All The Love, -P

XII

Dani

I remembered three years ago. I remembered how my parents got disappointed on me. How they were so furious on what I did. How they disgrace me in the family. I remembered how my so called best friends betrayed me. I remembered how I paid for the mistake they made. I remembered how my parents warned me about them. How they will betray me in the end. I remembered how I told my parents that what they are wrong about them, and they are true to me.

*3 years ago

"Mom, you can't do this to me!" I exclaimed.

"Why can't I, Maxine?" Mom asked. "Those girls are bad influence! They have bad records, and they always cut class, I can accept them to be your friend if they have high grades but they don't! Their grades are lowest among the rest. They are not the type of people you should befriend with. They don't have a bright future!"

"Mom!" I can't believe how my mom is so judgmental. "Dad?" I turned to my dad.

"Your mom's right Maxine. We can't tolerate them. Can't you see? They are using you so they can pass the school year. They only befriended you because you are smart. You're the top of your batch. And you are alone. They are using your weakness Maxine. They will hurt you. They will leave you hanging when you need them."

"No! They are not like that. They can't hurt me. Why are you so judgmental? Why do you keep meddling with my life? Why can't I decide for myself?" I hate them. I feel like a bird being trapped in a cage. I don't have a freedom for myself. I never did anything that I love. They are always against it.

"Fine, you want freedom Maxine? Go! And don't come crying to me because I already warned you. Don't make me say I told you so." Mom said. "Let's go hon. we will be late for the board meeting. And leave Maxine alone, let's give here the freedom that she wants." Mom added and left. Dad looked at me and gave me small smile then left. Now I'm all alone here again. I will prove to my parents, especially to my mom how wrong she is about my friends. They cannot control me all my life, I have a mind for Pete's sake!

Neon lights, the smell of mixture of smoke and alcohol, loud music, people getting wasted on their tables, a sea of people dancing on the dance floor, couples kissing, if they really are a couple, playboys, whores. These are what you will see in a bar. I'm only 14 but I am not ignorant in these kinds of things, I've seen lots of these in movies and my friends always come here every night, while for me? This is my first time. I know we shouldn't be here since we are still minors, but somehow Abby found a way for us to get inside here. And darn it! My dress is so short and backless. I'm not even used to wearing this kind of stuff, well I'm not really used to all of these.

"Yow Dani, don't be such a virgin and just loosen up. Just have fun. You will have the best night of your life!" Addison said. What she said made me wonder what she meant by it.

"Don't mind what Addison said. Here, just drink this iced tea. I know you are not used to all of this." Abby said and handed me the glass of ice tea.

"Thanks." I smiled at her. "Why are you not joining them? You should enjoy yourself with them, not with someone who is plain and boring."

"It's also my first time in here. I may be friends with them for a long time, but this is my first time in here. I know you will be here and it's your first time in here. So why not I should accompany you since this is our first time in here." What she said surprised me. This is her first time? No wonder she excels better than them. "So?" Abby grab her own glass of ice tea and faced me again. "Cheers for the first timers in the bar, and for many nights to come." I laughed on what she said and clink our glass. I smiled at here and drink all of my ice tea in the glass. After drinking all, my surroundings started spinning.