Pyke

Camila

The NIGHT STALKER CLUB is grandiloquent in red neon bold letters—it’s blindingly bright as to obscure my vision.

The club is best known for elites and celebrities, but my cousin has the luck to work as one of the bartenders. I’m glad to hear the news of re-opening after the last month’s incident. It means my cousin is back in his work.

Bianca presents our ID to one of the bouncers who looks huge and intimidating. He gives me a second look after glancing back to our ID on his hand. I may look younger than my age but I’m already twenty one and I just got my college degree.

The bass frequencies from the huge sound systems reverberate through my chest cavity. My eyes widen in amazement to see the virtual music playing on the 3D walls. Laser lights flash patterns to the dance floor, and it simultaneously changes colors to the beat of the music. Pretty awesome, I must say.

The DJ plays one of the most popular hit songs on the chart. People yell in excitement, hands raising in the air as they move like in slow motion.

Bianca and Megan drag me to the crowded dance floor. The smell of sweat, perfumes, and booze don’t stop me from swaying my hips as I watch my friends are also dancing with me.

I grin and close my eyes. It feels good to get lost in the music thumping through the speakers. The beat of the music starts pulsating my body as I follow the rhythm.

We dance for I don’t know how long until I am sweaty and slick. My breathing catches and my heart thumping wildly in my chest.

Bianca says something that I can’t make out any words.

“What?” I yell.

We bark into laughter when we clearly can’t understand one another. We get ourselves out of the dance floor, even so, the music is still loud for us to start chatting.

“I need a drink!” Megan yells to my ear.

I nod in agreement, yelling back, “I need a restroom!”

She leans her face closer, pointing to the empty table at the left corner of the bar. “We’ll be there.”

inwardly as I see the

strong hand grabs me on my arm.

narrowing down at me. His fake blond hair is jelled up to look

hell are you doing in here, Cam?” my cousin,

the nightclubs, Kill?” I

you tell me you’re coming?” he asks, though he knows already the answer.

an hour of his lecture on why I come

if you will allow me.”

too loud and crowded for you,” he says

and the last time I checked my auditory nerves

he sighs

know it’s too late for him to do anything. We’re already here, and he happens to like my friends.

“They found a table.”

nods glumly, looking at the long line of women. “Do

“Yup.”

wrist. Kyland is a perfect cousin though he’s overprotective and annoying

keys from his pocket as we stop in front of

to work. Get back to your friends once you’re done and lock the door after you, okay?” He inspects

to berate me for what I wear tonight. I’ll think about what to answer later, or I might shut my mouth up for the rest of his talk.

you. This is a hundred times cleaner than the public restroom that I’m going

myself in the mirror. I re-coat my lips with the red lipstick I have on my purse and run my fingers through my wavy chocolate brown

the door behind me with a sigh of

a woman makes me

My brow rises.

God,

of roughness grunts. His single word gives me shiver, and something in

narrow hallway—a dark wooden door is just

more! Harder!” the woman yells in