Finding Myself.

1.

"Hey there." A smooth voice whispered in my direction. I yawned to myself, lifting my forehead from my arm. I was greeted by a form beyond my wine glass, my eyelids heavy with a need for sleep. Music blared through the speakers of the club, shaking the chandelier above as people danced and swayed along on the floor. I don't even remember why I came.. I think it was Janine's idea..

"You okay, beautiful?" They asked, leaning closer to me, and reaching for my wrist.

"Yeah..." I murmured, standing somewhat straight, though almost fell down again to the pounding in my head. Pursing my lips together, I lifted my head to see this person better. It was a woman, a stud to be matter of fact. And I wasn't sure if it was just the booze getting to me, but she seemed beautiful. A nose piercing, fair brown skin, tattoos covering her neck and knew how to dress. "Yeah, I'm fine." I forced a smile, a bit embarrassed she had to see me like that.

She took the seat next to me, taking off her hat and running her fingers through her small afro. I looked forward as she observed me, taking in the sight of my body from head to toe, making me all the more nervous, as I pulled the strap of my dress up on my shoulder. "How long was I out?" I asked.

"Awhile." She responded. "I saw you from across the room and I decided to watch out for you, in case someone'd try to slip something in your drink." Even when shouting over the loud music, her voice still sounded beautiful.

I groaned to myself, then leaned my forehead onto my palm. "Damn." Wrapping slender digits around the skinny wine glass, swallowing a few gulps of liquor. I shut my eyes and squeezed my lips as it traveled down my throat and burned my chest. "Thanks." I shout back.

We stay in silence for a moment then. She stirred the tiny, plastic umbrella inside her own glass while I stole glimpses at her, flattered such a woman like her would be talking to me. Did she even know I was gay? Did she see me walk in here with Sean? I hope not.. I wanted to say something, ask her what's her name, who's she's here with, anything to keep talking to her, but each time I opened my lips, to speak, nothing came out.

"Hey," She turned to me.  She leaned in closer, like she was trying to whisper into my ear. My dumbass took a while to notice, flinching slightly while her cheek grazed against my own. I could have melted to goo, hearing her voice and feeling her lips so close to my ear. "Wanna go somewhere more quiet? My crew and I are in the VIP section out back, I'm sure they wouldn't mind."

VIP? I've never been invited there before. I don't even know what it looks like, off the movie screen. This'll be interesting.

I nodded, grabbing my purse and stumbling to stand straight. Damn it, damn Janine for making me wear these stupid high heels. The woman I was with snickered and grabbed my wrist, to begin guiding me through crowds of people, and I even passed Sean and his girl, Janine. They smiled wide at me, Janine throwing her thumbs up. And that's when it clicked, she brought me here to get over my ex. Just thinking of her made me want to gulp down another glass. After reaching the back, a tall man guarded the VIP section. He let us both in after the woman I was with gave validation. "So, what's your name?" I finally asked, my words coming out in a slur.

"Keisha." She said. "Yours?"

"Izza." I smiled. She let go of my wrist and pointed her hand to an empty seat.

"Ladies first."

"Thank you." I sat down next to two other studs, and a larger man. My eyes switched to Keisha's direction, waiting for her to introduce them.

"Nichole, Ava, and Jeffery, this is.."

"Izza."

"Izza." She said.