Forbidden Lessons

34

34

Sophia’s POV

My last anthropology exam ended with a flourish of relief and satisfaction. The three hours had felt like an eternity, but as I handed in my paper and walked out of the hall, a wave of accomplishment washed over me. I had done it. The first ever college exams was behind me and it had gone well. I pulled out my phone to call my parents, eager to share the news and make plans to go home for the weekend holidays.

“Hey, Mom,” I said when she answered. “The history exam went really well! I’m thinking of coming home.”

There was a brief pause on the other end before my mom’s voice came through, but there was an hint of regret I didn’t understand. “Oh, Sophia, I’m so proud of you! But we’re not home right now. We decided to visit Grandma with your siblings for the holidays. The house is empty.”

My heart sank. I had been looking forward to some home-cooked meals and the comfort of my own bed. “Oh, I see. Well, maybe when you guys are back then.”

“Definitely, sweetie,” she replied. “You take care and have some fun. You deserve it after all that studying.”

As I hung up, I felt a bit deflated. I had been counting on the familiarity and warmth of home to recharge after the stress of exams. But now, it seemed I had to find another way to unwind.

Back at my dorm, I found Jenny lounging on her bed, flipping through a magazine. She looked up as I entered, her face lighting up with a smile. “Hey, Soph! How did it go?”

“It went well,” I said, dropping my bag on the floor and flopping down next to her. “But I just called my mom, and my family is at Grandma’s place, so I can’t go home for the holidays.”

Jenny’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Well, then it’s settled. We’re going out tonight. We need to blow off some steam, and I know just the place.”

I raised an eyebrow, curious. “Oh really? What’s the plan?”

“Nightclub,” Jenny said with a grin. “There’s this new place downtown that everyone’s been raving about. Music, dancing, the works. It’ll be fun!”

I hesitated for a moment, but the prospect of a night out was starting to sound appealing. “Alright, let’s do it. But I need your help picking out something to wear.”

Jenny’s enthusiasm was infectious. She jumped up and began rummaging through her closet. “I’ve got just the thing! Trust me, Soph, you’re going to look amazing.”

After an hour of trying on outfits and a lot of laughter, we finally settled on a sleek, black dress for me and a shimmering silver number for Jenny. As we did our makeup, I felt a sense of excitement building. It had been a while since we’d gone out like this, and the thought of dancing the night away was becoming more and more appealing.

Normally I’d have thought of going out with Ian or just going to spend the weekend with him but right now I needed the weekend off with my best friend.

By the time we were ready to leave, the sun had set, and the city lights were twinkling outside our window. We grabbed a taxi since Jenny didn’t want to drive to a place she didn’t know well, and headed downtown, the anticipation growing with each passing minute. When we arrived at the nightclub, the neon lights and thumping bass welcomed us.

Inside, the club was alive with energy. The dance floor was packed, the music loud and infectious. Jenny and I made our way to the bar first, ordering drinks and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

“To a night of fun and forgetting about exams!” Jenny shouted over the music, raising her glass.

“Cheers to that!” I replied, clinking my glass with hers.