Falling Red

8

♤I never knew, love is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced ♤

♦ V E R O N I C A ♦

I click the shutdown icon on the monitor screen and finally let out a sigh of relief. I lean back in my chair, close my eyes and rub my hand over my face. Gosh. I had a very hectic working hours this whole week and did not realise when the week passes by. Fortunately, I do not have to face Alex again after our last meeting. In this week I get to know many insights about the company—specially the fact that how popular the boss is. I roll my eyes heavenwards. Forget about him, Veronica.

I have a very happy mood and many plans are running in my mind to enjoy my weekends and ease myself.

I pick my phone. It's near to five in the evening. I quickly type a text message to Mia to reschedule her plans for the night because we are going to club to have some drinks together. I want to be drunk tonight.

I collect my things and put it back in my handbag before leaving my cabin. "Have a nice weekend, Kelly," I smile on my way to her when she comes out from her cubical.

"Oh, Veronica," she smiles back. I have to say, she has one of the prettiest smile. "You too. What is your plan for the weekends?"

I shrug my shoulders. "Same as usual. Me and my bed." The one thing I love the most is my sleep.

Kelly throws her head back and laughs heartily. "You have some life, Veronica."

I wave my hand not taking any offence. "What about you? Do you have any plan?"

Instantly, a tinge of pink blush spread her cheeks. "I got married last month, so my husband has planned a surprise for me."

"That's so sweet. If your free someday then let's have some drinks together after office." I wish I too can have a person who treats me like a normal person. But I know it's a fruitless thinking. We come out of the hotel and I wave for a cab before turning to her, "Have a good time with your husband. Bye."

~*~*~*~

When Mia and I reach the bar in downtown, it was already in full swing. The music is loud to make my eardrum buzz for a minute, the dim red LED lights set the mood and jammed with intoxicating people who planned to get wasted on weekends, like me. We have to squeeze bodies through the over-energetic crowd to make our way to the bar counter.

"More drinks, Veronica!" Mia yells with her excited eyes.

She is dressed in a lime green mini dress ending just below her hips, high heels and curled hair falling all over her soft face, gaining a number of eyes on her stunning self. On the other hand, I had put on a sliver crop top and a tight jeans paired with a shiny earrings and high heels.

"Get it. I want to be drunk tonight."

"Oh, you can get a hot man to make you cry tonight." She wriggles her brows and a giggle escapes from my mouth. It reminds me of the time when she put my name on a dating site without my knowledge. I was so angry at that time but eventually her idea fooled because of me. "C'mon, look around you will definitely find someone you like."

I do not say anything. How can I tell her I am too ruined to enjoy a s*xual pleasure? I will not able to satisfy anyone let alone the other party wants me.

As I pull the fourth margarita down my throat, I realise the true meaning of being independent. There is no one who mocks you for doing the things you like, there is no one to rule on you, there is no one whom you have to plead for your drink and there is no one who make you cover. I feel lightheaded and free, just like a bird ready to fly in the endless sky.

However, I can never be as good as Mia. She is way too forward and never cares about having a serious relationship with anyone. Maybe that's why she remains so happy. When I put down my fifth glass, Mia is already on the dance floor, grinding her booty against a honey blond haired man. I look down at my the empty glass in my hand and my free hair cascades my face. I shake my head, this is what I am talking about. This this that she has, I don't think I can ever have it.

Suddenly, I feel a pair of eyes burning in my body. I turn to the direction but admits the crowd, I find no one particular. I pay my head. The tequila is showing its effect. My thoughts are spinning and my senses are wandering.

I feel a little tipsy. But I remind myself I am here to enjoy tonight. With my wobbled legs and intoxicated eyes, I lose myself in the loud music. I want to forget about Romeo, I want to forget about Jake, I want to forget my handsome yet annoying boss who hadn't left my mind for a minute and more importantly I want to forget myself.

My hair is everywhere and a smile tugs over my lips. The next song blends into the previous one. I raise my hands over my head and close my eyes when I feel a strong breathe over my shoulder. A hand wraps me around my waist and coupled with alcohol in my body, I push myself towards the touch. The heat from behind pass through my body. I feel got. I feel the sweat beads roll down my neck to the valley of my br*asts. When I tear my body away from the person's hold, the multi coloured lights on the dance floor make my head spin.

Hmm. . . fresh air.

I trip a few times on my way out, but I feel good when the cold air brushes my skin. With the support of the wall, I walk to a side and lean against the wall with closed eyes. My throat feels dry and my breath is rough. I feel numb of everything happening in my life.

"Coming with me, babe?" A husky voice fall in my ears and I can imagine it is so close to me. His perfume invades my senses and I recognise it, the same on the dance floor.

I slowly open my eyes and face the man leaning over me. Due to poor light falling over his back, I can only notice the spiked hair, strong jaws and a rough bread which makes him more manly.

I stare at his eyes then at his lips. My hands circle around his neck, pulling him down to me. Maybe, I can try and instantly my body craves for something unknown. I close my eyes and part my lips in anticipation, our breathes blend to make me feel hotter. Our lips brush against each other. However, the feel that I am waiting for never come to me. Instead, I feel him ripped out of my hold.

I flung my eyes open and watch familiar person with the most beautiful cold eyes hold the man who was going to kiss me by his shoulder. Soon, a punch connects on his face. "Alex!"

"How dare you?" Alex's voice rings in my ears.

My mind sobers as if a bucket of ice rolled over my head. I quickly try to hold Alex but he seems to not hear my voice and punch again. Blood spills out of the man's nose and mouth. "What are you doing? Leave him." I finally separate the two and the man took the time to run away.

"What the fu*k you are doing, Red?" Alex turn his attention to me and barks. "Do you know how drunk you are?"

"Who the fu*k are you? What it has to do to you if I kiss or fu*k someone? If you think just because you saved me one time, you can dominate my life then clear your head. You are just a domineering and p*****t boss in the office nothing more." I do not believe I say this on his face but the alcohol brings out best of me. I do not know why he is here? He is not my mother to point me out. I also want to say that I came here to forget about him but before I open my mouth, a pair of lips crash to mine.

I moan as soon as our teeth clash. I want to pull out from his him but he hold my hands in his, push me against the wall and locks my hand above my head.

I feel my mind reminds me to resist but my body burns to give in. The debate between my mind and body comes to end when he pushes his body to me. The freshness of mint coming from his body fill my nostrils. My body loosens instantly in response, I moan and open my lips to let his tongue invade my mouth. I taste a hint of sweetness over his lips.

My breath stops in my chest, my knees get weaker as I focus on how skillful his lips move against mine. For the first time in my life, I do not feel anything else but desire.