Thea

The black dress clung to my tan skin, as I walked side by side with Poppy, who skipped the long line to the club with confidence oozing off of her.

I soon spotted Malakai, causing a grin to sprawl across my face as he looked at me, shocked.

"Daddy let you out your cage, Fiadh?" I playfully rolled my eyes at his words, "No, Pops did."
(Irish | "Thea")

He raised his eyebrows as he now moved his eyes over to the slightly taller girl beside me, sending her a wolf whistle, shamelessly checking her out.

Malakai and Poppy had been on and off since I was around 14. They were both just scared of commitment.

Customers began to complain from behind us, making me realise how arrogant we likely look. Malakai nodded towards the door, signalling we can go in before he sent Poppy one last wink.

My body immediately relaxed from tension I didn't know I had in me. Poppy hooked her arm through mine, whispering in my ear, "Told you I'd get us in."

The club was heaving, to the point it was almost over bearing. But this was all new and exciting for me, sending a small rush of adrenaline through my system.

I corrected the small tiara on my head, the only thing signifying it's my birthday, and even then, Poppy was the only person in this place who knew.

We made our way over to the bar, and I listened as the blonde beside me ordered a drink for herself and me.

The bartender gave me a once over, looking at me wearily. As though he knew who I was, but couldn't place it.

It'd been a long time since I'd been spoken of within the mafia, well, since I'd last heard. And it'd been even longer since I'd been snapped by the paparazzi, so my now matured face was quite unrecognisable.

I simply offered him a friendly smile, before following Poppy away from the bar and to the dance floor. "Cheers to eighteen, baby!" She shouted as we clinked glasses, earning a few weird looks from beside us.

I often forgot Americans were completely different compared to us Irish.

Me and Poppy met eyes again, before bursting out into laughter and taking a large sip of our drinks.
. . .

To say I was a light weight, would be a ginormous, massive, understatement.

Drunk giggles escaped me and Poppy as we stumbled up the steps to our front door.

It wasn't too late in the evening, as we had gone out early.

Before my hand could even grasp the door handle, it flung open, revealing my father who looked so angry.

We stood in silence, aside from the odd hiccup escaping me.

"Faigh istigh anois." He spoke through gritted teeth, stepping to the side. We ignored his words, trying out best to act composed.
(Irish | Get inside now. )
The entrance light was off, the only source of light coming from the open plan dining room, catching my attention.

I tried to make out the faces, but in a rush to leave the house, I had forgotten my contact lenses.

I hiccuped, "Cé hiad na braoiníní ansin?"
(Irish | Who are those blobs over there?)

My father ran a hand over his face, anger radiating off him, the atmosphere oddly tense.

Dad didn't reply, and as I continued to stare towards the dining area, I realised two blobs were coming towards me. And it's not until they come face to face with me, that I realise who they are.

"Althea, what a pleasure of you to finally show up."

Their presence hits me like a splash of cold water, sobering me up. In the midst of having fun, both me and Poppy had forgot of the importance of tonight.