The Shadows Within

Chapter 3

**Shana's POV**

As the days went by, I found myself getting more and more caught up in the club scene. Mathew and I were inseparable, and I was having the time of my life. But deep down, I knew that this lifestyle was starting to take a toll on me.

I wasn't sleeping well, and when I did sleep, I had nightmares about being judged by my church friends and family. My grades were suffering, and I was starting to feel guilty about neglecting my studies. But every time I thought about quitting, Mathew would be there, telling me to just let loose and enjoy myself.

One night, we were out at the club when I saw Rachel getting into an argument with a group of guys. She was visibly shaken when we left, and I could see the fear in her eyes.

"Rachel, what's wrong?" I asked, as we walked back to our cars.

"It's just...I don't know if this is what I want," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm not sure if this lifestyle is good for me."

I looked at her with concern. "What do you mean? You're having fun, aren't you?"

Rachel nodded. "Yeah, but it's not all fun and games. There are some sketchy people around here, and sometimes I feel like I'm losing myself."

I felt a pang of guilt. I had been so caught up in my own world that I hadn't even considered Rachel's concerns.

The next day, Emily approached me at lunchtime with a serious look on her face. "Shana, can we talk?"

We walked to a quiet corner of the cafeteria, and Emily began to speak. "I've been noticing some changes in you lately. You're always tired, and you seem distant. What's going on?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "I don't know...I just feel like I'm finding myself in new ways."

Emily looked at me skeptically. "Finding yourself? Or losing yourself? You're neglecting your studies and your faith. Is that really what you want?"

I felt a lump form in my throat. She was right; I was losing myself in this new lifestyle.

As we parted ways, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I needed to make a change. But the thought of giving up my newfound freedom was daunting.

**To Be Continued...**