Moments Never To Forget

Chapter Two

"No matter how bad someone makes you cry, hurts you or makes you feel worse, get back up and thank them for making you stronger each time."

I opened my wardrobe to search for a good outfit. Like any typical girl, I emptied my wardrobe on the floor. Dressing up for a party was a time taking job. I had worn each of my outfits to school or parties and didn't feel like repeating them. What should I do now? Suddenly, an idea popped up in my head. Having an elder sister was always an advantage.

I pulled over a green, netted sleeveless top and black jeggings, wore black wedges and held a black clutch. I touched up my look with blue eye shadow and red lipstick, which contrasted with my peach complexion. Pulling my chocolate brown hair to a high pony, I booked a cab from my eCabs app. The cab arrived in less than ten minutes and I headed out. While traveling to the club, I texted Steph: 'I'm going to Charmix, might return back late. And clean up your room when you return *wink emoji*.'

It was only 9:30 pm when I arrived but the party was in full swing. I sat on the bars stool, looking over the club. Playing in the background was one of my favourite songs, 'Stay High' by Tove Lo.

"Can I buy you a drink?" I heard a guy say to me.

"Yeah sure, a Pinot Noir."

I finished the shot in a gulp. I noticed the guy scooting closer to me, so I whispered in his ear, "Let's dance."

I led him to the dance floor by the collar of his shirt and started dancing. As I danced to the beats of 'I'm Not in Love' by Enrique Iglesias, I pondered over my relationship with Patrick.

"I'm not in love, it's just a phase that I'm going through..."

Maybe it really was just a phase; maybe I did not love him. The boy had started grinding on me by now. I was not a random hooker, though. I turned, hovered my hands over his body, then walked away to look for my group.

"Ashley! You're here! The party's no fun without you," said Sarah, while exchanging kisses with me.

"Where's the group?" I asked her.

She led me to a corner where Cameron and Greg were fighting and the rest of the group was cheering them on. I just flew a kiss over to the guys and they stopped as if I was the reason for their fight. Ah, what would they do without me?

"Guys, I know you want this," I made a gesture towards my body, "but you gotta build up muscles for that, not fight like kids".

We chatted about certain common topics like new movies around the block, birthdays coming up, and then broke off into small groups. I tried to ignore Patrick as he flirted with Flora. He had always been the carefree type, the player, I realized, and I had given my heart to him. I was such an idiot. He never truly even cared for me, forget about loving me.

Everyone in our group of eight — Mark, Alexa, Flora, Greg, Sarah, Cameron, Patrick and me — were getting intoxicated. Mark didn't usually drink, but today he too was drinking.

"Hey! Yo! Guys!" Alexa suddenly hollered, causing us all to look at her. "It's getting boring! Let's play a game, shall we?"

It was soon decided that we'd play Truth or Dare. I personally didn't like the game, because it could lead to spilling out your deepest secrets eventually. Alexa spun the bottle and it stopped on Greg. He took up truth and confessed that he has a crush on Sarah last year. Cam was angry, but Greg managed to calm him down. The game went on as the drinks went down.

Patrick's hand was slowly sliding up Flora's thigh. It made me remember how open Patrick was to public display of affection. He would not date Flora though, he never dated anyone. I was the first girl who was not just a 'one night stand' for him.

"Earth to Ashley! Truth or dare?" I snapped out of my trance to notice that most of the group has drunk enough to be making out or going further. Greg had asked me the question.

"Truth," I answered.

"Do you still love Pat?" he asked.

'Yes,' my mind instinctively answered. I looked over at Patrick. He was taking off Flora's top by now.

"No, and I never did love him," I replied.

Patrick's eyes flew to mine. They held a certain guilt, but that was soon replaced by coldness and he went back to his make out session.

I couldn't stay there any longer. The game continued with Mark, Cameron, and Sarah, while all the others had found partners to hook up with and were doing their thing. I said my byes, booked an eCab and headed back home.