Evidence 3: Blood Revenge

CHAPTER- 2

JOSEPH

"I-I-I"

"It's okay, Jo. You don't have to talk to her if you're not comfortable," Eric said gently. Deep down, I wanted to speak with her, but the words just wouldn't come out. It took me months to feel comfortable talking to Sammy after she joined our group. My entire life had been devoted to helping my mother and making her happy, leaving me no time to make friends, especially with girls. Shane was the first to approach me and then introduced me to Eric. Initially, it was just the three of us, but over time, Ace joined our group. Although I'm not as close to Ace, he's a good guy—Shane's best friend, and Eric is mine. At first, Eric spent more time with Shane, but he eventually became interested in getting to know me. For guys, it's often simple: we click, and things develop naturally. I'm very much an introvert, which is obvious, but I want to change that about myself, even though I haven't found the right opportunity yet.

"You know, someday you'll talk to me without stuttering." With that, she walked away, and Eric let out a small scoff.

"I think she likes you." I blushed at his comment. Even though I knew it might not be real, it was the first time a girl had shown interest in me, even if it was just for a moment and even if it was fake. I don't think I'm unattractive, but compared to Shane, I don't even come close. That guy has both money and looks; he's living the bachelor's dream life.

"I-I think I'll go to sleep. I've had a long day." I tried to sound indifferent, knowing Eric would tease me about it.

"Suit yourself. But remember, we have the Freshers' Party tomorrow."

"I won't be going. You guys can enjoy yourselves." I wasn't into parties—they weren't my thing. Large crowds of sweaty people dancing and drinking alcohol weren't my scene.

"Come on, it will be fun. Besides, Shane isn't letting you stay in your room alone, right? And this could be your chance to properly meet Eva." He smirked, but I brushed him off. I really didn't want to go. Eventually, he gave up and went to bed.

I woke up to loud music, which was unusual for me in the morning. "SHUT IT DOWN!" I yelled, and the music was lowered. I realized I wasn't at home and quickly got up. My vision was blurry, but I could make out two figures in my room. Putting on my glasses, I saw Eric and Shane looking at me, astonished.

"This is the first time I've ever heard you shout, Jo," Shane remarked, looking more amused than angry.

"You're back," I smiled and heard a cheerful voice from the corner.

"And I'm back too!" Of course, it was Sammy; only she could sound this cheerful in the morning.

"Get ready!" Shane's boundless energy was going to wear me out someday.

"Why?" Eric and I asked simultaneously.

"Come on, we're not staying in our rooms all day. Let's get ready for the Freshers' Party."

"You have too much energy for a med student. Anyway, I'm not going. You can take Eric with you."

"Come on, Jo, don't bail out. You always do this. Didn't you say you wanted a fresh start when university began?"

"I did, but I can't change overnight. It will take time, Shane."

"Well, this is the start of your new journey! Come with us."

"Again, I'm repeating: you can meet Eva again."

"Eric!!"

"Oh, who is this Eva? A new girl?" Sammy asked with curiosity.

"She's nobody."

"Tell them, dude. This girl—"

"Okay, fine! I'll go. You don't have to force me." I wasn't thrilled about meeting Eva. I didn't know her well, just her name and face. I didn't want to disappoint my friends again, and I wanted to start fresh. Maybe this could be my chance to overcome my introverted nature.

We got ready, and although I was still unsure about going, I decided not to miss this significant day.

"I thought this was supposed to be in a hall, not a club." The invite clearly mentioned a hall, but here I was, in the middle of a dance floor filled with drunk and dancing youngsters. It was so dark, and the only lights were from the disco. It seemed like the perfect place to get wasted.

"Who cares? We're here to have fun, so let's enjoy ourselves!"

Eric grabbed my hand and pulled me into the middle of the dance floor. I was extremely embarrassed. I didn't know how to dance, and everyone around me moved to the beat. With the loud music, I couldn't hear anything else. Eric kept cheering me on from the side, and although he wasn't much of a dancer himself, he tried. I wanted to escape immediately; the place felt suffocating.

"Here, let me help you." Someone from the crowd took my hand and led me away from the dance floor. I could barely breathe in the crowd, and this person's help made me feel a bit better.

"Th-thank you. You're the same girl from yesterday."

"Glad you remembered me."

"I-I just—"

"You can take your time to speak. I won't bite. How about taking some deep breaths?" I followed her advice and slowly calmed down. "You know, I think you might be a bit claustrophobic. Large crowds don't seem to be your thing."

"No—"

"JOSEPH! JO! JOSEPH! WHERE ARE YOU?!" I heard Eric calling my name.

"Great... here comes your savior."