25. Party Mishap Confrontation
The table overflowed with sweets and snacks. Ellen reached for a pie and a piece of candy, while Phil opted for some candy, intrigued by its taste. Nearby, couples admired the decorations, their awe evident at the beauty of it all. Amidst the gathering, people helped themselves to the offerings on the table. Suddenly, a voice resonated near the dance floor.
"Greetings, everyone! I hope you're all enjoying yourselves. My husband and I are thrilled by your presence. Soon, it will be time for the cake, and we'd love for everyone to join us when we call. So, let loose and have fun—our party has only just begun!" The bride's excitement radiated as she delivered her message, her smile radiant. Her short wedding dress showcased her vanity, yet Ellen couldn't help but admire her as she shared the sentiment with Phil.
She expressed her intention to sit down, and Phil courteously escorted her to their table. Phil was eager to seize the opportunity for a moment of intimacy before the event progressed any further.
Upon arriving home, Sarah's pent-up frustration boiled over. Her purse landed on the bed with a thud, followed by her body, which collapsed onto the soft surface as tears streamed down her face. "Of all days, it had to be today—I wanted to enjoy myself with my friend, but no, I had to start menstruating. How infuriating," she bemoaned, her hands tangled in her hair.
After a while, she gathered herself and decided to address the situation. Sarah made her way to the bathroom, intending to use tampons and pain relief medication to alleviate the discomfort. Retrieving the necessary supplies from her closet, she took the medication with a sip of water before heading to the bathroom. These days were nothing short of dreadful, and she despised their effects on her.
Meanwhile, at the party, Petro found himself dancing energetically with a brunette named Luiza—a fellow Englishwoman. Their steps synchronized in the rhythm of the music, and as the dancing continued, Petro eventually requested a brief respite. He made his way to the table, informing Luiza that he would join his friends for a while. Petro bid her farewell and joined Paul and Phil.
"They seem to be having a good time," Paul observed, his sentiment mirrored by Phil and Petro. Despite the enjoyment, an air of familiarity lingered, having danced with the same partners before. Ellen shared the same sentiment and looked forward to departing after she had finished her meal.
Observing Ellen's departure, Petro inquired about her friend. Ellen conveyed that Sarah was unwell, prompting Petro to express his concern. "It's unfortunate to hear about her condition. I hope she gets better," Phil chimed in empathetically, a sentiment echoed by Paul and Petro. Petro took the opportunity to ask Ellen if she was leaving, and she affirmed it, preparing to retrieve her purse from her designated table.
As Ellen embarked on her journey to collect her purse, an unintended encounter occurred. A man carrying a drink accidentally splashed water onto her dress as he passed by. Taken aback, Ellen recoiled a step, the water dampening her dress around the bust and belly. The evening breeze compounded her discomfort, causing her to shiver. In a disgruntled tone, she addressed the man, "Excuse me, but were you not looking where you were going?"
The man quickly apologized, his gaze locked on the striking woman in the blue dress. His sheepish smile and absent-minded scratch of the neck conveyed his genuine remorse. "I'm so sorry. Are you alright?" he inquired, concern evident in his eyes. Ellen, still damp, responded with a touch of irritation, "Clearly, I'm not fine. Who would be when they're soaked like I am?"
Just then, Petro and Paul approached, their expressions tense as they confronted the apologetic man. Paul's irritation was palpable, voicing his frustration, "Are you out of your mind? Can't you watch where you're walking?" Petro intervened, placing himself between the man and Ellen, advising him to be more attentive.
"You've managed to wet the lady. Pay attention to where you're going," Petro admonished with a simmering anger, a sentiment shared by Paul.