Shading the light

Chapter 3- Acquainting wih strangers

Adelaide's POV:
Adelaide found it virtually impossible to break away from the heavy gaze of the girl in front of her. Her feet stopped as she stood close to the mysterious group. Up close, she could see that the young woman who had held her gaze had large blue eyes, a small nose and elegantly arched eyebrows. Her small face was framed with long, dark brown locks that ended with blonde curls. She was undoubtedly gorgeous. Two equally stunning girls flanked her- one with light brown hair and full, luscious lips; the other with dark green eyes and olive skin that sparkled under the neon lighting. Adelaide's gaze drifted to the young men standing behind the girls. Three of them were tall, broad shouldered and lean, and the other was... Adelaide's breath caught as she examined him. He was shorter than the other three, and slimmer, but his shirt hugged his body in an attractive way. His messy, tousled hair was pushed back from his face, but a few strands escaped, making Adelaide want to push the hair back with her hands.
A sweet voice suddenly cut into her reverie, making her blink. "So, what's your name?"
Adelaide turned to face the voice, and found herself once more looking at the girl in the velvet dress. "Adelaide," she replied.
"Your full name." This time, a sharp note was clear in the girl's tone.
"Adelaide... Nightshade."
Smiling once more, the girl extended her hand. "I'm Zoe. I'm very glad to meet you." Dumbfounded, Adelaide could only nod. The two other girls stepped forward.
"Hi, I'm Tanya," said the girl with brown hair. Her eyes sparkled as she took Adelaide's hand in hers.
"I'm Niomi." Smiled the other girl.
A shadow cast over Adelaide, and she looked up to see the three tall boys looming above her. One with dark brown hair, which was messily stuffed under a beanie, the other two with quiffs, one blonde, one brown. They had deep voices, and their height made Adelaide feel like a small mouse.
Out of the shadows, the smaller boy stepped forward. He gave Adelaide a charming smile of straight white teeth that made her insides flutter. "I'm Joe," he said softly.
Adelaide found it hard to speak. Her voice came out a strangled whisper. "I'm Adelaide."
"I know," Joe chuckled.
She felt her cheeks redden. It suddenly hit Adelaide that every single person of this alluring group had a British accent.
"Let's dance!" Zoe announced. She grabbed Adelaide's wrist and pulled her into the circle. Soon, Adelaide lost herself in the music, and she danced along with the three other girls.
"Adelaide?" She heard a voice gasp. Swivelling around, she saw Cath standing at the the edge of the circle, gaping.
"Cath! What're you doing here? I thought you weren't allowed to come!"
"I sneaked out," Cath said, still gaping. Glancing back at the group, Adelaide apologised, saying she had to leave.
"No, no, it's okay." Tanya replied, her smile as sweet as candy.
"Maybe we'll see you around," added Jim, the tall brown-haired quiff boy. She turned to look at Zoe, and the girl gave her a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah. Maybe we'll see you some other time, hey? She said.
Adelaide was just about to leave and follow Cath when she turned one last time and looked at Joe. He winked at her before leaning in and whispering something to Zoe.
"Who," Cath exclaimed. "Were they?"
Adelaide shifted uncomfortably. "They're just a bunch of people I met." She mumbled.
After a moment of silence, Cath said thoughtfully, "The boys there are hot. Especially the smaller one with that beach hair."
A twinge of jealousy shot through Adelaide, and she forced the feeling down. "Yeah, I guess they kinda are..."
"Beach Hair is totally into you. I saw that wink he gave you before we left." Cath teased. Adelaide rolled her eyes and swatted Cath, causing her friend to laugh. They walked on, and once again found themselves at the bar. While Cath was ordering her drink, Adelaide looked over to where the group was, and furrowed her eyebrows.

They were gone.