To Endure A Little More

TWENTY

*Aelia's Point Of View*

The chilled air collided against my body and danced over my defenceless, vulnerable skin. My head was sunken, eyes darted to the drink that I've been stirring with my straw for long; a considerable extent of time that the ice in it had thus far melted, turning the drink less concentrated. I hesitated to pick my eyes up to look around as I shifted in my seat out of uneasiness.

"Hey! Chill~ You look great!" Vivienne placed her reassuring hand on top of mine, which had been trembling without my consent for a long point in time. Her statement was consolatory but they couldn't get me to feel any better or put me at ease. My mind seemed to drift away in a boat of anxiety and distress, deep into my thoughts, as I still suffered in exposure.

I pulled the hem of my dress to hide much skin to a far length I could, that was revealing way too much of my cleavage to gain me audience; let alone my simple existence catching everyone's eyes, my ears collecting the mutters about my late father even though it has been years since he has passed away and no one other his few friends spoke to us about it ever since. I moved my hips to make myself comfortable on the stool of the drink bar. My mouth found its way up to my untouched drink and I sipped in, only to be surprised by its bitter taste which I hadn't expected.

"That's cocktail" Vivienne spoke with a giggle before rolling her eyes at my expression.

"Yeah but-"

"With vodka in it." she corrected, a grin sneaking onto her face. Although being the strong drinker she is, it was visible that she had turned a victim of the lusty alcohol tonight; it was proof that she had had a good day. A smile cracked on my face in viewing of the fact that she was happy because that's what I wish for her even if I fail to for myself.

"Hey, beautiful." An angelic yet deep, husky voice sounded out as he took the seat next to Vivienne. By the look on her face, I realised she might be acquainted with him.

"I see you brought someone here with you." he spoke, brushing his stray bangs to his gelled hair that was nicely combed behind.

He was wearing one of the finest suits in black, with a white blouse underneath, along with a tie which matched the colour in contrast of his coat, bringing a very posh vibe on him. His look perfectly suited his dirty blonde hair that was set to stay in place, exposing his forehead. His greyish green eye lenses made him seem intimidating. His strong cologne had brought a very energetic feeling as well. With one look, I was ready to tell how he really wasn't my type. No one was my type for I wasn't worthy of having the right to choose a type because nobody should deserve as low as me; someone who didn't stay by the side of their lover when they needed the most but neither could let go of them when I wanted to move on.

I shifted again out of uncomfortableness in my dress that fitted my body in ways that it turned to look like an hourglass; yet revealing enough to lure anyone under the bed sheets. I wonder when I changed from being as confident as I used to be. Not wanting to deal with my mind anymore, I shoo the futile thoughts out of my head and then stare back at the blank face of two gorgeous eyes.

"I apologize, I was thinking. What were you saying again?" My apology was replied by smile.

"Edward Hilton. Miss Vivienne's...friend. Nice to meet you."

"Oh hello, my name is Aelia Dallarosa. It's a pleasure to meet you too." I confidently spoke, trying my best at not embarrassing myself by stuttering under his deep gaze. Though the gentleman's name seemed familiar, I failed to recall how or why, as I felt tipsy and realised that I had downed my entire drink. I had already had three shots of soju in my system from earlier. Vivienne smiled at my firm reply and I couldn't help but let my smile grow wider.

She was more to me than a sister to me. And I couldn't imagine life without her. She was like an angel God had sent to me, to help me live when I wanted to give up. She makes me realise life isn't bad and living is worth it because I wouldn't have found her if I had given up on it. She helped me stand up on my feet on the ground again when I felt drowned and shattered on the seabed with weight of my sea of pain pushing down on me. With no one there to comfort me other than Terran, she stood there by my side, helping me forget about the dreadful memories and create ones of happiness only.

I tear left my eyes as Vivienne snapped me out of my daze again.

"I am sorry, I was thinking again" I apologised as I got up, seeing Edward and her standing.

"Your getting too driven away by your thoughts, is everything alr-" she spoke with concern in her eyes but cut herself off mid-speech when she noticed the tear that had strained down my eyes.

"Oh my, why are you crying?" She asked, concerned, as she cupped my face and stared deep into my soul with her soulful eyes. I took her hands in mine as I wiped the tears away, plastering a smile on my face.

"It's nothing." I smiled. Thiago approached us and I smiled at finally seeing someone I knew and liked amongst the many around us, other than Vivienne. As I mentioned, Thiago was Vivienne's fiancé who were still planning on their marriage. He is someone who deserves Vivienne well. Although Vivienne didn't partially seem to have mutual feelings with him, both had no option but to grant the wishes of their parents and get married for the benefit of their companies. But they were an adorable couple which they never agreed on but it can be called a fact. They understand each other pretty well which cause them to never fight and even if they do, which may be over the smallest things, it's only to get back the next day. It's adorable. And Thiago too treated me like family regardless of anything, just like an older brother would to me. He took care of me like a younger sister from ever since I knew him. With Terran, Vivienne and Thaigo, my life felt worth living; not  to mention Jeremy's constant love and care he showed me regardless of the many times I have meaninglessly pushed him away. 

"May I have a dance with you?" Edward asks politely, bringing me out of thoughts again as he forwards his hand for me to take. I notice Vivienne was already in Thiago's arms on the dance floor and so, I take Edward's hand; neither wanting to look rude by refusing his sweet offer.

"Surely." I said as I took his hand, approaching the dance floor with him.

He brought my hands to his shoulder as his hands snaked around my waist, pulling me closer while maintaining a comfortable distance. Our chests touched slightly as we danced in sync and heat rushed up to my face. We swayed along the slow music. Edward put a bit more interspace between us as he twirled me and then pulled me back. He limit himself of making contact with the skin of my waist which were uncovered in any clothe as that was the design of my dress, to try not make me uncomfortable which was very polite of him. I was wearing a vintage gown of color sacramento green which hugged my body till my waist and flowed downwards in puffs, ending on the floor to be dragged along which I could work has a sweeper. Our shoes tapped on the floor in sync with the music smoothly and I felt more comfortable with him by the second.

"May I have this dance?" sounded out a voice sweet as honey from behind me. I looked up to see Edward winking at the man behind me and then giving my hand to the stranger I couldn't recognise yet by swirling me without my consent on it.

His hands landed on the exposed skin of my waist as my hands danced their way up to his shoulders on their own accord. His hands gave off a burning sensation which send tingles down my body. I faced up to find him checking me out. His eyes wandered around my body, awakening the butterflies inside me. I was unaware on why his presence was giving off such a feeling towards me that I had chills down my spine, although he was a stranger; until my eyes eventually made their way up to look at him, catching him off guard.

I sudden moment of dazzlement fell on us although our bodies never stopped dancing with each other. A smile crept up on the faces of us both and at noticing his smile, I realised how all this time I had been staring at the beauty of his eyes that could pierce holes in me.

I felt... odd no more and this time, unique. 

I felt consumed by him as his cologne which was extremely intimidating that it could drive any woman wild, devoured me and before I knew it, I wanted him to have me. He was starting to have a frightening, overawing effect on me which I found threatening; but that was stronger was my want. And to stop myself, I believed it was the alcohol working its magic in me and I reminded myself to know to keep my guards high.

"You're beautiful." he spoke. His voice felt like melody to my ears.

"It's Aelia." I smiled.

"Your beautiful... Aelia Dallarosa." He smiled brighter. I never heard my name being called out so pleasingly that I wanted him to repeat. Did I never hear him say my name before or was it the alcohol?  I kept trying to find excuses to justify and disregard how i was feeling, seeking to lessen the flare he was making my heart blaze in. And in a long time, I felt my name was worth living under. His voice was as beautiful as an angel's could be, if to be described without exaggeration. My name sounded delightful to my ears as it slipped out of his mouth.

"Your not too bad yourself." I complimented hesitantly with a mumble as we swayed along the music. My face burnt red as I tried controlling my throbbing heart.

He leaned closer, making my breath hitch. I gulped, unable to process the moment. His lips rather reached out to my ears.

"It's Jeremy Peterson." he smirked.