "Anastasia, have you been drinking?" Christian's voice held a note of sternness. "Yeah, I have, Mr. Fancy Pants. You hit the nail on the head. I mean, the head right on the nail," I quipped, feeling a sudden surge of defiance. "Listen to me, I want you to go home right now," Christian ordered, his tone firm. "You're so bossy. 'Ness, let's go for coffee.' 'Ness, let's go for coffee.' 'No, stay away from me, Ness, I don't want you. Get away.' 'Come here, come here.' 'Go away,'" I retorted, my words slurring slightly. "That's it. Tell me where you are," Christian demanded, his voice tinged with urgency. "I'm a long way from my dorm. Long way from you," I replied, feeling a wave of confusion wash over me. "Which bar, what's it called?" Christian pressed on, his tone urgent. "I don't know, I gotta go," I replied, feeling overwhelmed by the situation."Which bar, Ness?" Christian's voice grew more insistent. "I told him, right?" I asked, turning to the girl next to me in line. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." I began, turning back to the phone as the call abruptly ended. "Stay where you are, I'm coming to get you," Christian's voice echoed in my mind as the reality of the situation sank in. "What? Hello?" I muttered, the phone call ending before I could fully comprehend what was happening. I then stumbled out of the bar, the world spinning around me, then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw him – Jacob Black. Anger and hurt radiated from him like a storm cloud, his presence cutting through the fog of my thoughts with startling clarity. Before I could react, Jacob was by my side, his voice slurred and filled with anger. "Ness? What the hell are you doing here?" he growled, his eyes narrowed in disbelief. I blinked, struggling to focus on his face. "Jacob?" I muttered, the alcohol making my words slur together. "Yeah, it's me," he snapped, his frustration evident in every word. "Where have you been? We've been looking everywhere for you." I swallowed hard, the weight of his accusation hitting me like a ton of bricks. "I... I needed some space," I mumbled, my voice barely audible over the noise of the street. "Space?" Jacob scoffed, his eyes flashing with anger. "You leave me the day of our wedding without a word, and now you want space?" Tears welled in my eyes as I met Jacob's gaze, the pain in his eyes cutting through the haze of my drunken stupor. "I'm sorry, Jacob," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "I didn't mean to hurt you." Jacob's expression softened slightly, but the anger still lingered in his eyes. "You're drunk," he said bluntly, his tone tinged with concern. "I've never seen you like this before." I nodded, the shame of my actions washing over me like a tidal wave. "I know," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. "I messed up, Jacob. I messed up bad." Then out of nowhere Christian stepped between us, his presence commanding and authoritative. His words were sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife. "Dude, get the fuck away from her now." Christian's voice rang out, his tone firm and resolute. I watched as Jacob's anger flared, his fists clenched at his sides as he struggled to contain his rage. But Christian wasn't finished. With a swift motion, he shoved Jacob away, his strength surprising for someone so composed. Jacob stumbled backwards, his eyes burning with fury as he turned and fled into the night. "Christian?" I called out, confusion swirling within me as I tried to make sense of the chaos around me. Christian offered me a napkin, his expression unreadable. "Here," he said simply, his voice gentle despite the situation. I took the napkin, a bitter smile playing on my lips. "Nice touch. I'll launder this item," I muttered, my words slurred from the alcohol. But Christian ignored my comment, his focus solely on getting me home safely. "Let's get you home," he said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "But I'm with Shan," I protested weakly, my thoughts still foggy from the alcohol. "I'll have Elliot tell her," Christian replied, his voice decisive. I frowned, confusion clouding my mind. "Who's Elliot?" I asked, trying to piece together the fragments of reality. "He's my brother, he's inside talking to her right now," Christian explained, his patience wearing thin. "I, I don't..." I trailed off, my thoughts scattered and disjointed. "He's at my place with me," Christian continued, his gaze unwavering. "You have a place?" I asked, my disbelief evident in my voice. "Yes. Come," Christian urged, taking my arm gently. "That's your brother?" I questioned, still trying to make sense of the situation. "Not by choice. Let's go," Christian replied, guiding me towards his car with steady hands. "Wait, what did Shannon say?" I asked, confusion gnawing at me. "She warned me to be on my best behavior. More like threatened me," Christian admitted with a wry smile. "She threatened you?" I exclaimed, my eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "You're spinning," Christian observed, noting my dizziness. "I think I'm gonna faint," I confessed weakly, my strength waning with each passing moment. "What now?" Christian's voice was filled with concern, his eyes never leaving mine. "Eat me, drink me," I murmured softly, before succumbing to the darkness that threatened to consume me. Soon then I fainted as Christian was able to hold me as he took me out of the bar.