“Watch where you’re going, fucker!” I slurred.
It was too dark to see, let alone decipher his features. I didn’t know who it was, and I was way too plastered to even give a shit right now.
After a deep breath, I continued recording my message, only to realize the call ended. “Goddammit.”
Throwing back the rest of my drink, I winced at the odd aftertaste.
Not quite like Jack. Not quite like Coke.
I swore that’s what I poured into my cup, though.
Before I could ponder further, Ella finally texted.
I’m here. Meet me in your bedroom. —Princess
Don’t turn on the lights. —Princess
I have a surprise <3 —Princess
Trepidation escaped through the cracks of my ribcage like feathered smoke and relief took its place instead.
This is why she didn’t reply earlier. She was preparing a surprise. Everything is fine.
I strolled out of the hallway and headed for the grand staircase, dodging more people.
Perspiration started beading my temples. I tugged at the collar of my T-shirt.
It was too hot in here.
Too suffocating.
A nugget of anxiety crawled down my spine like a spider. My chest tightened and my throat grew thick. The chatter of the party faded into the background and my heartbeats were amplified in my ears.
As I climbed up the stairs, every step felt like I was walking in quicksand.
Fuck. Something doesn’t feel right.
I paused halfway up to my room, feeling drained all of a sudden.
My skin prickled when I reached the second floor with the help of the banister. Bleary gaze and breathing unevenly. A wave of dizziness smacked me out of nowhere and I grabbed the wall for support, palming the sweat off my forehead.
I stumbled to my bedroom door, my hand-eye coordination messed up.
Why was I feeling so depleted?
Fuck, I shouldn’t have drunk that much.
I’d have to apologize to Ella. My girlfriend had a surprise for me and I was arriving shit-faced.
Swaying into my room, I remembered not to turn on the lights like she instructed. Darkness welcomed me and the ground beneath my feet felt malleable.
“Sweetheart, I’m here,” I announced, with a slow and guttural tone I barely recognized.
“You made it.”
I squinted my eyes. The voice came from my bed. I could barely make out her silhouette, but when she murmured, “Won’t you come closer?” I followed her like a pirate lost at sea, drawn by the luring song of a siren.
I fell on the bed next to her and she giggled. Her laugh sounded off. A bit higher key. Must be the alcohol talking, though. I grabbed her face and leaned in to kiss her lips. “I missed you so much.”
