Chapter 5 : The Stranger in the Lone Night

Emerald

"Tell me what is bugging you Marshmallow?"Ethan gave me a curt look sipping his shot of vodka.

My heart churned listening to the endearment he gave me once he discovered my obsession for marshmallows.

I averted my gaze on the dancing bodies unable to form a proper excuse.How do I gather the courage to break his heart.He has been there for me in my toughest phase,he was there when I had gone through depression,he helped me to overcome my fears and nightmares I used to have since my parents died.

He gave me a new life.

And what am I repaying to his sacrifices?

A betrayal to save my coward ass.

"Em now you're scaring me."He stroked my cheeks.I melted into his warm touch and prevent the lone tear falling from my eyes.

"I am fine-it just work load and my Papa's sickness taking a toll over me."I pressed my lips for a fake smile.

He didn't look convince by my reply but stopped pestering me,much for my relief.

No I can't tell him right now.I won't be able to face his wrath.I know I am sounding like a coward rat but this is the best way to avoid the storm for now.I'll try to explain him some other time.

If the fate give me a chance!

"Lets dance."I dragged him on the floor.We started swaying our bodies on the loud music.His hands were sensually wrapped around my waist.He rubbed his fingers on the exposed skin causing my heartbeat to pace fanatically.

I sucked a deep breath and matched his green eyes.The effect of alcohol was clearly visible into them and a faint shade of lust.

Discomfort rushed into my alcohol mixed blood.We were a couple madly in love but I couldn't cross my lines beyond kissing him.For some weird reason it felt wrong to me.

I slowly detached my body from him and walked back to the bar.I could hear him muttering a curse and his footsteps followed me from behind.

"I am so sorry Em.I got carried away."He cupped my face and stared into my eyes deeply for an apology.

Sincerity of his emotions reflected in his gestures.

"Its fine Ethan and I am sorry too for always spoiling our moment.We love each other and -"I bit my lip failing to express my regret.

"Hey Marshmallow it's fine and I mean it.I don't want to push you for something you're comfortable with.I'll wait til our marriage which I am looking forward to happen by the fall of this year if your grumpy grandpa doesn't put his leg between us and happily bless us like elders should do."He chuckled on his own comment but they shook the last strings in my system.

He is dreaming of proposing for marriage! Fuck it's going too far and I am committing a sin by hiding the truth.

I gulped down another shot of strong alcohol.The bartender and Ethan looked at me in surprise.I never opt for heavy effect drinks.

"It wasn't for you Ma'am.You won't be able to handle the hangover."The young bartender said eying the empty glass.

"Mind your own business Mr. Goody Face.I know what I can handle and how to break someone's face or I should repeat my actions.You remember what did happen to the Ricky guy on 31'st eve?"I glared murderously at him who scurried away to save himself from my wrath.

"Hey Rambo you shouldn't had scare that poor boy.He is right.Thats not a lady's shot.Sweetheart he was concerned."Ethan said.

"Don't be a male chauvinist Ethan.I am running a business since I marked my 21st birthday and this is just a shot of a few years old wine."I retorted offensively.I hate when man suffers from gender stereotype.

"Pardon me your excellency."Ethan bowed down in fake surrender causing me to giggle on his cute action to melt my anger.

"You're forgiven my love."I kissed his cheek.

Meanwhile his phone boomed in his jeans' pocket.He pulled it out and his forehead creased.

"Mom is calling."He told me.I signalled him to answer the call.His mother lives in the same city and a patient of asthama.

"Hi Mom."He said over the phone and the next moment I saw the color of his face turned white in horror.

"Please take her to the hospital.I am reaching there in ten minutes."He yelled on phone and thrusted it back in his pocket.

"Mom got an asthama attack.My sister is taking her to the hospital.Sorry Em I got to go now."He told me.I could sense his voice shivering.

"Its okay Ethan.Your Mom needs you right now."I squeezed his shoulder."Should I come with you?"I asked him out of generosity.

"No it's late in the night.Let me drop you to your place first then I'll go to hospital."He offered.

"Ethan I'll be fine on my own trust me.You should reach at the hospital.Honestly,I don't want to go back home anytime soon.Don't worry I'll call Finn to pick me."I assured him.

"Are you sure you want to stay here?"He asked me again.Distrust dropped from his tone.

"I am not drinking for the first time Ethan.C'mon don't behave like a old fashioned daddy and go."I pushed him  towards the exist point.

"Be safe okay.Text me as soon as you step inside your home hmm."He warned me for the last and I simply nod in response.

As i watched his disappearing figure in the dim light, I slumped on the high bar stool to grab more drink.I wondered why I decided not to return back to home when my body slowly started ditching the ground.I don't want to recall the bitter truth of my life.The four walls which I once used to call my home felt like a cage where I can feel my dreams and freedom slowly fading away.

Soon enough,I grabbed more alcohol from the new bartender who left no single chance to get into my pants but I didn't stop.I know it was the stupidest idea to drink endlessly when I already had ample amount in body.I could feel the earth spinning.

I got tipsy by four more shots.My head begun to feel exploded.Chugging the last sip of my tenth shot.I felt nausea building in my throat,my vision got blurry.I couldn't decipher the faces I had been seeing since I stepped into the club.

I saw people scattered on the dance floor oblivious to the harshness of the world or at least what I had been going through.Wistfully,I longed to be a part of that crowd,like a free soul.

"A beautiful girl should not sit alone in such a place where every male have wolf's eyes on her."A husky masculine voice murmured beside me.