Love's Requiem

“Just to clarify here, you know that as long as they have alcohol it’s amazing in our book right?” Alex asked Michi while we walked to the club after leaving the car off at her apartment.

“Still!” She protested.

“For the record, I’m going to hate it either way.” I told her in Croatian making everyone but Alex laugh until Niko translated what I had said.

We joked around the rest of the five minutes that we were walking to the club. When we got there, it was your average nightclub, blasting music packed with people drinking, dancing and having a good time.

“Ah I told you it was nice.” Michi gloated as we all scrambled to the two vacant couches we spotted.

“Its amazing.” I told her sarcastically making Alex snort.

“There is no pleasing you is there? How do you put up with her?” She exclaimed looking at Alex, who was talking with Niko and her boyfriend Ivan about something.

“Usually if you throw on a soccer game, or a bleeding through Cd she moves on and shuts up.” He laughed.

“Kind of like a gold fish.” Niko commented.

We sat and talked a little bit more because the bar was packed and from what it looked like we had no shot at getting any drinks any time soon.

“Govna!” Michi mumbled while we were figuring out who wanted what to drink.

I glanced over at her and quickly in Croatian asked her what was wrong,

“What ever you do, don’t turn to your left, he’s here” She went on.

“Who is?” I asked as I over heard Alex ask Niko what we were talking about.

“Gossiping about some girl they knew.” Niko lied.

“A certain football player.” Was all she had to say and I felt myself freeze up. Great, I thought.

“The one I grew up with or the other one?” I asked her.

“I only saw the one you grew up with.”

“Thank god.” I sighed in relief.

“I think we should offer to get the drinks so it won’t be so easy to spot you.” She suggested.

“Good idea.” I nodded, “Hey what does everyone want, cause we’re going to go to the bathroom and then flirt our way to the bar.” I asked, as everyone gave us what they wanted.

“You got all that?” Michi asked me glancing around quickly.

“Yup.” I nodded, as we stood up.

Before I left I bent down and gave Alex a kiss while Michi did the same with Ivan. We headed for the bathroom while I looked down and Michi walked in front of me leading me.

“What do we do?” I exclaimed as soon as we walked in to the deserted bathroom.

“Why can’t you just go say hi to him? I mean after all you both were best friends growing up.”

“It’s not him that’s the problem.”

“I haven’t seen that one anywhere, and besides why would he bother with you now no offense he’s like married now.”

“You’re right.” I agreed.

“I am?” She asked taken back.

“Yeah, he’s married and I’m here with my boyfriend. It just might be awkward.” I explained releasing a deep breath.

“What happened between you two that summer anyway?” She asked me.

“You don’t even want to know.” I assured her as we hooked arms and headed for the bar.

“I think I kind of do, I go to Italy and then I come back run in to him and he tells me you and him are together, meanwhile you live in America. What the hell happened I mean it was three months right not a whole lot could have happened?” She pressed as we squeezed through the people surrounding the bar.

“I don’t think right now is the best time or place to talk about that.” I told her. “Excuse me,” I said politely, man Jack was right I did get my accent back I thought as I heard my voice.

As Michi and I finally managed to push our way through, we then waited, resting over the bar.

“Isabella.” I heard a voice I hadn’t heard in ages say next to me.

“I knew I should have went first.” I heard Michi mumble as I turned my head to the right, becoming face to face with my
childhood best friend Luka.

“Luka.” I smiled, trying not to freak out.

“You remember.” He laughed, “Visiting for the holiday?” He asked me.

“Yeah, my mom told me she ran in to your parents a few days ago.” I said while Michi started ordering drinks.

“Same here how are you?” He asked me. “The last time I saw you we were what 15?”

“Yeah.” I nodded, “Though I see you on my television set all the time.” I laughed.

“Bella, I got me and Ivan’s drinks, you have to get yours, Niko’s and Alex’s.” Michi said as she left with two drinks in her hands.

“Your brother’s here too?” He asked looking shocked.

“The whole happy bunch. Who are you here with?” I asked.

“Just a few friends, they’re downstairs I got stuck getting the drinks.”

“Same here.” I laughed.

I stood there talking with Luka for I don’t know how long, but I felt Alex’s stare not come off me.

“I should let you get back to your friends.” I told him as the bartender brought me Niko and Alex’s drinks.

“Alright, it was great seeing you Isabella.” He smiled pulling me in to a super tight hug. “Here, let me get your number so maybe we can catch up before I go back to Zadar.” He said pulling out his phone.

“Uh sure.” I nodded not really being able to say no, and putting my number in. “Take care of yourself Luka.” I told him as
I walked away with the two drinks.

“Took you long enough.” Alex said blankly, as I handed him and Niko their drinks.