EDWARD POINT OF VIEW
The evening had arrived.
After changing into fresh outfits, Carl and I made our way to the venue where the wedding party was set to take place.
As soon as we stepped inside, Carl immediately went into action—scouting the women around.
"He never stops," I sighed, shaking my head.
"Man, this is awesome! Look at all these girls". Carl grinned, scanning the crowd.
"Maybe tonight's my lucky night. I have a feeling it's going to be great!"
I wasn't paying attention to his rambling. My focus was elsewhere—searching for the girl I had seen earlier that morning.
Carl noticed my distraction and smirked.
"Still looking for her?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"Found her yet?"
"Nope." I couldn't hide the disappointment in my voice.
Carl sighed. "Alright, let me help you."
"Thanks."
Together, we started scanning the crowd for her.
Just then, I spotted Chris and his wife, Lilly, entering the party. I waved at them, and they walked over to us.
"Hey, guys". "Everything good?" Chris asked.
"Yeah, all good," I replied.
"Congratulations on your wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Chris" Carl and I said in unison, teasing him.
Chris chuckled. "Thanks, guys."
Lilly smiled. "I already like them," she told Chris.
"Yeah, they're like my little brothers," Chris said proudly.
Lilly looked at him warmly before turning back to us. "Have you two had a drink yet?"
"Not yet," we replied.
"Then what are you waiting for?get wasted already!" Chris laughed.
"Alright!" we said, heading to the bar.
-----
After sometime later
I started drinking, but my mind was elsewhere—still searching for that girl. The disappointment was getting heavier with every passing minute.
Sometime later, Carl left me alone to dance with a stranger. I glanced at him; he was enjoying himself, so I let him be. Instead, I drank more.
That's when someone suddenly grabbed my drink from behind and placed it on the table.
"Don't you think you've had enough? You've been drinking nonstop. If you keep going you'll lose control", a woman's voice said.
I ignored her. "I'm fine, thanks."
I reached for another drink, but she snatched it from my hand again.
I turned around, annoyed—but my irritation disappeared the moment I saw her.
It was her.
The girl from the morning.
My anger faded instantly, replaced by sheer shock and joy. The sadness I'd felt all evening vanished in an instant.
I was speechless. Frozen.
In the distance, Carl was watching and laughing his heart out.
I finally gathered my courage.
"Hi," I said.
She folded her arms. "Enough drinking. You've had way too much."
"What? No! I only had a few shots."
"Nope. I've been watching you for an hour, and I don't want anyone ruining this party."
"Oh? I'm flattered. A beautiful woman has been watching me for so long?"
She smiled a little.
I smirked. "Alright, I'll stop—on one condition."
"And that is?"
"Have a drink with me."
"Nope, why would I drink with a stranger?". She replied.
Then why were you staring at a stranger for so long? Don't tell me you have a crush on me?. I teased.
"Don't push it, boy," she shot back.
"Boy? I'm not a boy."
"Yes, you are!"
I grinned. "Alright then, how about a competition?"
She raised an eyebrow. "What are you, twelve?"
"What, are you scared?" I taunted.
"Me? Afraid? "Bring it on!" she challenged.
And just like that, we started drinking with each other.
Even though I already had some, I kept up with her. Soon, people surrounded us, cheering us on.
Chris and Lilly noticed the commotion and went over. Chris looked at us and sighed. "Oh god, what now?"
Lilly's eyes widened. "Lisa! Where were you? I've been looking for you everywhere!"
Lisa?
"Oh, I was here—teaching this boy a lesson," she replied, smirking.
"Wait—you two know each other?" Lily asked.
"Nope," we both replied at the same time.
Lilly turned to me. "Edward, this is Lisa—my cousin. She's the one who organized this whole party."
"Oh! So that's why she was so determined to stop me from drinking."
"Yep, I don't want anyone ruining this big day for my little cousin". Lisa said.
"Little…?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah! I'm her big cousin. Any problem with that?". Lisa asked.
Lilly smirked.
"Nope, no problem at all" I replied.
Lilly grabbed Lisa's arm. "Come on, let's dance."
"Okay, madam! Lead the way. "And nice meeting you, boy." Lisa teased.
"Boy—?" I muttered, but she was already gone.
Chris came up to me and said something that wiped the smile off my face.
"Don't do it, man."
"Do what?" I frowned.
"Whatever you're thinking. Don't. She's engaged. Her wedding is next week."
I felt like the ground beneath me had crumbled.
Chris left to join the others, while I stood there, stunned.
---
I sat back down, drowning my disappointment in more drinks.
Lisa noticed and walked up to me, grabbing my hand. Without a word, she pulled me toward the dance floor.
"I don't want you drinking anymore. I don't like it". She whispered near my ear.
"Why?" I asked.
She hesitated. "I don't know. But I just don't."
I smiled. "Alright, then. Let's dance."
Everyone started cheering for us.
Lisa and I moved in sync, her body fitting perfectly against mine.
I pulled her closer by the waist, and for a moment, it felt like the world had disappeared.
The night was ours.
----------------
Midnight arrived. The party was ending.
Chris and Lilly had already left. Carl, of course, left with a girl.
As I stepped outside, I saw Lisa standing near the entrance.
"Aren't you going home?" I asked.
"I can't drive in this state. I'm waiting for a taxi". She replied.
"You won't get one here. Come on, I'll drop you."
"Nope! I'll go alone."
She took a step forward—but immediately stumbled. Before she could hit the ground, I held her in my arms.
Lisa looked up at me, her eyes heavy with intoxication.
"You have a cute face, you know that?" she mumbled.
I chuckled. "Yeah, I know. Now, tell me your address, so I can take you home."
She gave me her address, and without hesitation, I carried her in my arms and walked toward the location where we could get a taxi.
That night, I realized something.
I had fallen for her.