~Next day~
~Lenna's pov~
The sunlight peered through the curtains of my window , casting warm rays of golden light onto the wooden floor. I could hear the gentle chirping of birds outside, signaling the start of a new day. As I stretched and yawned, I couldn't help but feel like I was forgetting something. I brushed off the nagging feeling, deciding that it was probably just my mind playing tricks on me. With a content sigh, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and planted my feet on the floor. The familiar creaking of the floorboards greeted me as I made my way towards the window, drawn by the allure of the sun-kissed morning, until I froze. The memories of last night came rushing back to me like a tidal wave, crashing against the shores of my consciousness. The bar, the laughter, the drinks flowing freely, and the hazy conversations blurred together in a whirlwind of excitement. But then a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach as I realized what I had done. The events of the night blurred the line between right and wrong. I basically harassed Matteo! I cringed as the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. How could I have let myself become so consumed by the moment, oblivious to the boundaries I had crossed?
God not only thinks I'm a murderer but also a sexual assaulter.
I felt a wave of shame wash over me, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. How could I have let my actions become so distorted in the heat of the moment? The memories of our playful banter and innocent flirtation now felt tainted, overshadowed by the weight of my inappropriate behavior. It was as if a dark cloud had settled over our once lighthearted connection, and I couldn't shake off the guilt that gnawed at my conscience.
I fell to the floor, tugging at my hair. WHY?! Why DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN TO ME? I clenched my fists, feeling the frustration surge through every fiber of my being. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried, I always managed to ruin the good things in my life. The echoes of my own self-loathing filled the room, bouncing off the walls and mocking me relentlessly.
I thought, Let me go for a jog to calm myself down. Maybe the fresh air and physical exertion would help clear my mind and release some of the pent-up emotions. I quickly changed into my workout clothes and laced up my running shoes, determined to outrun the negativity that consumed me. Stepping outside, I was greeted by a cool breeze that gently brushed against my face, offering a sense of solace amidst the chaos within. I started off at a slow pace, allowing my body to warm up gradually as I focused on the rhythm of my footsteps hitting the pavement. Each stride brought a momentary distraction from the overwhelming weight of what I had done. As I continued to jog, the heaviness in my chest began to dissipate, replaced by the rhythmic cadence of my breath. But as I pushed myself harder, a familiar sensation crept in—a tightness in my chest that made it hard to breathe. I slowed down, taking deep breaths and reminding myself to stay calm.
"I need water, " I mumbled to myself. Looking around, I realized I had strayed far from my usual jogging route and was now in an unfamiliar part of town. Sweat trickled down my forehead, and the hot sun beat down on my back, intensifying the need for hydration. Ah shit, How did I get so distracted?
Just then, I heard music playing. It was faint at first, barely audible over the sound of my own heavy breathing, but as I turned the corner, the melody grew louder. Following the sound, I found myself standing in front of a small park, where a group of people had gathered for an impromptu outdoor concert. The vibrant notes of a guitar filled the air, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of a drum. Intrigued, I approached the makeshift stage and found myself mesmerized by the talent before me. The musicians played with such passion and skill that I couldn't help but forget about my thirst for a moment. Waah, they were amazing...
"Everybody!!! DANCE YOUR HEART OUT!" The drummer yelled into the mic. As soon as the drummer's words echoed through the park, a wave of excitement swept over the crowd. Without hesitation, everyone in attendance began to move to the music, their bodies swaying and grooving in sync with the lively rhythm. Laughter filled the air as strangers turned into dance partners, spinning and twirling with infectious joy. The park transformed into an impromptu dance floor, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to share in this moment of pure bliss. I blinked in surprise, but before I could process anything, everyone suddenly stopped and stared at me. My heart skipped a beat as their gazes bore into me, and I felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck. The silence that followed was deafening, and I could almost hear the thoughts racing through their minds. Was I not supposed to be here? Did I do something wrong? I nervously fidgeted with my hands, searching for an explanation to break the tension that had enveloped the once vibrant atmosphere. Finally, a warm smile spread across the face of the drummer.
"Hey! The girl in jogging pants! Why aren't you dancing?" I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding as the tension in the room began to dissipate. The drummer's question caught me off guard, but it also brought a sense of relief. It seemed that my presence was not entirely unwelcome, despite the initial scrutiny. Gathering my courage, I mustered a shy smile and replied, "Oh, I... I just didn't want to disturb anyone. I'm not much of a dancer, to be honest."
The drummer chuckled and motioned towards the dance floor, saying,
"Nonsense! No one's here to judge. Come on, show us some of your moves!" I blushed at the drummer's invitation, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and excitement. The others in there also nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with anticipation. Encouraged by their warm reception, I took a deep breath and reluctantly stepped onto the dance floor. The pulsating music enveloped me, urging my body to move in sync with its rhythm.
"Ok, what kind of dance style should I do?" I asked, looking around for suggestions. One person shouted, "Breakdancing!" while another suggested, "Ballet!" The room erupted in laughter, but their playful suggestions sparked an idea within me.
"How about a fusion of both?" I proposed, feeling a surge of confidence.
It's only once; what could go wrong?
The crowd cheered in approval. I took a deep breath, ready to embark on this daring experiment. The DJ seamlessly transitioned the music to a mix of classical ballet and hip-hop beats, setting the stage for my fusion dance. As the first notes filled the air, I allowed my body to surrender to the music, combining the elegance of ballet with the explosive energy of breakdancing. The crowd watched in awe as I effortlessly glided across the dance floor, executing graceful pirouettes that seamlessly transitioned into dynamic power moves.
Soon enough, everyone started to join in on the dance. The energy in the room became electric as more and more people were inspired by the fusion of styles. Bodies twisted and turned, blending the precision of ballet with the raw athleticism of hip-hop. The dance floor transformed into a melting pot of creativity, with each individual adding their own unique flavor to the mix. The once passive spectators became active participants, joining me in the exhilarating rhythm that pulsed through the room.
For the first time in a long time, I felt relaxed and free. My excited giggle escaped my lips as I let go of all inhibitions and allowed the music to guide my movements. It was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and the worries and stress of everyday life melted away. The energy in the room was infectious, and I could feel the positive vibes radiating from every corner. Sweat dripped down my forehead, but I didn't care. This was a moment of pure bliss, a chance to express myself without judgement or fear. As soon as I spun around, I saw a man dragging something in the distance. Curiosity piqued, I squinted my eyes to get a better look. The man's movements were strained, as if he were struggling with the weight of whatever he was dragging. Intrigued by the mysterious sight, I made my way towards him, my body still pulsating with the rhythm of the music. The minute the man saw me, he started dragging the suitcase behind him even faster, a look of panic crossing his face. I quickened my pace, my heart now pounding in sync with the beat of the music. As I got closer, I noticed the suitcase was old and worn; its edges were frayed, and its once vibrant color had faded. Questions flooded my mind, urging me to run faster behind him. Suddenly a black van appeared, and he tossed the suitcase inside , slamming the doors shut before jumping in himself.
The engine roared to life, and the van peeled away, leaving behind a cloud of exhaust and a sense of urgency in the air.
My instinct kicked in, fueled by curiosity and a nagging feeling that something was not right. Without hesitation, I sprinted towards the spot where the van had vanished, my mind racing with thoughts of what could possibly be inside that mysterious suitcase. That's when I noticed blood on the road. A chill ran down my spine as I stared at the crimson streaks glistening under the dim streetlights. Panic mingled with my curiosity, urging me to investigate further. With trembling hands, I cautiously followed the trail, my heart pounding in my chest. Each step brought me closer to the truth but also deeper into the unknown. As I turned the corner, my eyes widened in disbelief. The van, now parked in a secluded alley, stood silent and foreboding, its rear doors slightly ajar. The sight sent shivers down my spine. I looked around to search for something I could use as a weapon. I spotted a discarded metal pipe lying on the ground nearby, and without hesitation, I snatched it up, gripping it tightly in my hands as I walked closer to the van. This was for sure a trap to lure something.
And I was definitely falling for it...