Inheritance

Chapter 10

Different hues of light projected elusive imagery around the large space, occasionally transitioning between red, green, and blue coloring. Lanterns and lamps held up by grounded palm trees decorated the fall skies, while tables and lounge chairs were set up throughout the balcony. There was a coolly lit pool positioned in the center of the concrete terrace, which was where dozens of people could be seen drinking, making out, and nearly having sex inside. 

As Daniela and I walked around the party, I was able to take a closer look at the dance floor. It seemed to be the one place that had managed to attract most of the party goers' attention. Daniela and I hooked our arms together as a form of assured contact, due to it becoming increasing difficult to stay together amongst the growing number of drunken bodies constantly thrashing between us. 

For a while, we were able to remain side-by-side, until a random girl in her early-twenties appeared out of nowhere and aggressively clung onto Daniela's free arm.

"Dani, I'm so glad you could make it. Come, I want you to meet some of my friends!" The girl yelled over the treble of music, already beginning to pull Daniela off into the opposite direction. 

Our hands inevitably slipped from each other, as Daniela was taken further into the crowd. Before I could process what was happening, I lost sight of her body and she was soon engulfed by the large throngs of people also headed in the same direction.

"Don't worry, I'm just going to find the bar!" I yelled over the blaring music to a place in the crowd I thought Daniela might still be. Surprisingly, she responded with a thumbs up over a stranger's head and a bellowed apology.

I inevitably watched her blurry form be drug off by the same girl who'd initially separated us. Eventually, they disappeared completely into the crowd. Though I now dreaded being alone, I had no intention of clawing my way through sweaty, drunken bodies just to stay close to my friend. I could manage just fine on my own.

After a few minutes of lonesomely roaming around the rowdy party, I knew I had been well out of my mind for agreeing to attend the event in the first place. Fortunately, I was able to spot the small bar hidden near the outskirts of the rooftop space in an isolated corner. Pushing my way past the mountains of inebriated adults mindlessly frolicking around, I eagerly took a seat at one of the unoccupied chairs near the counter.

As I sat there, I began to grow uncomfortably warm from the musty atmosphere and heat radiating from the overcrowded area. In an attempt to resolve my discomfort, I took off my robe and placed it loosely around my shoulders. The need to cool down superseded any lingering insecurities I felt about my body.

"What can I get you started with, babe?" The bartender asked, just as he slid someone a beer and began preparing a cocktail.

"A water would be great. Thanks." I absolutely hated drinking at parties and, on most days, I wouldn't even entertain the thought of it. Particularly, when I was alone. And since I was currently sat by myself at a rooftop bar, my current predicament certainly met the criteria. 

The bartender handed me an ice cold water bottle with a napkin tucked underneath, then continued preparing more drinks for the remaining drunks at the bar. I took a small sip of the water, feeling a bit relieved from its coolness. 

After my thirst subsided, I began to take in the spunky environment and people-watch again. Everyone seemed so youthful and unhinged in their attention-seeking costumes, as they danced, smoked, and conversed amongst themselves. I was solemnly beginning to regret the impulsive decision to come to this party because, the longer I was here, the more I felt out of place. 

A quick tap on my shoulder stole me away from my negative thoughts when the bartender handed me a dirty martini. I stared at the drink in confusion.

"Oh no, I didn't order this. There must have been some sort of mix up." I told the bartender, as I attempted to hand him back the glass.