Taiven Parmiga

Chapter 23: Mistakes Were Made

I get home in a rush and slam the front door on my way in and throw my purse and keys onto the table before stomping upstairs. I fling myself onto my bed, grab a pillow, and hold it over my head and prepare to scream into it when...

Buzz Buzz.....Buzz Buzz.....Buzz Buzz

My phone begins to buzz and I slowly remove the pillow and breathe out loudly. I dig the phone out of my back pocket and don't even look to see who it is before answering.

"Yeah?" is all I can manage to say without sounding too mean.

"Hey girl! How have you been? God, I feel like we haven't met up in years because of this whole 'acting' thing you've gotten yourself into." I hear one of my old college friends' voice.

"Payson, I'm sorry, I'm just not really in the mood to go out tonight. It's been a long day, and a long week, and I think it would be better for me to just stay in tonight." I mumble my reply to her invitation.

"Oh, come on. Remember how we used to be in college? It hasn't been that long since I saw you dancing on a table in the middle of a Frat party. You can't tell me you don't miss that." she starts to convince me.

"I would be lying through my teeth if I told you I didn't miss it. But tonight just isn't a good night." I say, feeling myself getting weaker by the minute, my mind slowly being taken by sleep.

"Hey, whatever it is, I'm sure it's nothing a good partying can't take care of. It's been too long. I know someone not far who's throwing a huge party at his place tonight. A lot of people going, some big names in the acting business. Good music, great alcohol, something you don't want to miss." she continues to fight her case, and I give in.

"Okay fine. But you're picking me up, and getting me a ride home." I sit up and begin to grow more excited for what the evening had in store for me. "And you know what, you're right. I do need a night out with some good music and great alcohol. Taking my mind off work for a night will be a huge help right now. I'll be ready in a couple hours. Be here as soon as it gets dark out. Bye!"

We hang up and I instantly go to my closet to find something to wear, hoping to catch a glance or two from a couple of guys who aren't looking for a commitment longer than one night. I search all the way to the back to find a designer dress from an old friend who told me to save it for when I wanted more fun than what my sober mind would think is possible. It's a short, strapless dress with a leather bow tied at the front around the waist. I slip it on with some black high heels.

I do my hair and makeup and only have half a turkey on rye sandwich and a bottle of water before leaving. When her car pulls up, I hop in and we take off down the street, towards the sound of a booming base and the sight of flashing lights.

***

We arrive at the party and as soon as we walk in, we run into some old friends who introduce us to new friends and before long, we're laughing and dancing in the middle of the living room. The flashing lights and booming sound system makes it impossible to see or hear anything important going on around you, which is exactly how I wanted it.

Before long, I find where the beer is. As soon as the first few sips sink inside of me, my nerves calm and my fears vanish. All the confusion and hate and pain fade away with ever cup I fill and drink. I'm on my 4th or 5th cup when I look up from the middle of the room to the front door and see the last person I wanted to encounter tonight. The one person I had originally come here to forget.

I stand there, slightly swaying and staring at the ground, debating whether or not I should confront him about it, or to ignore him and stick to the plan of moving on. Before I'm able to decide, a hand slides around my waist and I turn to see a handsome man with jet black hair and piercing bluish-green eyes.