The music pulsed through the room, a low, rhythmic beat that vibrated in Serena's chest. The air was thick with the scent of jasmine and something else, something faintly metallic, that she couldn't quite place. It was a strange mix, but somehow, it fit the scene perfectly. Serena, dressed in a flowing, emerald green dress that shimmered under the dim lights, felt a thrill of anticipation.Her curly blonde hair cascaded like a waterfalls.
"Welcome to the party, guys," Hina said, her voice a little too loud over the music. She was a whirlwind of energy, her dark hair bouncing with every movement as she gestured towards the room. Hina was wearing a vibrant red jumpsuit, its sleek lines accentuating her figure, and a pair of statement earrings that sparkled with every head shake. "Sorry it's a bit empty, but it's still early."
Serena smiled, taking in the scene. The party was held in a loft space, the walls painted a deep, almost-black purple that seemed to absorb the light. The furniture was eclectic, a mix of vintage and modern pieces that somehow managed to work together. There were already a few people milling about, their conversations punctuated by bursts of laughter.
"It's great," Serena said, her gaze catching Alton's as he took a hesitant step inside. Alton, in a crisp white shirt and dark jeans, looked a little out of place amidst the vibrant energy of the party. He had opted for a classic, understated look, his shirt tucked neatly into his jeans and a leather jacket slung over his shoulder. "Alton, this is Hina, my friend who threw this party."
Alton, ever the gentleman, offered a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Hina."
"Nice to meet you too," Hina said, her eyes twinkling. "Serena's been telling me all about you."
Serena elbowed her playfully. "I haven't told her anything, have I?"
Hina laughed, a bright, infectious sound that cut through the music. "Don't worry, I'm not one for gossip. But I'm glad you both could make it."
She led them towards the bar, a long, sleek counter that was already occupied by a couple of people. "What can I get you?" she asked, her voice barely audible over the music.
"Just a glass of wine for me," Serena said.
"And for you, Alton?" Hina asked.
Alton hesitated. "I'm not really a drinker, but a beer would be fine."
Hina nodded, her smile widening. "Good choice. Beer it is."
As Hina disappeared behind the bar, Serena turned to Alton. "So, what do you think?"
Alton shrugged, a hint of amusement and a bit of bitterness in his eyes. "It's…interesting."
"Interesting?" Serena raised an eyebrow. "That's your best description?"
"It's just…different," Alton said, his voice low. "It's been a while since I've been out for this kind of thing." It's not easy for him to just pretend he's having fun when he's really not. His thoughts were flying away from the scene, he had been thinking about Mariana all this time and it pained him.
"Not what I expected."
Serena laughed. "You're right, it's not your typical party. But that's what I like about it. It's a little bit unexpected, a little bit edgy. And it's fun."
"Fun," Alton repeated, his gaze lingering on the group of people dancing in the corner. "I guess it could be."
He took a sip of his beer. He clearly knew he lied, it could never be fun for him even if he tried.
As Hina returned with their drinks, Serena took a sip of her wine, the fruity aroma filling her senses. "You know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "this is what I thought, it could make you feel better if you set aside your worry about her for a moment."
Alton's eyes met hers, a flicker of something unreadable in their depths. He didn't know if he would agree with her or be angry about it, but he managed to say.
"Maybe it is," he said, his voice low and husky. "Maybe it is."
The music swelled, pulling them into its rhythm. Serena felt a smile tug at the corners of her lips. She hoped that she could make him smile truthfully. She might not be the woman he cared and loved truly, but she felt something for him and she would do anything for him to appreciate it and believe that she was so much better compared to Mariana.
"Would you like to dance?" she asked with a little smile.
Alton almost said no, but she had already grabbed him.
Hina, noticing their hesitant steps, approached them with two glasses of brightly colored cocktails. "Come on, you two," she said, her voice barely audible over the music, "let loose! It's a party!"
Alton politely declined, but Hina, with a playful wink, slipped the cocktail into his hand. "One sip, just to get the party started," she insisted.
Serena, already moving to the beat, almost shouted, "Come on, Al, dance!" The loud music made their words almost inaudible.
Alton moved his feet along to the beat, but his steps were hesitant, his gaze distant. Serena, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of energy, her emerald green dress swirling around her as she danced with abandon.
Alton lost track of how many drinks he had consumed. His head was pounding, and his vision began to blur. He felt himself swaying, his legs unsteady. He almost fainted, but Serena caught him, her arms wrapping around him.
"Al, are you okay?" she asked, her worry evident in her voice.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Alton managed to say, his voice slurred. He leaned against Serena, his weight resting on her.
Serena, her emotions overflowing, felt a strange sense of satisfaction holding him like this. His skin touching hers made her heart race in a way she hadn't expected. She caressed his face, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. Alton looked into her blue eyes, a flicker of confusion in their depths. She leaned in, her lips meeting his.
The moment stopped for Serena. Their lips locked, and her heart pounded in her chest. The kiss was a whirlwind of emotions, a desperate plea for connection, a desperate attempt to erase the image of Mariana from his mind. It was a mix of tenderness and urgency, of a desire to comfort and a need to be comforted. Alton's lips moved against hers with a passion that surprised even him, a passion fueled by the cocktails and the overwhelming need to feel something, anything, in that moment. He tasted the sweetness of the wine on her lips, the faint scent of jasmine, and a hint of something else, something that felt like hope.
Serena, caught in the storm of his emotions, felt a wave of longing wash over her. She clung to him, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, returning his kiss with an intensity that mirrored his own. It was a kiss that transcended words, a kiss that spoke of a yearning for something more, a yearning that resonated with the music pulsing through the room, a yearning that echoed the unspoken truth that hung heavy in the air between them.
"Mariana..." Alton whispered, his breath catching in his throat.
Serena's eyes widened as he reached up, his hand cupping her face. He leaned in, his lips moving passionately against hers. She couldn't help herself. She hugged him more tightly that her breast brushed in his chest, returning his kiss with the same intensity.
This kiss, however, was different. It was a kiss born of confusion, of a moment of weakness, of a desperate attempt to find solace in the arms of someone who wasn't the one he truly loved. It was a kiss that left both of them breathless, a kiss that left them both questioning the path they had chosen.
***