Chapter 29: East Side

"He didn't kiss you for nothing. He kissed you because he was really jealous. Trust me, Solene." He bowed her head. "And by the way, I want you to know that..." He paused. He was about to tell me something but decided not to do it. Instead, he walked towards me and planted a small light kiss on my forehead.

I was shocked. Why did he kiss me? Why is this happening?

"Sol, hurry up, what's taking you so long?!" Lilliane shouted.
I was currently in her apartment getting ready. It was Saturday, so I didn't have work. I looked in the mirror to check if I looked okay. Lilliane had invited me to a new club that just opened near her apartment.
As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but touch my lips. The memory of Fire kissing me yesterday kept coming back to me. I could still feel the sweetness of his lips.
He's kissed me several times before, but yesterday was different because it was in front of many people. I patted my cheeks, hoping the redness would go away.
"Calm down, Sol," I whispered to myself. I looked up and then suddenly remembered Grant's kiss yesterday, making me grimace.
What was going through his mind when he kissed me? Was he crazy? I shrugged and combed my tangled hair.
"Sol, what's taking you so long?" Lilliane asked as she entered the room. I saw her frown in the mirror as she looked at me.
I smiled as I turned to face her. "Coming, your highness," I joked. I slung my small shoulder bag over my shoulder and walked towards her.
We took a taxi to the club Lilliane mentioned. She didn't want to mess up our appearance. Since it was close, the ride only took about five minutes.
As soon as we got out of the taxi, I heard the loud music coming from inside the club. There were a few people outside, and I noticed a couple kissing in a corner.
I just shook my head. That wasn't new to me, since I used to work at a bar. That's where I met Fire.
As we walked towards the entrance, I thought that maybe losing my job was a blessing in disguise because it led me to meet Fire. If that night hadn't happened, would I have even met him?
Will I have a chance to get to know him better? Will I be able to hold him? Will I be able to kiss him?
Would I be feeling this way if I hadn't met Fire? What would my life be like without him? Would I be happy even if I hadn't met him? Many questions raced through my mind until we reached the club's entrance.
It had been a while since I'd been to a club, so I felt a little dizzy when we went inside. It's been four months since I've been with Fire, and I can't describe the emotions he brings into my heart.

Four months ago, I was just a simple student working part-time at night to make ends meet. Invisible and unnoticed by many. School, work, and home—that was my life.
Who would have thought that in just four months, everything would change? Since I met and got to know Fire, I know my life will never be the same again. I'm no longer the invisible girl.
"Here, Sol," Lilliane said, still the same carefree girl. I'm more focused now on the complicated things.
We sat at the bar counter at the club. People kept looking at us, especially in Lillianes' direction.
Who wouldn't like her anyway? Lilliane is beautiful, and if you get to know her, you'll see she's one of the kindest people. Aside from her beauty, she's also the one who catches the attention of many guys.
"Five bottles of beer for me. What about yours, Sol?"
She smiled and jokingly slapped my shoulder. "Don't be such a kill joy, Solene! We're here to enjoy and forget those jerks who broke our hearts. We deserve to enjoy tonight."
I patted her back. "Okay. Whatever. Just don't get too drunk."
She rolled her eyes. "But I want to get really drunk!" she said, because she wanted to forget.
"But seriously, friend, you look gorgeous tonight. Your dress is stunning. If Fire were here, he'd be staring at you."
"Oh don't make fun of me, Lilliane," I retorted.

"Change your clothes. You should throw away those shirts and jeans." She answered.
I just ignored her. She really looked like my mom. Maybe it's because we're sisters born from different mothers.
The waiter came to take our order, and Lilliane immediately ordered five bottles of beer. I tried to stop her, but she just rolled her eyes at me.
"Oh c'mon, Sol?! Just drink already, okay?"
“But, Lilliane—”

"I can handle myself. No need to worry," She said, cutting me off. I'm not a heavy drinker, but I tried drinking when I was in high school. I remember being teased by my classmates because my parents were always fighting. I drank to forget. I'm still thinking about skipping class just because I didn't want to go to school. I remember my mom always telling me not to drink, but here I am, drinking again.”
"Let's dance!" Lilliane shouted as a song by Britney Spears started playing.
"I think I'll just sit here," I replied.

I sat for a few hours and when I felt dizzy again because of the mixed smell of alcohol and cigarettes, I decided to go outside for some fresh air.

I took my phone from my shoulder bag and typed a message.

“I just went out for a while because I was dizzy.” Was what I texted to Lilliane

After that was sent I started walking outside the club. I passed many bars and clubs but none of them caught my attention until I stumbled upon the corner bar. Something pulls me to go inside.

"East Side," I softly read when I saw the name of the restobar. As soon as I entered, my chest immediately started pounding. This one's the most quiet place among the rest. There are many tables and there are also many people but it is obvious that the people here are not wild. It was as if they were waiting for something. I stared at the mini-stage and saw a man standing there but he turned away. His stance was very familiar. Very familiar with his clothes and his back. But I still can't see his face because he was talking to someone.

Curiosity compelled me to sit down. I sat at the far end so no one would notice me.

"He's really nice, isn't he? But the songs he sings are sad," the person next to me said excitedly. "You said it! I wish I was his girlfriend," added her companion.

I just shook my head until I realized something. "Hi! Can I ask a
question?" I said to the two talking.

They both looked at me. The first woman smiled.