True to her word Clara gave me the "most modest" dress from her collection. 

The dress was good but showed a lot of skin on the  backside. It was a thigh-length solid black dress with a decent neckline but backless with a small slit on one side. The dress was gorgeous and went well with diamond earrings and a pair of black stilettos. 

She herself donned a regal blue velvet mini dress. Her olive skin complemented it well. 

Our ride came and I can swear the driver was ogling her. Not that she complained, he was quite handsome himself. However, I'm sure the only reason she didn't make a move was to find a better one at the club. The entire ride I felt like a third wheel while these two were eyefucking each other. 

Finally, our ride came to an end and we parked in front of the majestic "Dark Holmes" club. It was Clara's turn to pay but boy did I see them exchange numbers !! 

"Tell me you did not just give your number to a stranger that too while looking for a prospective buddy in the club ". Clara merely gave me a sheepish smile stating "You never know. Besides he can't hurt me, no one can, so just chill granny. "

This is what I worry about her. I know she is nowhere a damsel in distress but her careless attitude can backfire. 

The club was full of high society jackass businessmen, rich kids acting like they own it, and of course drunk people. Despite being a high-charging club it looked like any other town club except it had some of the billionaires of the city cheating on their other halves or merely scratching an itch.

I felt I should just get back to my apartment but Clara was determined to have some fun tonight and nowhere I can ruin this for her.

Taking a deep breath I sat on the barstool when a tall gruff man approached us. He looked in his mid-50s, "Hey ladies, mind if I join y'all? Beauties like you should not be paying for drinks.   I'll take care of you now and even later if allowed"

This is what I hated. We barely got inside and a creepy 50-something guy was hitting on us. "Don't worry about that mister, we earn enough to not flirt with guys for a drink. I'll suggest finding someone else." Clara piped up before I could decline. 

His face looked like a freaking chilly sauce. I got scared for a moment thinking he'll pounce or abuse or worse get an infarction that we'll have to deal with. But luckily none of that happened and he merely left muttering "stupid cunts". 

Clara heard it too and howled "Yeah, the very same that your teeny weeny won't get ". I grabbed her arm and dragged her to the dance floor. The last thing I want to witness is a club fight.

"Damn that old bastard ! Why did you drag me here! I would've taught his ancient entitled ass a good lesson ".

"Oh please! Channel your energy into dancing and whatever other shenanigans you plan for later. I'm in no mood to care for an injured old jackass."

She snickered "Don't worry Hun, I'll ensure you get one too. I wonder if you have webs in there!"

I merely gave her the foulest look I could, however, this is Clara. She has no filter.

All of a sudden her eyes widened "Holy cow! The new Greek specimen is here. " I merely rolled my eyes "Here we go again ."

"No, you granny. That's our dark knight over there ." I merely rolled my eyes. "The only dark knight I know is Dr Knight, a regal face but the darkest possible aura. He cancelled my half day stating " You don't need an entire evening off. Go and do your job. If not then leave my unit."

I saw her eyes twitch. "Exactly! look at your 4 o'clock ." And there was my tormentor. He was sitting there with a blonde on his lap. "WTF ! he left early stating he had to attend an important meeting ."

Clara merely snickered "Looks like you were right. He's just like the rest. Although I  still ship you guys. The devil and his innocent bride "

"Holy shit! No.. Never! Think whatever you want to but there's no way this will ever happen. He may be handsome but he's still an asshole. Also, look at that blonde over there, that's his type."

Just then we saw him leaving with the model hot on his tail. "No worries Zy, there's plenty of other guys. I'll make sure you get one tonight. "  I cocked an eyebrow "Who said I'll be sleeping with anyone tonight? I agreed to party, that's what I'll do. Nothing less, nothing more ."

I knew she was up to something but there's no way I'll be having a one-night stand. Knowing my luck, I'm sure he'll be a dickhead. 

Our bickering was interrupted by someone calling my name. We turned to see Jack, our batchmate.

 I gave him a soft smile while Clara looked like the she-devil who just found out the treasure of immortality .

"No! Please, the poor guy already confessed twice and I'm in no mood to reject his pretty face again " 

But who can stop Clara, the girl is a cyclone. She shook her head stating "Third time's a charm. Give him a chance. Didn't you say he's the type of guy you envisioned yourself to have a family with if the great jerk never fucked you up? For God's sake, it's your 29th birthday, give yourself a chance to live and not just survive. "

Jack marched towards us "Hey Clara! Hello Oizys. Happy birthday !!"  

 "Oh, you guys chat I think the guy over there needs to speak with me "Clara slaughtered her way back to the bar. 

Jack looked relieved "So, I heard you are in Dr.Knight's team?" 

"Oh yes. I'm looking forward to learning lots of new things from him ". 

Jack merely nodded stating "Look, I've heard he's a mysterious guy and a womanizer. Please beware of him . " 

I felt a pinch of anger. I appreciate his concern but he's literally trying to date me and this kinda sounded like he didn't even want to verify his so-called rumors.

"Look, Jack, I appreciate your concern but I'm an independent woman who is capable of handling the outcomes of her decisions. "

 Jack's eyes widened "No! Please don't misunderstand me. I just want to protect you, at least as a friend. "

I saw the sincerity in his grey eyes. Right across us I could see Clara's eyes begging me to reconsider. Just then Jack said " I know you said you don't want to date but can you please give me one chance? I promise after this I won't ever show my face to you if you regret this. "

I felt my heart melt. He was the kind of guy I always wanted. Smart, caring, a perfect gentleman, just like my dad. 

" Look Jake I don't want to lose our friendship. Fine, I'll give us a chance. But if this does not work then we'll remain friends. I've lost enough, I don't want to lose a good friend too. 

" Jake's eyes lit up "Thank you! You'll never regret it. I'm nothing like Mason ".

 Something stirred in me. I felt terror seize my veins. I never mentioned his name. Not even Clara knows this.

 "How do you know his name? " Jack looked alarmed "I'm sorry, I overheard you at the cemetery on graduation day. I just wanted to make sure you were alright. I swear I never intended to hear it. I just heard it while leaving. " 

Something felt extremely fishy but then he grabbed my shoulders "Please believe me, I_DID_NOT_DO_IT "

I absentmindedly repeated it. It was like my mind was yelling not to but my actions felt controlled. 

I broke out of stance ."Listen I'm really tired. Let's talk in the morning ." He agreed and gave me a chaste kiss on my cheek. I should've felt good but no...I felt like I was committing a mistake.

I went towards Clara " Hey, I'm not feeling well, I'll catch a cab home "

Clara looked alarmed "I'll join you. " 

She left her date her cell number "Zy, I'm sorry for pushing you. I swear I just wanted you to be happy. I swear on the sex God I'll never do that again  "

I let out a weak laugh "Nah, it's not that, I feel I'm just tired. Also, I kind of agreed to date Jack."

She started her happy dance right in the middle of the street. "Hallelujah! I'm freaking happy for you !"

I felt my eyes swell, I never thought anyone would love or care about me after my parents .

"You know I'm grateful to have you. If there's ever a choice between choosing you and myself I'll always choose you ."

She stared at me with the most tender expression I've ever seen," Don't! Always choose yourself Zy. Remember you are my soul sister. You fed me with your food despite not having much. You helped me survive med school. If anything it should be me repaying you. There's no me without you. "

That's it. We both started crying. I've seen Clara cry only once before this. 

My 29th birthday was indeed special. I had my soul sister with me. 

Just then I heard a notification. It was Jake.I felt someone was watching us but the entire street was empty. 

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! Hope you all are doing great. Do drop your comments and let me know what y'all think of JAKE. Btw I've attached Clara's dress below. Oizys is on the top.