Unravelled

[CHAPTER 25]

CHAPTER 25

Lara's POV

Even before eight, Daniel arrived in front of my house. I was still busy putting on some makeup so I could get a more mature look and lie my way through the doors.

Daniel drove through the centre and to the other side of town. Turns out, it was at the other end of town and I was grateful for that because I wouldn't have to bump into someone I knew.

He pulled up in front of a row of shops and for a moment, I thought he was joking about bringing me to the club.

"Vagabond's a block away, is it alright for you to walk in those?" He asked while pointing at my heels.

I looked at them and started to doubt myself. It's been so long since I'd worn heels because I feel more comfortable wearing sneakers or boots. I couldn't exactly back out now so I drew in a breath and said, "Sure, I don't see a problem with that."

We walked down the alley and there I saw it. A neon sign above the door of the club glowed with the words VAGABOND, changed its color each time it blinked. From the outside, I could already hear the somnolent buzz of the crowd and the windows were tinted in black. A long line of people waited outside the doors. I was mentally calculating how long we would wait here before entering when Daniel passed me something.

"A fake ID?" I looked at it where a photo of me was copied onto it. I was amazed how he got a fake ID done within two hours. I was a little nervous at the thought of using an illegal ID but I pushed the thought away. I was here anyway, right?

He walked to the front of the line and as soon as the bouncer saw him, they bumped fists. From the way they were talking, they were definitely friends. I guessed it should be easy for me to get in.

I showed him my ID and earned a stare from the bouncer.

"Doesn't she look like she's eighteen?" Daniel asked him playfully.

"No but you're in," he gestured toward the door and let us past the ropes.

As I entered the place, the intermingled smells of smoke and sweat instantly assaulted my nostrils as I inhaled deeply. We pushed ourselves through the pulsating throng. Finally we found our way to an empty bar in the corner and sat ourselves down while Daniel motioned to the bartender.

"Margarita," I said at the same time Daniel said, "Coke."

Surprised, I gave him a look saying We are at a bar. He simply shrugged and said, "Sorry Lara, only Coke. You have a test tomorrow remember and I've got to drive you home safely."

I was deflated. I thought this was a good chance to try out some alcohol. Sighing I said, "I'll take a cherry Coke then." A moment later, our drinks were slid in front of us, and the bartender was gone before I could even thank him. I took a sip of my coke while looking around.

By now, my eyes were already adjusted to the darkness. Bright spots of neon beer signs on the wall stood out, illuminating the faces of the crowd, while others disappeared into the contrasting blackness.

"Hey there, beautiful. All alone?" a voice spoke beside me.

I looked to my right to see a guy sitting way too close next to me, his body angled toward mine. He was invading my personal space so I scooted my stool away from him. "I'm here with a friend," I gestured to my left.

He peered over me and chuckled. "Guess he left you here alone, huh?" I turned to my left to see the seat which had been occupied by Daniel minutes ago now available.

"Can I buy you a drink? Such a waste coming here to get a glass of coke. Whisky, perhaps?" he asked me.

I raised my glass and took a gulp, hoping the coke would give me a calmer voice. "Coke's good for me."

"Your first time here? Never seen you around here before."

"Yeah," I said a little hesitantly.

"Ahhh I thought so, because I'm sure I would remember such a hot babe like you." The back of his hand brushed my thigh, and I pulled away.

I realized that I didn't want my whole night to go to a waste talking to him so I summoned up my courage and said, "Gee, I'll never make a mistake coming here again if it means I'll see you here." I kept my eyes steadfastly on my glass.

He must have detected my disinterest talking to him so he said, "Nice talking to you." Just as soon as he said that, he was gone, dancing off into the throng, smiling and touching a dozen other girls.

I ordered another glass of coke and then scanned the crowd for Daniel through the darkness. A moment later, someone perched himself onto Daniel's seat. I took a sideways glance at him when he said, "Hey I'm Justin and you are...?"

I was getting tired of this. I thought, as soon as Daniel came back I would go to the dance floor. I wasn't going to stay at this bar the whole night.

"Not interested," I replied.

He snickered. "Not interested?"

Great. Now I'll have to get rid of another one, I thought. I turned to him and said, "Look, I'm not interested in you so can you ple-" I stopped midway when Daniel called out, "Justin!"

"So you found her. Lara, this is my friend Justin. Don't worry, he wasn't trying to pick up on you," Daniel said.

I gave Justin a smile, partially to apologize my behavior earlier. We chatted for a few minutes before edging our way off the dance floor. With loud rave music parties, where I could go absolutely crazy and be worriless, I saw how no one cared about anything except having fun. So I relaxed and danced to the rhythm.

As promised, Daniel got me home at 22:53, safely. By that time, my energy was drained off and I was dead tired. I even had my heels off my feet because I couldn't walk in them after dancing for a whole hour nonstop. I unbuckled my seat belt after he pulled in front of my house. "Thanks for tonight. I had a great time."

"I'm glad you did. We should hang out more often," he said.

I nodded. Though I wasn't fond of going to places like this, I had a feeling I didn't have to worry if Daniel's around. I had to admit, I really did have a great time and I was looking forward to hang out with him again.

"Definitely. We should ask Charlotte to come with us next time," I suggested.

"Sure, that is if she wants to. She's never been to places like that before and she never would, as far as I know."

"Well, tonight was my first time going there because you asked me, didn't you? There's always a first in everything," I said.

"Hmm you're right. I'll convince her next time then," he said then glanced at his watch. "It's getting late now, go in and get some rest. Test tomorrow," he reminded me.

"Riiiiight. Okay goodnight, see you tomorrow. Thanks again!" I got out of his car and walked to my front porch. I unlocked the door and let myself in. I managed to wave him goodbye from the windows before he drove away.