"ERIKKA, I don't think I can do this."
Erikka Villanueva, Ara's best friend in the whole world, gave her a narrowing look as she squeezed her arm tightly. "We are not going on about this again, Ara. We've been planning this for a long time and I will not have you back-out on me now."
Ara bit her lip, as to show her doubt. "Erikka, I'm scared. I don't belong in this type of place," she said, gesturing to the glowing club name right above the entrance of a well-known nightclub from where they were standing. Bouncers were posted to watch the laughing group of teenagers next to them.
"No buts!" Erikka had already pulled her inside before she could even mutter even one word of refusal.
Erikka had always been the carefree one between them. She loves partying, going out with friends, having boyfriends every now and then, updating her whole life all over the social media Ara could name off. Then there’s her, she just likes to stay in-home doing her private things like reading romance books, spending time in the backyard or going to malls to buy something to eat or collect. They are the polar opposite of one another, yet their friendship has been stronger than any intimate relationship they both had in the recent past.
The club is filled with drinkers and smokers. Bottles of beer are scattered everywhere. Teenagers are laughing like there is no tomorrow to see. Some couples are making out in corners where there are minimal lights to see them. E-cigarettes are a trend as of now so different flavors are mixed in the foggy air. The background music is wild, dancers are swaying like crazy. Despite the uncomfortable atmosphere Ara manages to still appreciate the music the DJ is mixing for everyone. Ara wished her parents didn’t agree with Erikka to invite her in a place like no one is sober. Her ears are hurting already because of the loud vibrations.
“Let’s go over there!” shout Erikka, pulling her towards the bartender. They both sat on red narrow stools. Erikka starts to flirt while Ara examines the interiors of the nightclub. “Ara,” her best friend calls her attention.
She reverses her eyes with a smile on Erikka. “Yes?”
“This is Ranold, I met him a few times already and he makes drinks up to its price! Ranold, this is Ara, the sweetest and only best friend I always mention to you.”
“Nice to meet you,” smiles Ronald.
“Likewise,” Ara smiled back politely.
The night seems to be dreadful rather than enjoyable for Ara. She did appreciate the new experience but the place really is not meant for her. If only Erikka hadn’t begged her for real she wouldn’t even think about coming to a place where so much indecency is going on. After the last shot of whatever Ronald had served her she searched for Erikka who had been dancing with another guy she found cute. “Erikka!” she called out loud. She couldn’t see the faces of the people on the dance floor. It’s too dark and the lights are blinding her sight. “Damn it, Erikka. Where the hell are you?” she mumbled to herself. Feeling the call of nature she climbs off the stool to go on a toilet hunt.
Successfully coming out of the ladies toilet Ara heard a loud tile crashing in the male’s toilet. Curiosity made her take a peep. And how regretful she is that off all time to be curious she sees a bloody man coming out of the entrance. He was a foreign man with a dangerous vibe she didn’t like. Immediately she turned away like she saw nothing, ready to run away from the possible crime she witnessed.
“Hey!”
Ara gasped when the man grabbed her right arm tightly with his large bloody left hand.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” his arrogant voice sent an unfamiliar chill to Ara's head to toe. His grip is like an electric static signaling her to run away right at that very moment. "Look at me when I'm talking to you," the man said in a low but warning tone.
