A party
-Are you sure it’s in here?
Albert checked the invitation again.
-Yes, it says it’s on the top floor.
They looked up as if trying to see something. They were in front of a skyscraper that looked like an office building, but it was the right street and the right number, so it had to be there. They walked inside, showed the invitation to a security guard, and got into an elevator. Albert pressed the top floor button.
-Did I ever tell you that I’m afraid of heights?- asked Robert.
-Too late now, don’t chicken out because of it.
-I’m serious, why would anyone want to live on a top floor of anything? It’s unsafe if there’s an emergency the escape route is much longer, you risk getting trapped inside the building…- he started getting paler as the floors went by.
-Hey, Robert. Look at me. Everything is going to be okay. Remember that you’re coming because you want; I’m not forcing you. Now breathe.- Albert tried to calm him down.
Robert, however, was getting paler and paler. His friend made him sit down and close his eyes.
-Ok, let’s try this. Imagine you’re at ground level, on a park reading a book. Now breathe in and then breathe out slowly. Good. See? We’re already there.
The elevator stopped and the doors opened to a well-lit black marble hall. In front of them was a wide set of stairs, also in marble. Each step was a shade lighter than the previous one, making the stairs a gradient from black to white. They started climbing the stairs, as there was nowhere else to go, and they found themselves out into the open air inside what looked like a tropical jungle.
-What the hell is this?- asked Robert.
-Hmmm, don’t know, let’s see where this takes us.
They took a path, between the trees and the flowers, that was lit with small garden lamps. Suddenly the vegetation grew clearer and they found themselves in front of a modern house that looked as if it had been built out only in glass. Lights of different colors were pouring out of the ground floor along with some loud music. People was hanging out in some tables set in front of the house next to a round pool.
-Do you know anyone?- asked Robert.
-Not really. C’mon let’s find Marla to thank her for inviting us, and we’ll grab a drink for you. I think you need it.- said Albert winking.
-Oh, no! You know that I don’t drink!
-Only one, you’re still all stiff after the elevator.
-Oh, well, but only one!- Robert gave in.
They got inside the house through one of the big sliding windows, as it looked as if it didn’t have a front door, and found themselves engulfed by a crowd of dancing people. Albert led his friend to a side of the room where there was a table, grabbed a glass and put it in his hand. A blond girl short girl with the skin full of freckles approached them.
-Hi, you’re in my class right?- she asked Robert, talking to his ear.- You’re the one who always sits in the front row and makes all the questions, aren’t you?
-Yes, I’m Robert, and you are…?- Robert replied trying to place that face with big blue eyes in some part of his memory.
-Oh, sorry, I’m Dalia. I’m at basic chemistry too. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.
-Well, I’ve come with my friend Albert, he was the one who was invited, he goes to the same class as Marla.
-History, huh?- asked Dalia.
-Yes- nodded Albert, looking around.- By the way,… do you know where Marla is? I’d like to thank her for inviting us.
-Hold on a second, I’ll go find her.
Dalia got lost among the crowd, looking for the host. Albert turned around to talk to his friend.
-I thought you told me there wasn’t a single girl in your class.
-Well, I thought there wasn’t, I’ve never seen her, she must sit at the back of the class.- Robert replied.
They saw her coming back with Marla. The host was indeed gorgeous, she was wearing a short black dress that hugged her body completely, and her red hair was tumbling down her back in lazy curls, shining brighter than ever. She approached them and greeted them with a smile.
-Hi, Albert, I’m glad to see you. Who’s your friend?
-Marla, this is Robert, he’s studying chemistry.
-Nice to meet you.-she acknowledged, then she whispered something aside to Dalia.-Hey, Robert… do you mind if I steal your friend for a second? You can stay with Dalia, she is new in town too.
Before Robert could even reply she had already taken Albert by the arm and lead him outside.
-Come I want to show you something.- she told him.
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