ONM: Chapter 1

 

   

   Vivien

  “Oh my gosh! Until now, I still can't believe that we finally graduated! And of course, I can't believe our parents allowed us to go to a bar and celebrate it!” I laughed while Penelope hugged me and jumped. We were so happy, so much happy! Finally! All the hard work, stress, and sleepless nights had paid off.

  Penelope and I have been best friends since childhood. Our parents are also friends. Penelope is my partner in crime. We're open with each other. We help each other in everything. She's like a sister to me.

   “Congratulations to us, girl! We can finally breathe easy and get a good night's sleep.” We both laughed at what I said.

  “Yeah, right! The hell years are done! So, let's go to the bar and celebrate!” I laughed and let her pull me towards her car.

    Just earlier, we had our graduation, and our parents were with us. We were supposed to celebrate with them at an expensive restaurant, but my friend suggested that we change it up this time. During our previous graduations, it had always been a family dinner. And because we graduated with honors, they agreed! They told us to enjoy the evening. They knew the exhaustion and hardships we had been through. They were so proud of us.

   It feels great to slowly achieve all your dreams. It's like just yesterday I didn't want to take up Architecture because I really wanted to pursue a career in modeling. But my mom and dad said I needed it for our family's company because someday I would be my brother's assistant in running it.

  When I'm okay with my modeling career, I will work for our company as an Architect. I've always had a passion for drawing since I was a child, and I inherited that talent from my mom.

  Herrera Furniture and Manufacturing Corp. is our family's company. We design and manufacture various types of furniture and fixtures for both corporate and residential needs. But that's not all; in recent years, we've become a major supplier of personalized, state-of-the-art furniture for prestigious hotels and multinational companies, not only in the country but also across Asia and Europe.

  My dad and my older brother Vince did everything to expand the company. With the company's growing reputation and clientele, my brother saw an opportunity and established another business. Now, we are also in the construction industry, offering services in building and interior construction, millworks, renovation, and painting.

  So, both Penelope and I decided to study Architecture. She also wants to work for our company instead of her family's business because her two brothers can manage their business well. She doesn't want to be separated from me. Plus, my brother, who received both businesses from my dad, is now managing them effectively.

   For now, my mom and dad allow me to focus on my modeling career since I've graduated. They allowed it as a reward because I was a good daughter. I took my studies seriously and remained focused on them, not dating anyone. There were suitors, but I always told them straightforwardly that I didn't have time for a relationship at the moment. I wanted to finish my studies and make my parents proud. And now, here I am, having achieved my goal and feeling extremely happy.

  Now that I've finished my studies and my parents are allowing me to do what I want, I'll make up for everything! I'll travel, go to bars, and enjoy life to the fullest while I'm not yet working for the company.

   Next week, I'll call my manager and friend about my contract. I'm going back to the modeling agency. They've been waiting for me for a long time, but I couldn't balance my modeling career with my studies, especially because Architecture isn't something you can take lightly. My modeling portfolio is still good, so it's okay even though I've been away for a while.

  Penelope parked next to the bar. I adjusted my black sexy dress and put on the heels I took off earlier because my feet were hurting. We didn't stay in the car for long and got out together.

   Penelope inspected my whole appearance once more.

  “Tsk, why are you so perfect, girl? You're so beautiful. No wonder your modeling agency doesn't want to let you go. I won't be surprised if you become a famous model. You have a rare beauty and amazing charisma, girl.” I couldn't help but smile at her words; she was so generous with her compliments. I looked at her sexy backless red dress. Doesn't she know how stunning and attractive she looks in it? And she can be quite an overreactor when it comes to me.

    “Stop, girl, you're beautiful also. Look how hot and sexy you are; for sure, many men will definitely approach you later. I'm sure of that,” I grinned as I gave her a once-over look.

   “Is that true? I'm hot and sexy? Maybe you're just exaggerating, girl,” she said, looking at me and playfully rolled her eyes. I couldn't help but laugh.

  “It's true, believe me, your best friend,” she didn't want to believe it yet, but if she only knew how attractive she was tonight.

  I smiled and pulled her towards the entrance of the bar.

    As soon as we entered, we were greeted by the lively beat of music. I just shook my head as my companion started dancing while we walked. Add to that the people dancing on the dance floor as if there were no tomorrow. I also couldn't help but notice couples kissing and making out in the dim and secluded corners of the bar. Well, that's something you can't avoid; after all, this is a bar.

  We took our seats on a slightly VIP sofa, which was quite close to the  dance floor. This was my first time going to a bar, and finally, I wouldn't have to envy Penelope when she talked about hanging out with her cousins. Even though it was my first time in a bar, I had tasted alcohol before, especially when there was an event or party at our company, and my mom would bring me along sometimes.

  I'm not particularly fond of alcohol, but my best friend, Penelope, was no stranger to it. She would sometimes join her blockmates during semester breaks or when her cousins invited her. She managed to get away with it since she had her own condo, and her parents had no idea she went out occasionally. Well, there's nothing wrong with it, especially when you need to have fun and unwind from the stress of studying.

  On the contrary, when I get stressed, I just watch movies and listen to music. That's when I'm happy. My stress disappears quickly. It might be boring for some, but for me, it's enjoyable.

  “You know what, girl, my cousins and I love this bar. It's so beautiful, luxurious, and look at all the handsome guys! Hihihi, will anyone be able to capture my beauty tonight? Well, let's see.” 

  I just shook my head. Here she goes again with the handsome guys. She really loves hunting for attractive guys. I agree that it's a nice place. She ordered drinks for us and some appetizers.

  “Girl, why don't you try to find a guy tonight and break out of your shell? What do you think, girl?” My eyes widened in disbelief as I looked at her. She was grinning at me with raised eyebrows. What the hell is she thinking? Find a guy for me? I gave her a stern look.

  “Are you serious? You want me to find a guy for myself? What kind of nonsense is going through your mind, Penelope?” She adjusted her seat but still had that mischievous grin.

  “Just for a change? Experience, girl. I didn't bother you before because I know you're serious about studying, but now that we've graduated, why don't you try? Explore and enjoy your life. It's like your shell has been too dry, and it needs to be watered. It's so parched now.” She said with a cheeky smile, and I knew what she was getting at. This woman is such a handful!

  I knew she had experience in that area because she had told me before. But as for me, I don't know if I can do it. I want to give myself to the person I'll be with for life, my future husband.

  I glared at her and was about to respond when her order of a 3-liter cocktail tower and the appetizers she ordered arrived in front of us. It looked like she intended to fulfill her promise of getting us drunk tonight!

  “Let's have fun tonight, girl! Let's get drunk, enjoy, and be wasted!” She picked up two glasses to fill with alcohol. I didn't say anything and just took a sip. We chatted about all sorts of nonsense. I could see the happiness in my best friend, and I was happy too. After all, we both fulfilled a dream simultaneously.

  We lost track of time, and we had been drinking quite a bit. No, the 3-liter cocktail tower was already empty. Penelope ordered another one. Geez! There were only two of us drinking, but this was the second tower we were having.

  Yes, we had high alcohol tolerance, but when you consume so much alcohol, you'll still get intoxicated!

  She stood up with a big smile.

  “Let's dance, girl! The music is so good!” I glanced at the glass I was holding, took a final sip, and then stood up. I felt a bit dizzy for a moment. Geez! She dragged me onto the dance floor. Due to the effects of alcohol in our bodies, we joined at dancing floor. 

   I lowered my gaze when Penelope handed me a red plastic cup, filled to the brim with alcohol. Because it was somewhat spilling, I drank it until it was halfway empty. Damn! I was definitely feeling lightheaded now. That woman sure knew how to make things happen when it came to alcohol.

Continuation in the next chapter...

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