Rollercoaster

Birthdays are for children; those were my favorite words to say whenever someone spoke to me about birthdays. But that was a lie I made up to protect my aching heart every year. I grew up in a family that didn't care much about birthdays. They thought it was an extravagant waste of money, probably because we were poor. Another reason I made up to justify the act of not celebrating birthdays in my house.

But things changed when I went to university. I met friends who loved celebrating birthdays no matter how small the occasion would be. And my twentieth birthday wasn't an exception, they threw a large party for me and even invited my family. It seemed like a huge change was about to happen in my life, a dream came through. It was a big change but it wasn't a dream come true, rather a nightmare that would haunt me for the rest of my life.

The hall was decorated beautifully, a huge chandelier hung tightly on the roof with crystal-like branches dangling down. A group of musicians were singing, filling the night with wonderful melodies. I stood in the middle of the hall, dancing to the tone of their music. The spotlight was on me as the celebrant of the night. I invited my boyfriend to join me on the dance floor but he declined, with a silly excuse I didn't quite catch. His words were swallowed by the lyrics of one of my best songs being played by the band.

Suddenly the music stopped abruptly, a stop that made my heart skip. Did something happen? What is going on? I watched as the crowd rushed to the other corner of the room, and the spotlight that was on me moved along with them. What is happening?

Curiosity began to eat at me as it pushed me to run along with the crowd.

I stopped when they stopped, but I couldn't see what was going on. I tried to catch a view of whatever was happening like a giraffe but I couldn't see anything but heard murmurs and joyful cheers from the crowd. I pushed through the crowd, “Excuse me,” I pleaded as I struggled to move through the crowd to see what was happening.

Immediately the ongoing incident that caused a great commotion came into sight, and I froze. My eyes fixated on the two individuals I had trusted the most; my best friend and my boyfriend.

Ian, my boyfriend, was on one knee in front of Sofia, with a small box in his hand that contained a big shimmery stone. “Will you marry me?” Ian threw the big question at Sofia, who stood in front of him, with her hand in her mouth as she gasped. Is this a dream? I pinched myself so hard, and the pain reminded me that it was a reality. No, no, no, this was not happening. Those words left my mouth as a whisper, barely heard by the cheering crowd.

Sofia nodded her head vigorously, “Yes, yes! I will marry you” She jumped up in joy, as she admired the diamond ring on her finger. Ian stood up and hugged her.

I took two steps back in shock, another in agony, and another till I got to the door of the hall. I ran out of that hall with blurry vision, as tears ran down my cheeks. The cold air of the night slapped my face, a punishment for my foolishness. How did I not see it all these years?

My legs led me to a nearby bar, filled with individuals who seemed to not have a single care in life. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. Loud music banged from the speakers in the corners of the bar. I walked straight to the bartenders’ section and took a seat. The cold leather beneath me sent a comforting chill up my spine.

“Good evening, Lady, how may I be of service to you?” a sudden voice spoke gently.

“I need a drink,” I responded.

“Okay, what would you like to have?” he asked, pulling out a shaker and tumbler.

I gazed at him, as he awaited my response, “Your strongest alcohol,” I requested.

His surprised gaze met mine, and a comforting smile appeared on his face, “Having a bad day, huh?” he asked, his voice a low one filled with sympathy, and I nodded. “I have got the best one for you,” he dragged the liquor-filled tumbler to my front.

I took the glass and gulped the contents inside of it. It was strong indeed. I requested more glasses to come but only stopped when I began to feel light like I was floating. My legs wobbled as I made my way out of the bar.

I passed some men down the street as I walked, one of them catcalled me but I ignored them. Suddenly I felt a pull on my wrist, a cold hand around my neck, “Give me all you’ve got.”

Immediately I let go of my purse, “Take it, take all you want, I've got nothing to lose any more in this stupid world.”

“How about we take you? Huh? You are beautiful and you smell nice,” the voice spoke from behind me, as he took a whiff of what my body scented. I was too drunk to defend myself. His hand trailed its way down my hips, feeling my skin through the satin black ankle-length gown that hugged my body tightly.

I shut my eyes tightly, tears well up in them, as the thought of being raped flooded my mind. I heard his men laugh and cuss as they spoke. “Please, just take the money and leave me alone,” I pleaded, stuttering.

“Oh baby, we will do that later after having you to ourselves,”

I began to kick hard against the air as adrenaline flooded my veins, my body shook vigorously as I tried to wriggle my way out of his grip. He ordered the other men to hold me in place, and he placed his hand over my mouth, obstructing my screams. My tears trickled down on his hand. “C’mon now, don't cry.” he taunted.

“Leave her alone!” a sudden voice barked.

“Who are you to tell us what to do?” the leader asked.

“The one who will make you regret you didn't,” he responded. I watched him as he drew nearer. The man behind me didn't move but his men attacked the approaching man, my heart skipped in fear for him. But he fought them all off.

He had them begging for their lives as they retreated along with the man behind me. “Thank you for saving me,”

“Sure,” he replied, his gaze fixed on me. He went down on one knee and brought a ring. “Marry me and I promise you will never be in danger again in your life,”

It felt like a movie, and my only reaction was to laugh. I burst out into laughter and tried to walk away with my back against him. As I staggered away, I felt a cold metal pressed against my head. “Don’t you dare move another inch”