Chapter 2 A Night Out

Helena's POV

Three days had slipped by like grains of sand through my fingers. I lay on the beach, my sunshade casting a patch of shade over my face.

I watched the surfers screaming and riding the waves.

The kids were picking crabs, and some used coin detectors to pick up lost coins.

The sea stretched out before me, its blue merging with the sky in an endless embrace.

I lowered my sunshade and looked up into the sky. It was easy to forget everything here, the calls, the messages, and the worry.

My phone rang, bringing me back to reality. I sighed and brought out my phone from my knitted purse. It was my stepmother, Annie.

I silenced the call, but that didn't stop the messages from coming in.

"Where are you?"

"Helena, are you okay?"

"Mum told Dad that you're pregnant? Is it true? Why didn't you tell me? I'm worried. Please call me later."

I was glad my sister wasn't forcing me to come home.

She knew about my father's plan for me, and I loved how she still encouraged me to follow my dreams.

I got another call from my stepmother, but I tossed the phone back into my purse.

The beach was my happy place, my escape from the chaos of family expectations. But now, as days went by, I began to doubt myself.

Did I make the right choice?

Leaving everything and everyone behind. Was it worth it? Was this freedom, or am I just running away from my failures?

Then I felt something.

It was the same feeling I felt on the plane, the same pull, the same scent, and it was calling me to the ocean.

I stood up and began walking towards it. The further I walked. the stronger the pull became.

It wasn't long before I felt an arm pulling me back, I stumbled and found myself face-to-face with a guy.

"Careful Miss, you were heading into the off-limits zone." He said, pointing forward.

I looked at where he pointed and where I lay before, realizing how far I'd come. The waters had already reached my waist and I couldn't even swim. "I didn't even notice."

He smiled, still holding me. "The ocean has a way of drawing people in. But sometimes, it takes more than the physical to understand the attraction."

I nodded, grateful. "Thank you. I could have died."

We walked to the shore, then he released me, and I stepped back, the strange pull I felt already fading. " I'm happy you didn't drown. Stay safe. And remember, not all paths lead where we expect."

As he walked away, I wondered about how many weird events had happened to me since I left home.

First, it was the weird feeling I got on the plane, then it was that weird kid, and now it's at the beach.

I went back to my bench, packed my belongings, and headed by to my condo.

I was about to unlock my door when an employee stopped me. His eyes were bright, and he smiled pleasantly.

"Hello. I hope you're having a good evening. A party is being held tonight at Block A, Condo No 13. I'm just a messenger, trying to recruit people to have fun. This contains the details of the party," He said and handed a pamphlet.

I glanced at the pamphlet, "Oh, sorry, I don't attend parties," I said and attempted to return the pamphlet.

He smiled. "Just keep it. Who knows? You might change your mind. Have a wonderful evening, Miss, " he said and walked off.

As he walked away, I wondered about the party.

The alcohol, loud music, the strangers doing whatever they wanted.

Maybe it was time to step out of my comfort zone. I put the pamphlet inside my purse, unlocked my door, and went inside.

I made myself a cup of tea and headed to my bedroom. I opened a drawer, wore my reading glasses, and sat on my chair.

The tea warmed my hands as I sipped, contemplating the pamphlet I had received. The party was starting at 10 p.m. till dawn.

This wasn't a typical gathering for me, I hated nightlife and had always cherished my night times writing and staring at the stars from my bedroom window.

I don't understand why people organize parties just for fun. A party should have a purpose.

I worked on my manuscript until 11:15 p.m., and then I stopped writing.

I stared at my phone, waiting for my father or sister to call again, but none came in. "Diana must have given them an earful," I said, smiling.

I stared at the pamphlet again before standing up from my chair and opening my wardrobe. If I were to go to a night party, which outfit would I put on?

I rummaged through the wardrobe, disorganizing the neatly arranged clothes that were done by the housekeeper.

I eventually settled on a black sleeveless denim gown. It was just a little bit below my ass.

It was one of the dresses Diana had gifted me, and honestly, I found it a bit revealing. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, catching my breath.

"Oh Helena, you're getting a lot of attention tonight," I said aloud and chuckled. It had been a while since I felt this good about myself.

I tried on several shoes before settling on silver heels. I picked a Versace purse to complete the look.

I hurriedly removed the clothes and stepped into the shower.

After a quick bath, I re-curled my curly hair, applied slight makeup, and wore my chosen outfit.

I took out my Valentino perfume, one of the gifts she had given me on my twenty-fifth birthday.

As I sprayed the perfume and inhaled deeply, I felt a surge of confidence. I smelled nice and looked gorgeous!

I stared at my bed one last time, and a strong urge to remove all my outfits and slip into my comfy pyjamas overwhelmed me.

I hurriedly closed the door and stepped outside.

I ordered a cab while locking the door. Three minutes later, it arrived. It was a special cab that knew the route to the beach condos.

Block A, Condo... 30," I said as soon as I got into the cab. Was it 13 or 30? I wasn't sure, but I knew it had a 3 in the pamphlet.

The driver nodded. "I saw that in the cab app. You're going to the party?" he asked.

"Yes, though I hate parties, I just want to go out and try to see if these parties are enjoyable," I replied, and the guy laughed.

"I won't say they are enjoyable, I have done my fair share of partying. Just remember never to collect a drink from anyone you don't know. If you want to drink to get a little bit wasted at a party, you can always take your drink along. Dance and connect with people, and don't get wasted to the point that you won't be able to run if there's an emergency like a fire or a police raid," The cab driver said.

My heart sank, maybe this party wasn't such a good idea.

" Oh no, I hope I haven't discouraged you. Parties are fun. You just have to be careful," he said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

I looked at him and smiled. "I understand, thank you," I looked at my phone again. Still no calls or messages from home. Maybe it's a sign to move on with my life.