章 41: A way to co-exist

"Come on, loosen up, girl." Sophia shook her from her uptight position. It had been a while since she was out in a club. "Let's drink to your doctor friend. I hope that he would sweep you off your feet." Sophia teased her, shoving a shot at her hand.

"Are you trying to get me drunk?" She accused her friend, feeling the slight buzz on her head. At the same time, avoiding the topic of Edward. Although she had agreed to give him a chance, it was still a long way from a romantic relationship.

"Of course, we are here to get drunk. When was the last time you had a good time." She questioned her. When it came to partying and having a good time, she could certainly count on her friend. She was always the life of the party.

"I guess you're right as always." She admitted to her friend. It had been a while since she had this much fun and the night was just beginning.

"Don't worry. Besides your bodyguard is on full alert." Pointing to Mike who was standing just a few meters away from them. He was standing like a sore thumb in the corner, ready to defend her in case she got into trouble.

She just realized that she was not the boss of him when she clearly remembered instructing him to stay in the car. He was probably following Jessica's instruction instead. That was, not to let her out of his sight.

Feeling pissed with Jessica, she guzzled down the alcohol in her hand and ordered more. She suddenly felt like being irresponsible again, just this once. She wanted to feel free.

"That's it, girl. It's time we have a good time." Sophia shouted, making people turn in their direction. A few guys did approach them earlier, but they easily fended them off.

Sophia was still thinking of his date last night. He was indeed a nice guy. It was just a shame that she could not entertain anything more than friendship with him. Her career was her priority at the moment, but who said that she could not fool around with him while she was in town. Just fun with no commitment.

In the meantime, her phone chimed its familiar ring tone, making her focused her attention on the screen. "Jessica is calling," she mouthed to Sophia who also checked her phone at the same time, thinking the call was hers. She turned around to her right, trying to pick up a better reception and to cover the noise of the club.

They did not notice the three men walking in their direction until they stopped in front of their table. Sophia looked up to the man beside her, a bit surprised to see him, but Sabrina still had her back to them as she tried to communicate with Jessica.

Rafael was the first to greet them. "Hey, Sophia. What a coincidence?" He lowered his face to her to give her a light peck on the cheeks, which she gladly welcomed.

"Yes, it is a nice coincidence. Are you out with your friends?" Sophia said, eyeing the two men behind him.

"Yeah. These are my friends, Dennis and Leo." Both of them greeted her simultaneously. "Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?" Indicating to the girl who was busy with her phone call.

"I'm sure you already heard of her." Sophia jokingly said to the boys. "Just give her a few seconds." Not wanting to interrupt her with Jessica. "Why don't you join us?" Offering the extra seat on the table.

"Sorry about that." She finally turned around in their direction, deciding to give up on the call when they failed to get a good connection. Noticing that they had new companions, she introduced herself to them. "Hi! I'm Sabrina."

The one near to her was Dennis, then Leo, who shook her extended hand as they told her their names. The one standing beside Sophia was yet to say his name. She tried to squint her eyes to get a glimpse of his face since there was a bright light behind him, making it hard for her to see his facial features.

He finally extended his hand to her and spoke his name, paralyzing her in place. "Rafael." He did not have to say his last name. His voice alone evoked recognition in her drunken mind. She started questioning her state of drunkenness. She was probably imagining this man to be him when he said a similar name.

"Hey, Sab. Shake the man's hand." Sophia snapped her from the trance she was in, making her blush with embarrassment. She raised her hand to him, hoping that she was mistaken. Somehow, his touch too brought familiarity to her.

There was no mistake as he moved to sit beside Sophia, across from her. It confirmed what she was afraid of, that was, to see him once again. All her locked emotions came bursting out as memories of them together started to resurface in her mind.

"Excuse me, but I need to answer my phone." Indicating the mobile in her hand that started to make a scene. For some miracle, she was thankful that Jessica called at that moment. She walked in the direction of the bathroom where the music was quieter.

She needed a diversion to stop herself from turning into a mess. She immediately answered her call, using that to divert her mind away from him. "Yes."

"I hope you know what you're doing." Jessica as usual was overacting with her protectiveness.

"Don't worry. I'm old enough to figure out my life on my own." She answered her with a little sarcasm in her tone.

"Are you drunk?" Jessica expressed in her voice her disapproval of her behavior. "I think it is time that you get yourself home. I'll call Mike to escort you back to your apartment."

"Stop it, Jess. I'm ok. A bit buzz, but not drunk." She tried to reason with her. "Just give me this night to enjoy my freedom. As you said, Mike is here to make sure that I get safely home."

After a few awkward silence. "Ok." She finally heard Jessica conceded. "Just make sure that you're always safe. Call me tomorrow."

"Thanks, Jess." She appreciated all her manager had done for her, but she needed to make decisions for herself, even if it led her to more disaster. At least it would teach her a valuable lesson rather than letting other people decide her fate. She hanged the phone before Jessica changed her mind.

She went to the bathroom to check on herself. Well, she still looked fine. Her naturally blonde hair was straightened just mid her back, styled with a golden clip on the side. She looked very much the star that she was with her makeup done to perfection.

There was no chance that he would ever recognize Sky in her. She contemplated if she should go home instead just like Jessica said or continued pretending that she had no idea who he was.

"Pull yourself together." She voiced out, loud enough for it to echo in the bathroom walls.

Then, she noted that there was no good if she kept on running. It was the second time that they had bumped into each other by chance. If he was here in the city on both times, it was likely he lived around the vicinity. That would mean that they might bump into each other in the future.

Another idea just popped out of her mind. She realized that Raf was the date Sophia was talking about last night, from the way her friend was looking at him with interest.

She needed to find a way to co-exist with him without being affected by his presence. This was a perfect opportunity to figure out how to forget him. Seeing him with her friend might help her accept that he had already moved on and forgot about her. Not her, but Sky.