FREYA

1

"I already told you Jackson, why would I want to spend all day working at this bloody bar to then come back a few hours later?" Freya grabbed a cloth and began cleaning the counter before turning her head to the side, pouting.

"Don't pull that face, you're coming tonight. Everyone's going to be here and oh I don't know, maybe because it's my birthday?" He chuckled, amusement clear in his voice, he knew this was an easy fight. Freya didn't really have a choice. She wasn't going to say no to her best friend.

"I did say you could all come over to my place..." Her voice trailed off knowing she would go, but still needing to keep up the act a little.

He didn't reply, just smirked while shaking his head. Freya huffed, threw the cloth down and pulled him in for a hug. "I'll see you later then, don't start the party without me." She winked.

He clutched his chest in mock-shock. "Why would we ever do that." Freya laughed before grabbing her bag and leaving The Bourbon Bar.

***

The bath was hot, almost burning but that's exactly how she liked it. Her tanned skin absorbed all the vanilla bubbles as she washed her hair with a matching scent. Smiling, she laid back enjoying the way the water soothed her muscles and softened her skin.

The outfit for tonight was already laid out ready as Freya styled her hair. She blow-dried her hair straight and began curling the ends. After running her fingers through the curls she grinned in the mirror at the finished look. The brown silky waves flowed down her back stopping at her small waist, she had always adored her long hair. Her makeup was kept very minimal as usual, applying a little bit of mascara and some clear gloss. Freya was never the one to apply a full face, her skin was clear. She didn't need it in the slightest. She slipped on a pair of black skinny jeans and a dark red top with a deep v-neckline. After pairing it with some black stilettos, she grabbed her matching black clutch and headed to the door.

She didn't bother with her car, the walk was short and it was a lovely night. The air was cooler now, a lovely contrast to her hot skin matching the contrast between the dark sky and the brightest of stars.

Simple things intrigued her. The moon, the stars, the silence, she found them beautiful. The way they  possessed the darkest of secrets as they watched over the world beneath them.

The Bourbon Bar was packed when Freya arrived. Crowds of people laughing and talking and drinking. Jackson grinned, spotting Freya as soon as she stepped into the bar, making his way over immediately.

"Just in time! You look beautiful as always, we're doing shots, come on." He dragged her to the bar where her other two friends were talking and shoved a tequila shot in her hand before she even had the chance to say hello. Freya chuckled, as she threw it back with ease and grabbed everyone another, and raised it.

"Happy birthday to my best friend. Let's have a great year, and an amazing night!"  Everyone cheered as we all clinked our glasses and swallowed the clear alcohol.

A few hours passed, Freya had danced for a while politely rejecting the men as the tried to dance with her. She joined the group of friends as they sat around a table. Jackson however was still dancing with a short brunette girl who was almost as intoxicated as him. Freya smiled, she loved how happy Jackson looked, before shaking her head, laughing, as she knew the girl would end up at Jackson's house tonight. She drank her fourth round of bourbon and third tequila shot. Her tolerance for alcohol seemed to be higher than the rest of her friends as they all seemed to be drunk already.

An hour later and Freya was growing bored, needing her bed, knowing she had to be up for work in the morning. Her gorgeous blonde haired friend sat next to her, attempting to pour another shot but failed miserably as she missed the glasses and tipped the liquid straight onto the counter. She was giggling to herself, causing Freya to chuckle.

"You know Freya, I-I am going to set you u-up with someone" She hiccuped, her words slurring. Freya smiled at her and called Grayson over. There was no way she could sit through another "Camille Intervention". Camille would always go on about how Freya needed a man in her life. Freya didn't want a man, she was perfectly fine on her own. Independent and not interested.

"Hey, I'm gonna head home now. Could you call your girlfriend a taxi, I think she needs her bed" Freya chuckled as we both looked at Camille. She sat with her head now in her hands, Freya had warned her not to go over her 5 shot limit. Grayson nodded, "Course, come on babe let's get you home." Freya helped Grayson lean her up.

"Get her home safe Gray." She gave both her friends a quick kiss on the cheek before walking over to Jackson. The girl he was with glared at her, clearly annoyed that Freya had momentarily paused their dancing. He was slightly annoyed that she was leaving so soon, but gave her a hug nonetheless. "I'm sorry Jackson but i've got to work tomorrow." Freya smiled apologetically.

"Don't worry about it, get home safe okay?" She nodded as he kissed her cheek. Before turning back to the brunette, kissing her on the lips. Freya faked a gag, turned around and headed for the door, leaving a laughing Jackson behind her.

The cold calm air of the night was amazing. As her heels clicked along the silent street she came to an abrupt stop, something flashing in front of her for a second, she almost missed it. Looking around in confusion, she searched for something to explain what it was she thought she saw.

With no luck, she shook her head, she must be a little more intoxicated than what she had assumed she was. She started walking again, turning around to check no one was behind her. The pavement was clear, but as she faced forward she was met by a tall man. Jumping in fright, her heart beginning to raise rapidly from shock.

His green eyes burned into her hazel ones, "Don't be afraid love, I didn't mean to frighten you."