Note: After 2 years, the next part is up. :))

CHAPTER 11: CAN YOU DANCE TO THIS BEAT?

I sprinted in my apartment and dumped all my clothes on my bed. It's going to be Betsy's fault if Rachel fries me tonight. It's her birthday and I promised to help her prepare.

I grabbed my phone and speed dialed Rachel as I went through the pile of clothes on my bed.

"Hello?" Rachel's cheery voice answered.

"It's me, hun. I'm running late. I don't think I can come over in time." I said in apologetic tone.

"I figured. No worries though. I'm halfway done. I'll be heading to the restaurant in a bit. Want me to wait for you?"

"No need. You go on right ahead. The lads will probably be there with their girlfriends."

"Yeah. See you later?"

"Yup."

I threw my phone on the bedside table and rummaged through the heap. I can't find a thing to wear!

I sat straight and eyed the pile. This is hopeless. I shuffled on my feet and opened the top most drawer on my dresser. There, in a box, lay a dress I bought for the 25th anniversary party of the magazine. My sister got ill that night, so I didn't go.

I carefully unfolded the dress and held it against my body in front of the mirror. I smiled at my reflection.

It was a beautiful dress. It was black in color and a sleeveless turtleneck type. The hem fell just a little above my knees. It would go well with my red waist belt and stilettos.

Forty-five minutes later, my hair and make up was done and I was fully dressed in my chosen ensemble; ready to take on the night.

I took a cab to the restaurant. Rachel had arranged a semi-formal party for her and her friends. She had reserved half of the restaurant for us to stay in for the night.

I entered the restaurant and made my way to the entrance through the separator. From the other side, I could hear upbeat songs thumping from the sound system and people's chatter.

As I entered Rachel's side, I was met by people both familiar and not. Most of them were probably from her work. I made my way to the center where, as I expected, Rachel sat with the guys. A smile immediately found its way on my face as I hurriedly ran towards Rachel.

"Happy Birthday!" I hugged her tightly as I shoved her gift on the table in front of her.

"Thank you!" She hugged me back and glanced at what I was wearing. "You look gorgeous!"

"Thank you." I smiled and did a twirl.

"Sit down, show off."

I sat beside her and that was when I realized I hadn't greeted the guys yet.

"Sorry. Was a bit excited to see my best friend." I smiled sheepishly. "So uhhh. Hi!"

"It's okay." Dougie laughed.

"This is Izzy by the way." Harry said, gesturing to the girl sat beside him.

"The infamous Izzy. Glad to finally meet you." I shook her hand.

"You too." She smiled sweetly.

I turned to Danny who had been quietly watching me.

"And what's your problem?" I nudged him jokingly.

"Nothing. You look wonderful."

"Mmmmhhhhmmm." I replied sarcastically. "Let's dance guys! Come on!" I stood up and glanced at everyone.

"You just got here. Don't you want to eat first?" Rachel asked.

"I'll do that later. Come on! I have a lot of energy in me!" I grabbed Rachel and Danny's hands and pulled them toward the dance floor as the others trailed behind us.

As the night mellowed down, we left the party and headed for a pub down the street. 'It would be a waste if I don't get wasted' Rachel had insisted. She left her sister in charge as we left.

We sat at a booth drinking our sanity away and laughing at everything we talked about. Suddenly, my cellphone started ringing. The name flashing on the screen was my sister's. She only called when it was an emergency.

"Be right back." I muttered to no one in particular as I rushed to the bathroom.

I quickly pressed answer and stuck it to my ear. "Yeah?"

"Dad just had a heart attack, Blake. They found him on the floor unconscious." My sister said, shaken and confused.

"Will he be okay?" I said; my throat suddenly dry.

"I don't know."

"I'll come in the morning. Just hold on, okay?"

"Okay."

I ended the call and I looked at my face in the mirror. I was pale like a ghost and shock was still written on my face.

I exited the bathroom and found Danny chatting with a couple of girls.

"Who is that Blake girl anyway? And why are you dating her?" One girl said.

"She's a mate really." Danny said politely.

"Yeah, well. She's not really as cool as she thinks." The other replied and Danny cleared his throat as he saw me.

"I have to go. Sorry. Please tell the others." I said to him before I turned to the girls. "Blake McGregor by the way. And no. I don't think I'm cool at all." I flashed them a sarcastic smile and walked out of the pub.

To be continued...

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