Knight in shining armor

Ariana's heart pounded in her chest as she stumbled into the dimly lit club, seeking solace in the embrace of anonymity and the haze of alcohol. The weight of her emotions bore down on her, urging her to drown her sorrows in drink, desperate to numb the pain that consumed her. The flashing lights and pounding music provided a temporary relief from her disturbed and scattered thoughts, but deep down, she knew it was only a temporary escape. How could Lawrence betray her? After everything they have been through together? She could not seem to be able to wrap her head around it. 

She had turned off her phone on her way to the club, knowing fully well that Laila would call her to know how good their plan had gone. She knew that if she ended up informing Laila about what had happened in Lawrence's house, Laila would ensure that Lawrence and whoever was on the bed with him wish they were dead. 

"Hey baby girl. Meow meow Catwoman, how about you get a little feisty for Daddy?"

Her gaze fell upon a shabby looking young man. He was dressed in leather pants and jacket, she immediately guessed that he was a biker and knowing fully well that they're usually not good news so she chose to ignore him. But it seemed that he wasn't having it.

As she made her way through the crowd, she felt a hand grope her ass. Her eyes widened in shock as she paused in her tracks, she felt her heart race. 

Ariana's shock quickly transformed into anger, her brows furrowing as she wondered who had violated her personal space. She didn't have the patience or tolerance for such behavior, especially not on a night like this when she was already grappling with her own emotional turmoil.

Without a second thought, she swiftly spun around, her eyes locking onto the man's face. Her voice dripped with a mixture of anger and determination as she spoke, "You have no right to touch me like that. Keep your hands to yourself!"

The man's face contorted into a smug grin, clearly unfazed by her reaction. He leaned in closer, his words slurred with the effects of alcohol, "Aw, come on, sweetheart. Just having some fun. Loosen up a bit."

Ariana's jaw clenched as her frustration intensified. She had reached her breaking point, and she wasn't about to let this stranger push her any further. Drawing strength from her anger, she raised her voice above the blaring music, capturing the attention of those nearby.

"Fun? Is that what you call it? Well, I call it harassment!" she retorted, her voice laced with defiance. The crowd around them began to murmur, their attention shifting from the pulsating music to the unfolding confrontation.

Suddenly, a tall figure emerged from the outskirts of the gathering. It was a bouncer or so she thought as she did not care to look at his face, clad in a black suit, his muscular frame imposing. He stepped forward, placing a hand on the man's shoulder, his voice firm and commanding.

"Is there a problem here?" the bouncer asked, his gaze fixed on the man in leather. His presence alone seemed to shift the dynamics of the situation, forcing the harasser to take a step back.

The man stumbled over his words, attempting to play down the incident, "Nah, man, just messing around. No harm intended."

The bouncer's stern expression didn't waver as he addressed Andrea, his voice filled with empathy, "Miss, are you alright? Do you want me to escort this individual out of the club?"

Ariana took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude wash over her. She nodded, her voice steady, "Yes, please. I appreciate your help."

With that, the bouncer firmly guided the man away, disappearing into the crowd. Ariana let out a sigh, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. She moved towards the bar and took a seat as she ordered multiple shots of tequila. In a matter of seconds she had gulped down a lot of alcohol and was now tipsy. She held the glass in her hand and slowly twirled the drink, her eyes and lazily slowing scanning the crowd.

As Ariana sat there, lost in her own thoughts, a voice broke through the haze of the club and captured her attention.

"Is this seat taken?"

Ariana looked up to see the bouncer. She noticed his striking blue eyes and a warm smile that was surprisingly familiar. He looked so much like her high school crush, George. But there was no way that it was him so she brushed the thought aside.

Ariana shook her head, gesturing to the empty seat beside her. "No, it's all yours."

The bouncer gracefully slid onto the stool, his eyes never leaving Ariana's face. "I saw what happened earlier. You handled that situation with strength and courage."

A mix of surprise and gratitude washed over Ariana. She hadn't expected anyone to notice or comment on the incident, and it touched her that this stranger had taken notice.

"Thank you," Ariana replied, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It's been a tough night, and I needed someone to remind me that I'm not alone." 

"Hmmm"

Curiosity got the best of her and she ended up asking anyway. "Did you perhaps attend Elite high school?"

"Yeah, why? Do you know me?" There was a hint of suspicion in his eyes, his eyebrows were furrowed in confusion.

"Oh my God, you're George right?" She clapped her hands excitedly, she could not believe her eyes. "It's me, Ariana! Oh my goodness, I can't believe this."

"Wait…no way! Ariana?" He engulfed her in an embrace, he couldn't contain his surprise. "It has been like how many years now? Since prom right? Wow!"

"I know!" She allowed herself to enjoy the hug, after what she had been through earlier, she deserved a decent hug.

He released her from the hug and stared at her. "You look…wow Ariana honestly, you look amazing, you have really changed. You look so beautiful."