My phone vibrated insistently on the nightstand, the screen flashing an unknown number. I frowned, hesitating before answering, "Who could this be?"

"Hello?" I answered cautiously.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" a cheerful female voice boomed into my ear, instantly flooding me with warmth.

"Jess?" I breathed, relief washing over me.

"Only me! What are you up to? Can’t believe you called me from a blocked number!" she teased.

I sighed, "Sorry, life's been hectic since the move. I’ve barely had time to breathe."

"I get it. So what’s the plan for tonight?"

"Just chilling with some TV until later..."

"Later? What’s later?" she pressed.

"I’m heading to a party with a friend. Nothing wild."

She chuckled, "Oh, shaking it loose, huh? I can’t wait to come visit you."

My smile softened, "I miss you too. When will you be here?"

"A few weeks. I’ll save up for a plane ticket by then."

"Perfect. We’ll catch up properly."

"Absolutely! I’ll let you get ready. Have fun, and be careful. Love ya."

"Love you too. Bye."

"Bye!"

*****

Shit, shit, shit.

The clock ticked past 10:15, and Keira said she’d swing by before 11. Panic surged through me as I snatched my towel and the new body wash I’d bought from Bath & Body Works, darting into the bathroom.

Once the warm water washed away the day’s tension, I faced the reality: twenty minutes to look flawless.

"DAMMIT," I muttered, hurriedly drying off and slipping on my lotion and deodorant. The scent of vanilla and jasmine from the lotion calmed me just a bit.

I pulled on fresh underwear and grabbed my mini makeup bag and hair curlers before plopping down in front of my mirror.

Carefully, I traced my eyeliner, flicking it just right, then layered on mascara. Finally, a swipe of vivid red MAC lipstick gave me a boost of confidence.

My hair curled perfectly, framing my face just so. I slipped into the black dress I’d snagged from the mall earlier, the fabric smooth and cool against my skin.

Slipping my feet into black heels, I grabbed my small purse, tossing in essentials—phone, lip balm, and some cash.

Downstairs, I heard Keira honk, sharp and impatient.

"Mom, I’m heading out," I called out.

"Have fun and stay safe," Mom replied from the kitchen, her voice carrying a mix of warmth and concern.

I stepped outside, the cool evening air brushing against my skin as I climbed into Keira’s car.

She sped off, music pulsing through the speakers, filling the space between us.

*****

The drive was quick, the city lights blurring past. I plugged my phone into her AUX cord, losing myself in the music.

When the song ended, we pulled up in front of a building that looked like it hadn’t seen care in years.

Cracked paint peeled from the walls, and graffiti sprawled across every surface. It looked like something out of a horror movie.

"We’re here," Keira announced, sliding into an open spot and killing the engine.

"Seriously? This is the club?" I asked skeptically.

"Yep, believe it or not," she said with a grin. "Ever heard the saying, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’?"

We approached the battered red door, and Keira knocked sharply.

Within seconds, a peephole slid open, revealing a boy’s scrutinizing gaze—probably the bouncer.

He nodded once, then shut the viewer.

Expecting the door to open, I was startled when instead, a section of the wall beside us silently slid away, revealing a narrow, dim corridor.

"Wow," I breathed.

"Nice, huh?" Keira laughed, her excitement infectious.

We stepped inside, the darkness enveloping us before giving way to a vibrant scene.

Exiting the cramped hallway, we emerged into a cavernous club. The stark white walls reflected colored lights, and sleek, tall tables dotted the floor, scattered with drinks and chatter.

The centerpiece was a glowing bar bathed in electric blue, bartenders moving deftly behind it.

Balconies lined the upper level, furnished with plush couches and chairs that overlooked the dance floor teeming with people.

The energy was electric.

Keira shouted over the pounding music, "Let’s hit the bar. We need to get the party started!"

"You’re not 21," I reminded her, eyebrows raised.

"I know the bartender—she’s a friend," she winked.

At the bar, she ordered four shots swiftly. I downed two, feeling the burn ignite in my throat, and she matched with two herself.

"Keep 'em coming!" Keira yelled, grinning at me. "Let’s see if city girl can hold her liquor."

*****

An hour later, after four shots and a few sweet mixed drinks, a warm buzz settled over me.

The music throbbed in my ears, and the crowd’s energy swirled around me.

Keira had disappeared, probably off with her boyfriend who had just arrived, and I found myself alone but not lonely.

The DJ switched genres smoothly, moving from pop to reggae, then hip-hop. The current track was Trey Songz’s "NaNa," one of my favorites.

I couldn’t resist moving to the beat.

Dancing, I caught the eyes of several people, but this time, I didn’t care who noticed me.

Scanning the crowd for Keira, I came up empty, but another figure commanded my attention.

He was tall—probably 6’4"—his skin bronzed and flawless under the club’s lights. He wore a fitted black V-neck and dark jeans, highlighting a muscular frame that seemed sculpted to perfection.

His eyes, shadowed by the dim light, locked onto mine in a way that sent a thrill through me.

It felt impossible to look away.

"Hi," a voice interrupted my gaze. Turning, I faced another young man, equally handsome.

"Hey," I replied, a giggle escaping me, the alcohol loosening my tongue.

"I’m Brent," he whispered as he leaned in, his lips close to my ear.

"Aniyah," I said, smiling.

"Can I buy you a drink?" He asked, his hands settling lightly on my waist, pulling me closer.

"Sure," I whispered.

"You’re beautiful," he added with a charming smile.

"Thank y—" Before I could finish, a sudden shove sent me sprawling to the floor.

"What the hell?" I gasped, cradling my throbbing knee and elbow.

From across the bar, the tall man with the perfect frame was gripping Brent by the collar, pressing him against the wall.

"No," I started, stepping forward, but a firm hand grabbed my arm.

"Keira?" I asked, surprised.

"Time to go," she snapped, pulling me toward the exit.

"For a skinny girl, you have a mean grip," I muttered as she dragged me away.

"We’re leaving, now!" she said, shoving me into the passenger seat before slipping behind the wheel and speeding off.

"Is he serious? Could’ve shifted—" she muttered angrily before falling silent.

The quiet that followed was a balm, and within minutes, I surrendered to sleep, the night's chaos fading as dreams took hold.