"Nessa Guess what?" I said to her as we both sat at the cafeteria, eating lunch.
"What is it? You know I'm not a fan of guesses. And between, what do you have up your sleeve this time. You only act this way when you have something mischievous planned" Nessa said. Her eyes narrowing on me
"Something just occurred to me. How about we go to Space Oasis tonight? You know that club that was built recently. I heard the place is cool and pretty topnotch"
"You have started again with your trouble Natasha. Remember how you took me to that place with the scary looking faces and all. Count me out of this your plan. I'm definitely not going to Space Oasis with you tonight". She said with a touch of finality in her tone as she concentrated back on her food.
"Oh, come on. Don't be such a bore. Let's have fun while we're at it. The riskier it is, the higher the chances of fun. I mean the sneaking out of the house process and all. It'll be worth it. You only live once, you know?" I said trying to persuade her.
"No please. Don't start with the You only Live Once sermon. I'm not going anywhere with you and its final. What are you even thinking going there? Our end of the year exams are fast approaching remember?"
"I know. That's why I'm doing this now. We still have much time to prepare for the exam."
"Thanks so much for the invite but count me out of this Natasha" She said and I knew Nessa had concluded. She never calls me by my full name Natasha. Only on rare occasions.
"Okay okay. No need to make a big deal out of it. I'll go alone this night. I just want you to be aware of my whereabouts so someone can tell my story if something bad happens" I said to her hoping to lighten up the conversation.
"I'll gladly do that but even in your risky adventures, be careful. I know we only live once but we shouldn't jump on any train that passes by just because they're passing by. If you at least get a strand of hair on your skin hurt, I won't take it lightly with you."
"You'll punish me for hurting me? I always knew you loved me so much" I teased.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself Nat" Nessa responded standing up with her empty tray. I followed suit and hastened my steps, trying to catch up with her.
Few hours later...
I've always loved the fact that my room is on the ground floor of the house and I don't necessarily need to open my door before I sneak out. Prior to my plan to explore Space Oasis tonight, I had donned on a pretty black dress which seemed appropriate. Sparing a glance at the clock on my reading table, it said 9:02 and I was quite relieved because mom would definitely think I'm in bed already.
I picked up my shoes, moved towards the window and quietly opened it. I felt the gust of the cold wind rush against my skin, giving me the chills. And I liked the rush of adrenaline that accompanied it. I gently lifted a leg up and let it cross over the window sill. Leaving me in a sitting position with my two legs, one still in the room and the other outside the room. I took another glance around the room to ensure everything was in place so nothing gives away my absence.
Everything in place, I lifted my other leg over the window and balanced myself on the ground, carefully locking the window in a way that would enable me open it up easily when I get back.
I put on my shoes and walked out onto the road where I flagged down a cab and told him my destination.
Getting to Space Oasis, I was lucky the security officer was not on seat and there was no need to provide Annie's ID which I had secretly taken. We're sisters who look identical. There's no way they'll have suspected any foul play.
I got inside and the place looked really magical. The dance floor filled with bodies wringing against each other, the strobe lights alternating between green, blue and red all gave the environment a visually stimulating vibe. I took a step into the dance floor and began swaying my body to the beat. I hadn't danced for up to 20mins before a guy walked up to me.
"Hello beautiful. I noticed you came alone. Do you mind some company?" He whisper-shouted at the same time and I couldn't help noticing the dark intent in his eyes but he looked really good I must admit.
"Hi. I don't mind-" Before I could complete my sentence, I heard a loud bang from across the dance floor followed by sounds of gunshots. Bullets raining in the air. I ducked, fearing for my own safety. I began following the horde of people swarming towards the door. Everyone trying to make their way out in the commotion as the sounds of the gunshots were still being heard although it was now coming from above us. It seemed like their target was in the VIP section. The moment I was able to make my way out, I pulled off my shoes, held them in my hands and continued running. I didn't know where I was headed nor was I able to flag down a cab easily. I kept running as fast as my legs could carry me. Not stopping to look back. I was lucky to find a cab after running for a while.
I entered immediately, telling the driver my destination. I could finally take a breath of relief. Who knew things would have gone South so quickly? Did Nessa have the feeling that something was going to happen when she warned me to be careful? I didn't know I had spaced out till the car came to a stop few metres away from the house. I paid the driver and began walking towards the left side of the house where my room window was located. My purse and heels held tightly against my chest. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that there was the possibility of me getting shot tonight. How would I have explained the incident to mom who thought I was sleeping in my room already.
I got to my window, opened it and successfully found my way inside without making a sound. Dropping my shoes on the floor, I made my way into the bed. Not ready to think about anything other than the fact that my life might have ended tonight.
I didn't know I still possessed the ability to sleep tonight till I heard the sound of my alarm clock ringing and realized I had actually slept off. I stood up, took off my gown and my jewelries and began getting ready for school.
"Hey Nat" I heard Nessa call out from behind me as I stepped into the school gate. We both reached school at the same time.
"Hi Nessa."
"Let me guess the outing didn't go as planned yesterday. Hence the gloomy face. Am I right?"
"Not that Nessa. I was able to go but I could have lost my life yesterday."
"Jeez!. What happened? Tell me everything. I want details" Nessa said.
I narrated everything to her and she kept quiet for a while before saying "You're lucky you didn't get yourself killed out there. Otherwise, my promise to you would have definitely come to pass. You only live once right? You've had a near death experience. Do you still believe in that notion?" Trust Nessa to always lighten up the mood.
"Yes. I've only changed my notion of the riskier the adventure, the more fun it promises"
We both laughed over it and began talking about other things. That cloud of fear in my chest that has been resident since the incident slowly dissipating.