The taxi pulled up near the entrance of the club, its neon lights shimmering in the dark. Emily opened the door, thanked the driver, and stepped out. She wore tight jeans and a strappy crop top that flattered her figure. High heels werent her styleshe preferred trainers, and tonight was no exception, even though her friend had begged her to wear sandals and something dressier.
Inside, the music thumped loudly, though it had been barely audible from the street. The place was packed with young people laughing and dancing.
“Hey, bestie!” The birthday girl, Charlotte, rushed over and pulled Emily into a hug. “Ready for gifts and good vibes?” she chirped, grinning and swaying to the beat.
Charlotte loved being the centre of attention, thriving in crowdsthe opposite of Emily, who felt uneasy in the dim, pulsing lights. Shed have much preferred a quiet evening at a cosy café or watching a film at home, but friendship sometimes meant showing up where youd rather not be.
“Come on, Ill introduce you to some great lads!” Charlotte grabbed Emilys hand and dragged her toward the bar, where two tall blokes were chatting and laughing. The taller one, a dark-haired man, turned and smiled.
“Hey there. Im James. This is my brother, Oliver.”
Emilys heart skipped. His deep voice and piercing gaze made the noisy room fade away for a moment.
“Pleasure to meet you,” James said. “Youre like sunshine in this dark little cave.” Emily laughed, cheeks warming.
“Cheers for the compliment! I reckon well get on.”
“Oh, no doubt about that,” Oliver teased, finishing his cocktail. “Trust me, Emily, this ones gonna sweep you off your feet.”
The night flew bymusic, laughter, dancing, clinking glasses. James was every bit the gentleman, walking her home. They joked easily, as if theyd known each other for years.
“Its late. Thanks for a lovely evening,” Emily said, an awkward silence settling between them.
“Ive had a brilliant time. Youre amazingtruly. Can I call you tomorrow?” James asked, suddenly shy.
“Ill be waiting!” She kissed his cheek and slipped inside.
Her parents were long asleepthey werent used to her coming home so late. She tiptoed to her room, but sleep didnt come. Jamess smile lingered in her mind.
Morning brought a grin she couldnt shake. Her chest felt light, her stomach fluttering.
“Im in love,” she murmured, laughing at herself.
That evening, she met Charlotte at their favourite café to dissect the night.
“I saw how he looked at you! Wedding bells soon, eh?” Charlotte winked.
“Think Ive fallen properly for the first time,” Emily admitted, eyes dropping.
“Think? Youre head over heels, you daft thing!”
Charlotte breezed through flings, never seriousEmily was the opposite. Yet their friendship never wavered.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday passed. No call. Emily checked her phone relentlessly, each silence twisting her stomach.
“Forgotten me? Changed his mind? Too busy? Found someone else?”
After her last lecture, she rushed outonly to spot James waiting with a massive bouquet. Relief, joy, and irritation tangled inside her.
“Sorry! Everything went mad,” he blurted. A mates car had broken down in the middle of nowhere during an off-road race. James had dashed off to help, phone dead by the time they got the car out.
“All that worry over nothing!” Emily laughed.
“Let me make it up to you. Dinner tonight?”
He drove her home, promising to pick her up later.
The restaurant was intimate, live music playing as they talked for hours. Emilys head spun with happiness.
Two months passed in a blissful blur. James adored her laugh, her quiet strength. They went to films, exchanged glances in the dark, walked sleepy streets at night. She stayed over more often, wrapped in his arms.
One day, Oliver called. “Em, need your help with something delicate. Im proposing to Charlotte. You know her tastehelp me pick a ring?”
“Of course! Well done, you!”
They met at the jewellers, settling on an elegant piece with tiny gems and a heart-shaped diamond. Next, a florist for red roses”Classic,” Oliver saidand a teddy bear clutching a heart that read “Love.” He was nervous, glowing.
“Just look her in the eyes and ask. Youll be brilliant.” She hugged him.
But James never showed up that evening. Late at night, a text came:
“Goodbye. Shows over. Dont call.”
She called endlessly. No answer. Charlotte knew nothing. Oliver was away.
Days blurred into nausea, fog. She was four weeks pregnant.
In the hospital, Charlotte clutched her hand. “You scared us half to death!”
A knock. James entered, pink roses in hand, Oliver behind him with a black eye and fruit.
“Im an idiot,” James choked out. “When I saw you kiss him, I lost my head.”
“Weve sorted it,” Oliver said, sheepish.
“No more stress, love. Ill be herefor you, for our baby.” James pressed his lips to her temple.
Love isnt always smooth. Jealousy plants doubts that wreck happiness. Hold tight to trust. Cherish the ones you love.
