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"Fine, fine," she sighed, sounding slightly annoyed but resigned. "I'm at the... the... shit, I don't even know. Hold on." She covered the phone for a moment, presumably asking someone for directions. "Okay, I'm at the east entrance near the food trucks. But don't take too long, or I might wander off!" She laughed, a sound that was both intoxicating and worrisome.
"Stay put, Calla. I'll be there as soon as I can," I said, my voice firm. As I ended the call, I felt a mix of concern and annoyance at her recklessness. But mostly, I just wanted to make sure she was okay. Leaving the rest of my whiskey, I quickly grabbed my coat and keys, rushing out of my apartment with one goal in mind: to find Calla and bring her home safely.
The streets were buzzing with activity as I hurried towards the concert venue, my determination to find Calla fueling my every step. The cool evening air bit at my face, but I barely noticed it; my focus was solely on getting to her as quickly as possible. I cursed myself for not going with her tonight. Maybe then she wouldn't have ended up in this state.
Navigating through throngs of people, I finally reached the east entrance near the food trucks. Scanning the area, my eyes locked onto her figure slumped on a bench, looking disheveled and completely wasted. My heart clenched at the sight, a mixture of relief and concern washing over me.
"Calla!" I called out, approaching her swiftly.
She squinted up at me, her eyes glassy and unfocused. "Dom? Whaaat're you doin' here?" She hiccupped and giggled, swaying slightly even while sitting.
"Damn it, Calla," I muttered under my breath, shaking my head. "I came to take you home. You shouldn't be here in this state."
"Aw, you're so sweet," she slurred, reaching out to touch my face. Her coordination seemed to be lacking as her hand missed its target and clumsily landed on my shoulder instead. "But I don't wanna go home yet! The night is still young!"
"Trust me, Calla, going home is the best thing for you right now," I insisted, trying to maintain my composure despite the humor in her drunken antics. My worry for her well-being far outweighed any amusement I felt.
"Fine, fine," she huffed, attempting to push herself off the bench but struggling with her balance. "But only because you asked so nicely." She flashed me a lopsided grin that would've been endearing if it wasn't for the circumstances.
"Alright, let's get you up," I said, sliding my arm around her waist to help steady her. As we began making our way out of the venue, I couldn't help but think about how vulnerable she seemed in this state, and the ever-present fear I had of letting go of control intensified. But for now, all that mattered was ensuring Calla's safety. And damn it, I'd do whatever it took to make sure she was alright.
"Okay, let's get you to the car," I said as I tightened my grip around Calla's waist. She leaned heavily against me, her head lolling onto my shoulder as we maneuvered through the chaotic crowd spilling out of the concert venue. The smell of alcohol on her breath mixed with the faint scent of her perfume, creating a dizzying contrast between her usual elegance and her current state.
"Dom, you're so strong," she giggled, her words slurring together as she tried to wrap both her arms around my neck. "I feel like a princess being carried by her prince."
"More like a drunken damsel in distress," I muttered under my breath, earning another laugh from Calla. Despite the humor of the situation, my heart felt heavy as I worried about her well-being. The thought of something happening to her while she was this vulnerable was unbearable.
After what felt like an eternity of navigating through the sea of people, we finally reached my car. I carefully opened the passenger door and eased Calla into the seat, making sure she was securely buckled in. Her eyes fluttered closed as she mumbled her thanks, her body finally giving in to the exhaustion that the alcohol had imposed upon it.
"Damn it, Calla," I sighed, my concern for her gnawing at the edges of my composure. Climbing into the driver's seat, I started the engine and began the drive to my apartment.
As we cruised through the darkened streets, my thoughts raced with questions and doubts. Could I have done more to prevent this? What if I hadn't been able to find her in time? The what-ifs seemed endless, but I knew that right now, all that mattered was getting her home safely.
"Hey, Dom?" Calla slurred, her voice barely audible above the hum of the car's engine. "I'm sorry I ruined your night."
"You don't have to apologize," I said softly, glancing over at her hazy expression and tousled hair. "I just want you to be safe, that's all." My words seemed to comfort her a little, as she gave me a small, sleepy smile.
"Thank you," she whispered, her eyes fluttering closed once again. "You're... you're really amazing, you know that?"
"Save the compliments for when you're sober," I replied with a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. But deep down, her words warmed my heart more than I cared to admit.
As we pulled up to my apartment building, I promised myself that I would do everything in my power to ensure Calla's happiness and safety. No matter how much control I had to relinquish, she was worth it. And as I parked the car and prepared to carry her inside, I knew that this moment would forever serve as a reminder of just how deeply I cared for her.
I carried Calla into the elevator, cradling her in my arms as if she were made of glass. Her body felt warm and vulnerable against mine, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness for this beautiful, complicated woman.
"Dom," she murmured softly, her breath tickling my neck. "You can put me down now."
"Are you sure?" I asked hesitantly, not wanting to release her too soon. "We're almost at the door."
"Positive." She gave me an unsteady smile, her eyes still glazed over from the alcohol. Reluctantly, I set her back on her feet, keeping a firm grip on her arm to steady her.
"This isn’t my place," she slurred, gesturing vaguely to the door. I gently retrieved my key and unlocked the door, guiding her inside with a gentle hand on her lower back.
"Alright, let's get you into bed," I said softly, leading her into my bedroom. Ignoring the sudden tightness in my chest, I focused on carefully helping her out of her shoes and jacket.
"Thanks, Dom," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleepiness. "You really didn't have to do all this."
"Of course I did," I replied, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "What kind of friend would I be if I just left you like that?"
