“I do.”Nenn drew closer.
“The Ivoyan Senate accept your servitude.”He swept out a long arm, indicating to Nenn to climb into the vessel.
He did, crossing as fast as he could, in case the Ivoyan changed his mind.With one glance at his beloved Erasril, Nenn bid his home farewell.
Chapter Four
Year: 2215
Two Years Later
Earth
Old Lake City
Mainframe, a Nightclub.
Tinyranherhandover her waist to her hip in the blurred reflection of the bathroom mirror.She giggled, her thoughts swirling, buzzing.Her hearing thumped in sync with the beat pounding through the walls.
She was one shot away from throwing up or passing out.With a stumble to the basin, she splashed water onto her face.The cool shock granted her a moment of clarity before the fuzziness returned.Instinct whispered that she should call it a night.Tomorrow was her graduation.As it was, she’d be suffering from a hangover when she accepted her medical degree.
Leaving, though, was another story altogether.
Squaring her shoulders, she gave herself a final glance; her jeans hugged curves that hadn’t been there when she’d first started her studies.Same for the pink T-shirt showcasing her fuller breasts.Too many midnight study sessions with takeouts or cupcakes.The downward spiral of her changed appearance—and not for the better—would trap her in the bathroom.
She swallowed past the cocktail-flavored bile pooling at the back of her throat and yanked open the door.The music lambasted her traumatized ears.
“About time,” Shelly said, wrapping her arm through Tiny’s.
“One last dance, Shell, then I must go.”Tiny used a firm tone, hoping to convey her determination.
“Aw.”Shelly pouted.Dark smears of smudged mascara gave her an unintentional smoky look, and her lipstick had faded, leaving behind pink lips.
“Don’t give me that look, babe.”Tiny pressed her cheek to Shelly’s sweaty upper arm.“I’m tired, and my feet are killing me.”
“Fair enough.”Shelly dragged Tiny onto the dance floor, shoving people aside to do so.
The lights were overwhelming: too many colors flickering everywhere.The crush of people sucked the air from the room; the stench of unwashed bodies, stale perfume, spilled drinks, and vomit assaulted her nose.And even as the music vibrated up the heels of her stunning, new boots, the rhythm didn’t compel her to dance.
Still, she pushed through the need to leave, forced a smile, and managed to do a few hip swings.
“Don’t look now, but you’re being stalked, girl,” Shelly screamed into Tiny’s ear.
The compulsion to look grabbed her.She wasn’t in the mood to be groped by whoever thought she was a quick fuck.Still, curiosity won out, and she peeked, scanning the general area Shelly had gestured at.Against one wall leaned a man.Not a student, if she judged his tailored pants and crisp, white button-up.His dark hair flopped over his brow on one side, and his brooding stare rested on her.
On another night, she might have been flattered.But she’d spent what free time she had on her back, as expected of a young woman ‘discovering herself.’
“Oh, and Riaan’s here, too.”Shelly wiggled her eyebrows.
That was Tiny’s cue.Running into her ex-fling was beyond her capacity to deal with.Not now or ever, for that matter.“I’m out, babe.See you tomorrow.”
Shelly waved then latched onto a random woman shimmying past.
Tiny bolted before her dearest friend changed her mind and chased after her.The balls of her feet burned at the abuse she’d put them through.Thoughts of her dorm room filled her with longing.A sol-bath, her bed, sleep, and in that order.
She strode out of the club with barely a wobble.Night air bathed her, making her shiver.She veered around couples and smaller groups loitering near the entrance to reach the pick-up point marked with a yellow dot on the walkway.A streetlight shone down, illuminating her in a pool of white.
Tapping her palm, she dialed for a taxi, then pressed her hand to her ear, her wrist closest to her mouth.As soon as the call was answered, she said, “Hi, yes, I need a ride from Mainframe, please.”
