A Love Rekindled

Chapter 24

The lights of the bar flickered across the bustling room. The lively chatter of crowd, clinking glasses, and upbeat music filled the air.

Enid, brimming with excitement, dragged Wednesday inside, the rest of their group trailing close behind.

“Why did I let you talk me into this?” Wednesday muttered as they stepped into the crowd. Her eyes scanned the bar, her disapproval evident.

“Because it’s our last year, and we need to celebrate!” Enid beamed, pulling her toward a booth where Yoko, Bianca, Kent, and Divina were already settling in.

Yoko laughed as she handed a bottle of beer to Enid, who immediately turned and offered it to Wednesday.

“Come on, just enjoy it for once,” Enid urged, nudging the bottle toward her.

“Yeah,” Yoko chimed in. “We’re practically adults now. You can afford to loosen up.”

Wednesday stared at the bottle. She sighed and took it from Enid. She hesitated before taking a sip.

The group erupted in cheers, their voices blending with the bar’s lively ambiance.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Yoko exclaimed, raising her own bottle in a mock toast.

Enid giggled, her eyes sparkling as she watched Wednesday take another sip, clearly not enjoying it but unwilling to disappoint her.

“You’re doing great,” Enid teased, clinking her bottle against Wednesday’s.

As the evening wore on, the group’s laughter grew louder, fueled by alcohol.

Kent, visibly drunk, slurred his words before dramatically passing out face-first onto the table.

“Man down,” Bianca announced, snickering as she sipped her drink.

Enid dissolved into giggles, pointing at Kent. “He’s such a lightweight!”

Wednesday watched the scene with her usual deadpan expression. She took the last sip of her beer and set the empty bottle down with finality.

“Okay, that's enough,” she said flatly, standing up. “It’s time to leave.”

“Aww, come on, we’re just getting started!” Yoko protested, though her slightly slurred speech betrayed her own level of intoxication.

“Party pooper,” Divina teased, her cheeks flushed from laughter and alcohol.

Bianca chuckled and waved a hand.
“She’s right, guys. We’ve had enough, and Kent’s out cold. Let’s call it a night.”

Wednesday gave Bianca a small nod of approval.
“Finally, someone is sensible.”

Enid, on the other hand, groaned in protest.
“But I’m not done!” she whined, reaching for another bottle.

“Oh no, you’re definitely done,” Wednesday said, catching her hand before she could grab it and pulled Enid to her feet.

The group stumbled out of the bar, Divina and Bianca taking charge of Kent while Wednesday carefully guided a tipsy and giggling Enid.

By the time they reached their dorm, Enid was swaying on her feet, leaning heavily against Wednesday.

“You’re such a buzzkill, you know that?” she slurred as Wednesday helped her to her bed.

“Better than letting you embarrass yourself further,” Wednesday replied, easing her down onto the mattress.

She began to step away when she felt a sudden tug on her hand.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Enid asked, her voice soft but insistent.