OUTING WITH FRIENDS
"At 6:00 pm, we were set to go out. Twenty minutes later, Jenny came downstairs, looking gorgeous. However, Derick walked towards her and said, "Wow, you're very ugly. Who did you do all this for?" He then pulled her hair. A furious Jenny responded, "How is this any of your business?" She arranged her hair with her hand and continued, "Okay, guys, this night is going to be the best. Let's live up to its expectations and have fun. The night is still young."
As we all went out of the house waiting for Derick, he finally came out and said, "Anissa is going to come with us." I was annoyed and said rudely, "Doesn't she have friends? We're already short on space with only a car and a bike, and you don't like riding with us except Jenny. The car only fits seven people, unless you want Anissa to ride with you." Jenny then said...
"I'm not going with Derick; he rides his bike too fast and it makes me feel dizzy." Jenny decided to sit in the car instead. Candy expressed interest in riding with Derick, but he quickly rejected her. I also wanted to ride with him but didn't want to seem too forward.
Anissa suggested, "That means I'll go with you, then." She attempted to hold Derick's hand, but he removed it, saying, "I'm only allowing Silvia on my bike. Nobody else."
I felt happy and wanted to laugh at Anissa's reaction, but I controlled my expression. Everyone except Derick and I got into the car and drove off. As we were left alone in the parking lot, Derick hopped on his bike, and I followed. He said, "Hold on tight; this ride is going to be fast and rough."
I noticed Derick took a different route than the others and asked, "Derick, where are we going?"
"'It's a surprise,' Derick said with a smile. I was already surprised that he had a surprise in store for me. What was I to him, anyway? Just his twin sister's best friend?
After a minute-long fast ride, we stopped in front of the famous Trunx Bar, the most popular bar in town. I asked Derick curiously, 'What are we doing here?' He smiled and said, 'Do you remember last semester when you wished you could go to Trunx Bar before turning eighteen?'
I recalled the random wish, not thinking he'd actually make it happen. 'It was just a random wish,' I said. 'But aren't we still minors? We can't go in.'
Derick pulled out two ID cards from his pocket, saying, 'I've taken care of that.'
Derick pulled out two ID cards from his pocket. "How will these help us?" I asked as he handed me one. The ID card indicated that we were adults, but I knew we were still minors. I noticed that the ID card had a different last name; mine read "Silvia Jackson" and his read "Derick Lopez." I stared at him in confusion and asked, "Why did you keep our first names? Why not change them entirely?"
"I like your first name," he said. "That's why I didn't change it. And my name is perfect for me." I was shocked by his comment. What was there to like about my name? Before I could process my thoughts, he said, "Let's go."
I felt scared but followed him to the entrance, where a large, intimidating man stood. The man checked our ID cards and then.
The bouncer's intimidating voice made me nervous as he said, "Go in." Derick dragged me inside and asked, "Where should we start? The bar or dance floor?" I felt out of my element, being my first time at a bar, and replied, "I think the bar."
At the bar, the bartender greeted us, "Hi guys, what can I get you? We have white wine, vodka, whiskey, Sweet Havoc, beers, and more." He gestured to the drink menu. Derick turned to me and said, "Why don't you choose for both of us?"
I hesitated, then asked, "Can we have whiskey mixed with Sweet Havoc?" The bartender smiled and said, "Yes, it's a thing, and a crazy mix-up." Derick chuckled and said, "Hit us with the strongest drink you have." The bartender enthusiastically replied, "Your wish is my command."
As he mixed the drinks, he warned, "This mix is very intoxicating. To avoid getting too drunk, I suggest taking two shots." He handed us each two shots and cautioned Derick, "Don't let her take more than two glasses, or she'll have a terrible hangover."
I interrupted, waving at them, "Do you guys remember I'm here?" The bartender asked gently, "What's your name, miss?" He began to say, "Silvia Dra..." but Derick cut me off.
"Jackson, Silvia Jackson, my girlfriend." I was surprised by Derick's introduction. The bartender complimented, "You have a beautiful girlfriend," as he shook Derick's hand.
I asked the bartender, "What's your name?" He replied, "I'm Carlos, the bartender. But you can call me whatever you like, mamacita," with a wink. I recognized the cheesy line, and Carlos burst into laughter at Derick's expression.
"Man, I was just being nice," Carlos defended himself. Derick's tone remained expressionless as he said, "It sounds like you were flirting." I didn't understand Derick's reaction, as the comment didn't seem overly flirtatious to me.
Between 8-9:10 pm, after taking two shots of the mix, I was already feeling drunk, but I wouldn't admit it. I had a great time chatting with Carlos, while Derick mostly stared at me. I slurred, "Why aren't you drinking anything?"
Derick replied, "If we both get drunk, who will drive us home?" I quickly said, "I'm not drunk," but as I tried to stand up, I stumbled, and Derick caught me.
"Silvia, you should be careful. You're drunk," he said. I protested, "I'm not. Maybe a little bit, but I want to dance." I pointed to the dance floor, but Derick's expression was disapproving.
Carlos chimed in, "My man, your lady isn't in any shape to dance right now. She's tipsy, and she'll likely end up causing a bar fight." Derick nodded in agreement. "I know. I think I'll just take her home."
"Derick, I don't want to go now," I said, giving him a sad look. "No, we're going. You're very drunk," he replied firmly.
"I'm not drunk," I protested, trying to prove my point by standing up and turning around. However, I missed a step and fell. Derick rushed to my side and scooped me up, carrying me back to my seat.
"We're going, and that's final," he said, his voice stern. I started crying, feeling hurt. "Is this how you treat your girlfriend? You don't care about me," I said, pushing him away.
Carlos intervened, "Just wait a bit, let her feel like you care. Otherwise, she'll make your life hell when you get home. That's just how girlfriends are." Derick sighed and sat down, saying, "Okay, we'll stay."
I jumped down from my seat and pecked him on the cheek, not bothering to check his expression.
After a few minutes, I felt the urge to pee and leaned in to tell Derick over the loud music, "Derick, I need to go to the ladies' room." He asked Carlos for directions, and Carlos replied, "Just go straight down, then to your right."
As I walked, I noticed someone following me. When I turned, I saw it was Derick. "Derick, why are you coming with me?" I asked. "You're drunk," he replied, pulling me towards him as he caught up.
We locked eyes, and I felt a strong attraction, tempted to pull his face towards mine and kiss him. The tension was palpable until Derick broke it, saying, "We're here. Now go in." He stepped back, and I composed myself before entering the ladies' room.
As I entered the restroom, the darkness triggered my phobia. I started breathing heavily and suddenly fell, hitting my head on the door with a loud bang. Derick rushed in, saw me on the floor, and helped me up, holding me tightly. I began breathing more easily, and he asked, "Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"
I joked, "I'm fine, but if you keep hugging me this tight, I might pee on myself." He released me, saying, "I'll wait here. Go pee."
After using the stall, I was about to exit when Derick suddenly entered, covering my mouth with his hand. His face was close to mine, and the restroom was suddenly flooded with light. I tried to ask what was happening, but his grip on my mouth was tight.