Chapter 05 - Handsome trouble

VINE

Hours later, Clyde and I had arrived at the transfer student's party and we'd already had a few drinks before I left Clyde and ventured into a hallway.

“What the fuck is this?” A strong, familiar male voice echoed in my head.

“How dare you print the flyers without my name on them?!”

I heard a kick. Followed by a painful groan.

Then I stepped closer, imagining that the person who was being hit was probably recoiling in pain by now.

I smoothed down my blue tight-fitted gown, before pulling off one side of the Louboutin heel - a gift from my roommate, as I walked faster towards the restroom.

Clyde and I were already at the party, but after some drinks, I went to the restroom, only to be met with this scene.

“Please sir, spare me, I…I was told to keep the theme mysterious.”

The familiar voice laughed mockingly.

"No way in hell are you serious," he kicked the boy in his stomach, “you did this intentionally, didn't you? You didn't want everyone knowing…"

"Enough!!" I screamed as I flung the shoe straight at the head of the hunter.

Well, let's just call the bully the hunter and the bullied, the prey.

The bully was still holding the leaflet in one hand, while the other was buried in his pocket.

Instinctively, he shifted his face, causing the heels to hit the wall instead.

I sucked in an anxious breath.

Goodness! I'm in trouble again.

What have I done, meddling in a business that was not mine?

Then, he turned sharply to face me,

"And who the hell are you to tell me what's enough?”

The sight of his face alone struck my nerve as my world came to a standstill. Perhaps it was the drinks I had that made me unable to recall. He looked too familiar.

"I am Vine, and you shouldn't fucking treat people that way!" I yelled at him, surprised at myself for standing up for someone. Even more surprised that I used a curse word.

And I did that because I already know what it feels like to be bullied.

"So what if he deserves it?”

His rosy red lips curled in a devastating smile as he left the guy he was dealing with and stalked closer to me, the scent of coconut and tonka bean registering in my senses.

My heart sank. But I maintained a powerful front as I looked him over.

His hair was tousled like it defied order, but still managed to look effortlessly perfect, his jawline sharp as razor, his blue eyes glinting with mischief.

My eyes went lower, to his broad shoulders that commanded confidence.

Gosh! Clyde needed to see him too, if she did, she'd definitely agree his kind of handsome made you forget how to breathe…

Indeed, I forgot how to breathe as his fingers pinched my jawline, his eyes boring into mine,

“I see,” he scoffed, “Another fierce bitch seeking my attention.”

I slapped him hard across the cheeks as I turned around and ran away, and I couldn't tell if I heard him muttering how hot that was.

I went to sit beside Clyde, pretending like nothing of the sort had happened and suppressing my earlier urge to pee.

But my mind wouldn't stop asking where I had met him before today.

"Girl you look so gorgeous, thank goddess you came." Clyde smiled, pulling me from my thoughts.

"That's what people tell me whenever I straighten my curled hair,” I beamed

"You look drop-dead gorgeous too," I returned.

"More bourbon!" I lifted a toast to Clyde and clinked our glasses before gulping it down all at once.

I wanted to forget the reason why I came here in the first place, I wanted to drink till I lost myself, and Drew or that fucker I met earlier were gone from my head.

Clyde nodded.

"Bourbon please!" I screamed at the waiter as I downed my fourth glass, letting it burn my throat, and warm my heart.

Drew... The more I tried to forget him, the more it hurt me. He used me, and later made a fool out of me... and I let him trample on my fragile heart all while I thought we were a bond forever couldn't break.

"You've got to stop drinking, Vine." Clyde held my hand as I lifted the fifth shot.

She was right... But I wanted to forget him... bury him with the alcohol... Because in loving him, I'd lost myself in the process.

"I want more Clyde..." I cried.

"No, we can go dance instead," Clyde said, but before I could say Jack, a young man came and pulled her away to the dance floor, leaving me all alone.

I sank back into the leather chair, watching the lights sweep over strangers who all seemed to belong here in a way I didn't. For a moment, I let myself breathe — just one moment, alone, without eyes on me.

It didn't last.

Just then, I saw Drew and Miriam approaching, a mischievous grin playing on their lips, causing me to sit up on the leather chair.