Night Blooms

Chapter One

7:00 p.m.

I read the time that was displayed on my phone's lock screen. I sighed as I slouched at the longing thought of waiting at home. I was supposed to be picked up by a good friend of mine. We were supposed to be dwelling into something fun, but that's a thought that rarely runs in my mind. Nothing ever exciting happens in Whitehale. It's typically calm and quiet, but I prefer to have at least one obnoxious night of fun.

I heard a soft knock on my door and I leapt from my seat on the couch. I opened the door to reveal my friend, Poppy. Her petite frame was shown off by a tight dress. My heart sunk at the thought of what we were doing. She always dressed in such a provocative manner when we were visiting a bar or nightclub.

"You're dressed with sophistication!" Poppy commented.

"I didn't exactly think we would be heading out for an overload of drinks." I huffed. But she happened to be right. I wore jeans with a blouse in a charming shade of pink.

"Oh well, let's just go! We'll have so much fun!" She squealed.

I scoffed. Sure. When she meant 'we', she meant her. I would have to remain sober the remaining amount of time while she was off swaying on her drunk feet.

I trailed behind her after I locked the door of my house. I wouldn't even have to lock it considering the circumstances of the town. Like I mentioned, it's so calm and secluded. Yet, I don't like to take risks.

I heard Poppy's door slam shut. She was too eager sometimes, but I got used to it quickly. I slipped into the passenger's seat of her silver Jeep and slid the belt over my chest.

"My song is on!" Poppy squealed and jerked the volume knob to the right. I rolled my eyes and huffed. The song that was playing was some combination of a perky tune of pop and rap. Not my type of music.

I examined the world stroll by as she drove to the designated spot. I dreaded the thought of having to keep a watchful eye on her. I would have to be a protective friend of her and keep the lusty, tipsy males away. Even the females could get handsy. Maybe I could ask security to watch over her. Would they actually fulfill my asking? Probably not. I just didn't want to be a babysitter. I wanted a little fun. Like I said, this town is deadly boring.

"Fern?" Poppy's voice disrupted my thoughts.

"Hm?" I glimpsed over at her.

"I'll try to lay off the drinks." She sadly sighed.

Had she read my mind? My expression probably explained the whole story. I gratefully flashed a smile, "thank you."

We arrived at the establishment. It was illuminated with neon lights and had music streaming from within. I slipped out of the vehicle and stepped onto the pavement.

Poppy hopped by me after the securing beep of the car notified us that the car was locked. We stepped in together and my eyes examined inside. There were booths up against the wall where people were chatting and stools being sat upon by bulky men. Poppy yanked my arm forward and I gasped. "Come on! I need at least one drink!"

"Okay, okay." I grumbled and filed behind her towards the bar. I glanced at the men who hungrily observed what Poppy's attire. I scoffed and sent cold glares.

A curvy, pretty woman was behind the bar. She flashed warm gazes at us which was extremely comforting.

"Hello, loves. What would you like?" The woman smiled.

"May I please have a glass of rum and cola?" Poppy spoke with enthusiasm.

The woman nodded and waited for me to reply.

"I'm actually okay for now. Thank you." I responded.

I didn't exactly feel like drinking. I wanted to relax with Poppy and that was it.

The woman returned with Poppy's drink. My friend gave the woman money and thanked her. "Let's go sit over there." I pointed at a booth.

We walked over together and sat down. We went on to chatter about our jobs and how the pay had been. I worked as a teacher at a middle school.

"Ashton is a decent boss. He's very considerable and kind. He gave me a raise after I took over for a quitting employee." Poppy purred.

She worked as a veterinarian. Despite how she could act, she was a diligent worker. I envied that for the longest time.

"Speaking of bosses, I honestly wish Rosa would retire. She constantly nags at all of us teachers and she's incredibly rude towards the children." I complained.

I despised that woman. She was practically the devil masked as a woman. She was horrible.

"That's not fun at all. Fern, I know you didn't want to be a teacher. Why'd you take a job that doesn't pay well and loans you stress?"

I gazed at my lap. "I'm not sure. I guess I had no clue what I wanted to do. But it's too late now."

"No it isn't. Look, you're twenty-five. You can return to school and get a degree for something you want to do. Or if not, you can become my assistant!" She nudged me jokingly.

"Very funny, Poppy. But maybe I'll think about we returning to school. It beats getting my head bit off." I stated.

"Good. I'll be right back. I'm going to grab another glass." Poppy walked over to the bar, hips swaying.

I snorted and rolled my eyes. I fumbled with my thumbs, feeling discomfort prowl over me. I let my gaze trail over people. Some would release a boisterous laugh. There were tons of obnoxious people.

I yearned for Poppy to return. To my dismay, she was chatting to a man. I groaned and tipped my head back. My lips twitched and my gaze had fell to my lap again.

An eerie feeling had burst over me. I slowly cursored my eyes up. Then, they landed on him.

A tall man with arms softly chiseled with muscles stood against a wall. His lips were pursed into a line and his brown eyes were glazed with a contradiction of brooding warmth. He was such an attractive stranger.

His dark gaze showered over me. I received an immense amount of chills as soon as my eyes met his. I raised an eyebrow, my breath quickening. He pushed off the wall where he had been standing. Was he coming over here? A part of me desired him, but the other half refused to even be in his line of sight. I guess these emotions bloom when night arrives.

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Hey everyone. As you can see, I've submitted my first chapter. I'm very proud of this piece of writing and I'm happy to continue. Send me feedback and constructive criticism to support my writing!
Bye!