Chapter 3 Intoxicated Encounters

I stare at my reflection in the mirror, cringing at the sight. "Big yikes," I mutter wryly. My eyes travel up and down, taking in the borrowed black pencil skirt from Tala, perfectly paired with a cute silver tank top that sparkles in the right light.

Tala and I, in our nearly identical apartments, embarked on a mission to get ready for the party. She insisted this outfit would do wonders for me, complementing my blonde hair and hazel eyes. Still standing before the mirror, I turn around, scrutinizing the entire ensemble.

"Do I really look okay?" I ask tentatively, catching a glimpse of Tala applying mascara behind me. She's undeniably gorgeous, and even in the act of doing her makeup, I find myself admiring her sleek brown hair, brown eyes, and dazzling smile. Paired with a killer body, her confidence is well-founded.

"Girl, yes. I mean, if I were a lesbian," she replies with a teasing wink and a low whistle, prompting a laugh from me. It seems like we're destined to be good friends.

Amidst the pre-party preparations, Tala and I delve into each other's lives. She shares stories about her roots in Gilgamesh, expressing her strong connection to the town. In return, I open up about my life, and our camaraderie deepens. Satisfied with our appearances, we face each other.

"Did you order an Uber, or should I?" I inquire while applying the finishing touches of lip gloss.

Tala shoots me a sideways glance. "Are you serious?" she deadpans. "We're in Gilgamesh. First of all, we don't get 'Uber' out here. And secondly, we're in Gilgamesh," she emphasizes. "Literally, everything is within walking distance," she adds with a small laugh.

"I'm supposed to walk in these boots."

"It's not that far," she dismisses with a wave, smiling and shaking her head. Exiting her apartment, we head towards the party, leaving our building behind.

"So," I start, "whose house are we even going to?"

Tala smiles, about to answer, when a voice from our left interrupts.

"Ulry, baby, we gotta stop meeting like this. Is this fate?"

Dacia.

~

Together, we enter the mansion, which serves as the party venue. The place is enormous, with music echoing and a sea of people making movement challenging. Dacia casually drapes his arm across my shoulder, making it seem like we've been friends for years. He engages in conversation with Tala, who has indeed known him for years. As it turns out, in this tight-knit town, everyone seems to know everyone-except me.

Taking in the grandeur of the place, I notice the expensive-looking walls adorned with numerous wolf photographs. Odd, I think, before my attention is diverted as a stranger hands me a red Solo cup filled with an unknown liquid. My gaze shifts to the man, realizing I don't recognize him at all. I discreetly check him out, appreciating his short buzz cut, brown hair, and physique that could make any girl happy to wake up next to.

"Ulry." I introduce myself with a small smile, extending my hand.

"Holden," he responds, shaking my hand. "Is Ulry short for something? I've never heard of it before. It's beautiful," he compliments, bringing his lips to my hand. Suppressing a giggle, I reply, "It's Ulrica. It seems too formal to me."

Dacia interjects with a playful remark, claiming dibs on me. We share a laugh, and as I express the need for a new drink, Holden suggests we continue our conversation later.

~

After several rounds of beer pong, I find myself quite intoxicated. Correction: I'm wasted. Tala and I have indulged in selfies, shots, and beers, and amidst the drunken haze, I notice her engrossed in drunk texting one of her exes.

"I need some fresh air," I declare, my eyes fixed on my hands. However, Tala is preoccupied, venting on her phone. Standing up, I begin swaying as I make my way to the front door of the mansion. Many partygoers have dispersed, leaving a few couples dancing to the music. I cringe at their public displays of affection.

"Get a room!" I shout hazily towards a couple before giggling and exiting the house. Stumbling down the driveway, I start walking down the dimly lit road, struggling to keep my eyes open. Suddenly, I collide with someone-or something. The figure in front of me morphs, creating a surreal experience.

"Sorry about that," I apologize with a slight frown, realizing I'm not in a coherent state. The person snaps back venomously, demanding I don't touch them and using the term 'human.' Perplexed, I walk away, mumbling incoherent thoughts.

Walking back into the house, I find Tala and Dacia. Dacia picks up Tala, planning to take her back to her apartment, and invites me to join. Checking the clock, I decide it's late and opt to accompany them. During the short walk, I chose not to mention the strange encounter with the person down the street.

~

Wishing Dacia and Tala goodnight, I enter my apartment as they head into hers. Unperturbed, I grab some water before preparing for sleep. Settled into my bed, wearing just a large t-shirt and pants, I become aware of the thin walls that separate us.

And how close of friends they are.

I can now clearly hear Tala's moans through the walls, accompanied by rhythmic pounding. Despite the hallway between us, the sounds are unmistakable. Grabbing two pillows, I press them against my face and ears, attempting to drown out the noise. However, it's futile against the consistent screams seeping through the walls.

After enduring a few more minutes, I decided to step outside to ease my pounding headache. Everything is intensified when I drink, and with the alcohol's effects waning, every sound exacerbates my hangover. Clad in the same attire I planned to sleep in, I exit my apartment.

I refrain from interrupting whatever is transpiring between Tala and Dacia, knowing he possesses stamina evident in his physical build. Locking my apartment, I begin walking down the hallways of our building. As I progress, the soft grunting from Dacia becomes harder to hear.

I breathed a sigh of relief once outside in the fresh air. It's quiet, with only the soft sounds of crickets filling the night. I close my eyes, inhaling deeply. It's a far cry from the unintentional hardcore entertainment I endured earlier, which admittedly left me flustered.

Suddenly, I'm still swaying slightly. My closing eyes make me feel like I'm on a rocking boat. Yes, I'm still hammered. I snap my eyes open, adjusting to the surrounding lights.

I need to walk to sober up.

Taking a small path I hadn't noticed earlier, not far from my apartment building, I walk slowly, attempting to steady myself. An uneasy feeling settles as I sense someone nearby. My heart races, and the sense of safety I felt moments ago wanes. Picking up a stick, I clutch it to my chest, peering around the forest.

"This is my weapon," I announce, my voice slightly shaky. Instantly, someone clears their throat behind me.

I jump, turning around. The man takes my stick and breaks it in two. Stunned, I can't form a sentence, and the stranger raises an eyebrow.

"How is a stick going to protect you?" he chuckles. We haven't made any physical contact, yet his gaze makes it feel like we have. Before I can reply, he mutters something about "mate," though I'm not entirely sure. Suddenly, I doubled over, vomiting all over his shoes.