Chapter Seventeen

 At six-thirty pm, Adira was sitting on a bench, cross-legged and watching the sky get darker. Ramon had gone to get her something to eat and she had asked him to get her a coffee.

She needed to be alert. Her mind was already reeling and her hands were shaking. Her stomach felt like it was flipping over and over. Lowering her head, she rested her head on her hands.

“I got you refreshments,” Ramon announced.

Adira looked up, bleary-eyed and grabbed the cup out of his hand. “Just what I needed. Hope you got an espresso.” But one sip of the hot beverage told her it wasn’t. “What is this? It’s disgusting?”

“That’s Chamomile.” Ramon said, taking a seat beside her. He adjusted his jacket and looked at the students still wandering about campus.

“I hate it!” She handed it back. “What do you have?”

“Coffee.”

“Exchange?”

Ramon looked at her. “No. You need to lay off the coffee. You look like you’re about to get a heart attack. I cant have you being too nervous.”

“I’m fine. I can handle my coffee.” She made a grab for his cup, but he held up his arm.

“No. You need to calm down and think clearly.” He reached into a paper bag and handed her a parcel. “Here’s a sandwich.”

“I can’t eat. Just half an hour to go. I don’t want to throw up.”

Ramon put the sandwich in her hand. “I don’t want you fainting because of stress. Eat this and then drink your tea.”

Adira relented, deciding he was right. She took a bite of the sandwich, covered her mouth when she thought she was going to throw up. The food felt alien in her mouth and her stomach refused to let her swallow.

Ramon raised an eyebrow at her and she tried again, this time swallowing her mouthful with a sip of tea. “This is disgusting. I’ve had chamomile before and I don’t remember it tasting that awful.”

“That’s because I put brandy in there.”

Adira coughed out her food and clutched her throat. “Are you insane?” She heaved.

“You’re way too nervous.” Ramon handed her a tissue. “If we don’t stay calm, we could lose control of the plan.”

“What plan? You haven’t told me anything.” Adira wiped her mouth and put the paper cup down beside her.

“I’ll tell you when we’re inside.”

“What do you mean?” Adira followed his gaze to the hall where the charity prom was being held. “Are we seriously going?”

Ramon unwrapped his own sandwich and nodded thoughtfully. “Hm.”

Adira stood and shook her head. “I can’t.”

“I know. You’re too nervous.” Ramon took a big bite from his sandwich and handed her back the paper cup. “That’s why I need you to drink this.”

“I don’t drink.”

“I don’t want you drunk. Just composed.”

Adira snatched the cup from him, tore off the lid and took a large swallow. She coughed as the liquid burned down her throat and warmed up her stomach. Then she took another swallow, glaring at Ramon who was watching the other students.

He really loves Sibyl. He’s ready to do anything for her. Even get me drunk. Ugh, I hate him for it but I’m also glad he’s helping me.

She took another big gulp and then sat down again. “I feel better.”

“You finally have some color on your cheeks,” He casually commented.

She swallowed another mouthful and  the warm liquid felt like a cozy blanket on her stomach.

She started to feel every muscle loosen and her head felt lighter.

Letting out a loud sigh, she looked at him. "She'll be really grateful, you know. For all that you're doing for her?"

Ramon seemed surprised at her remark.

She stretched her leg in front of her. "When we find her, when she's finally here, she is going to be so impressed to learn of the lengths you went to get her back."

He took the cup from her and opened the lid. Taking a sniff, he frowned. "Um, maybe I put in too much in there."

"Why? I feel fine." She stretched her arms. "Relaxed. Happy. I feel like I could finally sleep."

"You've never had alcohol before?" He appeared a little concerned which made her chuckle.

"No. And I'm fine. I'm not drunk or anything. I was just saying that now you have a real chance with her." Adira turned slightly and rested one arm over the back of the bench while lifting her legs and hugging them with her other hand. "Sibyl will be so, so grateful you've done all this for her. Maybe now, she'll see you in a different light and you know, give it a shot. You know, give you a chance. I think you guys will be good together."

"I'm not doing this to impress her," he replied and lowered his head, but not before she saw the annoyance in his eyes. "You were right before. I was lonely and then Sibyl came in and changed me. I don't have a lot of friends and I was okay with that. But Sibyl, showed me how to enjoy life. How friends are important. I misunderstood my own feelings. I thought I was attracted to her when I was just so happy to have her in my life." he looked at her then. " I want her back. And not because I want her to think I'm her knight in shining armor. But because she's my friend. And she's the most important part of my life. I'll do whatever it takes to have my friend back. "

He stood abruptly and glared at her. "Anything."

Adira smiled. "Aw. That's sweet. But you're 'I'll do anything for her' attitude usually means me being played by you."

Adira stood and almost fell sideways. Ramon grabbed her and she giggled. "Okay, I think I may be slightly tipsy. I'll just drink a little coffee and I'll feel better."

Ramon shook his head. "No. Contrary to what everyone thinks, coffee doesn't actually get rid of drunkenness. Besides, I'm trying to help you get rid of your addiction to it."

"I'm not addicted to coffee," she argued. Ramon snorted and she felt a small fire burn in the pit of her stomach. “I just use it to feel energetic. Everyone does. But I get reprimanded for drinking coffee? You should get up every morning, go to all the cafes in the city and lecture people about coffee. Seriously.”

She heard Ramon curse under his breath, but couldn’t understand what he had said. “Let’s just get you sober.”

Adira laughed. “Another one of your plans goes down the drain. You should have been more careful about what you do. Have any of your plans ever worked? What kind of detective are you?”

“Just stop talking and let me think,” Ramon said. “I think, first we should get you some water.”

“Oh, yes. Good idea. I’ve heard of that.” Adira turned all around her, feeling confused but trying hard to focus where she was. “Okay, there it is.”

“What is?”

But she was already walking up to the fountain near the admission office. She started to climb into the large circular basin, when Ramon pulled her back, but Adira tripped over the outer area and fell into the fountain.

Her arm hit the cold water, but before she could completely fall on her face, Ramon pulled her back with so much force that her head rattled.

“What?” She screamed at him while clutching her head.

“That’s not what I meant. I meant get a glass of water.”

“I heard cold showers work.” Adira massaged her forehead and then touched her wet sleeve. “And now I’m wet and cold.”

“Hey, you came!” Ruby’s chirpy greeting felt grating to Adira’s ears.

Adira blinked at her and saw that Ruby was dressed in a long, shimmering red sleeveless gown with a lacy cape. Her hair was gathered to one side and held on with a jeweled flower pin.

“You didn’t dress up,” Ruby commented, looking up and down her. “Are you going off to get dressed?”

Neil came over then, dressed in a tuxedo. His hair was combed back and gelled.

“You look nice,” Adira said with a smile.

“Thanks.” Neil beamed at her and then dropped his smile when he saw Ramon. “You’re attending too? A prom intended for college kids?”

“Wasn’t it a charity ball? Weren’t tickets being sold for charity?” Ramon’s reply was curt.

“Actually, we’re not really going.” Adira gave Ramon an angry look. “We’re just hanging around. I mean, I don’t even own a dress.”

“You should have told me, we would have gone shopping,” Ruby said and then rolled her eyes. “You know what, forget the attire. It really isn’t a big deal. I don’t think it was mentioned anywhere that we were supposed to dress formally. Just come, okay?”

“Yeah. We paid for the tickets and everything.” Neil raised an eyebrow at Ramon and then turned to her, his looks softening. “It would mean a lot to both of us if you would come.”

“I’ll see. I just need some fresh air first.” Adira wished everyone would stop huddling around her. She felt trapped, out of air and her head felt heavy.

“Fine. We’re going in, but if you’re not inside in ten minutes I’m going to have Neil carry you inside.” Ruby giggled.

Neil gave Adira’s shoulder one squeeze and then let Ruby drag him into the hall.

“How much were the tickets? I want to pay that jerk back,” Ramon said.

“Ugh. I don’t know. And I don’t care.” She spotted a watch on his wrist and pulled on his arm. “What time is it? Is it seven yet?”

Ramon jerked his hand back. “Easy. And no, there’s still some time. I think it would be better if we go inside.”

“To that stupid prom?”

“Yup.”

Adira shook her head. “Look at what I am wearing.” she splayed her hands before her. “I’m not even wearing heels.”

“Well she did say there was no mandatory formal attire,” Ramon said, distracted. “Besides, I don’t think I want you standing here out in the open. Being in the crowd would be a lot better.”

“I don’t see how...” Adira gasped when he suddenly pulled on her hair band and started to smooth out her hair. Then he removed her shirt and tied it around her waist. “What are you doing?”

“Get you somewhat ready.” Ramon frowned and then removed his jacket and tied it around her waist as well. “Now you sort of have a skirt thing going.”

Adira looked down at her. “Are you kidding? I look ridiculous.”

“Hm. Now come on.” Ramon took her hand and walked her inside the hall.

 

 

 

 

Once in, Adira had trouble trying to keep her focus. There were too many things she needed to think about, the first one being that she had to control her steps and walk in a straight line.

The sudden dimness of the hall added to her jumbled state. She looked all around her, trying hard to concentrate on every detail of the room to gather sense of her surroundings.

There were colorful lanterns hanging all around, all of them joined by cables. The candles that were placed in every corner table, were, in fact, not real but electrical candles that she noted when she passed by one. The food tables were set up on the other side of the room, and she was glad the aromas weren't reaching her sensitive nostrils.

A small whiff of perfume from a passerby had made her want to retch.

There was loud music playing and people dancing in the centre of the room. But most of them were by the small tables set up all around, eating and chatting in loud voices.

"You okay?" Ramon asked, carefully.

"Actually-"

"Adira!" Ruby came over with a glass in her hand. "Finally here, huh? I'm so glad you decided to attend."

Adira managed a smile, all the while terribly conscious of the way Neil was looking at her. Then when he touched her shoulder, she let out a small moan.

"I'm glad we can hang out now. It's been a long time," He said.

"Because of what you did that completely ruined..." but Adira was not allowed to finish as Ramon cut in.

"How about we dance." He took her hand, excused himself and pushed past some students to get to the dance floor.

"Ramon. I can't." She massaged her forehead. "I feel too weird. Like I'm swimming, but in air. Not floating. Like I'm falling and falling..."

"It will pass." He wasn't even looking at her as he talked. His eyes were surveying the room.

Adira frowned. "It will? When? I hope it's before seven because-"

"Have you ever danced before?"

"Hmm? No."

Ramon took one hand and raised the other over his shoulder. "Like this. Now follow my lead."

"I can't. I don't feel..."

"Just trust me okay?"

Adira almost jumped when he curled an arm around her waist and brought her closer. "Okay fine. But don't expect me to concentrate. I can't. I feel totally out of it. I can't imagine why people drink when it makes you feel like this. Like crap."

Ramon nodded and took a side step. "Everyone reacts differently to alcohol. You just happen to have very low tolerance for it. Or perhaps you haven't been eating properly."

Adira took followed his movements and stepped on his foot. "Oops."

Ramon sighed. "Look just follow my steps, okay?"

Adira looked down at their feet. "I've never been to a prom you know. In the village, the schools were different. There were no proms or parties. And anyway, I was homeschooled." She glanced up at him. "You're not too bad at this. Did you attend classes?"

He swung her around just them and Adira gasped at the sudden rush, and then grinned. "Sibyl and I went to dance classes. She said she always wanted to learn."

Adira pressed her lips together and said nothing as Ramon twirled her. Her stomach flipped and she felt something rising up.

I want to throw up so bad.

She lost her balance and started to fall sideways. A strong hand curled around her waist and Adira felt herself being straightened. Ramon pushed a lock of her hair behind one ear and touched her cheek.

“Are you okay?”

Adira blinked up at him, trying to clear her swimming vision. She could feel a rise in her throat again and she covered her mouth.

He pulled her hand away and glanced away as he spoke, “It will pass. It’s your first time drinking.”

 

She wanted to protest, she wanted to tell him she needed to stand by a sink, but Ramon was already taking her hand. As the tempo changed he, spun her again, this time a little too swiftly.

Before she could recover from the sudden dizziness, Ramon was turning her again. Her eyes closed and she could feel herself falling. When she opened her eyes, she realized Ramon had only brought her closer. She clutched the collars of his shirt.

“I can’t do this. I have to go.” She clutched her forehead and shook her head.

Ramon was making her walk, but she closed her eyes, letting him lead her.

“Do you mind taking her to the bathroom?” He was asking.

“Yeah, absolutely. Is she fine? Adira are you okay?” It was Ruby’s voice.

“Are you ill?” Neil was asking.

Adira opened her eyes staring at the two people who were watching her with concern. Ramon was standing a little on the side, glancing around the room and seemingly unconcerned by her welfare.

At that moment, she couldn’t care. Ruby took her hand and led her to the washroom. Once in, Adira ran to a sink and clutched the rim.

She heaved and gagged, and opening her mouth, she vomited all that was in her stomach.

Ruby went to the side to wet some tissues. “Are you sick?”

“Drunk,” Adira replied between breaths. She leaned forward and vomited again.

“Oh,” Ruby said and handed her the damp tissues. “You must have had a lot.”

“I guess.” Adira put the damp tissues on her forehead. “I still feel like I want to puke a lot.”

“You should go home and rest.” Ruby stroked her back gently.

“I have some work.” Adira washed her mouth and face, and then leaned against the sink. “I have to do something at seven.”

“Um...” Ruby checked her wristwatch. “It’s almost eight.”

Adira focused on what she was saying and her eyes widened. “What?”

Ruby showed her the time. Adira grabbed her wrist and saw that it was only three minutes before eight. Her hands touched her pockets and she felt her heart sink. “My phone!”

“Did you lose it?” Ruby asked.

Adira touched all her pockets and felt her heart lowering to her stomach. “I was expecting a call! I need my phone!”

“Wait, I’ll call it,” Ruby offered. She dialed her number and frowned. “It’s ringing. Oh, someone just cut the call.”

Adira swallowed. Someone has my phone. That guy was supposed to call!

Ruby flipped through the apps on her phone and her frown deepened. “It says that you are online. Did someone steal your phone?”

Adira wobbled to the door and opened it. She had to tell Ramon. The loud music hurt her ears and once again, she felt her nausea return. She clutched her head as it started to throb.

Right at the end of the room, in a corner by the food table, she spotted Ramon, looking intently down at his phone. She waved her hand at him, trying to get his attention. They had to do something. They had to find her phone before that guy messaged and got infuriated when he wouldn’t receive a reply.

“Hey!” she called over the loud music. There were so many people dancing and she had to push past them. A few of them, greeted her, but she ignored them as she tried to get to Ramon.

“Ramon!” she called. As she drew nearer, she suddenly stopped. Ramon was looking down at a phone, but it was hers. She stared at her phone, and then at him.

And then it hit her.

Ramon had taken her phone on purpose. He had gotten her drunk on purpose. She tried to imagine when he had taken her phone. Was it when he had tied his jacket around her? Or when he had asked her to dance?

But why did he do this? Why does he keep playing with me?

Ramon did look up then. He glanced all around the room and she saw the panic on his face. Neil was coming over to him, but Ramon rudely walked past him.

Adira backed away, feeling sick and hurt. If Ramon couldn’t be honest with her, then she didn’t need to stay here anymore. Tears welled in her eyes and she watched as Ramon rushed around the room. Finally, he paused and turned in her direction. She saw the relief in his eyes as he headed to her.

She glanced at the phone in his hand and saw it light up with a message again. Ramon stopped midway and checked it. She saw his face pale as he read. He looked up at her slowly.

Before Adira could understand why he was screaming her name, she felt something hard hit the back of her head. The room and the colorful lights, swirled in her vision and her knees buckled.

She tried to raise her arm, but someone was already holding her arms back and pulling her away. A hand closed over her mouth and she sensed herself being carried away.

“Now, don’t make a sound,” someone said in a hoarse whisper. “I don’t want to have to hurt you.”

Adira felt a burst of cold air on her skin and suddenly she was being thrown down. She landed with a thump on something metallic. A groan escaped her throat and she clutched her head.

“Who...what is happening?”

“Still not out?” She looked up to see a man in a black mask and attire standing before he. He looked scrawny and she thought she could put up a struggle. She raised her hand to grab him, but the man reached for her hair, gathered it in a bunch and slammed it against the back of a seat.

Adira clutched her head and felt more vomit rise up her throat.

“Resilient little thing, aren’t you?” The man held up her chin and she looked up at him, finding herself enveloped by a strange sensation.

I know that voice. I heard it maybe twice. A long time ago.

“Oh well. Don’t want to damage that nice little face of yours. Luckily I came prepared.” He reached into his pocket to bring a syringe. “Didn’t want to use it.”

He stabbed it on her neck and chuckled.

Adira felt herself getting drowsy. Her eyes flickered close and she felt her head fall and hit the floor.

I’ll never forgive Ramon, was her last thought before she fell into the darkness.