Love On The Sidelines - Kenan Yildiz

Chapter 8

Ela

Weeks passed and I tried to bury the memories of he-who-shall-not-be-named deep down somewhere in my heart to never be retrieved again.

I distracted myself with work as much as possible but who was I kidding, we were breathing the same air. Ever since Rana moved here I helped her move into her own apartment. Over the past couple of days we went shopping and found even more pieces to decorate her new home with.

We've grown even closer, something that I owe to her. She tried to make me meet new guys which I declined. I had practically sworn off men at this point, not needing any of their shady business in my life that slowly seemed to calm down.

But tonight she had convinced me, the guilty homebody who always declines to go out, who would rather stay home and read her book.

Although I didn't feel comfortable going to a club I didn't want to leave Rana alone. I would be a shitty friend.

So I put my make up on as if it were war paint. A tight black dress with a short hem hugs my frame paired with black pumps that add height I desperately need. I let my hair fall down my back after I'm finished with my blow-out.

A car honk blares and I grab my purse and walk out the door.

Rana whistles at my appearance and I sway my hips exaggeratedly on my way to the passenger seat. "You look good," she compliments me as I blow a kiss her way, "why thank you, but you look better."

She's wearing a grey skirt paired with a white off shoulder top and black heels. Her hair was in waves. "We ready to go?" I nod and she hits the gas.

It doesn't take us long to reach the club, nor was the line too long. The music is blaring through the speakers, Tití me preguntó by Bad Bunny filling every corner of the room.

"I love this song," I practically yell to Rana as she nods. She drags me over to the bar and orders us tequila shots. I bite my lip nervously. I've never had anything to drink. Did I think about consuming every once in a while? Yes but I was too much of a wuss to actually do it.

Once the bartender places the shot glasses in front of us both Rana and I grab and down them. I make a sour expression, Rana giggles and orders another round.

"We should slow down," I tell her. "Don't worry, Els."

I try to relax by bumping my head to the music. One minute we're sitting by the bar, the next I'm dragged towards the dance floor by Rana. "Loosen up a little, we're here to dance!"

Her voice is downed out by the music and I follow along and just dance.

I don't know how long we dance or how many drinks we have but my words start to slur, which is a sign I should stop drinking.

Rana however is a better drinker and perfectly fine. The speakers start to blare Bad Boys by INNA as Rana and I still sway our hips to the beat. Somehow we get separated but in that moment neither of us cares.

Rough hands grab my hips forcefully and I squirm out of the strangers hold, "What the hell are you doing?" My words slur as the guy smirks. I feel disgust and I'm sure my face matches my feelings.

As if I've challenged him he grabs me again and shoves me against his chest, "relax, we're just dancing."

I can do anything but relax. I try to pry myself out of his arms and after what feels like years I'm able to turn towards the exit, leaving the asshole behind.

I'm almost by the doors to get fresh air until I feel someone tug at my arm. With anger I turn back and yell, "leave me alone!"

Most of the people seem too focused on dancing or drunk to care and help me.