WALTZ OF ROSES

I swam up as hard as I could, but the strong underwater current pulls me deeper. Fragments sliced through my arm, torso, and leg. It hurts, but equates nothing to the pain the people around me gave. I grew tired of fighting, reaching my peak. I will not make it. As I ran out of air, I coughed and succumbed to the waters. I once had a life parallel to this. How I was there slowly sinking to the bottom. This must be it. I never realized how solitary I was until a chaotic fusion of excruciating nostalgia overtakes my thoughts.

"I love you, Sofia." Brian confesses and my heart aches.

My mother's voice screamed, "¡Niña ingrata! I did not raise you to be this stupid!"

"You ungrateful wench! You owe me everything!" Conrad berated me.

"You bring disgrace to this family! Have some shame on your skin!" My mother adds and continues, "YOU ARE ABNORMAL!"

I cried a lot. Their voices are deafening. Stop it. I can't...

"What do I want? Simple. Your land and you out of Gona!" Damian laughs wickedly.

Let go of me!

"Sofia, help us! Sofia! We need you! Sofia!" voices called out.

Stop! Please...? Stop!

I begged the voices to stop but I only sunk deeper. I looked around and saw her. "Sena? Sena?!" I called out, no response. I took her by the arm and she looked at me in the eye before saying, "You're a fool for loving me. I can't be with you." My heart and soul shattered into a billion pieces. "Am I not enough?" I asked her.

"You were never enough. You never will be."

YOU WERE NEVER ENOUGH. YOU NEVER WILL BE. Her voice resounded in my head like a broken record. Shards of sharp glass pierced through my ailing heart. As if she was not happy enough, she went on and sent my ego ablaze with the fires of hell to torture me further. The only person I have truly ever loved.

Abandoned. I am abandoned.

I beg you, please stop?! I can't do this... I can't...

I begged at the voices in my head but they just all laughed. They all laughed at me. HARD.

ENOUGH!!!

Leave me alone! Leave me alone.

I broke apart and cried, but my tears do not spill to the seas I am within. How odd that I once dreamed of crossing you yet, here I am sinking to your deepest depths.

It's silent here and I love it. The familiar quietness in these depths calm my mutilated soul. I belong here, away from the nightmare of a life I have. I often asked myself, "Why have I been brought to this world in the first place?" Sh*t. My life had been nothing but fresh re-starts. Every time I had a breakthrough, everything falls apart too. I am one of those lost souls who has yet to reach the happy ending everyone's been longing for. Who would have thought I'd die just like this? I scoff and hold out my hand up to the moon. My ever-radiant moon. I never thought I'd appreciate her this far. Her fullness glows dimmer as I go deeper into this abyss. F*ck. The harder I go on, the dimmer the light at the end seems.

I fought the urge to close my eyes, but I have no power left. I succumb. The wails of the souls that play on repeat in my head drown me. It's fascinating how I've never heard the Lord's prayer being sung in different languages with such menacing harmony. My eyes shut, yet I see carcasses of different sizes and colors flying in all directions. The darkest hours and thoughts rewind as loud echoes of whirring sounds magnify the agony that cracks the peace.

Sirens. I hear sirens. No, they're whistles and taps. Harmonious choirs of angelic voices singing within these oceans. A concerto of freedom that calls out my name.

Sofia... Wake up, my princess.

Papa?

It's getting closer. Louder. The underwater currents dancing gracefully like an inviting flamenco with a tempo that matches the tune of my misery. I wince at the sudden burst of pain from the force that's pushing me up.

No! I don't want to leave here! Let go of me, please?!

I struggled and choked by the time I reached the surface. While desperately gasping for air, I clung onto something and lividly found my balance. I tried to clear my vision, but all I can see are what seems like three blurry triangles dancing and swirling around. They're squeaking and grunting. A few minutes more, a blinding light shone in my direction.

"Sofia!!!!" a woman shouted.

I tried to respond, but nothing comes out. I am here!

"There, look!" Another shouted.

"No! Ma'am don't!" others warned.

"Sofia? Sofia! Thank goodness! Please, please stay with me?" She pleads as she shivers. "She's alive!" The woman shouted back at them. She's near me and she's crying. "Sofia, stay with me... please? I beg you..." I looked at her, but I can't make up of her face. My head feels light, my breathing shallow and heavy. It's too cold, I am numb.

Are you an angel? Have you come to take me?

They pulled and carefully lay me on an irrelevant surface while I groaned in excruciating pain. The angel touched my chest and kissed me. She gave me air.

"Let me die!" I coughed.

After what felt like an inferno, thanks to the angel, breathing became a little easier. Though, I really wished they could've just left me with the sea creatures.

I missed her warm sweet scent. "I'm here now. Please stay with me, Sofia? I love you so very much." She cries. I tried to lift my arm, but I was too weak. "Sofia? Sofia! No! No, no, no! Don't you dare close your eyes on me!" Her voice hoarse and frightful.

Before I could say anything back, everything went dark.

******

Translations:

¡Niña ingrata! (Sp.) – Ungrateful girl!

"Sofia! Sofia! Wake up! We're gonna be late!"

Natasha shouted while pounding hard on the door. Disrupting my already ruined sleep. I rolled my eyes while failing to snooze. Good God, this woman had to be a waking siren in her past life!

"I don't want to go. Leave me alone!" I hiss sleepily.

"You know Professor Smith doesn't care who we are or wouldn't give us another d*mn shot if we missed the exam!" She adds while bursting through the door AGAIN.

Every drop of blood left my body whenever she breaks the door. Natasha!

"Natasha, CHE CAZZO FAI?!" I complained while doing an Italian gesture I got from my father. "That's the second this month! Look at what you did! I'm gonna need ANOTHER DOOR, AGAIN!" I snap, extending my palm towards the door.

"Don't CHE CAZZO FAI me! Get up!" She scolds while crossing her arms. Goodness me, I hate to admit this but, she's even scarier than my mother.

"Natasha, I love you. You're one of the few best people I have in my life, but you can't keep destroying the door." I cooed. It doesn't seem to work, though. I face palmed.

"I love you more, but what can I do? It felt right!" She chuckles devilishly. "If you don't get out there, you won't just have no doors but miss graduation too! Come on!" She warns while dragging me out of my bed.

"Aww!"

"Do I need to bathe you? Get up! You stink and we're late!"

"Ma'am yes, Ma'am!" Rolling my eyes.

Before she does what she just said, I went straight to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I abruptly looked in the mirror, gathering all my strength to carry on through the day. However, I only see a disheveled 20 year-old woman with medium length dark brown hair. I'm still tanned from training, but it goes well with my hazel eyes. I sigh. Lack of sleep doesn't help with being presentable either so, I showered as quickly as I could. Good thing training beat the hell out me. I could still find myself alive after enjoying way too much last night and getting up early the next morning. I grabbed a granola bar, water and two pain killers before running off with Nat.

Natasha has been my best friend since childhood. She's like a sister to me and is one hell lot of a great roommate too. Maybe a little annoying, but I thank her to the moon and back for keeping my compass up north.

"Come on! Hurry! We always have to run." she says while her eyes went white.

"Great way to start the day with a good ol' jog." I replied playfully.

"We still need to find Carlisle." she adds while arching her winged brows that go well with her British features. Natasha's long blonde hair compliments her natural brown eyes. She's always been a boy magnet at school, especially with her natural quirky, fun, tough, and sexy sass.

We were panting and warmed up enough by the time we got to our campus.

Ahh, The Beaufort University.

Aside from being such a timeless beauty, Beaufort University is currently the best in the entire country and among the top 10 in the world. She boasts multiple state-of-the art educational and technological facilities with an immersive curriculum that lets every student explore on their chosen fields. Several beautiful Jardín botanique adorn the place, making it more enchanting. The most beautiful of them is the one facing the main entrance. The 19th Century French architecture inspired Arche de Passage. It would only be a few weeks more before we walk through that arch as a symbolism of our freedom from the academic life. However, what I'm really gonna miss about this place is the Grande Cour Académique, where the iconic Salle des Grand Savants magnificently impresses. The picturesque grandiosity of the pièce de résistance of the campus transports anyone in awe to blooming spring or chic summer days in Versailles, France. For most, it's our very own Chateau de Versailles–truly a masterpiece on its own, since all the other modernly designed and built buildings in the campus never compares to its beauty.

"Look, there's Carlisle!" Natasha exclaimed, breaking my daydream. "Carlisle!" she shouts, while waving at him.

"OMG you guys! I thought you're never showing up! Been waiting for you for eternity!" Carlisle complains in the chicest yet subtle way while we all exchange kisses on the cheeks.

"Thanks to this sleepy head here we went for a jog this early in the morning." Natasha teases while arching a brow at me. We all chuckle. "So, any pointers?" She asks Carlisle, hoping we make some last-minute studying before we take our finals.

I appreciate spending time with my friends like this and really hope that time freezes. But all I could do is to pretend listening in our brainstorming. Because all I can think of is what lies ahead of us after graduation. Who the hell knows what's gonna happen next? Looking at Carlisle, I'm taken down the memory lane. He had always been our savior for academics. It's why despite me taking up Marketing and Natasha - Economics, we still need Carlisle's guidance on accounting since we could not keep up with mathematics. Natasha and I met him in our grade-school years. Since then, we all became roomies and best friends. They're the closest I have as siblings.

Carlisle's overly smart, nerdy, witty, funny, tech savvy, and fashionista in his own way. He projects himself in such finesse manner that compliments his slim frame. His sexy curly black hair, fair skin and hazel eyes are a feast for everyone. He's very well-travelled, articulate and has a great sense of leadership. That's why I never doubted he'd win the Student Council Presidency. He just doesn't admit and realize it, but he truly is amazing. I don't know what I did to deserve such incredible friends.

Hours pass by and our grueling final exam with Professor Smith is done. We are all officially graduating. I sigh at the thought. I'm really gonna miss everyone, especially these two. I'm still undecided of what I want to do. I feel like going with the flow would be the best route to take. Right now, present is more important. Just as we went out of the building, I realized that my head still hurts from celebrating our victory last night at the U-League National Championships. It was a grand slam championship for the University since all teams won–our 3rd consecutive best performance following a season drought in my rookie year. My best friends can't contain their happiness and excitement for graduation.

"We have to celebrate! Let's go to a bar and have fun tonight!" Carlisle's eyes grew wide with eagerness while he said that.

"Or a road trip! Anywhere with you guys! Don't tell me about your hung over. I know you have the magical power of not getting drunk." Natasha added while she wrestles me. She shows nothing but sheer pure joy while pulling us into a big group hug. They both made me giggle.

"It's supposed to be a top secret!" I winked at them. "Why don't we have the road trip after graduation? Hop every bar sounds great tonight." I offered, and we all squealed with joy.

Later that night, we changed some plans. All thanks to Carlisle's "connections" we got ourselves a spot at the hottest and most exclusive bar there is in the city–HAUT.

******

Translations:

Primo (It.) – First/Pilot Chapter

Che cazzo fai?! (It.) - What the f*ck are you doing?!

Jardín botanique (Fr.) - botanical garden

Arche de Passage (Fr.) - Passage Arch

Grande Cour Académique (Fr.) - Great Academic Court/Plaza at the heart of a University

Salle des Grand Savants (Fr.) - Hall of Great Scientists

Pièce de Resistance (Fr.) - Main attraction/feature

Chateau de Versailles (Fr.) - Palace of Versailles located in Versailles, France

We all wanted the night to be extra special so, our ever-dashing Carlisle called for a dress code. He wore a dark-based floral blazer jacket over a dark-grey sparkly loose top, exposing his well-groomed chest hair and adorned his arms with bracelets and a few rings. He finished the look with leather pants and studded boots. Man, he's effortlessly gorgeous! Meanwhile, me and Natasha have been going through all over our clothes and ended up undecided what to wear, which made Carlisle pissed, of course. I laugh inside.

"Ladies! What's taking you both so long?! We have to be there in a few minutes! Hurry!"

"We are hurrying, but we need your help! This or this?" asks Natasha.

"Neither! You helpless human beings! Wear this and that, get the straps honey, we want those buns slapped tonight!" Carlisle directs while easily picking dresses for Natasha and sends her to the restroom. "Now, you." He turns, making me gulp. Ohh, I'm in trouble. "Take these and get out of my sight, go! I won't take anything ugly tonight!" Carlisle exclaims while making his way out to the living area. Carlisle is a calm person, but his Majesty awakens when someone looks like a disaster. Yikes!

As soon as we finished dressing up, Natasha and I hurriedly went to the living area to meet His Royal Highness before he destroys the entire apartment. Natasha wore a glittery cowl neck grey dress that highlights her curves, dangling hoops, a thin bracelet and black gladiator stilettos. I on the other hand, wore an all-black ensemble with a leather jacket on top of a see-through lace bikini suit, distressed tight jeans, and stiletto pumps. I only wore a nipple cover, and it adds to the adrenaline rush even though I'm quite incompetent in that department. They may not be as big as Natasha's, but I've never felt so free and sexy until tonight. When he saw us, he had nothing to say but praises.

"Now you both look like you're ready to have fun. Come on, let's go. The limo's been waiting for 15 minutes. Five more and we'll have to walk." Carlisle calmly announces while gracefully stands and walks ahead.

"LIMO? WAAAAAHHHH!!!!" Our eyes grew wide while we squealed together, double high-fiving and jumping in excitement when we heard that. D*mn Carlisle! His charms and surprises!

HAUT Upscale Bar and Night Club IS THE most exclusive bar and nightclub in all of Delphi City. It sits at the top of West Tower of the hundred floor high–L. Lewis Hotels and Casinos. It technically occupies three levels from the 97th to the 100th floor plus the roof deck. The interior's open plan with reinforced foundation wall supports made it look as if it has two mezzanines instead of floors. It's at par with the exclusive bars and nightclubs in Dubai or Las Vegas where celebrities, billionaires, even royalties from all parts of the world enjoy in its loud, youthful and thumping beats. Well-known and multi-awarded DJs, singers and bands like Steve Aoki, Cold Play and Martin Garrix have performed here. Even AVICII once made the crowd go wild with his music.

Upon entering the bar, it felt as if we walked into another dimension through a spacious pathway enough for a Hummer to drive on. It was dark yet cozy, sexy and inviting. It pique's one's interest by the red neon lights and twinkling starlight ceiling. Moving further, we walked in what looks like transparent glass panels with flowing water and glitters in it. I never saw anything like that before. Truth is, I never had been in such a fancy place. I wouldn't be ashamed to admit that I had my mouth opened and grinning the whole time. It's like Disney but for grown-ups. At the end is the huge main party area where all the action takes place. It can hold up to over two-thousand guests per night and costs a minimum of $1500 a night depending on who's playing and WHO is paying. The double height walls are covered in red velvet paddings encased in a gold metal accent. The seats are made of pure Italian leather with matching dark hard wood shiny tables. It's sophisticated and opulent that suits well with its mixed Egyptian and Greek interiors. There are two bars on this level. One is on the south side, near the entrance and exit, while the other is on the west side. Both bars house the widest and finest selection of alcoholic beverages I have ever seen. From Corona to the Billionaire's Vodka, you name it, they have it. Plus, all the bartenders are cute. At the center of the ceiling is an inverted pyramid that acts as a gigantic disco ball and opens like a flower with indoor fireworks. This place puts the thrill in thrilling to shame and letting loose with my friends means something else.

"I am so glad I made a bet with Cory!" Carlisle squeals in excitement.

"WE. ARE. GOING. TO. ROCK. TONIGHT. B*TCHES!" Natasha screams as we jump to the raving EDM beats the DJ is playing.

It's not every day that you experience these kinds of things. We don't really care how much alcohol we're having tonight or how we're going home after. It's one of those young, carefree nights and it's perfect. Moments later, I found myself at the bar drinking my nth margarita of the night. I let them enjoy more of themselves as the thumping EDM music brings my hangover from last night to life. Everything was spinning so, I went to the rooftop and breathe some fresh air.

Once I got to the top, Delphian air welcomed me. It's fresh and salty because the place is overlooking at the nearby sea. Though the city is the center of business, it keeps adapting to the changing environment. Especially when the government converted it to a "Green City". Smelling the air makes me miss my family back home. My heart aches at the thought of my dad. My thought wonders while indulging in the breathtaking views that the Delphian skyline offers. I am here on top, just observing. It's quiet and serene. The Delphian skyline to my right is a sight to behold, with all the lights from other buildings gleaming with life at night. I never even thought that the city traffic would make such an amazing view from the above. I have been a quiet observer my whole life. Although I am a part of it, my happiness lies solely on peace and harmony. My other happiness is being at sea and sailing through wherever I please while standing at the bow of a ship with the person who gives me reason to keep sailing. I took my sight towards the Marina and got excited when I saw the yacht I had been wanting to see again.