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CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE-
"falling into chaos"

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AS HIS FINGERS INTERTWINED with mine, a sense of tender familiarity enveloped me, like a gentle summer breeze on a warm afternoon. His hand cradled mine with a comfort and grace that felt almost predestined, as if our palms had been crafted by the same divine sculptor. The soft pressure of his fingers wrapping around mine sent a shimmering thrill coursing through my veins, like the first sparks of a crackling fire. It was as if our hands had been waiting for this moment, patiently poised to fit together like two long-lost pieces of a puzzle, finally clicking into place with a satisfying sense of completeness.

Valen's hand grasped mine, pulling me into the whirlwind of the dance floor with a gentle yet insistent tug. His eyes locked onto mine, their intense gaze holding me captive like a magnet, as if the entire universe had narrowed to the space between us. A thrill of anticipation coursed through my veins like a sparkling elixir, tempered by a hint of trepidation that left my skin tingling.

The music swirled around us like a kaleidoscope of sound, a vibrant, pulsating tapestry that seemed to synchronize its rhythm with the very beat of my heart. The notes danced in the air, a symphony of joy and abandon, as if the melody itself was alive and wrapping us in its embrace. "Valen?" I whispered, my voice a delicate petal carried away on the torrent of sound.

"Mhm?" he responded, his voice a soft murmur.

"I just want to say. . I can't dance." I confessed, my words a hesitant tremble amidst the swirling storm of music.

As I stumbled, Valen's grip on my waist tightened, his fingers wrapping around me like a supportive embrace. A embarrassed smile spread across my face, but Valen's eyes held mine, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Don't worry, I've got you."

As we began to move to the rhythm, I felt his hand on the small of my back, guiding me with a gentle pressure that sent shivers down my spine. Valen's grip on my waist tightened, and he spun me around with a playful grin. "I spent my Christmas thinking about you."

I felt my cheeks grow warm and silently prayed that I wasn't turning visibly pink. "Oh yeah?"

Valen's eyes sparkled with mirth, and his gaze held mine, filled with a warmth that made my heart race. "I couldn't help but wonder what you were doing, who you were with, and if you were thinking of me too." His voice was low and husky, sending shivers down my spine. I felt like I was drowning in the depths of his eyes, unable to look away. "And now that I have you in my arms, I don't want to let you go." He pulled me closer, his body swaying to the music, and I felt my own body respond, moving in perfect harmony with his.

I laughed, feeling a rush of excitement as I stumbled to keep up with him. "You're something else, Valen." The beat was infectious, and I let myself get lost in the rhythm, our bodies moving in perfect sync. Soon our bodies swayed in perfect harmony, our steps fluid and effortless, like we'd been dancing together for years.

As we swayed to the rhythm, Valen's body drew near, his warm breath caressing my ear. His voice, low and husky, sent shivers down my spine as he whispered, "You're a natural, you know that?" The scent of his cologne and the gentle pressure of his hand on my waist made my heart race.

I let out a joyful laugh, feeling a thrill of exhilaration coursing through my veins like a spark of electricity. "I don't know about that, but it's kind of fun actually." I said, my voice tinged with a playful hint of mischief, my eyes shining with a sense of carefree abandon.

"That's all that matters," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Although, I have to say, I'm loving the way you move."

A delicate tremor fluttered in my chest, like the gentle beating of a butterfly's wings, as a shy smile spread across my face."Thanks. . .I think," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, my words laced with a hint of coy uncertainty.

Valen chuckled, his breath tickling my ear. "No, I mean it. You're like a ray of sunshine on the dance floor."

I grinned, feeling carefree and alive. "You're not so bad yourself, Valen."

He let out a rich, velvety laugh, the deep sound resonating through the air like a gentle embrace, sending a wave of warmth through my chest. His eyes, bright with mirth, crinkled at the corners, forming a constellation of laugh lines that added to his endearing charm. "Thanks, I try," he said, his voice low and smooth, like honey dripping from a spoon, his smile still playing on his lips.

We danced like that for minutes, lost in the music and the moment, our smiles and laughter mingling with the beat. But as the music slowed from a high tempo to a slow melody, I became aware that the crowd had parted, leaving us alone in the center of the dance floor, our private bubble of bliss under the spotlight. A flush of self-consciousness rose to my cheeks as the weight of their gaze settled upon us. Valen's grip on my hand tightened, his eyes locking onto mine with a reassuring intensity. "Focus on me, frosty, not them," he whispered, his voice a gentle command that drew my attention back to the safety of his arms.

Slow dancing now? What's a proper slow dance etiquette? Is there anything like that because I think I was doing everything all wrong. I had to bite my lip at the thought—was there even anything I could do? Valen's hands remained firm on my waist as he led me into a slow, swaying motion, perfectly timed with the song's tempo. I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the way our bodies seemed to fit together, like we were two halves of a whole.

My eyes caught Carabella and Jess by the sides with the guys, they all had wide grins on their face, Carabella shooting my thumbs up like a proud mother. As if that wasn't bad enough—everyone was staring. I focused my attention on Valen instead, ignoring the hungry eyes of everyone. And as I looked up into his eyes, I saw a glint of something there, something that made my heart race and my soul sing. The world around us melted away, leaving only the tender touch, the warmth, and the promise of a connection that felt both familiar and yet, utterly new.

As the song reached its climax, Valen pulled me close, our bodies pressed together, and we danced like we were one person, our hearts pounding as one. The music faded away, leaving only the sound of our heavy breathing and the applause of the crowd. Valen's eyes never left mine, his gaze holding me captive in a sweet embrace. The silence that followed was palpable, a heavy pause that seemed to stretch into eternity.

Valen's grin returned, mischievous and playful while his eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity. He took my hand, spinning me around, and pulled me close again, "You know, I've been thinking... I'm tired of sharing you with the rest of the world. I think we should do something about that."

My cheeks burned at the huskiness of his voice and the fact that everyone was watching us intently, but I kept my composure, my heart racing with excitement beneath my teasing tone. "Aww, you want me all to yourself. How sweet."

Valen grinned, unfazed. "Hey, I'm serious." And then, with a smile that could light up a thousand stars, he took a deep breath and dropped to one knee, his eyes locked on mine with a sincerity that made my heart skip a beat. The crowd gasped in excitement, eyes watching Valen kneel before me in anticipation. "Carla," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion, "from the moment you stood up to me in the parking lot, I knew you were different. Your fire, your spirit, your refusal to back down. .it drew me in. I want to be the one you turn to when the world gets too much. I want to be your safe haven, your partner in every sense of the word."

He took a deep breath, his voice trembling with emotion. "I remember how you called me out for my arrogance, how you refused to bow down to me. It was infuriating, but it was also captivating. I want to spend the rest of my life being captivated by you," he confessed, his eyes never leaving me while my heart was ridiculously slamming against my rib cage, "So, will you be my girlfriend, Carla? Will you be my partner in chaos, my confidante in madness?"

The crowd "awww"ed, and I couldn't help but be swept up in the moment. My expression softened, and I searched his eyes, my voice barely above a whisper: "You're really something, you know that?"

He smiled, hopeful: "That's a yes, right?"

The room around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in a moment of pure magic. I felt like I was floating on air, my heart soaring with joy, as I gazed into his eyes and saw the sincerity and love shining back at me. I felt a surge of happiness and surprise, but I didn't let it show. I rolled my eyes, trying to maintain my sarcastic facade, but a small smile played on my lips: "Maybe. But don't get too excited. I'm still not going to start wearing cute couple outfits or anything."

Valen laughed, relieved and happy: "I wouldn't dream of it."

Like a wave, excitement and cheers swept through the crowd as he reached into his pocket and brought out a small box. Standing up, opened the box, revealing a beautiful silver necklace with a tiny crystal pendant. "I wanted something to match your sparkling eyes," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Valen's hands brushed against my skin, his fingers tracing the curve of my neck as he fastened the necklace, my breath caught in a silent gasp. The gentle touch sent shivers down my spine, and a flush of heat bloomed between my thighs. I spun around, my lips colliding with his in a fierce, passionate kiss. The crowd's cheers and applause swirled around us, a distant hum of excitement, but I was lost in the sensation of Valen's warm, yielding mouth. My hands twined around his neck, pulling him closer, as his arms enveloped my waist, drawing me into the shelter of his body. The world around us melted away, leaving only the thrum of our hearts and the sweet, electric connection between us.

When we finally broke apart, gasping for air, I turned to find our friends grinning at us like a chorus of mischievous accomplices. Carabella and Jess were practically bouncing with excitement, their faces alight with joy, as they shrieked in unison and thrust triumphant thumbs-up in our direction. Meanwhile, Walter's face had split into a ridiculously wide, self-satisfied grin, the kind that said he'd known this was coming all along and was reveling in his own matchmaking genius."

As the music resumed, a sultry melody enveloped us, its slow, seductive tempo drawing us back into each other's arms. I swayed against Valen, our bodies moving in perfect harmony, as the dance floor around us came alive with the gentle rustle of clothes and soft murmurs of conversation.

Valen's warm breath caressed my ear, sending shivers down my spine, as he whispered, his voice low and husky, "Feels good to be mine, doesn't it?" The words vibrated through me, his tone dripping with satisfaction and possessiveness, his smirk a subtle hint of triumph and desire.

I resisted the urge to let out a breathy sigh at the feeling of his breath on my neck and instead rolled my eyes, a smile dancing on my lips, "Yes, because being your girlfriend is exactly what I've always wanted - to be owned by a charming, possessive, and ridiculously handsome guy like you."

Valen chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hey, I'm not that possessive. .much," he teased, pulling me closer.

I raised an eyebrow, my sarcasm still in full swing. "Oh, sure, that's why you're declaring your undying love in front of a crowd, and putting a necklace on me like a collar."

Valen laughed, his voice filled with joy. "Hey, this necklace is a symbol of my love, not a collar. And I'm declaring my love publicly because I want everyone to know that you're mine."

I snorted, trying to maintain my sarcastic facade, but my heart was racing with excitement. "Well, I suppose I can tolerate being yours, as long as you tolerate my frosty attitude."

Valen grinned, pulling me into a tight hug. "I love your frosty attitude, Carla. It's one of the things I adore most about you."

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THE SIX OF US settled into a cozy sprawl on plush couches and oversized armchairs, a veritable feast of snacks and drinks spread out before us like a treasure trove of indulgences. I nestled into the warmth of Valen's side, feeling his solid strength envelop me as I snuggled deeper, my heart full to bursting with a sense of blissful contentment. The soft cushions cradled us, wrapping us in a cocoon of comfort, as the gentle hum of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses created a soothing background melody.

As we lounged in the warm glow of twinkling string lights, surrounded by the savory scents of half-eaten snacks and the soft clinking of ice in glasses, Jess gazed around at us with a contented smile. "It feels so good to hang out like this, it's been a long holiday my guys."

Walter nodded in agreement, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he took a sip from his drink, the condensation beading on the glass. "Right? We've been stuck in a rut lately," he said, his voice low and relaxed, as he settled deeper into the plush couch, the soft cushions enveloping him like a cloud.

Jaxon nodded in fervent agreement, his eyes rolling heavenward as if pleading for a reprieve from the monotony. "Work, school, repeat. It gets old."

Valen let out a low, rumbling chuckle, the sound vibrating through his chest and my body as I pressed closer to him. "Tell me about it. I've been running on coffee fumes for weeks. Training has gotten intense since I've been home and I'm starting to think sleep is just a myth perpetuated by sadists."

Walter nodded sympathetically, his expression a mirror of their collective fatigue. "I'm right there with you, bro. I've been counting down the days until this party like a prisoner marking off days on a cell wall. Needed a night to unwind and forget about responsibilities."

Jaxon laughed. "Responsibilities, huh? You mean like adulting?"

The group's collective chuckle wrapped around me like a cozy blanket, warm and comforting, as Valen's fingers tightened around mine in a gentle, reassuring squeeze. His voice was low and soothing, a gentle breeze on a summer day, as he said, "Hey, we're doing our best. That's all we can ask for, right?"

I gazed up at him, my heart swelling with gratitude for this little slice of heaven - the warmth, the laughter, the sense of belonging. My smile felt like a sunrise, slow and radiant, as I replied, "Definitely. And nights like these make it all worth it."

Valen's eyes crinkled at the corners as he gazed back at me, his smile a soft, golden light that filled my soul. "And having you by my side makes it more worth it," he whispered, his voice a tender caress that left me breathless.

I rolled my eyes playfully, a blush threatening to creep on my face. "Oh, stop it."

Carabella's knowing smile was a sly, sideways glance that spoke volumes, her voice a teasing melody as she chimed in, "We're still on a high from that epic ask, Valen. You set the bar high!"

"Yeah, who needs a New Year's Eve fireworks display when you've got Valen's romantic gestures?" Walter chuckled. "You need to see the look on Veronica's face, she was fuming. Valen, I guess she'll finally leave you alone now you're off the market."

I felt a smug self-satisfied smile creep onto my face like a slow-spreading sunrise, reveling in the mental image of her displeasure. I kept a mutual look on my face as I watched Jaxon laugh out the question, "How did you even become friends with her in the first place? She's really annoying."

Jess laughed. "I don't know how she thought she could stand a chance. But seriously, the whole room was swooning. You and Carla are so adorable together."

Valen's face lit up with a radiant grin, his eyes flashing like diamonds in the light, sparkling with mischief and triumph. "Hey, I figured if I was going to do it, I'd do it big," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. He turned to me again, his gaze locking onto mine with a warm, tender intensity, "And I'm glad you said yes."

I smirked up at him, my lips curling into a playful, teasing smile. "Yeah, yeah, you're a real smooth talker," I said, my voice laced with amusement and a hint of sarcasm. "But I'm not complaining," I added, my tone softening, my eyes locked on his, shining with happiness and affection.

Carabella teased, "I think we can all agree, Valen's got game. But seriously, you two are meant to be. You balance each other out."

Jaxon let out a low, husky chuckle, the sound rumbling from his chest as he raised his beer to his lips, taking a slow, savoring sip. "And who knows, maybe Valen's romantic gestures will rub off on Carla," he said, his voice tinged with amusement and a hint of teasing, his eyes glinting with mischief as he gazed at me, his expression a playful challenge.

I playfully rolled my eyes. "Don't hold your breath."

Valen's laughter was a deep, joyful sound, a warm, rich baritone that filled the space around us, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he grinned. "I'm willing to take that risk," he said, his voice confident and playful. "Besides, I think Carla's got a soft spot for me."

I smirked up at him, my lips curling into a wry, teasing smile. "Maybe a little," I admitted, my voice laced with a hint of wonder and amusement. "I can't believe I went from being irritated by your presence, from wanting to throttle you most of the time, to being in a relationship with you."

Valen's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I know, right? I'm pretty irresistible."

I playfully hit his arm. "Shut up."

Austin walked in at that moment, his hands cradling a chilled bottle of beer like a precious treasure as he settled down besides Jaxon, "I knew it won't be long before these two start bantering."

Jess smiled. "That's what makes their relationship so entertaining."

Walter nodded sagely, a sly grin spreading across his face like a slow-moving tide. "We should start a betting pool on how long it takes for them to get into their next argument," he said, his voice dripping with anticipation.

Jaxon let out a low, husky chuckle, the sound rumbling from his chest like thunder on a summer day. "I'm in. I've got five bucks on a week." he said, his eyes glinting with mischief.

I was quick to defend myself, my words tumbling out in a rapid, indignant flow, "We don't always argue! We have perfectly civil conversations. . .sometimes," I added, my tone softening slightly, a hint of teasing creeping into my voice.

Valen, who had been quietly observing the exchange, suddenly stood up, his eyes locked on mine with a mischievous glint. "I think that's enough betting on our relationship for one day," he said, his voice low and playful as he turned to me and held out his hand. "Come on, Carla. Let's get out of here before they start taking odds on our next kiss."

I laughed, feeling a flutter in my chest at the suggestion. I took his hand, and he pulled me to my feet, his fingers intertwining with mine in a warm, gentle grasp. As Valen led me away, our friends' voices rose in a chorus of laughter and teasing calls, mingling with the music and lights of the party.

"Looks like someone's making a quick exit!" Walter shouted, his voice carrying over the beat of the music.

"Yeah, Valen's got his priorities straight!" Jaxon added, chuckling.

The flashing lights and pulsating music of the party grew fainter as Valen pulled me through the crowd, his hand tight around mine. We slipped out into the cool night air, the stars twinkling above us like diamonds.

"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice barely audible over the music still echoing in my ears.

Valen just smiled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Somewhere with fewer spectators," he said, leading me away from the group, out of the room, and into the night.

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"FINALLY, WE GET TO HAVE you back!" Carabella exclaimed, flopping into the chair by the kitchen counter with a dramatic sigh, her eyes rolling heavenward in a playful gesture that made me chuckle.

"Carla totally ditched us for her boyfriend and Valen was like a possessive pitbull, refusing to let us have any quality time with her," Jess added, her voice dripping with mock indignation, as she nodded in solidarity with Carabella.

After being enveloped in Valen's captivating presence and whisked away from our friends into the velvety night, we'd found ourselves nestled in Austin's serene garden, bathed in the soft luminescence of twinkling stars. I was utterly entranced by the depths of Valen's eyes, our conversation unfolding like a gentle, meandering stream as we savored our intimate moments. Everything was surreal and enchanting - the radiant smile that illuminated his face, the endearing creases around his eyes, the tender touch of his hands as they lovingly tucked stray strands of hair behind my ear and came to rest on my thighs with a gentle, possessive pressure.

And then, of course, there were the kisses - soft, sweet, and plentiful, each one leaving me breathless and yearning for more. But our final, lingering kiss was abruptly interrupted by the dynamic duo, Carabella and Jess, who burst into our idyllic haven, demanding quality time with me. Carabella, ever the fierce and loyal guardian, swooped in, expertly extracting Valen from our little sanctuary, and dispatching him to join the guys, declaring it was their turn to claim my attention.

I settled into the chair, my elbows resting on the counter, and flashed Jess a reassuring smile. "Relax guys, you have me all to yourselves now," I laughed.

Carabella turned to me with a sly, cheeky smile spreading across her face, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief. "Now that you're officially off the market, we need to celebrate!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with excitement.

I couldn't help but laugh as she spun around to face the bartender, her ponytail swishing behind her. "We need drinks, stat! I'll have a margarita, extra tequila - make it a double, please!" she ordered, her voice confident and carefree.

Jess chimed in, "I'll have a vodka cranberry, please, with a splash of lime!"

I smiled, "I'll have pineapple juice, please."

Carabella teased, "Aww, come on Carla! Just one drink to celebrate?"

I shook my head, my voice firm but playful, "No way, I'm good. Besides, someone has to keep you two in check." I chuckled, the sound mingling with the clinking glasses and muted laughter from the other people.

The bartender, a tall, lanky guy with a messy beard and a friendly smile, expertly mixed our drinks, the bottles clinking, the juices splashing, and the ice clattering as he worked his magic. He slid our drinks across the polished wood counter, the glasses frosty and condensation-kissed, releasing a sweet, fruity aroma that wafted up, making my mouth water.

Carabella lifted her glass, the margarita's golden liquid glinting in the soft light, as she proclaimed, "To the newest couple on the block! Two hours in and still going strong."

Jess chuckled, a low, throaty sound, as she clinked her glass against Carabella's, the crystal ringing out in a cheerful peal. "May the honeymoon phase last forever."

I laughed, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, guys. We've only been official for two hours."

Carabella grinned mischievously. "Details, details. You're already head over heels, Carla. We can tell."

Jess nodded in agreement, her head bobbing up and down as she smiled knowingly. "Yeah, you've got that lovestruck glow going on. It's adorable."

I looked down, my lashes casting a shy shadow on my cheeks, but a happy smile still playing on my lips like a gentle melody. "Shut up, guys." I protested, my voice barely above a whisper, but my tone light and airy, like a feather drifting on a summer breeze. "To new beginnings," I added, my voice filled with hope and promise.

We all clinked our glasses together, the sound of laughter and chatter filling the air as we savored the joy of being together again.

In the midst of our joy and laughter, a tall, stranger emerged from the crowd, his charming smile illuminating his chiseled features like a ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds. He strode towards us with an effortless swagger, his eyes locked on Jess with a spark of interest, and asked, "Hey, would you like to dance?" His deep voice was like warm honey, smooth and inviting, as he extended his hand towards Jess, his fingers beckoning her to join him.

Jess's face was a picture of surprise and excitement, her eyes wide with wonder, her lips parted in a soft gasp. She glanced at me and Bella, her gaze darting to us with a flutter of nervousness, her eyebrows arched in a silent question at what was happening. I gave her a nod, a subtle smile playing on my lips, and she smiled back, her face radiant with anticipation, before nodding her agreement and following the stranger to the dance floor, leaving me and Bella behind in a whirlwind of music and laughter.

"I guess it's Jess' turn to get stolen," I laughed, my voice tinged with amusement as I watched my friend disappear into the sea of dancing bodies, her nervous smile shining like a beacon in the night.

Bella's gaze followed mine to the dance floor, where Jess and her new companion swayed to the rhythm, his hands gently encircling her waist as he whispered sweet nothings in her ear, her body humming with a soft, throaty laugh. "God, look at that smile on her face."

"Right?" I agreed, a smile spreading across my face instinctively, "She deserves to be happy like this. She's always been too self-critical, I hope she can finally see her own beauty, inside and out – her stunning melanin, her vibrant spirit, and her captivating heart."

Bella nodded before turning back to down that last of her drink and requesting for another. Few chats, laughs, drinks and flirts with the bartender, drunk Bella, realizing she needed to use the bathroom, excused herself with a quick 'Be right back!' before disappearing down the hallway. I found myself momentarily alone at the counter, watching everyone party and have fun, the guys no where in sight. Just as I felt the weight of my solitude, a presence emerged from the periphery of my vision and I turned to find Austin sauntering towards me, his strides relaxed.

As he reached the counter, he flashed a smile and leaned in, his elbows resting casually on the polished surface. "Hey, where are the girls?" he asked, his voice low and conversational, his gaze scanning the room with a hint of nonchalance, as if searching for something or someone.

I chuckled, a wry, amused sound, and nodded towards the dance floor, where Jess was lost in the swirling sea of bodies. "Oh, Jess got asked to dance by a cute guy," I said, my eyes following hers, tracing the path of her laughter and spinning form. "And Bella had to use the bathroom, so here I am, flying solo."

Austin chuckled, a low, smooth sound. "Fair enough. So, how's it going? Enjoying the party?"

I shrugged, my gaze drifting back to him. The kitchen was alive with the sound of clinking glasses and soft music playing in the background. "It's okay, I guess. Just a bit... overwhelming. You know I'm not really a party person."

Austin's eyes locked onto mine, his expression sympathetic. "Yeah, I can understand that. But hey, at least the music's good."

I smiled, a small, wry smile. "Yeah, that's true. The music's always good."

Austin extended his hand, his eyes gleaming with a persuasive spark. "Want to dance?"

I smiled politely at Austin's offer, but shook my head. "I think I'll pass on dancing for now. I'm good just observing the chaos."

Austin laughed. "Suit yourself! But you're missing out on some epic moves." He gestured to his own dance skills, which were actually quite impressive.

I chuckled and playfully rolled my eyes. "I think I'll survive. Besides, I'm keeping an eye on Bella's drink. She'd kill me if it disappeared."

Austin nodded understandingly. "Alright, I'm gonna go catch up with the guys. They're probably somewhere getting into some kind of trouble without me."

I offered a warm, reassuring smile, my lips curving upward in a gentle arc. "Probably. Go keep them out of harm's way."

Austin flashed a charismatic grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he leaned away from the counter, his movements fluid and relaxed. "Will do. You sure you're good here?"

I nodded, my head bobbing up and down in a subtle, confident motion. "Yeah, I'm fine. Go have fun." I said, my voice light, with a hint of a dismissive wave of my hand.

With a final nod, Austin turned and melted into the sea of dancers, leaving me to my quiet spot at the counter. I watched as he disappeared into the crowd, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. It was nice to have a moment to myself, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the party, yet still able to maintain my own little bubble of calm as I sipped on my drink.

Few minutes after sitting alone, my gaze drifted to the clock on the far wall, its neon digits glowing like a beacon, taunting me with the late hour - 11:30pm. A shiver ran down my spine as reality set in: I had snuck out of the house to be here, and the weight of my disobedience settled heavy on my chest. I knew I had to leave, but my friends were nowhere to be found. Jess and her mystery guy were not in sight and Bella was still MIA, leaving me with a growing sense of unease, hoping she wasn't too drunk to have slipped in the toilet. I downed the last of my juice, the liquid courage abandoning me and  stood up to go look for her my legs instantly regretting it.

As I lifted my feet to move, my legs felt like leaden weights, refusing to cooperate. The room began to spin, a kaleidoscope of colors blurring together like wet paint on canvas. I stumbled, my vision hazing like a watercolor painting in the rain. The music and laughter around me grew distant, muffled by a strange, cottony fog that seemed to envelop my senses.

My skin prickled with sweat, droplets trickling down my spine like icy fingers. The air thickened, heavy with the sweet scent of fruit punch and the thumping bass of the music, making my head spin. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of sensory overload, unable to catch my breath. My fingers trembled like leaves in a gust of wind, struggling to maintain their grip on the cold glass still clutched in my hand.

The juice, once refreshing, now churned in my stomach like a toxic brew. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, my mouth filling with a bitter, metallic taste. My vision blurred, the faces around me melting into a sea of blurry features. I stumbled again, my hand reaching out for something, anything, to steady myself. That's when I saw Austin, his concerned face materializing in front of me like a lifeline.

"Austin..." I whispered, my voice barely audible over the din. "Where's. . .Valen?" My words slurred, my tongue feeling like a foreign object in my mouth.

"He's upstairs," he paused, eyes searching my face, "Are you okay, Carla?"

I tripped on my own feet and he jumped into action, his eyes locked onto mine as he grabbed my elbow for support. "I need to see him, take me to him."

Austin's grip on my elbow tightened before he wrapped one of my arm around his shoulder, the other around my waist as he guided me up the stairs. Each step felt like a mountainous climb, my legs heavy and uncoordinated. The world narrowed to a tiny pinpoint, my senses reeling from the chaos around me.

And then. . .nothing.

Darkness enveloped me, a soft, suffocating blanket that wrapped around my consciousness, pulling me under. The music, the lights, the faces–everything faded away, leaving only the sensation of falling, falling, falling into a deep, dark abyss.

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A U T H O R'S N O T E:

82.9k reads and counting... thank you all so much for your unwavering support! I know I left you all with a heart-stopping cliffhanger, and I'm sorry (not sorry) to say that things are about to get even more complicated for Carla. The next chapter is coming soon... buckle up!"