Chapter 11

XI. Drunk

HE'S THE VERY FIRST guy who had called me beautiful, and I wasn't used to it. Was it supposed to make me feel like my heart's going to burst out of my chest? Because it certainly feels like it. Just the mere memory of his smile, touch and stare is enough for my body to tremble and I couldn't think of anything else but him. That's the impact he has on me, it's as if my everything doesn't belong to me anymore.

The car ride feels like it's going to take forever when only an hour has passed. The BSAA event is going to be held at a private beach resort and each second that we were coming close, the more my anxiety level is nearing its peak. I couldn't help the subtle tremble of my hands at the thought of a crowd gawking at me, as I remembered the way those scientists looked at me as if I was the center of attention. I glanced at the GPS on Piers' phone and I figured that we were only less than ten minutes away. Then my eyes shifted at him looking straight at the road but it felt as if his mind was wandering elsewhere. I wonder what was bothering him?

"Are you alright?" He asked me before I could, still focused on the road. His attention made me look away.

"Yeah, just a little bit nervous." I smiled, trying to show him that I'm not that bothered when deep inside I'm already freaked out. Nervous is even an understatement! I bit my bottom lip, and looked away when I felt him stare at me again. My heartbeat thumped twice as fast when the resort was already in plain eyeshot. Piers was already finding a place to park, "Scheiße. Ich muss wirklich chillen..." I whispered to myself, sighing deeply.

"You don't look a little bit nervous though," There he goes again with that deep stare that seeps through the soul. You're not helping, Piers! You're just making me even more nervous. But instead of telling that to him, I just pouted at him. "Entspann dich, Cheryl. You look constipated." He chuckled.

I couldn't help but crack a smile at his failed attempt to speak German, "You are terrible at German."

He rolled his eyes, "Yeah, well, but you get my point."

I heaved out a deep sigh then looked at my still trembling intertwined hands, "Do you think I'll do good?"

I was surprised to see his warm big hand envelop mine and I looked up to see him looking at me intently, smiling encouragingly. "You'll do great."

I swallowed when I felt him give my hand a comforting squeeze before he let go. I felt a little disappointed when he did so, because it really felt like I could do anything as long as he holds my hand. I shook the thought away then glanced at the party through the window, and then I sighed again.

"You can take your time. No pressure, we can be here as long as you want until you're ready." He reassured me, and I gave him a small smile. Whenever somebody says "no pressure," most times it added more pressure. And I'm definitely feeling the pressure right now. I looked at the venue again, chewing on my lower lip. I look back at him again observing my every move. I felt the blood rushing up to my cheeks at his intense stare, and there I realized that dealing with the crowd is much bearable than having to endure his stare that seeps right through my soul. I feel like I'm going to run a fever if I stay here any longer.

"Okay," I took a deep breath then let it all out, "I'm ready."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded, "Yes."

He looked at me for a few seconds longer before he agreed. He opened his door before going over and opening mine, offering his arm to me. I got out of the car and wrapped my arm around his and there he proceeded to lead me to the resort where the formal event is currently taking place. My grip on his arm tightened each passing steps and he noticed, his free hand went to hold it, making my grip loosen a bit.

"Don't worry, I got you. If you don't feel good, just tell me and I'll take you home, okay?"

"Okay..."

"Nivans! Fancy seeing you here!" Just as we were by the ingress of the resort, a man dressed in a suit holding a wineglass appeared out of nowhere and greeted my companion. Piers grinned and greeted his friend back by high-fiving each other.

"Easy with the liquors, Carl. You wouldn't want to go home early, do you?"

"The liquor here is awesome, man. So I suggest you get as drunk as possible."

"Not tonight. I'm driving Cheryl home."

His eyes shifted to me upon the mention of my name. "Oh, Cheryl Hansen! Fancy seeing you here! I'm Carl Alfonso, BSAA North American Branch. Nice to finally meet you, missy." His words slurred a bit as he offered his hand out for a handshake. I immediately accepted it.

"Nice to meet you, too, Carl."

"You guys enjoy, huh?" He shifted his attention back at Piers, "Chris is looking for you by the way. He's at the bar."

"Thanks, Carl."

Now that Carl has gone somewhere, I got the chance to take in all of the exquisite surroundings. We were only at the lobby and it looked so simple yet elegant. You can really tell that this resort is one of the finest in the city.

"You don't have to restrain yourself, Piers." I suddenly said.

"What?" He looked at me with furrowed eyebrows.

"You can drink, get drunk even. I can drive us both home."

He looked at me thoroughly for a few seconds, before he shook his head. "No, I'm not here to get drunk, Cheryl."

Piers and I proceeded to the ball room and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed at the vast, simple decorations at the walls, flowers on expensive vases, mahogany tables draped with royal blue tablecloth that was set to a formal dinner setting, big crystal chandeliers dangling. But the highlight of the night were beautiful people scattered around the room chattering about something only they could understand. They all looked so beautiful and happy to be in each other's company, making me feel small and underdressed. But then when I saw how some of them stopped and stared at me, I'd realized that they already knew who I was. I had forgotten for a moment that this party consisted mostly the members of the BSAA, and they had probably read the reports about me.

When we approached the bar, we saw Chris and Jill talking to each other. When they sensed our presence, they both whipped their heads at us and smiled.

"Cheryl!" Jill stood up and hugged me, which surprised me for a moment but when I regained my composure, my arms slowly went up to wrap around her slender figure. Oh, and she smells nice, too, like vanilla. She pulled back and flashed me a pearly smile. "You look very stunning tonight."

"Not as stunning as you."

"Can't you accept a compliment for once?" She chuckled. My gaze then shifted to Chris who was talking to Piers. His serious expression softened when he darted his gaze at me.

"Hey, Cheryl. Good to see you again." Chris patted my shoulder, "You look great. How're you holding up?"

"I'm good, Chris. Thank you for asking."

"I'm glad you could make it tonight. I really wanted to see how things are going on with you." He glanced at Piers, "Jill here has been telling me stories about you and Piers—" Jill nudged Chris on the side, making his sentence halt. Jill gave Chris a look to which he immediately understood. I tilted my head to the side, a little confused. "I mean, about how you were doing for the past year. I'm so proud of you, you know."

I grinned, "Thank you. It's mainly because of you and Sheva. If it weren't for you guys, I wouldn't be here. It's really an honor to be here."

"That's good to hear. I'm worried that you wouldn't be comfortable with the crowd."

"Oh, I'll get by. Thanks to Piers." I smiled then held Piers' arm for acknowledgement which made Chris and Jill smile and share a subtle knowing look at each other which I didn't fail to notice. What did I do?

Before I could ask them what's wrong, the other BSAA officials joined the conversation. I met the people behind the organization; advisors, directors, soldiers, agents and they were all welcoming to me. Although I still feel a little tensed, I think I can really do and enjoy this event after all. After interacting with the people, Piers led me to the tables for dinner. It was American plated, where the food was going to be directly served to us. The dish consisted of a fat, juicy steak along with mashed potatoes and various vegetables, and it looked similar to the steak I made for the first time. After all of that socializing, I'd only felt the hunger now. Taking a bite out of the juicy steak, my eyes widened in fascination. It was delicious! A lot more delicious than the one I made.

"This is probably the best steak I've ever had," I blurted out.

"Hmm, I've eaten a much better steak than this." Piers replied as he ate his own steak.

"Really?"

He nodded, "Yeah."

"Well, take me there sometime."

Piers just smiled and looked at me. God, I just can't take it when he does that. So I looked away again, pretending to be engrossed on my food. I finished my steak and excused myself to the washroom to retouch my makeup and also take a breather. I heave out a deep sigh as I stare hard at my reflection in the mirror before shaking my head and washing my hands.

"Was geht ab, Cheryl?" I asked myself, "Viel! Bei mir ist derzeit einiges los. Mir geht es nicht so gut." I exclaimed then groaned. I know I probably look like a lunatic talking to myself. But being able to take a breather alone in the washroom has its perks, I guess. I shook my head in an attempt to calm myself down.

When I got out of the washroom, I saw the dancefloor already packed, some tipsy bodies swaying to the beat of the music. What looked like a formal event earlier turned into a wild party. I think I even saw Jill dancing among the crowd with her friends. I marched back to our table, careful not to bump anyone on the way, and I saw Piers sipping on a glass of wine.

"You're not dancing?" I asked him.

"No, I'm not really a party person."

"But you're enjoying so far, right?"

"Yeah," He smiled, "I do."

"Then that's good enough."

"How about you? Are you enjoying?"

"A little."

He arched an eyebrow, "Only a little?"

I pretended to think, "Well, maybe more than a little."

He laughed at that, and as cheesy as it sounds, his laugh put the music on the loud speakers to shame. I smiled and stared at his relaxed, smiling face. He always makes me forget that I'm different, he always makes me happy even if I didn't deserve to be. I realized that I'm willing to do anything to make him happy. I am determined to make him happy as much as he made me. Because his happiness is also my happiness... because...

"Piers! There you are." A male voice interrupted my pool of thoughts, breaking our eye contact with each other. We turned our heads to the unfamiliar man who looked a few years older than Piers.

"Andy," Piers said, "What's up?"

"I need your help, man," Andy said then tugged Piers' arm to which the latter swatted a little. He stood up and faced Andy.

"What's wrong?" Piers asked him as he glanced at me.

"Uh, can I borrow Piers for a sec, Ms. Hansen?"

"Um... sure, take your time."

"Cheryl, wait—"

"Danke!" Andy beamed.

Piers gave Andy a killer look as the latter practically dragged the former away, Piers looking at me with an apologetic look. I just smiled and gave him a wave. I don't ever want him to worry about me anymore, I genuinely want him to unwind and enjoy this night with his friends. As for me... I'd have to find some place quiet to breathe. I prefer the company of solitude after all as I have been used to it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the party but sometimes I like to go somewhere quiet so that I could think.

I took my wineglass and Piers' and drank it straight. Then I took two glasses of the white liquid from the waiter holding a tray and downed it in one go. I winced as the alcohol burned my throat. The waiter informed me that it was vodka. I know, I have such a very low alcohol tolerance but I needed to feel warm if I wanted to go out. I stood up and marched outside the ball room. As I closed the door, the music muffled and I exhaled the breath I didn't know I was holding. The staff of the resort greeted me as I walked out to the beach. The cold wind caressed my skin, sending involuntary shivers but I didn't mind it. I took off my heels, feeling the relief and soreness at the same time as I walked on the sand with my bare feet. It's a good thing that there are lanterns on the pine trees so that it wouldn't be too dark for me to wander around the beach. I sat on the huge rock that had a magnificent view of the full moon, stars and the calm waves of the sea. It made me calm down as well and sigh. I dug my feet on the sand, feeling the flakiness of it and closed my eyes as I listened to the faint music in the background and some footsteps. Wait, footsteps?

Before I could crane my neck to see who it was, I felt something warm had draped over my shoulders. Just by the smell of it, I already figured out who it was.

"Why'd you go out? It's cold in here," Piers asked, and I looked up to see his serious face illuminated by the moon, making him look even more perfect in my eyes. Oh God... stop that, Cheryl...

I shook my head, snuggling myself in his warm coat. It feels like he's hugging me. I stared at him. "Nothing, just taking a breather."

"Do you... want to be alone?"

"Will you stay if I said that I don't?"

"Yeah."

"Then stay."

I moved to the side so that he could take a seat beside me. He cleared his throat as he did so, staring at the moon while I stare at him. He didn't seem to mind and so I returned my gaze back at the sea, letting the silence engulf us for a moment. This is one of the things I like about us, is that there are no dull moments with him, at least for me. Even the silence was comforting and as much as I wanted to speak, I just couldn't bring myself to because I knew that I'd say something stupid.

"Piers," I mumbled.

"Hmm?"

"Have I told you that you look really handsome tonight? I mean... you are handsome but you look even more handsome tonight."

Piers was quiet for a few seconds, probably surprised at my remark. And before I could regret and take back what I've said, I heard him snort in amusement.

"Thanks, I guess..."

"I bet girls compliment you all the time, huh?"

"Not much," He looked at me with that same smile I couldn't resist, he patted my head which made me pout. "But you take the cake."

What's that supposed to mean? "I don't get it."

"You don't need to."

Although the music was faint and almost inaudible, I still recognized it because it was my mother's favorite song. It was Lost In Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson, and I could vividly remember her singing it to me as a lullaby when I was a child. I faintly smiled at the bittersweet ghostly memory.

"Hey, Piers, let's dance."

Piers blinked, surprised. "What?"

"I know... I don't usually dance either, especially in front of a crowd but we're alone right now." His mouth went ajar as he stared at me with wide eyes filled with wonder. "And besides, we're in a party, might as well go all the way, right?" I stood up and pulled Piers hands, urging him to stand up but he wouldn't budge.

"Cheryl, did you drink?" He narrowed his eyes at me.

"No! No... well, maybe I'm just a tiny bit tipsy but I'm still sober, I swear." I pulled his hands again, but still wouldn't budge.

"Said by every drunk person ever." He rolled his eyes.

"Piers, bitte,"

Piers grumbled before standing up, much to my glee.

"Du bist die beste!" I exclaimed as I pulled his hand to the middle of the beach.

"English please."

"You're the best." I grinned at him as I positioned his hands on my waist while I wrapped my arms around his neck.

We swayed slowly to the faint music and the cold wind blew once again, making me instinctively seek comfort in the warmth of his body. I hugged him then buried my face on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeats. Piers' arms wrapped around me, too, and I felt his chin on my head. How I wish... is it bad that I wanted to freeze this moment forever?

"I never really thanked you, Piers," I muttered, my eyes still closed.

"For what?"

"For this life... taking care of me, for being my friend... for making me happy. For everything. I honestly can't imagine my life without you anymore."

"Cheryl..."

The music ended and it was the same time that I pulled away to face him. And as the song said, I can't help but get lost in those beautiful, deep hazel eyes, his serious face that I couldn't help but fall in love with. I thought that telling someone you love them is going to be one of the hardest thing to do but surprisingly I didn't feel any twinge of fear in my system, and I certainly didn't mind if he doesn't feel the same way. I just... wanted him to know how I really feel for him.

"I love you, Piers. You're the best thing that ever happened to me."