The Darkness Within Read Free Page B

held onto the waiters, shirt. ‘Another one of these please, and this time make it quick.’ She slammed the empty glass onto the tray almost toppling it over. The waiter seemed a little agitated. ‘Go on, chop, chop, you’re not paid to stand around.’
    He left fuming, but it was his job and he’d encountered worse.
    ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ Tasmin had to ask.
    ‘Oh darling I couldn’t be better.’ She whipped out a ruby coloured lipstick and touched up her lips. ‘I’m on top of the world right now. I’m in control!’ She kissed her lips together as she replaced the lipstick into the handbag. The next drink arrived and she did the same. ‘This time make it two glasses of double vodka.’
    The waiter left shaking his head annoyed.
    ‘Whoa, take it easy there, player,’ said Tasmin.
    ‘Since when did you speak like that miss lawyer girl?’ Freya laughed.
    ‘Since my home girl became a drunk.’
    ‘I’m not a drunk. Don’t call me that.’
    ‘Well you’re sure acting like it.’
    ‘Let it go ladies,’ said Loretta. ‘We’re here to have fun. Not insult each other.’
    ‘I quite agree.’ She began to swing to the music that was playing in the background. ‘Let’s go and dance!’ she shouted.
    ‘Not just yet,’ said Loretta.
    ‘Why the hell not? Live for today!’ she stood up and started for the dance floor without waiting for her friends. They just watched from a distance. Life wasn’t the way it had been. In fact, their friend had changed one night after a night out after their first year of university. It was something Freya never talked about, or let anyone know about, but everyone knew something had happened.
    The waiter found her on the dancefloor. She took both glasses, lifted them in the air while she danced, and when the music changed she downed them in two long gulps. She was a hardcore drinker and it would take a lot to make her terribly drunk. Once the music changed to something not to her taste, she headed back to the table with her friends who were still on their first drink.
    Freya’s mobile went off. She took a moment to read the message. ‘Excuse me guys a minute.’ She headed outside before they could say a thing. She walked a block down the road and finally into an alley.
    ‘Hi, Allen,’ she greeted the man.
    ‘Freya, you well?’
    ‘Yes. You have my stuff?’
    ‘For you? Always darling.’
    ‘Hand it over.’ She pulled out some twenty pound notes and handed them over.
    Allen checked to make sure it was the right amount. ‘Great. Here you go!’
    ‘Excellent. Great doing business with you.’
    Freya left him and walked back to the club. She headed straight for the toilet and locked herself in a cubicle. Within seconds the white powder was on a compact mirror and being snorted up into her nose. Freya sat back and looked up at the ceiling while she let the drugs do their magic. Once she was satisfied she took another snort of the white powder and looked up again. As she looked up she smiled. Her world suddenly felt right again. She felt in control again and nothing would defeat her ever again. With that new sense of security Freya left the cubicle on a high. She smiled at the women who had just come in and headed back for her friends.
    ‘Where are the fucking drinks!’
    ‘Right, clearly you’re fucked out of your mind,’ said Loretta. ‘I’m calling your sister.’
    ‘Don’t you dare! I’m fine. I’m just having fun. What’s crawled up your butt and died.’
    ‘I’m worried about you.’
    ‘Would everyone just stop worrying about me. Can’t you see, I’m fine and happy. Wouldn’t you rather see me happy?’
    ‘Yes but happy because you’re really happy not because you’re pumping with drugs.’
    ‘What makes you think I’m on drugs. Ladies!’
    ‘It’s so obvious. You’ve been away a good fifteen minutes and you’re as high as a kite.’
    ‘Fuck you both.’ She headed off to the dance floor where she remained for most of the