THE NIGHT OF UNRAVELLING

SOMEONE'S POINT OF VIEW

The night expands like a black angel's wings. I looked up at the blanket of stars that seems to stretch to infinity. The occasional barking of faraway dogs broke the silence.

My gaze turned to the necklace dangling on my neck. As I close my eyes brimming with tears, memories of the woman who saved me from the pits of despair came back.

•••••

The cold wind brushes against my face while I walk through the busy street of Costa Avenue.

I've been walking for almost half an hour now- without any direction and destination. I just want to keep on walking until my feet get tired.

"This is better than staying on that fucking house," the subconscious part of my mind said.

I decided to pass by the open store. I ordered a black coffee and sat down on the chair outside. I close my eyes and inhale the aroma of the coffee. It alleviates the anger surging inside me.

My forehead creased when someone sat on the chair in front of me. I was about to lash out but I immediately stop when I noticed the woman's blood-shot eyes. I observed her for a couple of minutes.

The woman sitting across me sighed and raised her head. To my surprise, it's one of my classmate- Astreia.

I cleared my throat. "A-Are you alright?"

I wanted to punch myself for asking the obvious. Of course she's not!

She smiled lightly. "I'm not okay for now, but I will be fine soon. By the way, I'm sorry for disturbing your silence. It's just that, this is the only available seat."

I roamed my eyes around- and she's right. Silence hover between the two of us.

I and Astreia were never friends. We are just casual with each other despite being classmates since pre-school. How would we be close to each other anyway? Our personalities are the exact opposite of each other. The latter is the inconspicuous and silent lady who prefers to be a wall flower while I'm a boisterous man who loves the attention and spotlight.

"Y-You're crying earlier,"I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your problem?"

The woman smiled bitterly. "How about you?" she asked instead, obviously trying to avoid his questions.

My brows snapped together. "What do you mean? I-I'm fine."

She shakes her head. "Your eyes tell otherwise."

I was stunned for a moment. Is that even possible? That someone can read emotions through your eyes?

I shrugged my shoulders. "Our family is in the verge of falling apart. My parents are always fighting, shouting and throwing painful words to each other- and it's honestly irritating. I'm too fed up with all their bullshits so I decided to leave the house and unwind for quite a while."

We are not close and yet I said those words without any reluctance- as if we have been friends since ages.

"I honestly don't know what words to say in order to comfort you" she said while staring over the horizon. "We're not that close, but if you want to tell me more, I'm here to listen.

"I can't give you bunch of advices..." she chuckled. "but I promise to lend my ears."

My heart leaps a bit. I stared at the person in front of me- the woman I did not expect to be with me when I'm dealing with my predicament.

The thought of having someone listening to my problems made me smile. "Thank you."

Astreia painted my dull life with colorful hues. She made me feel like I'm something when everyone treats him as nothing. She was there when the world seemed to turn its back on me.

My parents finally decided to have a divorce because their relationship is failing, and my mother took me on her care. But I didn't feel sad, because I have Astreia. She filled the missing parts of my life.

Despite our young age, I know that I love that woman. I can already imagine my future with her.

But the world is cruel- no, the people around us are cruel.

I stared at her grave. I didn't mind the droplets of rain soaking my entire body. I keep on staring at her name written on the cold stone.

A hand seems to clench my heart and tears cascaded down my cheeks as the reality finally dawned him.

She's dead. Astreia is dead. The woman I love is now gone.

•••••

The door behind me suddenly opens, heaving me out of his reverie. I wipe the tears pooling on my eyes and look at her.

She sighed heavily. "You really love her."

I nodded and stared at the gloom again. The pale crescent moon reflects my eyes ablaze with cold fury.

"This is for you, Astreia," I uttered.

LAUREN'S POINT OF VIEW

The days flew quickly. The upcoming prom has been the talk of the town for the entire month. Excitement can be seen from the faces of other students. The gymnasium was closed for a month in preparation for that event. And no matter how hard they try to hide it, I know that my classmates are feeling the exact same thing as well.

And that day is now.

"I just need to fix your hair and you're good to go."

I smiled at Snow, a make up artist and just let her do her magic. I'm sitting in front of a mirror with Lorelei beside me. I gave her a short glance, her eyes are gleaming with enthusiasm as the artist applied something on her face, emphasizing her beauty.

I mentally rolled my eyes. She doesn't seem exhilarated, really. Please note the sarcasm in my voice.

"Done! Oh my God, I knew it! Your face just needs a little touch of magic!" the woman behind me suddenly shrieked.

I opened my eyes, stare at my own reflection, and my mouth fell open. With a surprise expression, I caress my cheeks.

"I-Is this really me?"

I heard Snow's laugh from behind. She inches closer to me and smiles while staring at my face through the mirror.

"I love seeing my art," she said proudly.

I swallowed a lump and squinted my eyes on my face. I look so different now. And after the longest time, I appreciate myself even for a bit.

I was surprised when someone pulled me to stand up, it was Lorelei, who looks stunning as well. Her long straight hair was styled in a messy bun, with some few strips curled and hanging in front. Her smoky make up added to the elegance she's exuding. To complete her look, a sultry red gown perfectly hugs her body, emphasizing her curves. The slit on the side of her gown exposes her long legs.

My best friend looks like a literal goddess right now.

She dramatically wipes the non-existent tears in her eyes and looks at ourselves in the mirror. "We're so beautiful, I'm gonna cry."

I laugh at her. "Stop being such a drama queen," I said scornfully.

I, on the other hand, looks decent with the white satin sequin gown I'm wearing. The upper section of my hair was twisted, creating a seamless blend. Snow also styled the bottom part for a pretty and beachy vibes.

As usual, Lei took a couple of photos of us. My facial muscles almost gave up with all those smiles and poses.

"By the way, who's your date for tonight? Mine is Ethan."

I look at her with a questioning look. She scoffed and her eyes widened.

"What the fuck? Don't tell me you don't have any date?" she asks helplessly.

I pouted. "Is that even necessary?"

She rolled her eyes. "Are you living under a rock? Of course it is! For God's sake, I don't want you to look like a wall flower later," she exclaimed in frustration.

I heave out a sigh. I honestly didn't think of asking someone to be my prom date. I really thought that it's not required so I didn't bother.

"Who are you calling?" I asked Lei when I saw her dialing someone's number. She did not answer me and continue calling that person.

"Sloane?" My forehead creased. What does she needs with that guy? "You told me last time that you have no date yet, right? Oh, good to hear that! Lauren here has actually no partner as well. Mind if you accompany my best friend for tonight? Oh, thank you very much. Yeah, I know. See you in the venue." She ended the call and looks at me with a wide smile. "Problem solved."

I grimaced. "Why does it have to be him, though? Of all the people, are you for real?"

She raised a brow. "And why not Sloane? Do you have any issue with him, Lauren?" she asked with a hint of tease lace on her voice.

"I know that tone, Lorelei Shin. Stop imagining things. I just don't want to hear a round of haughtiness from that arrogant bastard."

She raises her arms skywards. "Ok, fine. You are so defensive, jeez," she said, barely stifling a laugh. "But sorry girl, you have no other choice. The twins and Pierce have their dates already."

I shrugged my shoulder. Lei's still taking a picture of herself when someone knocks on the door.

"Ms. Shin, your driver is waiting for the both of you outside."

Lei suddenly squealed, grab my arms and pulled me outside of her room.

"What the fuck? Can you slow down a bit? I'm not used to this stiletto, you freak!"

But of course, the excited bitch just ignored me and mercilessly dragged me inside the car.

"I want to pull your hair." I'm shooting daggers at Lei while massaging my feet. She just laughs at my misery and texts her other friends.

"Sloane's waiting for you outside the University," she said while applying a lip-gloss.

I nod my head and stare outside. The wet, desolate streets of the city rested in silence as the starry black sky wept over it. The trees on the roadside swayed as the strong breeze hit them.

I look above. It seemed like the clouds had gotten a sudden fascination to the moon and wrapped themselves around it. Suddenly, my mind takes a trail down on what happened on the mall a month ago. The baleful glance of the woman, the mystifying words that bothered me for days, it all came back to my senses.

I sighed to calm myself down and get rid off of those unnecessary thoughts.

The car stops in front of the huge University gate. The driver exits the car and opens the door for the both of us.

Lei hold my arms. "Damn, I think I'm going to faint in excitement," she said frantically.

I look at her, weirded-out. "Why are you so hysterical though? It's not like this is your first time attending a party or something."

"None of your business. Anyway, let's go find our partners- oh! There they are, Ethan!"

I look at the direction she's looking at. And there, standing beside a black car was them. Ethan, Evan and Pierce look so dashing with their suits. But I don't know what's with this bastard that my eyes seem to be glued on him.

Sloane Hayne Laxon is leaning on the car, his arms are clasped against each other. The black three piece suit highlights his well-toned body. His hair that is perfectly brush up to the side makes him more appealing, if that's even possible. The way he stands screams dominance, it's as if his presence demands attention.

"The boys from that section are undeniably gorgeous."

"I know right. Despite the spiteful  issues about them, no one can subdue them in terms of looks."

"They are such a fine specimen, I want them to breed me."

"Sloane and Pierce are so fucking handsome."

"The twins are mine, bitch."

Those are just some of the whispers coming from the other students gawking over them. I turn my attention back to him, and his piercing gaze meets mine. His lips were slightly parted for some reasons that I don't want to know.

My heart starts to beat in an abnormal manner. Why the fuck is he staring at me like that? And why can't I take my eyes off of him?

"Why are you sweating so hard, Lauren?"

Blood rose to my cheeks when Lei asked me that. And it's not helping that the malice on her voice is too obvious.

I cleared my throat. "Uh, nothing, don't mind me."

I shifted uncomfortably on my spot when Sloane stands beside me. My knees turned to jelly when his scent pervades my nostrils. Get a hold of yourself, Lauren!

I cleared my throat and look at him. "H-Hi, you look so d-dashing tonight."

I want to slap my face for stuttering.

He smiles at me. And a lump obstructed my throat when he gently took my arms and encircled it around his. "Thank you, Lauren. You look stunning as well."

I averted my gaze. What the hell. Why do my cheeks feel so hot?! That is just a mere compliment, you dimwit!

"T-Thank you."

"Shall we go inside now?"

I slowly nod my head. When we arrived at the venue, my eyes glimmer in awe. I was beyond astonish. They really turned the gymnasium into an elegant place. The curtains in different colors and sizes were hanging on the walls of the huge hall, styled in an exquisite way. They even put a chandelier above that accentuates the grace of the place.

I look at the person beside me. The dim lights are hitting his face, making him more gorgeous than he already is.

I shake my head. What the hell am I even thinking?!

"Sloane, Lauren, here!"

We turned our gaze on the table where our other classmates are. They greeted us. I gave each of them a short glance.

Pierce's partner is Amber. Ashley and Alexandria have Evan and Aeron as their prom dates respectively. As expected, Lucas did not attend the event.

I sighed. We would have been complete, if only all that mess hadn’t happened.

"Hi guys!"

Our attention was drawn to Summer's loud voice. She's with an unfamiliar guy. The others greeted her.

"Woah, who's with you? Your boyfriend?" Aeron teased the new comer. Summer just chuckled and winked at him.

I roam my eyes around, a lot of students are still pouring in the entrance. The event will start in a few minutes from now.

I hope everything goes well.