CHAPTER 10

I looked at the club we were about to enter with furrowed brows as we got out of the car in the parking lot. I had already gotten out when I saw Ei talking to the driver, probably arranging a pickup later. I remained standing outside, still looking at the club.

"Paradise Escape..." I read the club's name aloud. It was a large sign with a cursive font. The font was neon pink and green, making it really eye-catching.

I saw familiar faces from our graduation venue earlier start to go inside. They were obviously excited, with wide smiles on their faces.

"Kuya, just pick us up later. I'll just text you when we're about to go home. Take care," I heard Ei say.

I turned to her when she got out of the car. She had a smile on her face and seemed excited to go inside. I know what kind of club this is, but I'm surprised at how hyped up other people are when going to places like this.

"Ma'am Ei, what if Sir Caddel also calls me? What should I say if he asks for you?"

I felt Ei's hand squeeze mine before she answered the driver.

"Just tell him we're here," Ei replied simply.

The driver nodded and bid us goodbye before we crossed the street and entered the club. We were immediately allowed inside after showing the invitation we had for both of us. This was required before you could enter. They would also know you were a guest because your names were already saved in their system.

Once everything was settled, we entered the club. There was a black curtain blocking the view, and Ei pulled it aside. A rather dimly lit place greeted us. There were flashing lights and colorful decorations that seemed to shimmer throughout the entire area. There was also a large disco ball hanging above the dance floor. At the far end, there was a moderately sized stage with a DJ playing music for the entire club. There was a large dance floor, and on each side, there were round tables with U-shaped seating. The backrest was quite high, providing a bit of privacy for each table.

There were also small, black tables scattered around the dance floor, but without chairs, so the people there were standing. However, these didn't completely cover the dance floor, so other people could still dance if they wanted to.

When I looked up, I realized there was a second floor. There were also seats upstairs, and the railings were made of glass. I could already see other people upstairs, and they seemed to have been enjoying themselves for a while.

I held Ei's hand tighter as she pulled me towards the second floor. I couldn't take my eyes off the colorful lights on the dance floor, but the corners were really dark. It was a bit harsh on the eyes, but it was okay; that seemed to be the style to make it look more beautiful.

"Hi! Sorry we're late," I heard Ei say as we reached the table of her other friends.

"It's okay, Ei! The important thing is you're here—"

A woman wearing a party outfit, who I think is close to Ei, paused. I stood silently beside Ei, looking like a lost child as I watched them.

"She's Rafael's friend, right?" the woman asked.

Ei nodded and took my hand, gently pushing me closer to her friends.

"Hello," I greet softly. I wasn't sure if she heard me because of the loud music.

"Yes! She's Sarah Dayanghirang," Ei introduced me.

One of her friends came up to me and patted my shoulder lightly.

"My deepest condolences, Sarah," she said to me.

I just smiled and didn't say anything. I didn't want to ruin their mood today just because of Rafael's death. It was still sad, but I didn't want them to feel affected by what I was feeling right now.

The atmosphere around us changed again when we sat down on the soft sofa. We could barely hear each other because of the loud music inside the club. Ei and I were still sitting side by side on the U-shaped sofa as I listened to their conversation.

"Now we're complete. I'll order some drinks," the woman said with a smile. She stood facing us with a wide grin.

I feel safe here in our spot because there aren't any guys around. I'm just not really used to clubs, but it's okay. I'll just make myself enjoy here since it's rare for me to come here.

"What do you want?" she asked as she approached us.

Her companions started talking, and so did Ei. I just sat beside her, silent, and watched them. I didn't know anything about the expensive liquors here other than gin and some GSM blue.

"Sarah, maybe you want something. What kind of drink do you want?"

I gave her a small smile and thought about what to say. I have no idea! I don't know what to answer—

"Here's the menu, just choose. There are ladies' drinks there. My friends are going to order hard drinks, you might have a low alcohol tolerance," Ei handed me a small menu she was holding.

It listed the drinks we could order and some snacks. I chose a Manhattan cocktail. It sounded good. I should try this one.

"I'll just have a Manhattan cocktail," I told Ei and gave her back the menu. "But it's okay if they give me hard drinks. I want to try it too, since it's my first time to drink today."

I heard her let out a small squeal and hugged me tightly. I just laughed at what she did and shook my head. People were almost shouting to be heard because of the loud music coming from the stage below.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

"Are you okay?!" Ei shouted, shaking me.

I opened my eyes abruptly when she shook me. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep in my seat. I was just sitting there with my arms crossed, quietly dozing off. I'd been feeling sleepy ever since I finished my drink.

"Do you want to go home now?" she asked me worriedly.

I blink a few times before processing what she said. My head was already pounding from the alcohol I'd consumed. They had finished their hard drinks and ordered another round of Cuervo. I think that's when I got a little dizzy and dozed off next to Ei.

"H-huh?" I stammered.

"Are you still dizzy?"

I shook my head and gave her a small smile. I straightened up and stretched beside her.

"I guess I came here to sleep," I said, laughing.

Ei shook her head and crossed her arms. "I shouldn't have let you drink that tequila. Look at you. You fell asleep because you were so drunk."

"It's okay. I'm not drunk anymore."

It was late, and her friends were already on the dance floor. They were having fun with the other people while Ei and I were still in our seats, sobering up.

"Don't you want to dance downstairs?" Ei asked.

I stood up and walked to the railings to get a better look at the people down there. I winced when I saw how crowded the dance floor was. I could hear them shouting and jumping for joy.

"Maybe not," I replied, looking down at the crowd. "I think it's better if we stay here. It seems like they're having fun watching them dance on the dance floor, so I'll just watch," I said with a laugh. I felt Ei come up beside me and join in looking at the people down below.

"You should go join your friends," I turned to her and smiled.

She shook her head while still looking downstairs. "You'll be alone here. What if something bad happens to you?"

"It's okay, Ei. You go ahead and join them. I'm just going to the restroom. I think my bladder is about to burst," I insisted.

She looked at me. I knew she wanted to join her friends too, but because I was here, she couldn't. She always thinks of me, and I felt a bit embarrassed.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

I nodded. "Yes, go ahead and join them."

She had no choice and finally agreed. We went downstairs together and then went our separate ways. Before I turned into a hallway, where the restroom was, we said our goodbyes again.

"I have my phone here, Sarah. Just call me if you need anything. Don't forget to text or call me, okay?"

"Okay, Ei. Be careful too."

I turned around and walked towards the restroom. I think all the alcohol I drank was about to come out. I'm okay now, but I could still taste the alcohol in my mouth.

I was hurrying when I suddenly saw a man and a woman making out in a corner near the restroom. I took a step back in surprise as I held my chest because of how intense they were. It seemed like they were running out of air while their lips were still locked together.

"I'm sorry," I apologized and bowed my head.

I felt my cheeks heat up as I entered the restroom. I immediately went to a cubicle and relieved myself. I tried to forget what I saw, and I managed to forget it quickly, but then Rafael kissing me while we were swimming in the river and under the tree suddenly came to mind!

What does that mean?!

My eyes widened as I remembered that, and I lightly hit my head. I quickly left the cubicle when I was done and headed for the exit of the club. I think I need some time alone to think about this.

A chilly breeze greeted me as I stepped outside, but I hardly felt it. The alcohol had warmed me up. I scanned my surroundings until I spotted a nearby convenience store.

I walked towards it with a smile and went inside. I held my small bag tightly as I looked around for something to buy. I'd stay here for a while while Ei and her friends were having fun inside the club.

In the end, I bought a double Dutch ice cream at the convenience store. I went outside because that was the only place with a vacant seat.

To Ei:

I just went out for a bit, Ei. I might go back in later. Enjoy yourselves:)

I frowned when I saw that my text took forever to send, even though I had load. I raised my hand to try and get a signal, but there was none. I sighed and placed my phone on the table. I opened the ice cream in the small jar and took out the spoon.

A small smile appeared on my lips as I tasted the ice cream. It was so delicious—

"Are you lonely?"

I looked up when someone spoke. In front of me was an older man, though not very old. I think he was in his 40's? but he was clearly good-looking even at his age, especially with his gray eyes. He was wearing a brown coat over a black fitted shirt and black jeans. His shoes were also brown. matching his coat. The middle part of his silver belt was shining. His hair was neatly combed, and you could hardly find any stray strands on his face.

I swallowed and sat up straight because I was intimidated by his presence.

"What do you need from me?" I asked him directly.

A smile appeared on his lips. I didn't quite like the way he smiled at me. I wanted to walk away, but I couldn't because he had already sat down in the empty seat across from me.

"I just saw you sitting here by yourself. Do you have someone with you?"

I shook my head and took a bite of my ice cream. I felt awkward because he was just staring at me. When I looked at him, I couldn't read the emotion in his eyes.

"Do you need something from me? I'm sorry, but I'm not used to people staring at me while I eat. I feel uncomfortable, if you don't have anything to do with me, you can just leave," I said while staring at him.

I frowned when I heard his soft laughter, and he lowered his head. He rested his elbows on the table and looked at me with a smile on his lips, and then, to my surprise, he said my full name.

"Ms. Sarah Dayanghirang, it's nice to meet you."

SHANGPU