Relax/Divide

[8] Technicolor Beat

We stood there, watching everyone dance their hearts out. I loved seeing some dance so wildly and others groove their way to the songs that played. I looked towards Vincent who seemed mesmerized by everyone’s movements. He didn’t even noticed I was looking at him and I couldn’t help but smile at that lost expression of his.

The music grew louder and it was to the point where you could feel the floor booming, almost similar to a heartbeat. While it was kind of warm due to all the movement and people, I didn’t mind it at all. In fact, I loved it.
I wanted to dance already, I wanted to drag Vincent to the dance floor and bring him close. I wanted to do so much, but I also didn’t want to rush things.

I tugged at Vincent’s hand who I was still holding onto and he drew his attention to me.
“Do you have any experience dancing, Vincent?” I asked loudly, trying to make myself heard over the blaring music.

Vincent thought for a moment but then replied, “Yeah, I’d think so. Not the way you’d expect though.” He set his drink down, without taking a single sip.
I grinned, “Good enough for me!” I pulled him along with me on the dance floor, to his surprise.

Vincent and I started off slow, mostly swaying to the beat together. He was kind of avoiding eye contact, as if he was a bit shy. I pulled him closer to me and placed my hand on his back and immediately, almost instinctively, he placed his hand on my shoulder. Our hands met and we locked eyes, our feet synced to the beat of the song. He seemed a lot more relaxed as we danced and it made me smile. It was clear that he had danced before, but not in the most wild way. I didn’t mind just slow dancing with him however, but when a song is fast paced, you’d think you would dance in a different way.

I decided to take it up a notch and ‘bop’ to the music, feeling the beat in my body. I encouraged Vincent to do the same as me, who was hesitant but finally gave in. We synced our movements and continued to hold each other’s hands. I saw Vincent smile with glee, he was enjoying himself and I was too.

I saw him become more comfortable moving around and soon enough we let go of each other and danced separately, still close to one another.

This made me so happy, I even laughed at how we were dancing but it wasn’t in a insulting way, more endearing really.

While dancing, someone bumped into me and I was pushed towards Vincent, who caught me.
Vincent laughed nervously and helped me up carefully. Never really noticed how delicate he was with his movements.

We stood there for a moment, a bit awkwardly but Vincent quickly grabbed a hold of my hand and started dancing once more. It was surprising seeing someone so silent and avoidant suddenly become so spirited, but it seemed as if he already did have a passion for dancing. I went along with it, as long as he was happy, I was happy too.

I couldn’t take my eyes off of Vincent for a moment, he was so different but I didn’t mind it at all. Even though the quiet and shy Vincent was a nice change of pace for my usual crazy and confusing life, this Vincent was exciting and I wanted to see more of it. He’s always so wary of his surroundings, so it truly did make me feel happy seeing him come out of his shell, even if it’s just for a little while. I would do anything to keep it that way for him. Anything.

However, from the corner of my eye I saw two familiar people walking up the staircase. I slowed down my dancing and Vincent noticed something was up and slowed down too.
It couldn’t be them. Maybe it was just me?
I was starting to feel an aching feeling in my chest. No they wouldn’t… Do something wrong...

I felt myself growing anxious and turned to Vincent. I had to see what was up. I needed to.

“Vince, I have to check something out. Are you okay with staying alone for a few minutes?” I asked him.

The smile on his face faded, “Um… Okay. That’s fine.”

I felt terrible having to leave him on his own once more, as I said to him I wouldn’t, but this was important. I needed to check on Aeron. Even if he didn’t want me nearby, I couldn’t just ignore it like nothing.

“Thank you, Vincent. It’s just really important that I do this, okay?” I let go of his hand.

“I understand. I’ll be here waiting.” Vincent held himself, anxious just as much as I.

I walked away, heading to the staircase. I navigated my way through the crowd, a bit overwhelmed by everyone suddenly.
I should trust Aeron with his friends, but something felt wrong. Or maybe I was being paranoid. I don’t know.

I started to feel heavy and sick to the stomach. I’m sure they just went upstairs for a bathroom or talk to some other friends, I mean duh, Aeron is with a group of friends not just a single person. He wouldn’t lie to me about it, right?

He loves me, right?

He says so.

I finally arrived to the flight of stairs. My movements felt slow, my heart was racing in anticipation. I shouldn’t do this, I should honestly go back to Vincent and continue our night together. It wasn’t too late to do so, but I just couldn’t convince myself to turn back.

Once I made it to the second floor, I saw people sitting on the ground, smoking and drinking some more. A few people were busy making out and there was a line for the restroom.

I observed everyone, trying to look for one of Aeron’s friends or at least someone who knew him. While searching I noticed someone who Aeron often hung out with, I forgot his name but I didn’t care anyways. I just needed to find Aeron.

I walked up to him, “H-Hey!” I called.

The guy looked down at me, “Hm? Oh, hey…” He drifted off trying to figure out my name. Guess I’m not alone in forgetting who someone is. He had a cigarette in his hand and pulled it away from his lips.
“Oleander. Aeron’s boyfriend.” I state.
“Ah! Yeah Oleander. I forgot your name. Sorry.” He blew smoke into the air, the smell was kind of revolting.
I waved my hand, clearing the smoke from my face, “It’s fine, I was just wondering if you saw Aeron come by or something?”
He nodded, “Yeah, he was with Donovan, they went to some room or something over there. Said they were gonna drink and play some games.” He pointed me towards some doors near the end of the hallway.
“Thank you, I really appreciate it.” I gave him a slight smile and he nodded and continued to smoke.

I walked towards the direction where he pointed at, unsure of which door to open. I opened one that was near the restroom where a line of people stood. Nothing.

Tried opening another but it was locked.

Finally after opening some doors and walking in on some people smoking some weed and other shit, I stumbled upon the last door.

I was terrified, I didn’t know what to expect or if I should even be expecting anything at all.

I took a deep breath and held the doorknob.

I had to know.

I had to see for myself.

My heartbeat was booming, as if it was about to come bursting out of my chest any moment.

I twisted the doorknob open.

…

A part of me wished I never did however.