The image reflected in the mirror shows a different figure, more feminine, and looks beautiful. With a nude asymmetrical-sleeved cocktail dress, decorated with a sprinkling of Swarovsky which attached on my slender body perfectly. I still look myself in front of the mirror and let Clara wait in the living room.
We're going to the club to have some fun tonight. It's been a long time since we've done a ritual together. Drink, dance, and ... you should know.
Since majoring in medical school, I was too tense and took my studies seriously. It makes me unfocused and easily tired. Unlike Clara, who still enjoys life even though she is in the same puddle as me. Of course, she was a smart student. But then she gave me a secret, that not allowing yourself to have fun is a bad idea. And now I'm starting to follow the ritual. Having fun.
"Ready?" asked the girl. I nodded and went with her to the club.
***
Glory Club, located not far from the elite area of Easton City, is a sprawling city with a population of about 2 million people. It is quite spacious and filled with residents who drive luxury cars on average. In stark contrast to the condition of Westmont City—where Clara and I live, which is surrounded by slums. The two cities are only separated by a paved road.
But that's not important, because in the area where I live the atmosphere is safe and peaceful. The people are also friendly and helpful to each other. The slum areas are slowly starting to be restored into a much cleaner and more beautiful area. It's just a matter of time to make it as good as Easton City.
I followed Clara's steps into the club with her VIP pass. A stocky bald man ushered us in, then we were greeted by electric music and colorful spotlights. Clara chose a spot in the corner not far from the Bar. It made it easier for her to pick a guy who happened to stop by the bar to order a drink.
"You won't be able to tell if the guy is single or married if you pick randomly like this, Clara." I took a sip of the vodka tonic in my hand. He wiggled his finger.
"Watch me!" He rose from his chair and then approached a well-built man who just has himself on the seat of a chair made of leather.
I noticed how Clara caught the guy's attention which ended up with a free drink. The man followed Clara's steps towards us. Clara's mouth was wide open, laughing happily but I couldn't hear it as it competed with the deafening music.
The man sat next to Clara after greeting me. It wasn't long before they kissed each other. Thanks to you, Clara. You make me look pathetic right now because I'm just a spectator of the adult scene you're playing. I got up and decided to go to the toilet. A better place than sitting under dim light to music that gives me a headache. Plus, a pair of people who are filled with desire.
I dab my lips with a lip gloss that I carry with me everywhere, look at the face in the mirror and make my hair up. Sighing, inhaling as much air as I needed, because after this I had to return to my place before Clara looked for her friend who suddenly disappeared. Back with noise and a sea of people.
It wasn't long before my cell phone rang. As usual, Father will monitor how the condition of his only daughter is. Probably worried if her daughter wanders off at night, as I do now. I turned off my phone while walking outside. Accidentally bumped into someone who was about to enter the toilet.
My body would almost limp if those sturdy arms didn't catch me.
"Oh, I'm sorry," he said, as he helped me to stand on my feet. He then took my phone which was blown away, then leave it back to me. "Are you okay?"
I looked up to see who the man who had just nearly knocked me down was. Wait, I kind of know this man in front of me. Firm jaws decorated with fine hair with sharp eyes. Not to mention, the white shirt he was wearing, wrapping his slightly tanned skin. That face ... Blake? Is this Blake Gillian, my boy crush at High School?
"Jenna?" The man scanned my face and then correctly said my name. Which means he's Blake. "What are you doing here?"
"What? What kind of question is that, Blake?" I replied, which made him laugh sheepishly. While I was still looking at his red face.
"It still hasn't changed, I'm still nervous and suddenly being stupid in front of you," he smiled wryly.
Oh, well, I remember myself was his girl crush in Senior High School too. But we didn't do much together. Just kissing. He was also my first kiss. Perfect, right?!
"Are you coming alone?" Blake asked, looking hopeful. I shook my head, and then he looked disappointed. He seemed to know who I came to this place with. And Blake was very much avoiding dealing with Clara.
Clara used to dislike this man, I never knew the reason until now.
"Sorry to disappoint you," I regretted. He laughed again, scratching the back of his neck.
"That's fine. If I may I'd like to join you."
Of course, Blake. Of course, I will not refuse you. "Y-yes ... of course, you can join. Come on! I'm afraid if we stay here too long Clara will look for me." Blake nodded, then followed my steps to where Clara was.
Well, she's not there. Where's that girl? Did the man take her somewhere? Let them be, maybe they want to spend some time together. They are not children anymore. I never interfered in Clara's business.
I returned to focus on the man who is now with me. I let him sit down and order a drink.
"Let me treat." He called the barista and ordered drinks for both of us.
Being alone with him like this makes me remember our brief time together. Sweet as she used to be, still innocent. We were both innocent and didn't understand anything until then kissing him felt ... I don't know. I can't explain it.
Was he still the same Blake? Does his feeling still there for me? Oh, of course not. It is successful and mature now, there must have been a girl who filled his heart. Yes, for sure. How old is he now? Maybe not much difference with me. But really, he looks more mature and sexy. Can I call him like that?
We haven't seen each other in a long time. Since graduation, he has been swallowed up by the earth. Moreover, our relationship was not working properly, only because of Clara's unreasonable dislike. And now he's back. No, no. It's just a coincidence. Fate brought us together again.
I just stared at his face in the dim light. I couldn't believe Blake was sitting next to me right now. The way he dresses is different from the last time I knew. Of course. With his current status, he should look good. He is a successful businessman, owner of restaurants and food outlets that have spread in various regions. That's what he told me.
He told me that after graduating he decided to take a cooking course. And currently, he is majoring in management while running his business.
"Sorry I didn't have time to say goodbye to you." He looked down, intertwined his fingers in his hands.
"Oh, yeah, it's okay. Our relationship doesn't seem to be going well anyway. I don't remember what happened that we had to ...."
"It's Clara. Uhm, but that's in the past. I don't want to talk about it."
"Yes, you're right." I don't know why he mentioned Clara. Was Clara the one who caused him to disappear suddenly as if deliberately avoiding me? Uh, never mind...
We were silent for a moment, looking into each other's eyes. Trying to find something that might leave us speechless. But of course, there was nothing there. There's no way I can read his heart because we just meet a few minutes ago.
"Then ... are you ...."
Yes? Just tell me, Blake, say it. Ask what you want to ask me.
"Yes ...?"
"Are you with someone?"
"Yeah. I'm with Clara. I told you before, didn't I?!"
"No. I mean, do you have a boyfriend?"
I rolled my eyes at his question. Why does every guy always ask about that kind of thing to the girl he meets, does he already have a girlfriend or not? Can't we just have a one-night stand?
Jenna, come on ... are you sure you want to do that with Blake? He has the potential to be a partner forever. After all, if you are in a relationship with him, you will have the opportunity to repair your relationship which was broken because of something that is not clear.
"Oh ... sorry, I thought ... No! I'm single, for now. There's no one there yet."
His smile grew after heard my answer. He nodded in understanding.
"Good ...," she whispered. I didn't respond to what I heard.
I've heard that, Blake. I just pretended to not hear anything that you don't feel ashamed of.
We talked about many things. And as long as we were together, till the time we called it a night, I still can't see where Clara is. It's the first time she didn't tell me where she going. Is she all right?
Blake and I were already out of the club. I looked into his eyes, waiting for him to say something to say goodbye. Or anything to keep me from coming home. He didn't say anything. Just take a few steps closer to me.
"Thanks for tonight, Jenna. I'm so glad to have met you."
I was about to say something but couldn't, because a second later he had kissed and bit my lips. Myself that was initially frozen eventually moved closer and closer. He cupped his hand on my cheek before releasing the kiss, then rubbed the corners of my lips with his thumb.
"Where are you going? I'll walk you home." I nodded and walked hand in hand with him, letting his fingers intertwine with mine.
***