Annie returned to the dinner hall in time for dessert. She chose small pieces of cake and bits of fruit from the buffet table, tidbits that were easily eaten while maintaining graceful manners.
Mr and Mrs Zimmerman soon excused themselves for a dance, leaving the girls alone. Conversation at the corner table got boring rather quick so they decided to move to the balcony.
The cool night wind was welcome in this heat - that and the new glass of juice Connie got for Annie.
As Annie talked with her friends, she felt a little concern. She had this little worry that her bare-shouldered dress would drop. She was not wearing a bra and there was no shrug to cover any slip-ups. She kept having this urge to adjust the bodice. The dress was comfortable, perhaps too comfortable that she kept glancing at it to make sure it was still in place.
The event had been as boring as Connie warned it would be. The view below was much more interesting. Cars went by, each with those pretty moving lights. It was hypnotic, making her feel really drowsy. Was she still holding her glass?
"Hey careful, Annie!" Connie cried as she grabbed the glass from Annie's loose hand. "You nearly dropped that."
Annie looked at the redhead, finding trouble in focusing her vision. She blinked a few times but found it difficult keeping her head up. "Connie, I'm feeling a little tired," she said as she struggled to take her handphone out for a look at the time.
Was it still that early?
Connie grabbed her arm to hold her steady. She helped put Annie's handphone back in her handbag. "Maybe I should call you a cab," she suggested.
"Yeah, I'm too sleepy," Annie agreed, "Sorry I have to leave early."
"Don't worry about it." Connie looked to Sabine. "Help Annie to a seat, I'll go call a cab."
The next time Annie looked up, she saw that she was seated on a chair near the entrance of the hall.
"Are you all right?" Sabine asked from beside her.
"Just feeling sleepy," Annie replied, "Is the cab here yet?" They were at a hotel. There should be a few cabs waiting at the front, should there not?
"Connie's taking care of it," Sabine said, "Don't worry. Rest if you need to."
Then Connie was there again. Was it immediately? Or had time passed?
Annie heard a few words that she failed to comprehend. It sounded distantly like Connie's voice. Then she felt herself being led out the hall, down the stairs. Connie had her right arm and Sabine had her left. She remembered exiting the hotel. The steps down from the doorway were troublesome. Annie stumbled once.
There was a yellow car, the cab. She remembered being guided into the back seat, the soft cushioned seat. Annie closed her eyes as the cab moved.
Just a little nap before reaching home...
***
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