1 October 2012
The place was heaving with people, a thriving mass of bodies dancing to the beat of the music. I immediately felt claustrophobic as Olivia pulled me through the throngs of people towards the bar area. She held two fingers up to the barman who slid two clear shots over, I started to shake my head. 'oh loosen up Amelie!' she said merrily downing her shot in one. I gingerly took a sip and tried to resist the urge to spit it out straight away. It tasted like nail varnish remover and burnt my throat as it went down. Olivia disappeared into the crowd. I stood, leaning casually against the bar top, sipping on a diet coke to sooth my burning throat. I eventually got taken up by the energy of the crowd and soon enough I was in their midsts dancing in time to the music.
I spotted Livvy's blonde hair and pushed my way towards her. 'Amelie!' she cried, with a slight slur to her words. 'this is Nick, do you remember him?' she giggled happily tugging on the arm of a black haired boy. She leant in closer and whispered loudly, 'remember I had the biggest crush on him in year 9.' It was then that I recognized him, although he had got much better looking since the last time I saw him. He smiled and kissed me on both cheeks, 'nice to see you again Amelie, it's been a while.' he said huskily. He had moved with his family to France in year ten leaving Livvy heartbroken. 'what were the chances of us meeting here!' Livvy exclaimed, leaning her head on his shoulder happily. We all talked about what had happened since we last saw each other and Nick told us that after the summer he would be studying medicine at uni.
Livvy pulled Nick back into the crowd dancing with him. I smiled as I saw the happiness reflecting out of her eyes.
As the night grew later, I struggled to keep my eyes open as I waited patiently for Livvy. She bounced up to me, still full of energy. 'oh Amelie sorry, I thought you'd gone back. I'm going to stay at Nick's tonight, but I'll be back in the morning.' she said apologetically.
I stepped out of the bar and tensed as the cool air wrapped around me. I pulled my thin cardigan tighter around my shoulders and began my walk back to the apartment.
For a long time all I could hear was the echo of my high heels on the cobbles as I walked through deserted streets, but soon I heard the loud jeering of drunks and their rapid footfall. I continued walking, quickening my pace, as I quickly glanced round and saw a group of boys heading my way. I quickly cut off into another street to avoid them but they followed. I took several more sharp turns into new streets before I looked around and realized that I was hopelessly lost and worse, I was being followed.
©
Lost In Paris Chpt.10 • Opuss № I