The Royal Contract

It had been a while since he had been out this late in a bar. Since he turned his relationship with Rosella into a serious one, he had never felt the need to go to such places.

Although his friends sometimes forced him to join them, he could not stand to stay longer than necessary. He preferred to go home to spend the rest of his night with Rosella.

"Ahhh!" David could not help the sigh that escaped his lips as he sat across from his friend at the table. He drank almost half of the liquor in his glass before bowing his head and staring at the remaining liquid.

He wished things could go back to what they used to be. He was tired of coming home to an empty apartment. It was just too depressing.

He wanted her back in his life. But unfortunately, he did not have a wishing well or a magic lamp to grant his wish. All he could do was hope. Eventually, Rosella would remember the love they shared.

"That bad." Adam suddenly commented, probably noticing his sudden change of behavior.

David guessed the alcohol was loosening his reservation, making him lose all his inhibitions from showing his emotions.

Usually, he was always calm and in control, but not tonight, as his longing overwhelmed him. He forced a smile on his lips, but he doubted it would convince his friend that he was ok.

"Yeah, I guess it is." Therefore, he thought to just let it out of his chest. There was no use denying it.

He consumed the rest of his drink before raising his hand again to order another round for them. He did not plan to get drunk, but the idea became more appealing as the clock ticked on.

"I am a good listener if you want to talk." His friend offered as he took another bottle of beer.

He might not have much experience regarding love, but he understood now what it meant. He was no expert, but he knew the feeling.

"You must have heard about Rosella. It is hard to love someone who does not remember she loves you back." He complained, feeling like fate had been unfair to him.

Or maybe he deserved this. It was punishment for all his past indiscretions. Fate had finally caught up with him, exacting its revenge for all his youthful wayward ways.

However, he was not losing hope that he still could find a way. But he just needed this one night to release his frustration.

"I think I might know the feeling." His friend said as he turned to look at him.

David glanced briefly at his friend before his attention shifted to the waiter standing by their table carrying a tray of drinks.

"Excuse me. Complimentary drinks, Sir." The waiter placed another round of their drinks. "Courtesy of the ladies over there." The young man in his black uniform pointed at the two women waving at him.

He would admit that both girls were attractive. They were beautiful, no doubt about it. They wore their dresses provocatively that it left little to the imagination. He could tell they would be wild in bed.

They talked more about Rosella and Serena. Somehow, they found some common grounds to compare. And somewhat, it felt good to talk to someone who understood his situation.

"I think we are both drunk. Why don't I give you a ride? I have a driver." David offered when they both decided to call it a night.

"There is no need." Adam refused but thanked his friend.

"I don't think you are in any condition to drive yourself. So, I am not taking no for an answer." David insisted as he dropped a wad of cash on the table.

"No, I am paying for this." Adam was about to take his wallet out of his pocket, but David stopped him.

"Consider this as your welcome to the firm party." David insisted on paying and driving his friend home.

Soon, they sat in the back seat of his car, pulling out of the club. The street was less busy since it was already late. But still, many people rushed on the streets on their way to work or home.

"Thanks for tonight, Adam. I think I just needed to blow off some steam." David leaned on the backseat, relaxing his body on the soft cushion. Somehow, he felt better after letting his bolted emotions out of his chest.

"I think we both needed that," Adam confessed, seemingly relieved to have talked to him.

He watched the street outside, noticing some closed stores with the front windows covered in darkness. He guessed the night was far from over.

Then, they were pulling on the curve where Adam lived. He noticed it was not what he expected it would be. But Adam had never been like them.

"This is me." Adam clapped his friend on the shoulder before opening his door when the driver stopped on the sidewalk. "Thanks for the lift." His friend said as he exited the car.

"I will see you in the office tomorrow," David said as he waved goodbye to his friend, who walked slightly swaying toward his apartment building's door.

But when he was about to tell his driver to move the car, his eyes caught something from his peripheral vision.

Quickly, he blinked them, wondering if he was seeing things. He was drunk, after all. But his vision was clear.

He knew that woman who rushed to Adam's side, helping him to his feet. Then, she walked him inside the door while she wrapped his arms around her.

"Damn!" He rubbed his face as he tried to clear his mind. But he believed what he saw. It was her.

What was she doing here? Did she know Adam? But that did not make sense.

Was he drunk or conjuring up dreams? Or was she real?