Chapter 12

\~ALLISON\~

"Did I come on too strong?" Klein finally spoke, snapping me out of my trance.

I took a step back, trying to process why he would suddenly drop a bomb like that on me. Now was not the right time.

"Klein," I said, trying to make myself heard over the loud music.

I hated what I was about to do, but I couldn't deny him my feelings. I wasn't ready to get involved with anyone.

The last person I got involved with left a scar that I wasn't ready to heal from. Klein reached for my hand, but I gently brushed him off.

"I'm going to go get a drink," I said, hoping to avoid him as I quickened my step towards the bar.

"A drink, please," I ordered once I reached the bar.

"ID," the bartender asked, his stern gaze fixed on me.

I rolled my eyes, pulling out my ID from my bag and handing it to him. He gave it a thorough inspection as if searching for a flaw.

"What, is my ID or age too fake or young for you?" I snapped, annoyed.

I hated being treated like a child. I may appear petite with a doll-like face, but I was perfectly capable of taking care of myself.

My appearance may have attracted attention back in high school, with boys flocking to me like I was a doll on display.

My curves also helped me make connections with wealthy kids, like Cara who was always following me around like a shadow.

"Just had to be sure," the bartender finally responded, returning my ID to me.

I took it back, took a seat, and stared at the glass of whiskey in front of me. The last time I drank alcohol, things happened that I wanted to forget.

"Don't worry, baby girl. It's a light whiskey. One glass won't get you drunk," the bartender assured me, perhaps noticing my hesitation.

I chuckled at his words, taking a sip of the whiskey, and feeling the burn down my throat.

I stare at Vivian and Gabby who seem like they are having a good time, Caroline surprisingly is having fun, isn't that a miracle?

Klein's eyes held mine, he was a sweet guy although sometimes creeped me out. I turned back to my drink, my fingers tapping to the beat of the music.

I close my eyes, trying to calm myself down from the whirlwind of emotions that Klein’s confession had stirred up in me.

“This is frustrating” I whispered.

I couldn't help but think about the past, about the heartbreak and the pain that I had gone through.

I wasn't ready to open up my heart again, to let someone in, to risk getting hurt all over again.

Yet my mind raced towards Ash, earlier today I couldn't deny how much his offer had me drawn in, I couldn't deny that there wasn't a slight spark I felt for him.

Like how my heart raced whenever he was around, the way his touch sent sparks flying through me.

I groan out loud, causing stares from people around the bar counter. I beamed them a shy yet embarrassing smile. I should have just gone home, what am I even doing here?

I sighed, taking another sip of the whiskey, trying to drown out my thoughts.

"Allison," Klein called out as I turned to look at him. Suddenly, I felt guilty for leaving him alone like that.

"Let me take you home. It's getting pretty late," he insisted.

I was taken aback by his offer. I had expected him to avoid me after my rejection, but here he was, offering me a ride home. Was he trying to make me feel even more guilty than I already did?

"Are you sure, Klein?" I questioned, feeling unsure and uncomfortable.

"Of course, I wouldn't mind at all," he said with a smile on his face. Why was he acting as though nothing had happened?

Just then, Caroline stumbled in and grabbed Klein by the arm. "Come dance with me, Klein," she slurred.

Klein hesitated, his gaze fixed on me. "I'm fine. You can go dancing with her. I'll just take a cab home," I assured him.

Caroline pulled Klein away, As I watched them disappear into the crowd, I realized that perhaps Klein was just being his usual friendly self.

Maybe he was just being kind and offering me a ride home out of genuine concern. But my gut feeling told me to trust my instincts, and I felt relieved for some reason, I couldn't explain it, but it wouldn't hurt to be cautious.

I decided to take a cab home alone that night, not wanting to impose on Klein any further.

When I arrived at Cara’s place, I received a text from Klein: "Got home safely?" It was a simple message, but it made me wonder about his intentions.

Did he just want to make sure I got home safely, or was there something more behind his actions?

I couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and curiosity as I replied, "Yes, I'm home safe. Thanks for offering though."

A familiar voice and laughter echoed from the living room, prompting me to quickly pocket my phone and head towards the source of the sound.

Upon entering, I saw Justin, Cara, and the girl from the mall. What was her name again? Ah yes, Amanda.

Cara waved enthusiastically, gesturing for me to join them. As I took a seat beside her, I felt both her and Justin's gaze on me. Justin still seemed to be avoiding speaking to me, perhaps for the best.

Cara grabbed my wrist and pulled me down next to her, sniffing my neck curiously. "Did you have a drink?" she inquired.

"Yeah, just a small work gathering," I replied.

"Was it a party?" Cara prodded.

"More like clubbing," I added.

Cara's eyes widened in surprise. It was clear she would be shocked to learn I had gone clubbing.

"You went clubbing without me? How could you be so cruel? Do I even know you?" she teased, feigning anger.

I chuckled at her playful indignation, knowing Cara would be relentless in extracting the details from me. "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, Cara," I explained.

"Yet, you're still a heartless friend," she teased.

"Maybe we could all go clubbing this Saturday, Cara. What do you think?" Amanda interjected, her tone cool as she fixed her gaze on me.

I couldn't understand why Amanda always seemed to be giving me such icy stares whenever we crossed paths.

Cara frowned at the suggestion. "And what makes you think I would want to go anywhere with you?" she retorted sharply.

I wasn't sure what had transpired between Ash and Amanda, but based on Cara's reaction, it seemed like a tale for another time. I decided it was best to stay quiet and observe the unfolding drama.

"Cara," Justin's voice cut through the tension, his tone cold and warning.

Cara shot back, "Why are you directing your anger towards me? I never indicated any desire to hang out with her or go clubbing with her."

"I understand, Cara, you despise me," Amanda stated simply.

"It's not hatred, but strong dislike," Cara clarified, her animosity palpable in the air.

The tension in the room was thick, and I could feel the awkwardness between the three of them.

I didn't want to get in the middle of their drama, so I decided to change the subject.

"So, Amanda, how did you and Cara meet?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation in a new direction.

Amanda hesitated for a moment before replying, "We met at a mutual friend's party a while back. We just clicked right away."

Cara rolled her eyes at Amanda's response, but before she could say anything, Justin cut in.

“Let's not dwell on the past," he said. "We're all here now, so let's just enjoy each other's company."

"Just so you know, I still regret it," Cara interjected.

Amanda rolled her eyes in response to Cara's comment before turning to me. "What about you, Allison, right?" she inquired.

I nodded in affirmation. "How did you and Cara meet?" she continued.

"You don't have to answer that, Allison. I've already mentioned she's my best friend. Are you planning to leave anytime soon?" Cara snapped, clearly agitated and struggling to maintain her composure.

"Do you plan to take advantage of her too, just as you almost got Ash killed? How dare you set foot in this house, Amanda?" Cara's voice escalated, her gaze icy.

I knew Cara had a fiery temper, but witnessing her in this state was a new experience for me. She had always seemed kind-hearted, or perhaps I didn't know her as well as I thought.

I reached out to hold Cara's hand. "You're shaking. What's going on, Cara?" I whispered, trying to understand the situation.

"Go to your room, Cara," Justin commanded.

"I'm not a child. Stop ordering me around. You're neither our mother nor our father," Cara retorted defiantly.

I noticed Amanda wearing a strange, mischievous smile on her lips. My attention then shifted to the figure standing in the doorway.

"ASH," I exclaimed, diverting everyone's focus to him as a hush fell over the room.

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