A Twist In Fate

1

3...2...1...HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!

The cheers erupt all around me and I let myself drown in them. My head spins as hot liquid enters my mouth making its way down my throat. I paw at a stray hair, moving it away from my mouth as my hair falls off my shoulders and towards my back. My head still tilted upwards, I bask in this moment, licking my lips to get any remnants left behind. I want more. I need more. The craving is strong and I don't resist it. Giving in feels like pure bliss. No worries or care about anything in this life. I could live like this forever. This is just a taste. A taste I know I'll crave, forever.

—

"Lia...LIA! ALIA EVERGREEN! Wake up!" Long dark wavy curls and glittering white teeth are all my sleepy blurred vision provides, as I feel the aches and pains from the previous night flood into my senses.

"Where am I?" Mouth tacky, my broken voice escapes me as a raspy whisper. Did I overdo it last night? Slapping my cheeks in a failed endeavor to snap back into reality, I feel a hand clasp onto my shoulder.

"Lia honey, look at me. We need to get going or you're going to get into a hell of a lot of trouble." My eyes blink. Once. Twice.

"Oh..." I mumble as I stumble to get up, my body battling for rest. The morning sunrise rays shine brightly from the satin curtains and I fight to stifle a yawn trying to spring out of me. "Did you sleep or even drink?"

"Clearly not as much as you but I wanted to make sure you weren't going to get hurt, plus you can't be late to your meeting with your parents." She signs and runs her hands through her wavy locks to smooth them out of her shiny hazel eyes. Her hair laps around her face and shoulders, though messy, it pillows around her as if inviting me to take a nap. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes in an attempt to not give into the idea of curling up with a pillow and sleeping for the rest of my life, I stretch and let out a big yawn.

"Sorry Lexa. I guess I downed one shot too many last night. But mom said next New Years, I won't be here. Had to make it count." Last night flashes through me like strobe lights at a nightclub. Losing count of how many shots I had taken was the original plan, but the memory loss...definitely not part of it. "What time is it?" I mumble as I rub the now forming throbs in my temples.

"Don't worry babe, you got about two hours before your 'extremely important' meeting with your parents." She smiles and her doe-like eyes close to symbolize her pride in successfully waking me up on time. She rubs my shoulder as if to comfort me. Relaxing, I take a deep breath, grounding myself in her familiar touch. I have a bad feeling about this meeting.

—

Nerves build inside of me, rooting into my stomach and declaring war. The fight begins and there is no line of freedom in sight. Lexa pulls up at a mansion that could probably house a thousand people. "Goodluck and don't worry. I am sure it's nothing and they want to just talk about how the sky is blue." She giggles as I exit her little blue Volkswagen, "Call me after and give me all the juicy details! Love ya Lia!" I smile and wave as she speeds off down the winding driveway back to the city. Dread enters and sides with my nerves. Succumbing and accepting defeat, I walk up to the gate, ready for my next battle.

—

Only an hour and a half left to get myself ready. Chamomile tea with five sugar cubes was sitting on my bedside table when I entered the room. Should've known the maids would know I had gotten home. Damn. That means they know too. I sip on my tea, feeling a calm wash over me. Shower first then I can worry about appearances.

Letting the warm water slide down my body, it washes away any suds that clung for dear life to my skin. Turning off the water, I grab my towel and wrap myself in it. A simple look will do for today, no need to be so formal. Quickly applying mascara and lipstick, I run my fingers through my hair for luck. Looking at the mirror seeing my straight hair fall just short of my collarbone, shining in its dirty blonde glory and parted seamlessly in the middle. I twirl a strand and enjoy the silkiness as I access the rest of my appearance. Green eyes glittering against my creamy rich skin. Lips plump, colored with just the right shade of rose to not seem too flashy. Simple gold studded earrings. An elegant naked necklace chain to match. Oversized knitted sweater for the win, shimmering a dark blood red, accompanied by some gently ripped denim pants. Definitely a favorite go-to outfit during the cold winter season. I throw on a pair of short chunky black pumps. One last glance and satisfaction wells up within me. Now or never, let's get this over with.

Leaving the confines of my room, I head down the stairs, staring at the openness of our vaulted ceilings. Delicate chandeliers rain down from above, I blink and turn the corner heading to the main hall. Another sharp corner and I'm met with a grand doorway leading to a business styled room. This is where business meetings are held, and apparently non-business meetings. I finger my necklace, nerves threatening to conquer me all over again. Closing my eyes, taking three calming breaths, I let my necklace fall back between the crevice of my breasts. Gently, I knock three times.

"Come in." An inviting voice rings from inside. Now or never.