Begin Again

Chapter Twenty

"The minute I feel your energy. Your vibe's just taken over me; start feeling so crazy, babe. Lately, I feel the funk coming over me. I don't know what's gotten into me; the rhythm's got me feeling so crazy, babe."

I stared at my arms, exposed, in this black dress. The faint, but still noticeable, redness etched over bumps, the size of burly fingers, that were at the start of my bicep. My eyes began to sting as I rotated myself to view the old bruise along my right side. I hissed, as I ran my hand along the stinging wound.

I had yet to apply ointment onto it, but I was always reluctant of this daily routine, as it reminded me of my past. Now I'm being punished for it. The thought that even when I'm no longer under Richard's tyrannical treatment, I'm still feeling the aftermath of his 'love', frightened me.

What was the point?

Rach insisted that I accompany her, and Grace, to the opening of the new club in the next block, and the idea was appealing to me at first. I was looking forward to finally go out with my sister, and someone I considered my friend, and let the night take me away. I hadn't done so in five years, due to my husband's paranoia.

Now, however, I wasn't so keen. It has been a while since I went to a club. I didn't know if the same had stayed the same all those years ago, and to be quite frank, I feel old. Will my body be able to withstand the dancing and the drinking? These are all excuses, Salomé. Wiping the tears, I didn't even realise, that had fallen, I began to undo my dress.

"Hey, are you-?" The door burst open, revealing a grinning Rachel. Her smile, however, began to fade when she finally took in what I was doing.

"Wh-what are you doing, sis?" She asked, frowning.

"I can't go, Rach," I sighed, before continuing to undo the dress, slightly struggling with the zip. "I'm just not feeling up to it."

"But you were all about it just this morning!" She exclaimed. "You know, letting your hair down. Finally free..."

"I know, I know, but..."

"It's not because of Richard, is it?" She resolved, inspecting my face closely. "You can't let him keep doing this to you. He's long gone, Salomé."

"And how do you know that? He's coming back really soon, and our parents wants to see the both of us together!"

"Okay, I don't know that. But I know that whatever happens, you'll have me. I'll be there if he eventually comes back. And more relevantly, I'll be there tonight."

Pulling me into a tight hug, I winced a bit when she came in to contact with my side. Holding me in her outstretched arms, worry etched on her face, she spoke.

"Salomé... I didn't know. If you want you can-"

"Stay?" I interrupted, tears brimming in my eyes. "You've persuaded me now, girl. I have to be out there with you! I'm fine, honestly, and you're right. I need to forget... about Richard, and everything."

I pulled her into another cuddle, before placing two huge kisses on both of her cheeks.

"Now, come on, we don't want to keep Grace waiting," I added, giving her several winks. "Help me get ready, you're better at all this!"

***

Stepping into the club, I watched Rachel and Grace head off into the dance floor, however the blasting music made me feel apprehensive so I made my way to the bar to fuel my confidence. After a few Martinis, I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins. As cheesy as it sounds, I did feel a lot better than how I was when I first entered.