I've had conflicts with my parents over this. But once they solemnly say that they were doing it for my own good and that women could not simply go to such places, I'd be defeated.The words "for your own good" were what I couldn't stand the most. As soon as my mom said them, I would compromise on anything—no matter how big the issue was.It could be said that going to a bar was the biggest dream I've had since I became an adult, apart from painting.This time, the three of us would sneak out. I was ecstatic as I was finally fulfilling my dream.Queenie was feeling down because of her love troubles, but I was thrilled. We came to an agreement to visit the bar quickly.Colin called on time to ask what I wanted for dinner, but I politely declined, saying that I was going out with Julia and Queenie.Once he heard that we were planning to go out, Colin started giving all kinds of motherly advice. After I repeatedly assured him that we would be fine, he reluctantly hung up but was sti
Actually, I had a natural ability that only my parents knew about. We never told anyone about it, not even the Whites.Back when I hadn't started school, there was once during New Year's celebrations when my parents were too busy to watch over me as they were entertaining guests.I imitated the adults and sat on the balcony. I poured myself a glass of white wine and drank it alone. By the time my mom noticed, I had already drunk more than half the bottle. I just casually told my mom the water wasn't good, it was too spicy.My parents were terrified and rushed me to the hospital. But the doctor, looking at me playing on the ground, said I was fine.It turned out that I had a high level of a certain enzyme in my blood, which quickly metabolized alcohol.In other words, I naturally had a high tolerance for alcohol. After some practical experience, I found out that I wouldn't get drunk if I drank only one type of alcohol. Once I mixed it with something else, I'd be out cold in no time
Despite our desperate struggles to defend ourselves, we were simply not strong enough against the men who frequented the bar.My left wrist was scratched and bleeding. Queenie was forcibly fed a bottle of strong liquor and had passed out in her seat. Julia was surrounded by several men, dodging and weaving among them. Her coat was splashed with alcohol, and her hair, once neat, was now disheveled."Don't touch her!"The man who forced Queenie to drink laughed menacingly as he reached for her collar. Without hesitation, I grabbed the ashtray from the table and smashed it on him.The ashtray was made of thick, transparent glass. I swung it with all my strength. With a cry of pain, the man's head immediately turned red.The lights were too dim for me to see how big the wound was. But the man sat on the couch, clutching his head and groaning.I made up my mind to use the ashtray to strike anyone who dared to touch us.However, I didn't have the opportunity to strike again as Colin
Queenie was unconscious after being forced to drink some strong liquor, and my wrist was injured. Hence, we went to the hospital for treatment.The doctor treated my wound and said it wasn't deep, but it happened to cut a blood vessel, which caused more bleeding. I was instructed to avoid getting the wound wet and change the dressing regularly. My wound would heal in a few days. The doctor also advised me to eat more food with iron when I returned home.Queenie regained consciousness after having her stomach pumped, but she felt weak all over and dizzy. The doctor gave her some fluids and suggested she stay overnight for observation.Flynn wanted us to return to the dorm. He said he would take care of Queenie in the hospital.Julia and I were worried. What if Queenie refused to let Flynn take care of her and things got out of hand? We naturally wanted to take care of her ourselves, so we insisted on staying. Colin had no choice but to accompany us.I had wanted to stay and let C
Oh no, I got carried away and forgot about the person next to me.Feeling uncertain, I pulled the blanket higher, trying to cover my face and wrap myself entirely."Don't suffocate yourself. It's your turn now. How many bottles did you drink?" Colin pulled down the blanket to reveal my head, his elegant and dignified face showing a hint of mischief.Not daring to refuse, I extended my hand from under the blanket and made a two with my fingers."Two bottles?" Colin gritted his teeth.I added another finger."Three bottles?" Veins started to bulge on Colin's temple.Unable to hide, I added another finger."How many exactly?" There was a grinding sound as he clenched his jaw.With no choice, I reluctantly opened my entire palm. "I only had five bottles, really. I'm not lying."The veins on Colin's temple had popped out. He grabbed my fingers with his left hand and gritted his teeth. "You sneaked off without a word and drank five bottles. Do you know what sort of place that is? D
Queenie, that heartless woman, glanced at me for a moment before she yawned and turned around to nestle in Flynn's arms. She was like a well-behaved kitten.I risked my life to accompany her to the bar just to make her a little happier.Julia, heartless as ever, just covered herself with the blanket. She left a tiny gap to peek through very discreetly.Sure enough, the tables had turned.I was just laughing at Queenie's embarrassment before. Now, they were watching my embarrassing moment.I was so angry! I wanted to cry!I didn't know how long I cried. Just when I felt my tears dry, Colin's expression finally softened a little. But he was still quite unpleasant."What are you crying so loudly for? Cry again and I'll call Aunt Harper."Colin was threatening me!I wanted to cry a bit more but was afraid he would really call my mom. If she knew what happened today, she would probably fly here immediately to deal with me.Thinking about that, I decided against it."Are you still
Although Jesselton College was still a few hundred miles away from Southsville, it was much closer compared to Lincoln University. There was a flight every day, making it convenient for round trips.On the day of our farewell dinner, my besties and I drank beer, white wine, and fruit wine. Each of us got so drunk that we lost our bearings. We huddled together and cried as if we would never meet again.It was Colin who carried me back to the dorm that day. I shamelessly vomited all over him.…Four years had passed, and I was already 22 years old. I was no longer the little girl who would cry all night because of Felix.When I met him on campus, I greeted him casually with indifference.I never told him about going to Jesselton College for graduate school. Over the past two years, our interactions were limited to social media and my occasional return home.His relationship with Lilac was good. Although she was still pretentious whenever we met, she treated Felix well. I had gradu
The end of September in Jinovy was still warm. I sat under the shade of a tree, fanning myself with my hand while waiting for my new roommate to go to the cafeteria with me. Then, I heard someone calling my name.I turned around and saw a man standing under the sun. He wore a white shirt with dark stripes and gray trousers. He was smiling gently at me.The midday sun pierced through the leaves, leaving spots of light on his face.Matthew?"Matthew, what are you doing here? What a coincidence," I exclaimed happily, standing up and walking toward him.It had been over two years since we last met. When we parted ways back then, he asked me, "Lulu, will we ever meet again?"The world was indeed small. In just two years, we met again in the vast sea of people at Jesselton College.In an instant, I remembered the tall man who bade me farewell with tears in his eyes. He had quietly stood there, expressing his feelings, regrets, and reluctance to leave me.Time had transformed him, tur