Dark Revenge

Chapter7: Stranger

Laughter and music still echoed in my mind as I stumbled through the door, my vision blurry from the drinks. I thought I was entering a room to freshen up, but now I wasn't so sure. The room looked unfamiliar, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

I made my way to the bathroom, hoping to clear my head. As I entered, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and gasped. My makeup was smeared, and my hair was a mess.

I started to fix my makeup, but my hands were shaking, and I couldn't seem to get it right. I sighed and gave up, deciding to just splash some water on my face instead.

As I turned on the faucet, I noticed a piece of paper on the counter. I picked it up, wondering who this room belonged to. It was a receipt from a jewelry store, but there was no name or any other identifying information.

I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I realized I had entered a stranger's room. I had to get out of there, and fast.

I quickly exited the bathroom and made my way to the door, but as I reached for the handle, I heard a voice behind me.

"Can I help you?" it said.

I turned to see a man standing in the doorway, looking confused and concerned. He was a stranger, and I had no idea how I got into his room.

"I'm so sorry," I said, trying to explain. "I think I entered the wrong room."

The man's expression softened, and he smiled. "It's okay, mistakes happen. But maybe you should sit down for a minute. You don't look so well."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. Maybe this stranger could help me figure out what was going on.

I nodded and sat down on the bed, trying to gather my thoughts. The man sat down next to me and introduced himself as Michael.

"I don't know how I got here," I said, feeling a sense of embarrassment. "I was at a club with my friend, and then...I don't know."

Michael nodded sympathetically. "You're safe now," he said. "But maybe we should call your friend and let her know you're okay."

I nodded, grateful for his help. Michael pulled out his phone and handed it to me. I scrolled through my contacts, trying to find Sophia's number.

As I searched, Michael asked me if I wanted a glass of water. I nodded, and he got up to get me one.

As I waited for him to return, I couldn't help but notice how strange this situation was. I was sitting in a stranger's room, trying to call my friend. But there was something about Michael that made me feel at ease.

When he returned with the water, I smiled and thanked him. He sat down next to me again and asked if I had found Sophia's number yet.

I nodded and handed him the phone. He dialed the number and handed it back to me.

As I waited for Sophia to answer, I couldn't help but wonder how this night had gone so wrong. But with Michael's help, I was starting to feel a little better.

"Hey, Soph," I said when she answered. "I'm so sorry. I think I got lost and ended up in the wrong room."

Sophia's voice was panicked on the other end of the line. "Ava, where are you? I've been looking everywhere for you."

I looked at Michael, who was watching me with a concerned expression. "I'm in...um...Michael's room," I said. "I don't know how I got here."

Sophia's voice softened. "Okay, Ava. Just stay there. I'll come get you."

I hung up the phone and handed it back to Michael. "Thank you so much for your help," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude.

Michael smiled and put the phone back in his pocket. "No problem," he said. "I'm just glad I could help."

We sat there in silence for a moment, and I couldn't help but notice how comfortable I felt around Michael. It was strange, considering we were strangers just moments before.

"So, Michael," I said, breaking the silence. "What brings you to this hotel?"

Michael leaned back on the bed and shrugged. "Just business," he said. "I'm here for a conference."

I nodded, curious. "What kind of conference?"

Michael smiled. "Boring stuff," he said. "Nothing you'd be interested in."

I laughed. "Try me," I said.

Michael raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by my interest. "Okay," he said. "It's a marketing conference. I'm a speaker."

I nodded, impressed. "That sounds interesting," I said.

Michael smiled, and we continued to talk, exchanging stories and laughter. As we spoke, I realized that I had forgotten all about the strange circumstances that brought me to his room. All that mattered was the present moment, and the connection I felt with this stranger.

As we talked, I couldn't help but notice the way Michael's eyes sparkled when he laughed, or the way his smile made me feel at ease. It was as if we had known each other for years, not just minutes.

Before I knew it, there was a knock at the door. "That must be Sophia," I said, standing up.

Michael nodded and got up to answer the door. When he opened it, Sophia rushed in, looking frantic.

"Ava, I was so worried about you!" she exclaimed, hugging me tightly.

I hugged her back, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, Soph. I think I got lost and ended up in the wrong room."

Sophia pulled back and looked at me sternly. "You need to be more careful," she said. "But I'm just glad you're okay."

I nodded, feeling a bit sheepish. "Yeah, me too."

Michael cleared his throat, and Sophia turned to him. "Oh, thank you so much for taking care of Ava," she said. "We really appreciate it."

Michael smiled and nodded. "No problem," he said. "I'm just glad I could help."

As Sophia and I turned to leave, Michael called out, "Wait."

We turned back to him, and he smiled. "Maybe I'll see you around sometime?" he said, looking at me.

I smiled back, feeling a spark of connection. "Maybe," I said.

And with that, Sophia and I left the room, leaving Michael and the strange circumstances of the night behind us. But as we walked away, I couldn't help but wonder if I would see Michael again, and what might happen if I did.