Chapter 25: Chapter 25

PEARL'S POV

Rose sent me the address of the club by evening, a few hours before we meet for her birthday night out party with her other friend from the office, Martins. I quickly got ready, not wanting to enter the club alone but being able to meet them at the door, so we could enter together. I told Aurora about where I was going and when she asked if I would be telling our parents, I told her no. they already saw me when I came in, so, it’s better they believe I’m still inside the house even after I’ve left.

“Will you be back tonight?” She asked. I shrugged, not sure about how the night would go.

“I don’t know yet but I think I should,” I told her.

I picked up my mascara and eyeliner to finish the makeup on my face before leaving. Normally, that was Lyla’s job, she loved dolling me up but tonight, I can’t afford to have her here because my parents would get suspicious and the fact that I’m twenty-four, still living in my parents’ home and can’t even attend a party with or without permission was annoying enough.

“Don’t do what I won’t do, Pearl,” Aurora whispered from behind me. I turned to look at her in annoyance.

“Yes ma’am,” I groaned, she was getting on my nerves already. It’s enough to have parents who are controlling.

“Don’t have sex with a stranger like I did” I glared at her and groaned loudly. “Or else Lucas would be all up on my face later,” she muttered under her breath.

“What did you just say?” I turned fully, facing her at the mention of Lucas’ name.

“What?” She asked ignorantly.

“You just mentioned something about Lucas,” I called her out.

I knew she was trying to cover up something and I hated that. She just shrugged and turned her phone to me to show me she was actually seeing a movie and wasn’t referring to me. I asked her if she was sure, she just rolled her eyes and turned to her movie. Did I hear wrong? If I had heard my sister wrong, why must it be Lucas then?

I pushed the thought to the back of my mind and got ready to sneak out. I gave Aurora the signal and she stood up from the bed, ready to help me get out of the house. She went downstairs first and gave me a call when the coast was clear. I grabbed my purse and heels before walking down the stairs. Instead of taking the front door, I took the back door before blowing a kiss to my twin sister who winked at me. Thankful for the fact that the workers weren’t around anymore, it was easier to leave the house. It was until I got outside that gate that I put on my Mach&Mach heels.

The cab I ordered was already waiting outside for me, so I hop in immediately and he drove off. It was only when I got into the cab that I took in a long deep breath and smiled. If I don’t end up going back home tonight, I’ll fight that battle tomorrow morning but for tonight, I have to be in the best mood.

As soon as I got down from the cab, Rose and Martins were waiting already.

“Somebody looks as fresh as daisy,” Martins complimented immediately after I got down.

“Really? It’s too late to be sarcastic, Martins,” I told him while smiling.

He raised his hands. “I’m not being sarcastic, have you met you? Have you seen you tonight? Did you look into a mirror before coming here because you look absolutely gorgeous?” A wide grin spread on my face.

“Thanks, you look great as well, not gorgeous though,” I joked and we shared a smile.

“Are you guys flirting in front of the birthday girl?” Rose asked. I turned to hug her.

“Happy birthday, Rosebud,” She laughed. I gave her the birthday gift I got for her. It was a Balmfrost lipstick. I knew she would love it.

Her eyes widened with surprise when she saw it. “I’ve been trying to get this for a while. Thank you, Pearl. You didn’t have to get me something this expensive,” She cried and hugged me again.

“It’s really nothing. My nickname in college was material girl, don’t tell anyone,” She laughed again. I could see her face glistening with tears and I was so shocked she could be moved by something like that.

“This is the first gift I’ll be receiving from a girl,” She added and I was surprised. Martins suddenly grabbed our hands. “Enough of the emotional talk, guys. Let’s get happy. We’re supposed to be happy tonight. Come on, Let’s get inside,” We all smiled.

The bouncers at the door have no joy whatsoever, those guys were tossing anyone who wasn’t on the reservation list out of the door. Thank God, Rose had gotten us a reservation earlier. I was told it was one of the biggest clubs in town and when we entered, it wasn’t an exaggeration. This place is lit.

“Wow!” I exclaimed.

“Same words I said the first time Martins brought me here,” Rose yelled, trying to get her voice above the loud music.

“My friend’s brother owns the place. He got us the reservation then and even now,”

“That’s cool though. This place is dope. I don’t usually club but I’m not disappointed at this,” I yelled as well.

We went to the bar and took two shots each, bottoms up and not allowed to spill any. Two more shots in, I called it a night, I was already feeling tipsy and I didn’t want to get drunk enough to throw up or go home like a drunkard.

Even though I’d conveniently told my mom I would be leaving the house soon, I still wasn’t emotionally and financially ready for that. My dad had paid for all my designers' stuff through the years and I still have enough in my account because I didn’t get to spend my allowance on anything at all. It accumulated through the years and just last year, I decided to invest some of the money.

Now that dad’s company was crippling and only dependent on Lucas’ investment, I have to be smart with my spending. I haven’t gotten a new shoe or bag in three months. It was an improvement to my everyday shopping previous life. Trust me, it’s hard to see a new Zara outfit or Mach&Mach heels and not get it but I’m coping probably because Aurora is making it easier for us. She’s not the material type of girl but me, I love my designers, alright.

“Pearl,” A male voice called from behind me. I’d separated myself from the two breweries (Rose and Martins) I came here with. They were practically drinking everything they could get their hands on and I was watching them with a smile.

I turned ton the direction of the voice and smiled even more. It was Henry, Lyla’s brother. “Hey Henry,” I waved.

“What are you doing here?” He asked, walking closer to me. He was together with another guy that had a deep frown on his face. I couldn’t see his face properly.

“I should be asking you the same thing,” I replied, smiling sheepishly.

Okay! I think I’m drunk or I’m about to be drunk. Either one of the two could actually explain why Henry looked more Henry to me than Henry would look. That’s stupid, I know.

“My friend owns the place. He’s Lucas’ friend too,”

“I’m not his friend,” the guy interrupted angrily. “Not here, buddy,” Henry cautioned him.

I laughed. “Don’t worry, he doesn’t like you either, he doesn’t like anyone,” I told him.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Pearl?” Henry asked. I gave him the thumbs up. “This girl right here is perfect,”

Rose came up to me at that moment with two more shots and didn’t let me protest before pouring the drink into my mouth. I waved at Henry as he walked away with his friend and laughed, remembering his friend’s reaction earlier. I took out my phone and laughed again, probably at what I was about to do next. I sent a message to Lucas as I staggardly stood up from my seat then I sat back when I realized standing wasn’t an option.

*Do you like me? Do you ever in your life like anyone?*

I sent the message and waited for a reply.

*Who’s this and what are you doing with Pearl’s phone?* he replied. I rolled my eyes at his stupid response. I thought he was smarter than that.

*I’m Pearl Augustus, now answer my question,* I commanded.

He didn’t send another response and I pouted when my phone started ringing, it was Lucas.

*Helloooo,* I drew out, yelling.

*Where are you and why are you slurring?* he asked.

*I’m at a club. No, I’m at your friend's club*

*What friend?*

*Derek. Isn’t Derek your friend or do you hate him as well?*

He was silent. *Do you think I hate you?* He asked.

I scoffed. *I can barely hear what you’re saying, Lucas. I’ll see you at the office on Monday. BYeeeee,” I ended the call and laughed, happy I’d fulfilled my ambition. I turned to face the bartender and smiled at him before everything around me began to turn 360 degrees and blacked out.

I only woke up the next morning, on my bed, beside Aurora. Headache and flashes came to my head but none made sense except the fact that I fucked up big time.

Ahh! Fuck my life.