"To lasting friendship"

As Kira stood up to introduce her cousin, Mia, I couldn't help but feel a pang of nervousness. Sam and I had helped her this morning, without even knowing she was a cousin of our friend Kira.

'It's good to be good,' I said to myself.

When Mia extended her hand to shake mine, I was pleasantly surprised by the soft, warm feeling of her small hand in mine.

I noticed her eyes darting around the room, taking in all the sights and sounds of the crowded nightclub. She seemed a little overwhelmed, but I couldn't blame her. This was definitely a new environment for her.

She sat down on the only available seat, the one beside me and then Sam stood up.

He used his car keys to hit the glass cup l he was holding slightly and then started on some speech about friendship and distance and holidays.

Finally, he ended it with a toast," To lasting friendship."

"To lasting friendship," we chorused as we all took a sip from our drinks.

After that, Kira suggested we hit the dance floor, and I saw Mia's face fall slightly.

She declined the invitation and instead chose to watch from the table. I stayed behind with her, feeling a little guilty for leaving her alone. Plus I myself wasn't not much of a dancer.

"I never knew you to be a cousin of my friend," I said, trying to make conversation.

"And I never knew you to be a friend of my cousin," she replied with a small smile.

We sat in silence for a moment, until Mia suddenly apologized for not remembering my name earlier in the cafeteria.

I waved it off, telling her not to worry about it. I also apologized for Lily's display. I didn't want her to feel embarrassed or self-conscious.

Mia nodded and took a sip from her drink, her eyes following the group of friends as they danced. I could tell she was a little out of her comfort zone, but I hoped she would enjoy herself eventually.

As we sat at the table and watched our friends dance, I couldn't help but feel a little awkward.

I didn't know Mia very well and I wasn't sure what to talk about. I tried to think of something to say that would break the ice between us.

"So, how do you like the club?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Mia shrugged. "It's okay, I guess. It's a little loud and crowded for my taste. I prefer quieter, more intimate settings."

I nodded, understanding where she was coming from. I wasn't a huge fan of loud clubs either, but I enjoyed the energy and excitement of being out with friends.

"Have you been to many clubs before?" I asked, trying to get to know her a little better.

Mia shook her head. "Not really. I'm more of a homebody. I prefer staying in and watching movies or reading a good book."

I smiled, finding that we had more in common than I initially thought. "I'm the same way. I can't stay out too late or I'll be a total grump the next day. Though I find myself still staying out late, thanks to them" I nodded towards our group on the dance floor enjoying themselves.

Mia chuckled. "Yeah, me too. It's nice to have someone who understands."

We fell into an easy conversation, discussing our favorite books and movies and sharing funny stories from our past.

As the night went on, I found myself enjoying Mia's company more and more. She was smart, funny, and had a warm, friendly personality. I was glad I had stayed behind with her at the table.

We kept talking about other random stuff and soon I went to get our 3rd refill. After some time, I started feeling lightheaded and I guessed Mia was feeling the same. She was becoming freer with me.

"C'mon, Ray. Let's also have some fun on the dancefloor."

"Are you sure about that?" I asked, feeling self-conscious about my dancing skills.

"Who cares? Just let go and enjoy yourself. That's what tonight is all about, right? Fun" Mia said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I hesitated for a moment, but Mia's enthusiasm was contagious. The bass of the music pounded through my chest as we moved to the beat on the crowded dance floor.

Sweat beaded on my forehead and my shirt stuck to my skin in the hot, stuffy club.

Mia's eyes sparkled in the flashing lights as she laughed and let go, her body loose and free. I found myself letting go and enjoying myself, feeling a lightness and joy that I hadn't felt in a long time.

After dancing for what felt like hours, Mia and I stepped outside to catch our breath and cool down. The cold air was a shock to my overheated skin, and I saw Mia shivering next to me.

Without a second thought, I shrugged off my jacket and offered it to her. "Thanks," she whispered, her teeth chattering.

We walked down the street, chatting and laughing when suddenly a car came speeding towards us.

"Watch out!" I shouted.

With the sudden rush of adrenaline in my veins, I grabbed Mia, diving out of the way. I hit the ground hard, with Mia on top of me. My head spun and my heart raced as I lay there, trying to catch my breath.

After a moment, I looked down at Mia's still form on top of me, my heart leaping into my throat. I gently placed her on the ground and checked for any injuries, relieved to find none.

I picked her up and carried her back to the club, but instead of going inside, I took her to my car and made sure she was comfortable before returning to the club to find my worried friends.

"Where have you been?"

"We've been searching all over for you?"

"Where's Mia? I thought she was with you?"

Those were the questions that hit me as I found my friends at the entrance of the club. I didn't even know which to answer first.

"Guys, calm down. Mia and I went for a stroll and were nearly run over by a car," I explained. "Don't worry. She's safe in my car," I finished before anyone had the chance to talk.

"Well, that's enough for today. Plus we have school tomorrow, so let's head home," Jack said.

"Kira, you can come with me so I can drop you and Mia at your place," I offered.

"Thanks, Ray," Kira said, kissing Jack goodnight.

After saying our goodbyes, Kira and I got into my car and started the drive home. The headlights of my car cut through the dark night, the cool air refreshing after the heat and noise of the club.

We chatted about the events of the night, the music and dancing, and the close call with the car. The streets were quiet and the conversation was light and easy.

After about twenty minutes, we arrived at Kira's house. I carried Mia inside and Kira directed me to her room.

The soft glow of the lamp in Mia's room casted a warm light over the bed as I gently placed Mia on the mattress.

She stirred and woke up, her eyes fluttering open. Our faces were close together and we held that position for a moment, gazing at each other.

"Thanks for tonight, Ray," Mia whispered, her voice soft and sweet.

She kissed my cheek and I was taken aback, my heart racing. I kissed her forehead in return, my heart full.

"Goodnight, Mia," I said, wishing her a peaceful sleep.

I went downstairs and found Kira waiting for me on the sofa.

"Thanks for everything," Kira said, her eyes full of appreciation. I hugged her briefly, feeling a deep sense of connection and friendship.

"Goodnight, Kira. Sleep well," I said, my heart overflowing with love and gratitude.

I got home a little after 11 and went straight to bed, my mind filled with thoughts of Mia and the events of the night.

I smiled and drifted off to sleep, feeling a sense of happiness and contentment that I hadn't felt in a long time.