-Shelley-

"You are? I believe we haven't met."

"Well, Clara, I would like you to meet my friend Shelley Dickson. Shelley, Clara." I awkwardly extended my hand to her. "It is nice to meet you. I have heard so much about you."

"I hope great things," she asked. "Anyway, welcome to my party. I am glad you took the time to join me in celebrating my last day as a single woman," she said.

"Hmm, aren't we glad you are off the market then? Our men are safe." I muttered under my breath. Sarah couldn't help but giggle.

"What did you say?" Clara asked.

"Nothing; I'm just glad to be here." I couldn't help but grin mischievously as Clara sized me up.

"Alright, everyone, since a sizeable number has arrived, I think we should get this party started!" she announced. All at once, they were whooping with laughter.

At that very moment, the music started playing, filling the room with energy. Two elegant ladies guided Clara to a chair positioned at the center of the room. Suddenly, a handsome man in his thirties, whom I believe to be a stripper, emerged. His provocative dance captivated everyone's attention as he made his way to Clara. His undeniable charm made it hard to believe that he had chosen this profession.

I watched as he grinds his body in front of the bride-to-be. Slowly shedding his clothes. I could see the excitement in Clara's eyes, as well as some of the onlookers. As for Sarah, she hated every minute she had to spend here.

Her intense gaze fixed on Clara was plain to observe. It could have killed if looks could talk, but Clara was too busy enjoying herself and piling money into the dancer's pants to care.

"Sarah, how many of those have you drunk?" I nodded towards the empty cocktail glasses on the table.

"Perhaps five or six. I lost track after the sixth or seventh," she says.

"Then, we should consider wrapping up the evening as I need to get to the city before nightfall. We can leave your car keys at the front desk while I arrange for a Bolt ride. Since you're not in any condition to drive and, I, for once, I'm not confident in my driving abilities, we'll inform the staff that you'll return in the morning to handle the situation."

"It's an idea," says Sarah, "but don't you think it will be great to pour that bowl of punch on Clara before we go? It will be fun."

As much as that is tempting, I wouldn't want to cause a scene, so I replied, "No way. Okay, let's get out of here." I help her up and we make our way to the door.

Once I finally arrived home, I collapsed onto the inviting embrace of the couch, feeling utterly drained and swamped with thoughts of the tasks that lay ahead. With a heavy sigh, I began the slow trek to the bathroom, longing for a refreshing moment. My mind couldn't help but wander to Sarah. I hoped she was doing better now. I had to ensure she was safe before coming here. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving a vulnerable Sarah in the care of a Bolt driver. Who knows what could happen?

"Are you really going?" Sam asks as I emerge from the bathroom. "Yes, I have to. When did you get here?"

"When you were in the bath, he replied. "I'm going to miss you, you know. It won't be the same without you here, not that I particularly enjoy your company. Just that, when you are around, mom and dad behave. They look like near-perfect couples. I really don't know what to do with their constant arguments with each other."

"You don't have to concern yourself with that," I replied. "Aren't you supposed to get back to school since the holiday break is over?"

"Yes, but not until the following week."

"Then I suggest you try to avoid them. Go to a friend's house if you must." As I walked over to gather my things, a knock sounded on the door. Frowning, I announced, "You can come in," knowing very well that it was my parents.

"We came to check if you needed help packing."

"Afraid not. I did most of the packing last night. I'm ready to go. What is left is a ride to the station."

My mom rushed to me. "I can't believe our daughter is leaving," she said as she let out a sob. "Please, Mom, you knew that this day would come. Let's not try to make a fuss about this," I said. Walking over, I wrapped her in a hug. "I will try to visit often," I whispered in her ear.

"Please do. These past few days have been the happiest I have been. Both of my children were with me. I couldn't have asked for anything more."

"Ahem..." Dad said, clearing his throat. "Are we still going to go? We are running late."

After saying my final goodbyes to my brother and my parents, I grabbed my luggage and walked out the front door, thinking about another horrible trip ahead.

***

Somewhere in the evening, the rapping of knuckles against the wooden frame sounded throughout the house, as Mr. Dickson made his way to the door, he thought, but I wasn't expecting anyone over at this time. "Who could be at the door at this hour?"

"Julia, are you expecting anyone over tonight?" He inquired from his wife.

"No, not anyone I am aware of." Walking over to the door, he opened it and was surprised to find Mr. Adams standing outside. "Adam, what are you doing here at this time of night?"

"Good evening," he said. "Forgive me, sir, but I was hoping to speak with your daughter."

"Shelley is not here. Didn't she tell you she was leaving today?! She left for the capital this afternoon." He almost looked as surprised as he felt, his brown eyes widening.

"Seriously, she didn't tell me. We haven't talked since last night. For fuck's sake, what game is she playing with me?"

"Mind your language, Adam," he said with caution. "So sorry, sir." He ran his hand through his hair as he stood there, angry that he hadn't sorted her out earlier.

"Can I ask you a question, Ben? That's your name, right?"

"Yes, that is my name, and you can go ahead with your question, sir."

"What is your intention toward my daughter," if I may ask?

"Well, I will be lying to you if I say I am not interested in your daughter because I am, but anytime I draw close to her, she avoids me like a plague. I do not know why. I do not have any bad intentions towards her."

"I believe a lot of it will be on my part, not yours," he said. "You see, I have not been a good example of a male figure to my daughter. I have had my fair share of being around a lot of women, even when married. This has somehow influenced her opinion of men, and her experience with most of them has not helped that much."

"You will have to be very patient with her. She can be very strong-headed and opinionated, but underneath all that, she is a very caring and loving woman.
If you wish to court her, you have to be very patient with her. Believe me, it will be worth the wait."

"Well, this is not easy for me as well. I have not done anything like this before," he said as he leaned his back against the wall. "I don't know why I am even saying this to you, sir." You could hear the desperation in his voice.

Mr. Dickson couldn't help but give a wide smile as he saw the desire in Ben's eyes.

"I'm sorry to take your time, sir, but I need to take my leave," he said as he bid Mr. Dickson goodnight and made his way to his car.