Chapter 31
The week brought a wave of unsettling dreams, or perhaps they were more accurately memories.
The distinction was hazy, but the intense pain they evoked was unmistakable—a searing torment buried deep within me, rendering me nearly mute.
It felt as if uttering a word aloud might set off a cataclysm. I tried not to think about it much.
It wasn't an easy week; my dad confronted Zane about climbing on my terrace, and things escalated quickly until my mom had to step in. In the end, my dad acknowledged that no matter how old I got, he would always feel a sense of protectiveness toward me.
I met with Jessica twice this week—once at the coffee shop and again at her place for a chat and a movie. She seemed completely smitten with her new guy, which eased my worries about Zane a little.
Slipping into my white dress, I struggled to balance on the heels I had chosen. I really wanted to wear a pair I had borrowed from my mom, but I felt awkward and unsteady, so I decided to bring my sneakers along just in case.
Zane had a capoeira practice, so I was driving with Jessica and her boyfriend while Marco drove with Emily in his new car that he got for his birthday. He had never been one for big parties, so they celebrated privately.
The heels were already starting to pinch, but I was determined to look nice for Zane, so I tried my best to ignore the discomfort.
As we drew closer, the parking lot was overflowing with cars, making it seem like the entire region had turned out for the event. Fortunately, Jessica’s boyfriend, Damiano, graciously dropped us off at the entrance while he searched for a parking spot.
The venue was an abandoned villa that was often rented out for various occasions, ranging from lavish parties to weddings and fashion shows. It boasted a stunning garden with fountains and sculptures, expansive outdoor areas, and spacious indoor facilities.
Everyone was dressed to impress, with guys sporting stylish shirts and girls flaunting form-fitting, short dresses or skirts paired with outrageously high heels.
I had my coat on because the evening air was quite chilly, while many of the attendees were dressed minimally, likely under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
“Love your dress!” Jessica exclaimed as she gave me an appreciative once-over.
“Thanks! You look great too,” I replied politely.
She wore a sleek black dress with a daring V-neckline.
At first, I thought it was a bit much, but as I scanned the crowd, I quickly reconsidered.
Most of the girls were similarly attired, predominantly in black.
I realized my pale complexion would contrast sharply against such dark shades, which is why I opted for something lighter.
Before long, Damiano arrived with Marco and Emily.
I texted Zane, but he replied that he was running late and would find me later.
Our first stop was to check in our coats, followed by a trip to the bar, where we all ordered the same drink—juice mixed with vodka.
I took small sips, mindful that I hadn't eaten much for dinner, while my eyes darted around, searching for Zane and feeling anxious for his arrival.
Suddenly Jessica and Damiano hit the dance floor, and Emily and Marco slipped away to find a restroom.
I made a point to stay close to Jessica to avoid losing her in the crowd.
That was when I noticed Clous, who was sporting a shiny red shirt and white jeans.
Shortly after, Jake entered alongside V, who wore a long slip dress complemented by a black shawl and boots.
Jake was dressed in a black slip shirt and blue jeans.
They headed in the opposite direction, with V casting a disdainful glance in my direction. My eyes followed her, and I caught sight of someone approaching me from the side.
I turned my head and caught sight of Zane, who paused a few steps away to take me in completely.
He gazed at me as if I were a masterpiece, trying to lock in every little detail.
I couldn't deny that I was doing the same with him.
He wore a slim black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showcasing his toned arms, paired with white jeans and black sneakers.
We exchanged lingering looks, and then he approached me as if he were about to share our first kiss.
And indeed, he did. When his fingers brushed against my bare back, an electric thrill surged between us.
He pressed his body closer to mine, devouring my lips as if they were the sweetest delicacy he had ever tasted.
“You're pure evil, you know that?” he whispered in my ear, rolling his eyes playfully. I couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction at my effect on him.
“Would you like a drink?” I asked, smiling.
“No, I'm good,” he replied.
“Is it because you're driving tonight?” I pressed on, and he chuckled, leaning his forehead against mine. Then he whispered slowly, “Because if I do, you might end up losing that gorgeous dress of yours.”
With that, he took my hand and pulled me toward the center of the dance floor.
His words sent shivers under my skin, and the teasing was almost unbearable.
I struggled to maintain my composure as we began to dance, the music flooding my senses and igniting movements I didn't even know I possessed.
Zane moved with such grace; it felt like we were performing a capoeira dance.
Soon enough, Jessica and Damiano joined us, and there was no tension, no animosity among us. Marco and Emily arrived shortly after, and we all danced, reveling in the joy of the moment. It felt like a celebration of youth, new beginnings, love, and friendship.
So much lay ahead, waiting to be explored and experienced.
An entire world of possibilities was ready for us to seize.
I felt genuinely content, grateful for where I was and the people surrounding me.
It was a moment I wanted to hold onto forever.
The effects of my drink kicked in, and I relaxed, savoring the experience.
We stepped outside a few times for some fresh air, then returned to the dance floor for more dancing, kissing, and laughter. It felt like a glimpse into adulthood: a steady job, Saturday night dinners, and lively parties with friends.
We snapped photos—first with just me, Jessica, and Emily; then with just Zane; and finally, a group shot to commemorate the night. It was a night I wished would never end, yet I knew it inevitably would.
We stepped outside for some fresh air again, forming a circle, chatting, and joking around. The atmosphere was growing increasingly chaotic, with drunken revelers stumbling about, some kissing in corners while others were vomiting.
Suddenly, something caught me off guard, and I found myself falling to the ground. When I turned, I saw a guy, clearly intoxicated, with a glass half-filled with a red liquid, half of which had splashed onto my dress. Zane’s expression darkened, and he rushed to my side, helping me to my feet.
“Are you alright?” His voice was laced with anger.
“I'm fine, don't worry about it,” I assured him, though I knew I'd be nursing bruises later from the rough pavement. Our eyes were drawn to the drunken man.
Fate had a cruel sense of timing. If only we had arrived a little earlier or later, or if I had just kept hugging Zane for warmth as I had before, none of this would have happened.
But it had, and it was too late. The unfolding events would bring me far more pain than the discomfort I was feeling now.
“Apologize. You pushed her,” Zane said, his tone polite but his body tense, ready to attack.
“Your bitch walked into me; not my fault,” the guy retorted dismissively.
I gasped, reaching for Zane’s hand but missing. It was too late; his fist was already connecting with the guy’s face. The confrontation escalated quickly, both of them moving with a speed fueled by aggression. A crowd began to gather, yet no one intervened.
“Stop it, please!” I cried out, but my pleas fell on deaf ears.
“Do something!” I shouted at Marco and Damiano, but Zane was already on top of the guy, delivering punch after punch.
I rushed to him, desperate to reason with him, but he shoved me aside, his bloodied hand pushing me away.
I fell onto my back and then dropped to my knees, tears streaming down my face.
Zane froze, shock washing over him as he looked at me. Marco and Damiano struggled to pull him away, but he was consumed by his fury. The crowd watched in horror as blood splattered onto the rocks.
V burst through the crowd, her face pale with fear.
“What have you done?” she yelled, tears brimming in her eyes.
“Zane!” she cried, moving closer and shaking him.
He glanced between me and the man he had attacked, realizing the extent of his actions.
In an emotional outburst, V began hitting him, her voice cracking as she repeated, “What have you done?” And then, Zane seemed to snap awake. He left. Zane left me.
The details of the ambulance and police were blurry in my mind, as people scattered like insects.
Jessica grabbed our coats, urging me to cover myself as she hurried us to the car.
The sounds of screams and chaos felt distant, drowned out by the image of Zane’s rage as he assaulted that guy.
I couldn't fully grasp what had just transpired.
It didn't happen. It couldn't. It was impossible. I shook my head over and over again while we drove home, feeling lost in a haze. No one stopped us, even though we saw a few police cars on the way.
I longed to reach out to Zane, to speak with him, but I had no idea where he had gone, and his phone was switched off. Tears streamed down my face, further staining my dress. My vision blurred, and I felt powerless to stop it.
I didn't want him to go through this alone; it was just a guy who had too much to drink. What Zane did made no sense. I couldn't help but wonder if something similar had occurred years ago. Could mere words really spark such violence?
I stood outside my house, taking deep breaths of the fresh morning air while the dawn broke. The cheerful sounds of birds filled the air, signaling the start of a new day. The ground beneath me felt frigid, as if I were standing on ice.
I had left my coat in the car, but the chill didn't bother me; what I felt inside eclipsed everything else. I remained rooted to the spot, hoping to draw some tranquility from my surroundings.
Suddenly, the front door swung open, and my dad stepped out, his gaze fixed on my dirty, bare feet. Horror flashed on his face. In one hand, I clutched my mom’s heels, my makeup a chaotic mess, and my once beautiful white dress was now marred with red, stained by someone else's blood.
This damn dress…