We stumbled out of Xylo, the smoky nightclub air giving way to the cool breeze of the street. Jazz and Potato were the only ones who hadn't drunk much, while the rest of us were plastered.
I noticed someone on an e-scooter gliding along the sidewalk, and I quickly set Steffani down on the curb before she toppled over. I turned my attention to Bhoszxc Vhinzxc, who was barely standing. As I helped steady him, Steffani slipped away.
"Bwahahahaha!!" Steffani's laughter pierced the air as she charged at the person on the scooter. She shoved them hard, and they tumbled face-first onto the pavement. "Holy shit!" I gasped, rushing over to help the scooter rider, who was cursing under their breath.
"I'm so sorry!"
The pressure of the situation built as passersby began to stare at us like we were the evening's entertainment. Franchesca, usually so composed, swayed on her feet before doubling over and vomiting on the sidewalk. The crowd recoiled, and Jazz just stood there, arms crossed, watching us like a bemused spectator, completely disinterested.
"Hey, can we get some help here?" I called out to a nearby security guard. He nodded and approached Steffani, who was still shouting profanities and waving her arms around. He quickly cuffed her hands behind her back, struggling against her flailing.
I turned back to the group, realizing our driver was just as out of commission as the rest. Eugene stood on the side, bottles of wine in each hand, chugging from both. Potato tried to wrestle them away, but Eugene was stronger and kept drinking.
I was pulled from the scene by a sudden commotion. Bhoszxc Vhinzxc was flailing his arms wildly, throwing punches at the air. I ducked, grabbed his arm, and yelled, "Kuya!" to the security guard, who promptly grabbed Bhoszxc Vhinzxc and dragged him to the side, putting him to sleep against a wall.
Feeling overwhelmed, I returned to Franchesca, who was now a mix of embarrassment and irritation. I wiped her mouth gently, and she blinked up at me, her voice slurred, "Heart—I want to kiss you..." Her lips puckered as she leaned in, but I gently pushed her face away, and she slumped into my arms, passing out from the alcohol.
"Hoy! Could you at least help?!" I snapped at Jazz, who was still doing nothing but watching. His eyes were glassy, and I noticed he was drunk too.
"Relax," Jazz slurred. "The helicopter is on the way." He was grinning, his words barely making sense. "I know I'm drunk—at least you don't have to take care of me."
My eyes widened. "A helicopter?! Are you serious?"
Just then, I remembered him downing an entire bottle of Cuervo earlier. Now, it was down to me and Potato to babysit this chaotic group. I glanced at Potato, who was struggling to restrain Steffani, still throwing insults at the scooter guy.
"You're only here 'cause of you!" Steffani yelled, as Elijah accidentally spilled wine on Potato's face.
"Putangina naman!" Potato shouted, wiping her face furiously before slapping Eugene, who collapsed into her arms, laughing hysterically. "Uy, ang bigat!" she grunted as she tried to balance him.
I heard a thud behind me and turned to see Jazz face-planted on the ground. "Fffuck!" I hissed, annoyed. Potato and I struggled to lift him and lined up all the unconscious and wasted bodies along the sidewalk like a row of dominos.
"Take a picture of them!" I laughed, the absurdity of the situation finally hitting me. I was torn between embarrassment and a strange sense of joy. Nights like these didn't happen often, but they sure were memorable.
