Emma was trying her hardest to get me to leave my flat but I just wasn’t having it. The three-year anniversary of my parents passing was the day before and it hit me harder than the year prior. I’ve accomplished so much in the passed three years. Graduation and being promoted at the firm, all things we always spoke about. Things I promised my mother I would do, my father behind me each step; both of them always supporting me and putting every ounce of faith they had into me.
I finally did almost all the things I said I would and they were only around for the heartache and complaining, not the finale.
“Vae, listen to me, we’ll only go out for a couple hours. It’ll be a good time. Some drinks, some laughs, a bit of dancing and we get a taxi and sleep half naked in your bed.”
“Emma, I- I just don’t feel like it tonight.”
“It’s Friday!” her yell was muffled by my closet she was rummaging through.
I groaned, falling face down onto my bed. I wondered briefly about why I even got up to answer the door when she pounded on it, it was too late to fix now. I knew no matter how much I begged and pleaded with her that I’d end up at a club tonight, I much rather go willingly than be towed.
“Two hours is my max, Em.” I mumbled through the sheets.
“What’s that? I can’t hear you.”
I lifted my head to the side only to see her standing at the foot of my bed holding a pile of clothing.
“Two hours is my max – what are you doing?” I rolled over onto my back and sat up. My brows cocked, I was not going to wear some mini-dress out tonight and that appeared to be all she’d dug out.
“I’m going to dress you accordingly.”
“I don’t want to wear a dress, Emmaaa.” I whined, pouting my lip.
She eyed me frustrated-like but I ignored her. She normally had an attitude when I gave her a hard time about partying but I couldn’t give a fuck if I tried.
“Vaeda –” she dropped the pile of clothes onto my bed and pinched the bridge of her nose and walked over to the bedroom door. “W-wear whatever you want. I-I don’t – I don’t even care. Just get dressed.” She slammed the door closed, and not a moment later she pushed it back open, “Please.” She added before disappearing again.
Sometimes I don’t think Emma totally understand how emotionally distraught I become this time of year. She’ll console me for a bit of time, but it only seems to be to appease me not because she emotionally feels for me.
***
When I stepped out of the taxi I made a point to pull my dress down. It only just covered my bum but it was the only one that was long sleeved and I didn’t want to carry around a jacket indoors a hot wasteland. The cool air hit my hot cheeks with a sting that I soothed with my clammy palms. As I watched the neon lights flicker it became more apparent that I did not feel like being here.
“Come on,” she rushed.
Despite the long line, Emma and myself walked right passed the bouncer, Paul, nudging him as a friendly ‘hello, again’ and right into the club. You could hear the ladies scoff as we passed them, but we do this every week , they should be used to it by now. I mean, Emma's dad owns the place.
Emma took my wrist as she shoved through the crowds. Two guards unclipped the velvet rope leading up to the V.I.P as we approached and she dragged me clear up the stairs. As we entered the area I saw people I knew, people I didn’t. Though, Emma knew everyone of course.
