The Witness

26

Authors POV.

The lively sound of bass and the tinkling of laughter fill the vibrant disco bar. André stands near the bar counter, carefully selecting drinks for himself and his friends.  Veljko came out of the staff with a cloth in hand, ready to tidy up the counter.

Veljko, put on a smile in his face “Hello, Sir. What can I get you to drink tonight?”

Veljko's gaze locks onto André, surprise flickers across his face, he leaned in slightly squinting his eyes.

“Andrija?” Veljko inquires.

André turns his attention to Veljko, his expression curious, his eyes scanning the area and shifted his gaze back to Veljko.

André questions him “How do you know my name?”

Veljko extends his hand in greeting. “We've actually met before.”

André looks at his hand hesitates, not taking Veljko's hand.

“This is the first time we're meeting, though.” André, his voice doubtful.

André leans on the counter, maintaining his distance.

“Don't you remember? We used to play during childhood.” Veljko.

André let out slight sigh. “Look buddy, I never played with anyone other than my friend. I never met you, and we never played. So now get me two vodkas and a cocktail.”

“Alright buddy!” Veljko, smirking a bit.

He complies, but a hint of curiosity remains on his face, wondering why André, or he known as Andrija, didn't recognize him.

Blaire's POV.

Sam and I sat at the table, observing the graceful movements of the dancers on the dance floor. André went to the bar to fetch us some drinks.

“So, Blaire, what did André say about the chocolates?” Sam inquired.

“Actually, he thought it was me who gave them to him. He mentioned that he enjoyed the chocolates,” I explained, receiving a slight nod from Sam.

“But don't worry, I told him it was from his secret admirer,” I assured.

“I'm glad he enjoyed them,” Sam smiled.

André returned with three glasses of drinks, causing me to furrow my brows upon seeing vodka.

“Are you guys planning to consume these?” I questioned as André set down the drinks.

“Of course, our bodies need alcohol too,” Sam chuckled.

“Don't worry, I got you a juice,” André said, handing me a glass of juice. I mumbled a 'thanks' in response.

“André, since when did you start drinking?” I asked, my eyebrows furrowing.

“Since recently,” André replied with a chuckle.

as I watch them toast and take sips from their drinks. The dim lighting and the chatter of the surrounding crowd make me feel like an outsider. I take a small sip of my juice, hoping to blend in, but my discomfort remains. André notices my unease and leans in slightly.

"Hey, it's alright," he whispers, giving me a reassuring smile. "We're just here to have a good time."

I manage a weak smile in return, grateful for his understanding. Still, I can't shake off the feeling that I don't quite fit in with the scene around me. As the night progresses, I find myself lost in my thoughts, occasionally glancing at Sam and André as they chat and laugh with the others.

Eventually, André nudges me gently. "You don't have to force yourself to enjoy this if you're not comfortable," he says softly. "We can leave if you want."

I appreciate his offer, but I also don't want to ruin their night. "No, it's okay," I reply, trying to sound more at ease than I am.

“Are you sure?” He asks, his voice doubting and I nodded.

André gives me a warm smile. "Just tell me if you're not feeling uncomfortable we can leave and go home."

His words ease some of my anxiety, and I nod appreciatively.

...

It's well past 8:30 pm, and a sense of unease fills the air as we remain at the bar. André and Sam are both passed out, succumbing to the effects of alcohol. Frustrated, I retrieve my phone and call an Uber to pick us up.

"Seriously!" I mutter under my breath, my frustration mounting as I deal with these two intoxicated individuals.

Stuffing my phone into my Blazer, I gently lift Sam and carry her towards the exit. Fortunately, she's not too heavy. I settle her on the pavement outside before returning to the bar to attend to André.

"W...who are y...ou?" André mumbles, his voice slurred due to the alcohol impairing his recognition.

Struggling to carry his weight, I find myself aided by a long-haired bartender who rushes over to offer assistance.

"Let me help you, Ms.," the bartender kindly offers. Grateful for the assistance, I agree, and together we make our way outside. We seat André on the pavement beside Sam, and we wait patiently for the Uber to arrive.

"I see, your friends have passed out," the bartender observes, striking up a conversation.

"Thanks for helping me," I reply sincerely, "I couldn't manage this on my own."

He smiles kindly and introduces himself, "No need to thank me, My name is Veljko." I accept his extended hand, and we shake hands.

"I'm Blaire, it's nice meeting you," I respond.

"Nice meeting you too, lady," he says with a warm smile. With our introduction concluded, he returns inside the bar, leaving me to stand outside and wait for the Uber.

I glance at Sam and André, both completely passed out, I can't help but feel grateful to the bartender who helped me.

“I can't believe, I have to put up with this responsibility” I said, rubbing my nape out of frustration.

Standing on the sidewalk, I watched as the car pulled up in front of us, initially thinking it was the Uber I had called, my expectations faltered as I realized it was a stranger's car.

The door opened, revealing a tall man whose silhouette was all too familiar - it was Kosta. Squinting my eyes, I confirmed my suspicion as I recognize him. He strode out of the car, not noticing me.

"Kosta?" I murmured to myself, my eyes following him as he made his way inside the bar.

Confusion mingled with surprise in my mind, wondering why he was here when he hadn't even attended school earlier.

“What is he doing here?” I murmured.

Just then the Uber I called finally arrived. I shifted my attention from the bar to the driver who kindly assisted in getting André and Sam settled inside the car. With a final glance back at the bar's entrance, I climbed into the car, making its way towards home.