Short Story: A Fun Night Out

“Rae, I don’t think — I mean, are you sure this is a good idea?”

Raenelle glances over her shoulder at her best friend, Aldrias, who’s regarding her with an apprehensive gaze. She can read the anxiety in his eyes, his worry of getting into trouble with their parents if they are caught going out drinking at what is apparently deemed to be too young of an age.

As if their parents will find out if none of them say anything.

Flipping her hair in a confident manner, Raenelle grins at him in reassurance. “Aldy, when have any of my ideas ever been bad?”

The look on Aldrias face makes his answer clear, but before he can say anything, Lyrissa chimes in in a cheerful voice. “Honestly, I think it sounds like a lot of fun!”

A triumphant smirk finds its way onto Raenelle’s face. She knew she could count on Lyrissa to back her up.

Aldrias looks between her and Raenelle, and his shoulders slump in resignation. He knows when he’s been outvoted by the two girls — as usual. “I guess… Perhaps you’re right; it can be a nice night out.”

“That’s the spirit!” Lyrissa beams, hooking her arm through Aldrias’. He can only reply with a weak smile.

“Let’s go!” Raenelle gestures for her two friends to keep up as she pushes open the doors to the tavern. “First round of drinks are on me!”

Lyrissa claps with excitement, dragging Aldrias along to follow after Raenelle. The three are soon seated at a table tucked away in a corner of the tavern. Raenelle waves to catch the attention of a barmaid and places an order for three beers for herself and her friends, which quickly arrives.

“Cheers!” Raenelle raises her drink. Lyrissa and Aldrias mirror her action, their glasses making a soft clink as they collide, before the three friends each take a sip.

Raenelle’s nose wrinkles in disdain as soon as the bitter taste of the beer hits her. It takes everything in her to keep her face as nonchalant as possible while forcing the drink down with a hard swallow.

With how much people seemed to enjoy drinking alcohol, she’d have thought it’d taste much better than this. Or maybe it’s just that her taste buds have yet to acclimate to the strong flavor?

Next to her, Lyrissa drinks elegantly from her glass with a cheerful smile, and no matter how hard Raenelle looks, she doesn’t see an ounce of reaction from Lyrissa that indicates anything is out of place.

Aldrias, on the other hand…

He starts coughing and sputtering, shaking his head furiously as he sets the drink back down on the table. “I… I can’t… This… This is too much! One of you can have it.”

“Don’t mind if I do!” Raenelle swipes the glass from Aldrias and starts to chug it in large gulps, hoping that if she drinks more, it’ll start to taste better.

Once she finishes his drink, she returns to her own, downing it in mere moments.

Then she orders another round for her and Lyrissa.

And another.

By the time Raenelle’s about to finish her third — or perhaps it’s the fourth if she counts Aldrias’ too — glass of beer, she’s forgotten about the bitterness and burning sensation that the beer leaves in her throat. In fact, her entire body feels all warm and fuzzy, and she flashes her two friends an enthusiastic grin.

Aldrias blinks at her in concern. “Rae… Don’t you think you’re having a bit... much?”

Raenelle looks at him for a moment, and for some reason, it seems harder than normal to speak. Way harder. “Noooooo. I’m totally fineeee, Aldyyyy!”

He doesn’t look the slightest bit convinced.

“Lemme show youuu!” Raenelle insists and starts to stand, but as she does, she discovers that her legs have turned to jelly at some point during the night. She barely makes it two inches off her seat before they give out, and she comes crashing down, sprawling onto the table.

And then everything goes black.

Some time later, perhaps a few minutes or maybe even a few hours later, Raenelle stirs to the sound of raised voices.

“Are you sure this is normal, Rissa? She’s still passed out… Should we wake her?”

“You know how Rae is; she’s not going to want to get up. Not when she’s sober, and probably especially not when she’s drunk.”

“Then what should we do, carry her home?”

As consciousness gradually returns to her, Raenelle groans. The heated discussion immediately ceases as her friends redirect their focus on her.

“Rae, are you okay?” Lyrissa asks in a worried tone. Raenelle slowly turns her head in the direction of her friend’s voice, her eyes fluttering open. Just as she’s about to answer, she realizes her mouth feels very… wet. And the second she opens her mouth, it’s not words but literal vomit that shoots out of her mouth.

Lyrissa squeaks as she narrowly dodges the projectile. Aldrias jumps to his feet, his hands fluttering about in panic and nervousness.

“Oh, Deities above. All right.” Aldrias takes a deep breath, then another. “I think that’s enough for tonight,” he says firmly as he and Lyrissa help Raenelle to her feet. “It’s time to go home.”

“But…” Raenelle starts to whine.

Lyrissa pats her gently on the back. “I think he’s right… We can do this again another night, okay Rae?”

Raenelle lets out a whiny objection, but it goes ignored.

Aldrias waves some of the waitstaff over to inform them of Raenelle’s unfortunate mess with many apologies, making sure to leave a generous tip of silver coins on the table to make up for it.

Raenelle continues to grumble softly as her two friends start to carry her out of the tavern. The chill night air helps Raenelle regain her clarity bit by bit. By the time they’re halfway to her home, she’s able to walk on her own, albeit slightly shakier than usual.

“Rae?”

“Yes, Aldy?”

Out of the corner of her eye, Raenelle can see him considering his words before he ultimately says, “I… think that it might have been a bad idea after all.”

“What are you talking about Aldy! That was so much fun!”

He gives her a pointed look.

“I just need to learn to hold my liquor better! You know what they say,” Raenelle winks at her clearly exasperated friend, “practice makes perfect!”

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The story is written by niku and edited by me. I hope you guys enjoyed it. Happy holidays, and thank you as always for the generous support! <3