Fate (GXG)

Chapter 12

Domino’s POV 

I was laying in my bed reading an article about how the ‘Hendrix corporation’ just bought a new company in their latest expansion. This new expansion just pushed the corporation over to a multi-billion dollar company. The company had just made the quickest and the biggest turnaround. They went from a struggling small business to a business in their own league. 

I sighed, I wanted to be like this business in a way. I wanted to take back my own life and so far so good. But I feel so alone, betrayed by my own family. I never thought there would be a day that my father would agree with my mother and betray me. If I didn’t have Lexi where would I be? Overseas? At a boarding school? I have to find the will to fight for what I want without my bestie. Fight for myself. 

I was deep in my thoughts when I got a notification on my phone. It was my email, it was the ranking list. We just completed finals last Friday. Well, I was done last Wednesday but other classes had to be completed. I’ve been anxious since then. It’s been almost a week. 

I looked up to see Alexis in my doorway and she scared the spirit of my body. I jumped “JEEZ ALEXIS HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN STANDING IN MY DOORWAY?” She just stared back at me without saying a thing. She was being creepy, did she get her rank too? “Alexis, did your finals rankings release too?” Alexis just nodded her head without saying a word. “Alexis was it bad?? You’re scaring me. Say something.” 

She finally replied “It was fine, I placed in the top three. I’m just here for you Pookie. You have to understand that if you place high, you’re still amazing.” Her words made me feel the courage to face my fears. 

“Okay, here I go,” I said opening the email. I instantly gasped. 

“What? What?! What did you place???” Alexis said full of anxiety. 

“I- I placed number one….I PLACED NUMBER ONE!” I got up and ran and hugged Alexis. Finally, I placed number one in my life. I was tired of coming in second. Maybe not having my mother down my back about my studies I was able to do this. 

Alexis pulled back a little with me still in her arms. Alexis was tall for a girl. She was roughly three inches to four inches taller than me. The perfect model height she liked to call it. She was five foot eight or nine. “I’m so proud of you Pookie. I knew you could do it. And for that let’s celebrate tonight.” 

She released me, “come on Lexi I thought we were celebrating tomorrow? Especially since tomorrow is my birthday.” I said pouting on the bed. Alexis came to sit down with me. 

“Yeah, we’ll think of it like this. The party starts at ten and we’ll just celebrate the night into your birthday. Besides, college parties end when everyone is drunk passed out, or gone home. Or when the cops show up. Let’s go please.” She pouted, giving me those puppy dog eyes. I knew there was no winning. 

“Okay, fine. I’m also assuming you’re picking out my outfit.” 

She smirked, “Well of course I am. You’re going to look even sexier than graduation.”

For the love of whoever’s above, please let me survive tonight. 

***

We arrived at this huge house after spending hours getting ready for tonight. The house is a big mansion, it has a gate that we had to pass through. Along with a long driveway to the house. It was beautiful but too much for me. I wouldn’t mind having a big house. It’s just, who wants to mow the lawn? Of course, you could pay someone to do it but then what do you do on the lawn? Is all of that for the show?

I was deeply in my thoughts when Alexis interrupted them. “Hey, get out of your head. It’s going to be fine, no need to be nervous. I won’t leave your side all night.” She smiled at me. Alexis wore a sexy short backless orange dress. With a nice satin material, showing off every slight curve that she had. Plus her assets. Her skin was shimmering with light gold specs. And she hardly wore any makeup at all but, she made sure her eyebrows were done and a little mascara. No doubt at all she’ll make the guys in here drool. 

“I don’t want to hold you up, Lexi. I know it’s my first party and I’ve never drank plus I don’t want to. You’ll drink for the both of us anyway.” 

“That I will but I’m not going to get f****d up. Tonight’s for you. I just want you to have fun. Don't think about it too much. And you look great tonight. I wonder who dresses you. Complements to them” She squeezed my hand as she knocked on the door. Within an instant, a cute blonde opened the door. 

“Hey, Alexis you finally made it. You look so amazing tonight.” He said with blue eyes full of lust for my bestie. 

She laughed, “Thanks, Jacob. This is my best friend Domino I was telling you about.” 

He turns to bring his attention to me. He smiles while looking at me up and down. “Well my my, she did say you were beautiful. But you’re honestly damn right f*****g gorgeous. My name is Jacob, and this is my house. Welcome. Anything you need, you let me know.” He said opening the door to let us in. “Parties in the backyard, and down the stairs. Make yourself comfortable. Drinks are in the kitchen, downstairs, and outside. However, if you need anything specific you let me know Domino. I’ll be sure to take care of you.” Jacob said, walking us through the sliding doors to the upper deck. You could see the party from up here and there were a crazy ton of people here. His house had a swimming pool with a jacuzzi next to it. Next to it was a caged basketball court with full lights. People were currently playing on it. Further, in the distance, he had his own little lake. 

“Wow, is there anything you don’t have?” I asked him. 

“Oh wait until you see downstairs. I could give you a private tour just the two of us.” He was clearly flirting with me but I just wasn’t interested. Alexis looked at me giving me the ‘get you some on your birthday look’ but he just wasn’t my type. Like I knew what my type actually was. 

“Maybe another time?” I said politely. 

“I’ll hold you to that. Just please save me a dance with the both of you. Enjoy my house.” He said leaving us. 

“b***h, what the hell was that? He clearly was flirting with you.” Alexis said, looking at me like I was crazy. 

“I don’t know, I just didn’t think he was my type.” 

“Girl he is fine as hell, maybe you're just not straight.” To be honest I didn’t know anymore. 

I stayed silent for a bit as Alexis spoke again. “That just means we have to find you a girlfriend tonight. Since your Houdini non-girlfriend may or may not be here.” She said laughing, taking me to the lower level. It’s been since she had sent us food for studying that was the last note I received from Milani. Almost made me feel like she wasn’t real, that it was all a game or dream. What a beautiful dream it was. 

We walked into the basement, it was wall to wall full of people dancing upon each other. The bass of the hip-hop song was making the walls shake. The lights were black-lit everywhere looking like what you could only imagine in a movie. There was an open space that looked like a bar filled with so many bottles of liquor. The basement was very large and looked like I could get lost here. Alexis grabbed my hand pulling it close to her waist so u wouldn’t get lost as she maneuvered through the dance floor. We finally made it to the bar area where there were girls drinking liquor off each other’s bodies. 

Alexis looked at my face and laughed at my expression which I’m sure was giving confusing vibes. “That’s called a body shot.” She said going towards the girls. “Hey beautiful ladies, mind if I take a shot off of you?” 

The girl laying down giggled “of course you can. The two of you can.” She winked at me. I felt myself blush and looked away. 

“My friend doesn’t drink but I tell you what, I’ll take one off the both of you. If your friend is willing.” She gave them both a seductive look and they gave her the same look back. 

“So what do you want to drink then?” The other girl asked, looking at the bottle selection. 

“The both of you later maybe if things go well. But you can grab anything I don’t care.” Alexis said this and I felt more blood rush to my face. I’ve seen Alexis flirt with girls. Just not to this extent. One of the girls poured a shot on the girl's body along with a trail of salt and a lime at the top near her breast. Alexis leaned down not taking her eyes off the girl on the bar. She began taking the shot off of her then dragged her tongue up the trial of salt. The girl bit back a slight moan. To finish it off she took the lime in her mouth and ate it without breaking contact. 

My eyes had to be bulging out of my head. I couldn’t believe what I just witnessed. “Damn,” the girl said. “You’re very talented.” Alexis then repeated the same steps to the other girl and got the same reply. I watched her exchange numbers with them before they walked away. 

“What, what was that??! Where did you…? You know what please don’t tell me.” I’m shocked I’ve never seen this side of her. I know she loves a good time but this is a new wild side I get to see first hand. And she knows it. The way she’s laughing as if what she did was normal. 

“You know I forget you never went to any of the parties in high school.” She answers as she moves behind the bar. 

“That’s not true. I went to prom, spring fling, and all the homecomings. I was the Vice President so of course, I had to be there.” 

“Pookie that doesn’t count. Those are supervised school parties. Plus you were there to only take pictures with your ex-boyfriend and you never stayed long. No after parties, nothing. Your mom would come to get you an hour after it started.” 

“You’re right. So what does this Alexis do now?” I was curious about what was next. She’s right, I've never been to a party like this. 

She looked in the far distance behind me. With her hand, she motioned for someone to come over. “Now we chill with some strangers, maybe find a group to chill with and have fun. Dance with me later. Maybe take them home for extra activities.” I turned around to see who she called over. It was two men, one was really tall and the other one was shorter than the other. With dark lighting and blacklight hitting their faces I couldn’t really tell what they looked like from afar. Finally, they reach us. 

“Well hello beautiful ladies, you guys look bored. Mind if we bring you some company?” The taller one said. He was tall with a thick beard. He looked like he was about twenty-five with how full his facial features were. Now that he is closer to me he is tall. He has to be over six feet. There’s no question. His friend next to him was shorter but his eyes even in the dark are pretty green. 

“Depends on what kind of company you guys are. Hope you guys aren’t boring.” Alexis replies with a smile. 

“I promise we're anything but. My name is Nate and this is my friend Chad. What are your names?” Chad was the guy with the eyes. That, since he walked over not once, broke eye contact with me. He smiled and waved at me when introduced. 

“I’m Alexis Edwards, and this is my best Domino Lockhart.” Chad's face when Alexis told him my name was somewhat twisted in a question hidden in it. Yet he tried to play it off. He reached out to shake my hand and I took it. “So what now gentlemen? You said you weren’t boring so where to?” Alexis questioned. 

Chad looks at her and says “Well we were just about to head poolside. When I saw you two ladies thought you’d want to join us to meet our other friends.” 

“As long as they’re as pretty as you are then we’d love to Chad.” Alexis was on her game, I could tell she was flirting for the both of us. “As long as you show my best friend a good time. It’s her birthday tomorrow.” 

“Really? We threw this party for our friend's birthday.. seems like this was fate to meet the two of you. Now we can all celebrate.” Chad said. 

“Well, lead us there.” She said grabbing on to Nate who escorted her towards the exit. Leaving me and Chad behind. I could tell he knew I was nervous about the arrangement. He looked at me with a compassionate smile. “Don’t worry my friends, they don’t bite. One might, if you ask her to though.” He laughed, causing me to laugh along with him. He was such a sweetheart I could tell. 

I walked in front of him getting outside to the backyard. He took the lead to where his friends were. He had ginger red hair with small freckles on his face. His eyes were beautiful emerald green eyes. He was very toned in the muscle department and his fair creamy skin looked so smooth. He turned back to make sure I was still there. He caught me checking him out. He chuckled and said something under his breath that I couldn’t hear. 

There were people playing in the pool. A DJ playing music poolside along with a mini bartender serving a line. Alexis and Nate were taking shots with another guy at the table. Laughing at Nate because he started choking. When the other guy looked up he called out to us. “Chad. We’ll look at you. You brought another pretty lady for me to steal from you.” The man said. He reached out for my hand to shake it. And lowered his head as if he was about to kiss my hand. 

“Her name is Domino Lockhart… I don’t think she’s available…” Chad answered and looked at the man. The man stopped his movements instantly and looked up at me. His eyes widened along with a smile. 

“Well, that’s too bad. My name is Jayson.” He released my hand. He was just as fine as the other two. Not as tall as Nate but he and Chad seemed like they were the same height. He had a long loc that was in a bun. His eyes were dark brown to match his dark skin. He was athletic too, I could just tell by the way his arms showed every crease and cut. 

I smiled at him gently, “Nice to meet you, Jayson. And I’m not taken, at least I don’t think.” 

Alexis nodded her head in agreeance, “She just got out of an awful relationship and she’s completely available. What you guys. Don’t tell me you guys have a secret girlfriend?” 

“Me? Maybe but these two they’re hopeless. To be honest I’m shocked they could bring you two over here.” Jayson replied. 

“Me? Hopeless, I’m the ladies’ man. I mean look at me.” Nate said, taking off his shirt. Showing off more of his body. Jayson just laughed, Alexis checked him out a little. 

“Well, it’s nice to know that you have a nice body. But a woman like me and like my friend require a little more than a six-pack to impress… if you know what I mean.” Alexis responded as she called the waitress over. Nate blushed, as if he was a little embarrassed. He did it to himself. “Let me get four shots of tequila please.” She requested. 

Before the waitress was able to leave Jayson grabbed her hand. “Make that five sweetheart we’re waiting on one more.” 

“Wow, you guys are hiding another gorgeous guy for me and my bestie.. so selfish aren’t we.” Alexis said 

“Oh, no he’s not a he.. and she just isn’t anybody.” Nate spoke proudly. I wonder who she was. 

“Speaking of where’s Logan anyway she should have been over here by now..” Chad said. Logan? Hopefully not that Logan. I mean what are the chances? Chad looked at me and I could tell the panicked energy coming from my way. He grabbed my hand and squeezed it looking at me with reassurance. 

Alexis drank her shot. “Oh? That wouldn’t be Logan Hendrix?” 

*** 

An hour had passed and they were drinking and telling more stories about each other. I learned that Chad and Nate played basketball together. Nate was goofier than the other two. I could tell he was trying so hard to impress me and Alexis. Chad was the laid back type and he and Nate had a beautiful friendship. He wasn’t much of a talker, only really spoke when you asked him something or if Nate said something. Jayson was our Quarterback for the football team. He also was trying to become a doctor. He talked with me about medicine and I could see the passion he shares for it. I wondered if he’d ever heard of my family. So I asked him and he definitely had. I couldn’t help but think if I were to bring him home to my parents would they let go of this Jocari business and becoming a doctor of their choice. Doubtful. 

They were all having so much fun they didn’t see me leave the area. I just needed space. I walked off into the mansion. I think I’ll do a little bit of exploring.  The house was so huge anyway. He had a movie theater in the house. Mini bowling alley. Even had an indoor pool private pool. That’s where I found myself spending my time. The water was so beautiful and crystal clear blue. Reminding me of the beach which I’ve yet to make it. I reached in my purse to find my phone. I had a miss call from Alexis and a text. Probably asking me where I was. Then I noticed the time, it was about five mins before midnight which meant it was almost time for my special day. A day that hasn’t felt special in a very long time. I’m surrounded by happy people. My beautiful bestfriend and new friends. I have my own life in my control away from my parents. Currently, I have everything that I want. 

“So what’s wrong with me?” I said to no one. 

“There’s nothing wrong, but probably something is missing.” Someone said unexpectedly. I turned around to see the most beautiful human being in my life. Her hair was long and very curly. It looked so soft to touch like a cloud. Her skin was a chocolate color that looked so smooth and so warm to the touch. But what stole my breath was her eyes. Her eyes were the most unique thing I have ever seen. They weren't the same at all. One eye on her right was a slightly golden brown with strong grey silver specs. Her left eye is a grey with strong golden-brown specs. They were mesmerizing… her body was even better. She was wearing an all black shirt and jeans to match. She was covered with tattoos on her forearms. She clearly worked out or something. 

“Um, I guess you could say that,” I spoke. 

She just looked at me. Her face with little to no emotion was just that hard to read. She didn’t say anything after either, we just both continued to stare. I just was admiring all of her features. She was crazy attractive. I started to feel insecure about it. At first sight, she was someone I would love to date or just be around. But how can I say that without knowing her? Ugh. 

“I- um, well, I” I stumbled. She just continued to look at me. “M-my name is Domino. Sorry I didn’t know anyone would be here. I’ll just leave.” I said walking towards her and the door. 

“You don’t have to. I want you to stay.” She said finally. 

“Why would you want me to stay? We don’t know each other. I mean not to be rude.” 

Her face changed to a new completely unreadable face. “Well stranger. My name is Alexandria… and it’s nice to meet you. I kind of don’t want to be alone but not surrounded by a lot of people at the moment. I was thinking you wanted that too. However, I did just invade your thoughts but I saw you and a girl so beautiful like you shouldn’t be alone.” 

“I’m honestly speechless.. Since I’ve been here I’ve seen nothing but models and so on. Why does everyone keep calling someone like me beautiful? There are girls far more beautiful....”

“I can’t speak for everyone. But when I look into your eyes. I see light. A beautiful light that’s caged somehow. A soul so beautiful. I think you are beautiful inside and honestly out too. You just can’t see yourself the way that I have.” She smiled looking deeply into my eyes. I could tell that she was soul searching. I could see something in her eyes too. Pain. But with that pain, I can see her happiness.

My phone constantly kept ringing long enough for me to check the time. It was one minute till midnight and Alexis was probably going nuts over my disappearing act. “I have to go… I-“ I was walking when suddenly she grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to her. Giving me a better look at her. 

“Please… I- I’m not ready for you to go yet. Just please…” she begged me. Her eyes were tearing up. And I felt my heart pull. Seeing her in pain made me feel away. Unknowingly I reached up and rested my hand on her cheek. She looked at me intensely then closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. 

“I’m here Alexandria... I won’t leave.” 

“You’re really here with me… I just-“ she looked at me. Soon our faces started to move on their own. Gravitating to each other. My heart was beating at the speed of light. I wanted.. to kiss her. A girl I barely knew. Suddenly my alarm went off, sounding my birthday was finally here. I let go of Alexandria to turn off the sound. ‘Stupid phone. Ruining my moment.’ I thought to myself. Then instantly Alexandria pulled my body closer to her to make me draw my attention back to her. I felt electricity shutter through my body when she made contact with my skin on hers. She wanted to kiss me as badly as I did. And at this moment I felt that I needed to. That I needed her… We were so close I heard her whisper something but I was too drunk in this moment to hear her correctly. I just wanted her on me. All over me. 

“Domino!” Alexis's voice rang out through the room. I stopped just inches away from her full lips. I hardly curse but I wanted to so badly. “I’ve been calling you. We have to go right now. The police are on their way.” She pulled me away from Alexandria, getting us out of there. I looked back to see Alexandria just standing there watching me leave. DAMN IT!