The Invitation

  Nicole…

  

  

  

  “What have you done?” I was horrified as I pushed him off me to see the triumphant arrogant smirk on his face. In the next seconds that followed, I didn't care if my jeans weren't worn properly or my top, I didn't care about all of those things. They had seen me naked already, so I ran.

  

  Hot tears streamed down my face, blurry my vision.

  

  Bella called after but I didn't stop running, she could barely run to save her life so I ran knowing she’d not catch up.

  

  I wandered around aimlessly, not sure where to go or how to cry anymore. I ended up in a bar, and all I did was drown myself in booze until I couldn't remember the events of today, or how I got flirting with this man in front of me who had a wedding band. I couldn't remember who pulled me away from him, neither did I remember the darkness that completely blurred my vision.

  

  ****

  

  The next morning.

  

  Something blinding reflected on my face and I groaned as I squinted while trying to sit up properly. It was the sun and I was on my bed.

  

  How was that even possible? I couldn't remember leaving the bar… a sharp migraine put a hold to my train of thoughts  and I sighed in defeat. The pain only intensified when I tried to move or stand. My body felt weighed down and heavy like lead.

  

  I closed my eyes again. The light was too bright now. My head hurt too much.

  Then it came rushing to me at once. The memories from yesterday and Killian. He embarrassed me, he used me. I should have known it was a game, it happened too fast. It didn't stop the tears from running down my cheeks.

  

  I cried until I ran out of breath and exhaustion pulled me back into numbness.

  My ringing tone filled the air and I couldn't find the device. After a little search, I realized I had been lying on it.

  

  “Hello?” My voice croaked.

  

  “Nicole!” My caller shouted from the end of the line. It was only then I realized I didn't check the caller's ID. 

  

  It was my best friend since fourth grade, Leah. “Leah? How have you been?” I didn't know why I felt so thrilled, it had been forever.

  

  “Good, guess what? My baby shower is next week and I got you a ticket!” Leah squealed.

  

  “What?  No way!” I sat up quickly, the world spinning around me. “You didn't say anything about this.”

  

  “Well, we've kind of been busy. You know what's going on with our families and stuff, but we still talk a lot,” she sounded a bit apologetic and excited. “I’ll email the ticket to you and I will be expecting you, love you, bye,” She said all in a rush before hanging up.

  

  I took a few deep breaths and calmed myself down. The room wasn't spinning. Not anymore anyway. The sun was shining through my window and I looked outside. It had turned cold though, I shivered. There was a chime from my phone, and truly, she had emailed the flight ticket and her address.

  

  I wanted to decline but I needed this. There were a lot of missed calls and messages from Bella but I didn't open any.

  

  The next morning after another teary session, I packed my bags and left. “Fuck school” I muttered under my breath.

  

  I was surprised when the flight didn't take as long as I expected, it was barely three hours and we landed.

  

  “Are you Nicole?” A rich baritone emitted from a Greek god. If I ever thought Killian was good-looking, then scratch that. The man in front of me was over 6 '2, making me a bit intimidated, with messy black hair and bright Olive eyes. The eyes seemed like they could stare into the bottom of your soul, they could see your darkest secrets. His facial features made him look like a lead character from a mediaeval movie about gods.

  

  “Ye…Yes,” I stuttered before shaking my head to clear my thoughts.

  

  “Leah sent me, I am Zach” He answered. He didn't offer to help me with my suitcase, but I didn’t mind either.

  

  I followed him to the car, threw my suitcase into his trunk, and moved to the passenger seat.

  My seatbelt wouldn't budge so he proceeded to help me with it. “Thanks”

  

  He only stared at me wordlessly before turning his attention to the steering.

  

  I was suddenly self-conscious, he was so good looking and I felt like a potato sack beside him. The ride was so quiet except for the sounds of other cars on the road, one could hear a pin drop.

  

  He stopped at a gas station to pick up groceries, no he didn't tell me that, I had to assume because he left with a word. Rude.

  When he returned with a bag of groceries, he dropped them on the back seat and when he was about to start the car, something fell out of his pocket. I bent to help him pick it and he bent too.

  

  We both froze when our hands brushed against one another's fingertips as we fumbled for the object. We looked up simultaneously before I realized how close we were. I could feel his minty breath on my face and I gulped so loudly I was afraid he heard me.

  

  He picked up the thing he had dropped onto the ground and I watched him curiously as he went on as if nothing had happened.

  

  But nothing had happened right? The last thing I should be thinking of was men considering my history with one. I felt really awkward and thought it was best to start up a conversation with him.

  

  “So are you friends with Leah?”I asked since the car was awfully quiet.

  

  “To an extent” He answered in a monotone.

  

  “What does that mean?” I was looking at him now but he didn't look away from the road.

  

  “It means yes and no” 

  

  His response was enough to shut me up and I let him enjoy a quiet peaceful ride.

  

  ****

  

  “Nicole!” Leah screamed as soon as she saw me when we finally arrived at the house around 7 pm. Her blonde hair had grown longer and her stomach was big.

  

  “Leah!” I squealed too as I proceeded to hug them, not sure of how to do it with the size of her stomach.

  

  “I am so glad you could make it”

  

  “Me too” I beamed after I pulled away.

  

  She pulled me inside and I didn't have time to admire the luxury of her home. 

  

  “This is your room, I know you must be really tired, so I'll let you unpack, rest and then we can catch up tomorrow morning, I am a bit tired.” She giggled.

  

  “Of course.”

  

  She kissed both my cheeks and whispered goodnight before leaving.

  

  I didn't unpack, I collapsed on the bed and did what I shouldn't have done that night. I went online and messages from my schoolmates on the group chat about what happened were everywhere, they called me so many names.

  I logged off.

  

  My head felt clouded, my heart heavy as tears filled my eyes. I decided to use the jacuzzi I had seen outside. It was occupied when I got there by the sexy Greek god.

  

  I should have turned away but the sight was breathtaking. His body in the jacuzzi and the lighting gave him such a heavenly glow. He wasn't moving yet which allowed me to admire him fully. He had tattoos along both shoulders and down both arms. 

  

  I traced them absentmindedly with my fingers in my head. His eyes were closed and when he opened his eyes, it startled me. 

  I did the only thing that came to my mind at that moment, I ran. I didn't stop, not even when I almost tripped.