Lunar rays from the full moon gleamed brightly down upon the narrow stone walkway leading up to the small antiquated off-campus rental home that I shared with my two good friends. Tiny unseen crickets happily chirped in the grass, and the lofty trees rustled in the warm autumn breeze as I slowly approached the quaint blue house. It was a bit secluded with plenty of deep woods to the eastern side of the yard and had a small garden that was overdue to harvest.
The pale hydrangeas which lined the front porch seemed to glow in the luminous light as I walked up the creaky wooden steps. I stopped before going inside to admire the beauty of the celestial night sky. The sight of the bright full moon captivated me as I watched how it illuminated the silvery-looking treetops that swayed gently in the breeze. My gaze then drifted down below the dancing leaves to the dark shadows that hid beneath them.
I couldn’t help but suddenly feel a peculiar sense of dread, as if something sinister was lingering out there, hidden within the darkness... watching me with nefarious eyes. The warm breeze suddenly turned chilling as it caressed my face, sending an unsettling shiver up my spine. Not wanting to stay outside any longer, I quickly turned around and went inside the house.
The strange spooky feeling I had felt out on the porch quickly vanished due to the drastic change in scenery. The interior of the house was old but well maintained, and the furnishings were modern. Floor lamps lit up the chic living room and somewhat loud rap music played in the background. Both of my roommates were busily getting ready for a night of fun.
“Gwendolyn!” William excitedly exclaimed. “It’s a special disco-themed night at Hell’s Hornbeam tonight, and I’m sure that it’s going to be super fun! You should totally come. And who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone sexy to get your ‘Disco Inferno’ on with!” He gave me a nudge while practically bouncing up and down with excitement and laughed.
He certainly looked ready for a ‘Disco night’ at the club. His wavy blond hair was up in a perfect messy bun with just a few strands dangling around his face. His tall slim frame was adorned with a shimmery light blue button-up top that matched his eyes, paired with tight black pants, silvery boots, and enough glittery eye shadow to effectively signal for help if ever stranded on a deserted island.
“Oh I don’t know, I’ve been studying all afternoon and feel like my brain has turned into a bunch of fried eggs that got put through a blender. Plus, I’m tired and would rather just go to bed tonight.” I laughed a little and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Maybe some other time though?” I suggested, even though I secretly didn’t want to go anytime, ever. He was always trying to get me to go clubbing with him, but I really really hated clubs.
“Girl, don’t be such an antisocial sasquatch! It would be good for you to go! You’ve been studying way too hard lately and the year has just begun.” Lacey chimed in, popping her head out of the bathroom doorway to look at me.
She was in the middle of applying her makeup, even though she didn’t need it. She was drop-dead gorgeous with or without the stuff. The beautiful lilac purple dress she had on looked amazing against her deep chestnut skin tone, and her thick luscious black curls were clipped up elegantly in a half ponytail.
“Really you guys, I’ve had a very long day. All I want to do is eat a snack and go to sleep. I’m sorry but I’m going to be a boring antisocial sasquatch tonight.” I said while yawning and picking up Sr. Pepper Paws, my sweet little black and grey striped tabby cat. They must have seen the exhaustion written on my face because they didn’t try to push me to go any further.
“Okay, well get some good rest then. And don’t you dare forget about Amelia’s party tomorrow! There’s no way I’m letting you get out of that, tired or not!” Lacey warmly said with a slight laugh.
“I second that, don’t even think about it, Missy!” William added while putting his hand on his hips and tapping his foot.
“Don’t worry you guys, I’ll be going.” I put a hand up defensively in front of myself, while still holding my kitty with the other. “To prove it, I officially give you two permission to tie me up and drag my lazy ass over there tomorrow if need be.”
“Deal.” William laughed.
“Well, Darrell and I are going to some mysterious fancy place for our anniversary, so I doubt I’ll be coming home tonight.” Lacey informed us, seeming really excited about her date.
“Ooo, I’ll be sure to lock up when I get home then. And, I’ll be expecting all the romantic details tomorrow!” William replied, sounding a bit flirty with a grin.
Once they had left I fed the cats, quickly ate some mixed nuts, and went upstairs to get ready for bed. My room was cozy and quaint and decorated with a weird combination of various skulls, plants, and crystals. I picked a few random pieces of cat hair off of the Dark Fortress band tee I was wearing and tucked myself under the big warm purple blanket that was draped across my bed. Sr. Pepper Paws and Esquire, William’s rather plump orange and white cat, came in to snuggle with me as I slept. Esquire’s round body struggled to claw its way onto the bed, so I had to lift the purring ball of fluff up for him.
I laid there and blankly gazed up through the darkness at my ceiling, as the cats kneaded the blanket around me with their cute little razor claws. Maybe I should have gone to the club with William? It would be nice to possibly meet someone after all.
Although, I’m a terrible cynic about clubs and have crippling crowd anxiety. Plus, to me, they’re pretty much the pumpkin spice lattes of the dating world. Every basic bitch with her best friend and douche bag businessman will be there, dancing under the way too bright lights to over the top loud techno music... No thank you.
I highly doubted that I’d ever find a good match there anyways. My appearance was sort of bland yet somewhat gothic, and my antisocial bookworm tendencies would surely make any “club guy” hit the road quicker than I could blink once he actually got to know me. However, I was lonely and I really did wish to meet someone special.
My thoughts soon drifted to that beautiful yet slightly bizarre man that I’d just met at the library... and our quick yet highly awkward interaction. I sighed feeling some lingering embarrassment, patted the cats on the head, and slowly drifted off to sleep to the sounds of their happy purrs.
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