Lily
As the soft morning sunlight filtered through my bedroom curtains, I groggily reached for my phone on the nightstand, squinting as the screen lit up. Just as I hit the snooze button, the cheerful ringtone I had assigned to Malina pierced the air. With a yawn and a sleepy smile, I answered the call.
"Hey birthday girl! Guess who remembered to call you at the crack of dawn?" Malina's voice sang excitedly through the receiver, instantly pulling me out of my half-asleep state.
I chuckled, my heart warming at the sound of her familiar voice. "Hey, you. Thanks for the wake-up call, even if it's a bit too early for my liking."
"Come on, Lily! It's your special day! You can't waste precious time snoozing away. Happy birthday!" Malina's enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile wider.
"Thank you, Malina, I appreciate it," I replied genuinely, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
"So, I've got big plans for us today. First things first, I'm picking you up in a couple of hours. We're going to hit up that new brunch spot downtown. You know, the one with the insane avocado toast?" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable even through the phone.
"Avocado toast and coffee sound like a perfect start," I agreed, already feeling a bit more awake.
"But wait, there's more," Malina continued, her voice dripping with mischief. "After brunch, you're heading to the spa for some serious pampering. Massages, facials, the whole nine yards. You don't have to worry because it's all been paid for."
My eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously? You shouldn't have."
"You deserve it, Lily. You've been through a lot lately. You need a day to just unwind and feel amazing," she reassured me, sounding unfazed.
My eyes welled up with unspoken emotions as Malina's comforting words washed over me. My shoulders slumped as a heavy sigh left my lips.
I didn't need to be reminded of the pain I'd been through. Memories of tearful confrontations and shattered trust still haunted me as did my current state of unemployment. The corners of my lips tried to curl into a smile, though it was a fragile one.
"Tonight, Lily," Malina continued, "We're hitting the club. I want you to dance away all those negative thoughts. Let loose, have fun, and maybe find someone to help you forget him."
At the mention of my ex my fingers twitched slightly, tracing invisible patterns on my phone in hesitation.The thought of bumping into him crossed my mind and a mixture of anger and trepidation ran through me.
Malina must have sensed my uncertainty.
"Don't worry Lily. I've got your back.” she spoke comfortingly “ Besides, he's not gonna be anywhere near where we're going. Trust me on this."
After a moment of deliberation I had made my decision.
"You're the best Malina." I said, a sense of gratitude washing over me.
"You're not so bad yourself," she quipped playfully.
"Now, get ready, birthday girl! It's going to be a day to remember."
As I hung up the phone, a mixture of emotions swirled within me. Gratitude for having a friend like Malina, excitement for the day ahead, and a touch of nervousness about stepping outside my own home after so long. But amidst it all there was a small hope that something would get me out of this rut.
….
The vibrant city lights painted the night sky. Fully refreshed wearing the sparkling red dress Malina had prepared, I stood outside the entrance of the grand hotel Luminous Works. Looking around I was still in disbelief. For the life of me I couldn't understand how Malina had been able to get us in here.
This hotel could be defined with one word-Luxury. It was one of the best hotels in the country after all.
Something as boring as my birthday had no business being anywhere near a place like this. But Malina had insisted on bringing me here for my birthday and I didn't have the heart to refuse her expensive gift.
As I stepped through the grand entrance, my senses were immediately overwhelmed by the symphony of sights and sounds. The night club, nestled within the heart of the hotel, radiated an aura that was impossible to ignore.
The walls were adorned with shimmering art installations that seemed to come alive in the ever-changing lights, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
The dance floor was like a sea of bodies, bathed in a mesmerizing blend of neon and strobe lights. Mirrored panels lined the walls, reflecting the kaleidoscope of colors and dancers, making the room feel infinitely larger than it actually was.
Thumping bass reverberated through the floor and up into my chest, synchronizing with the anticipation I felt.
My fingers toyed with the hem of my dress in hesitation. Just in time Malina materialized beside me, her grin contagious.
"Ready to have some fun, birthday girl?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
I nodded, the butterflies in my stomach beginning to flutter even more as we stepped inside.