One Night, Endless Memories

NOELIA'S POV. Keren Williams, my best friend, exclaimed, “Let’s kick off the party!” as we entered the Brix Clubhouse. She claimed it was one of the largest and most expensive clubhouses in all of California. “I’m not sure this dress was the best choice,” I replied, tugging at the mini-red dress Keren had lent me for the occasion. I regretted agreeing to wear it, let alone attend this party. “Oh, come on, Noelia! The dress looks amazing on you. Just look at all the attention you’re getting!” Keren insisted, and that’s when I noticed everyone’s gaze was fixed on me. I felt like I could sink into the floor and disappear. What was my mother thinking when she let me go out with Keren? Maybe because since we moved into California, Keren has been there for me. Keren is an orphan, and we clicked the moment we met on my pursuit to get a new job. Ever since then, we've been like one big family to her that she never had. “Keren, my mom said I should be home early,” I reminded her, my mother’s warning ringing in my ears. “Don’t stay out late,” she had warned me sternly. The last thing I needed right now was to add to my mom's illness. “We just got here,” Keren said as we marched to the bar countertop. The thumping beats of American hip-hop filled the air, with young people dancing and some already getting a bit too cozy. “Gross!” I whispered to myself as I spotted a woman practically draped over a man, her dress barely hanging on. “Get used to it; we’ll be coming here a lot,” Keren teased. “I’m not comfortable with this whole drama,” I uttered. I stood up from my seat and grabbed my purse, ready to leave. “Hey, Noelia, what’s with you? We’ve only just arrived! Plus, we’re just here to celebrate your new job,” Keren reminded me. “But I haven’t even received an employment letter yet. They just called me for an interview,” I countered, sitting back down. “They will! Being young is all about having fun. Let’s enjoy ourselves!” Keren encouraged. I wish I could be optimistic like Keren. She was so sure I’d land the job as the president’s secretary at Smith Construction Enterprise. Perhaps it was because she’s part of the employees herself, making her well-acquainted with their work culture. Landing this job would be a game changer for my mom. Ever since my parents separated and we relocated to California, life has spiraled from bad to worse! My mother’s unexpected illness forced me to pause my education, which is why I’m uncertain about ever securing a decent job as an undergraduate. “Two shots of tequila, please,” Keren instructed the young man, clad in a t-shirt emblazoned with the Brix Clubhouse logo. He stood at the bar, nodding as he held two empty glasses. As soon as he walked away, I gently tapped her on the shoulder. “I don’t drink alcohol,” I murmured. I want to leave that good girl personality at the door tonight,” Keren teased, and I shot her a playful grin. “Keren, I don’t think I can handle it,” I replied. “You won’t know until you give it a shot,” she countered. Just then, the young man returned, placing the tequila glasses on the counter. “Here you go, ma’am,” he said. “Thanks!” Keren exclaimed, reaching into her purse for cash and handing it to him. “Here, take this,” Keren said, extending one of the tequila glasses toward me. “I’m not drinking that. What if I embarrass myself?” I said, raising an eyebrow. The strong smell of the tequila made my stomach rumble. “I’m here for you, Noelia. I’ll keep an eye on you, so you don’t have to worry,” Keren assured me with a warm smile. “Are you sure?” I asked, still in disbelief that I was even considering it. “AbsolutGirlfriendmise, after this shot, we’re heading straight home,” Keren said confidently. “Alright then,” I said, taking the drink from her hand and lifting it to my lips. The first touch of it made my heart race, and my mouth filled with a bittersweet flavor. “Hmm!” I shook my head as I took a sip. “See? It’s not so bad, right?” Keren said, almost downing her shot. “Yeah,” I replied, finishing my drink in one go as I rose from my chair. “I want more!” The words slipped out effortlessly from my lips, and Keren was quick to pour some of her drink in my cup. I grabbed Keren's drink again, eager for another round. With each sip, my vision seemed to blur, and an unfamiliar thrill surged through my heart. The way I felt seemed weird. It was as though I had been caged for years and now I'm free. I grew up with the mindset that drinking alcohol sometimes makes a mess out of you, but right now, I know it's not true. , I lifted my red dress and spun around like a princess. Keren's laughter echoed around us as I danced. Suddenly, I heard one of my favorite childhood songs by Beyoncé erupted through the speakers. I couldn’t help but twist my hips. “Come on, girl!” Keren cheered as I tossed my hair back and moved sensually to the rhythm. “I need to take this call. I’ll be back soon,” Keren said, planting a kiss on my cheek before disappearing into the crowd. ********************** JAYDEN'S POV. “She nearly spilled the beans about us,” I confided in my best friend Henry Adams as we ,settled into, our seats at the Brix Clubhouse. “Jayden, she really deserves to be fired,” Henry replied, dressed in stylish pants and a vibrant t-shirt. Henry was more than just an ordinary coworker; he was my closest friend, and it was difficult not to tell him anything. Even though I wasn’t in the mood to be at the Brix Clubhouse today, I needed to take a break from a stressful day at work. “My main concern is finding a quick replacement. The workload is piling up,” I said, just as the waiter arrived with two trays of the alcoholic drinks Henry had ordered. “Is it the workload, or is it that your libido is itching to find another girl?” Henry teased. His words hit hard, but I couldn’t argue with the truth. I had a history of mixing business and pleasure. “Don't stress about it, man! The group of ladies I sent interview letters to today are a bunch of stunning women, and I know you're going to like them,” Henry said as I took a sip of my drink. “No way! I'm not getting into that kind of situation again!” I replied, and Henry chuckled lightly. “I’m serious, man. I’m keeping my distance from those secretaries,” I insisted. With the power and wealth I possess, I can have any woman I desire, so why would I settle for the lower-tier ladies in my office? Right then, while chatting with Henry, I spotted a familiar flash of short red hair. There was only one person who would be walking this way. As she moved forward, her brown eyes sparkled, confirming my suspicions. “Keren!” I blurted out, causing her to pause her phone conversation. “Boss, you’re here,” Keren replied, her voice trembling slightly. “Keren, remember we have work tomorrow, and you definitely don’t want to be late and risk getting fired,” I teased, but Keren’s expression remained serious. She probably didn’t get the joke. “I’m heading home now,” Keren said as she walked out of the clubhouse. “Dude, you crossed the line,” Henry remarked as he got up from his seat. “What are you planning to do?” I asked. “I’m going to talk to her. I’ll be right back,” he said before I could protest, leaving me surrounded by women dancing and swaying on the dance floor. ************************ NOELIA'S POV. Suddenly, the room started to spin, and the people around me appeared in pairs. A sharp pain shot through my head as I continued to move to the rhythm of the music. While I was lost in the moment, I felt a hand wrap around me from behind. “Let go of me!” I exclaimed, pushing the hand away and turning around to face a burly man in a black jacket and jeans. “Stop acting like a child, beautiful,” he said, reaching for my chin, but I quickly dodged. “Just let me dance with you,” he insisted. “Don’t come any closer.” I warned, trying to step away, but he tightened his hold on my arms and leaned in for a kiss. I fought against his grip. "Let me go!" The words trembled out of my lips. "I'm going to make you mine," the hefty man threatened as he came closer to my neck. Gradually, I felt his hands off me, and before I knew it, a thunderous smack hit his face, which sent him crashing to the ground. As I looked up, a young man stood before me. Panic rushed through my veins as I hurried to the piercing blue eyes who had intervened, wrapping my arms around him in a tight embrace. Who do you think saved Noelia?