As Nina stepped into the house, she was enveloped by the sweet scent of aroma coming from the kitchen, mingling with the squishing sounds of frying delicacies. "Hello" she exclaimed her voice filled with warmth. Asher's mom, beaming with a smile turned to greet her, "hi! Nina, happy birthday! Asher told me all about it. He's getting ready; he's just in the room". She called out to Asher, her voice carrying up the stairs, "Asher! Come down, Nina is waiting for you". There was a momentary pause before Asher's response drifted down from upstairs.
As Nina waited, she couldn't help but think about Asher's recent behavior. It had been two months since he left school and he had been holed up in his room, avoiding social interactions, she wondered if he was really that antisocial. Just as Nina's thoughts were wondering, Asher emerged from his room, looking dashing in a white and blue suit, complete with a necktie and a pair of fine boots. His hair was styled perfectly and he looked every bit of a gentleman. Asher descended the stairs, Nina's eyes widened in awe, she couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked, and soon she felt a fluster in her chest. Asher on the other hand was struck by Nina's beauty. He gazed at her, taking in her elegant appearance, "wow! She looks gorgeous", asher thought to himself. As Asher reached the bottom of the stairs, he smiled at Nina, "Happy birthday". Nina smiled back, "thanks, let's go the party will soon start". Just as they were about to leave, Asher's mother called out, "Asher Don't leave yet! I've made pancakes for you and I have a gift for Nina".
Nina's eyes lit up as she accepted the gift, "wow, thanks!" Nina said. "Your welcome" Asher's mom spoke and she handed Asher his pancakes and a package wrapped neatly in a paper written; " don't stay too late and head back home when the party's all over, love you". Asher rolled his eyes naturally, "love you too mom... Byeee". With that, Asher and Nina left the house, walking the short distance to Nina's home.
As they entered the house, Asher couldn't help but notice the grandeur of Nina's house. The beautiful designs and expensive materials, left him in awe. "Nina's parents must be very rich to afford such a grand residence. The house is even bigger and much more fancier inside", Asher thought to himself. As they walked, they were greeted by Nina's friends who were all dressed up and excited for the celebration. "We've been looking for you all day!" Another Friend chimed in, "yeah for ages". "who's this boy?" The third friend asked curiously. Nina smiled, "he's my friend, childhood friend. Say hi Asher". Asher greeted them and they welcomed him warmly.
The event started, all lights were turned off, leaving only the fancy lights, casting a warm glow over the party area. The MC, a charismatic host, took the host. "Good day everyone, i believe we all know why we're gathered here today--- to celebrate the day a beautiful girl was born, Nina Grey!" The audience clapped, and soon the sounds of music filled the air as chefs served food and drinks. The MC continued, cracking jokes to entertain the crowd. He turned to Nina and asked, "is there anyone you'd like to make a toast to?". Nina thought for a moment before responding, "yeah i would like to make a toast to my dad and mum, also to my special friends..... Amy, Kate and Lisa", the three friends. "And last but not the least, Asher my very best friend". The spotlight shifted to Asher and the audience applauded, their faces lit up with smiles. Asher was feeling a mix of emotions and surprised, and a bit of self conscious about being put on the spot. "Why don't you come up and say a few words about Nina", the MC said. "Must she really have to do this?" Asher thought to himself as he stood up, feeling a bit awkward and made his way to the front.
He took the mic, his eyes scanning the crowd as they watched him expectantly. He gazed at the sea faces before him, his words faltering as he struggled to find the right words to express himself. He cleared his throat, "well, Nina is such an amazing", he begun, his voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside him. "She's loving and caring, even though you are called a weirdo" he said as he remembered what happened last two months. "And I like her for that" he continued, his words sincere, "she's the first and only admims I have. But....." Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden commotion erupted outside. The sound of shattering glasses and deafening screams filled the air. As his words were cut short, "run! Inferno" someone shouted outside. Damned unlike anything Asher had ever seen, burst into the room their eyes glowing with hunger.
In a blink of an eye, the party turned into chaos as people screamed and the damned began their feast. Just as Asher was watching, his mind racing, two damned came his way. Their saliva dripping from their mouths, but to his surprise they passed him, devouring the Lady in red behind him instead. "Didn't they see me?" Asher thought, confusing and fear mingling in his mind.
Just as he was frozen in shock, a familiar voice broke through the chaos, "help!" It cried out and Asher's heart skipped a bit, as he recognized the voice..... Nina.
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