Solstice - The Goddess Awakens

‘Hurry up, Ruby, it’s nearly 10 o’clock and we won’t get in anywhere!’

Normally Orla was very laid back, but tonight she was clearly on edge. Finally Ruby emerged from the bedroom looking as glamorous as ever in a sparkly silver designer dress with matching shoes.

‘Okay, can we go now?’ snapped Orla, already halfway up the garden path. Rolling her eyes, Ruby locked the door behind her and followed behind Lola and Clara.

‘I think Peter is going to be at the club tonight,’ said Clara, raising her voice just loud enough so Orla could hear.

‘Oh is that right? Is that why I nearly got my head bitten off then?’ added Ruby mischievously. Orla continued to lead the pack at a steady pace, pretending not to hear her friends ribbing her. Lola increased her stride, eventually catching her up.

‘Do you hear them? You’d think they’d give it a rest,’ she hissed at Lola.

‘Ach Orla, they’re only messing with you. Come on, lighten up,’ chided Lola lightly.

‘You’re one to talk! You haven’t exactly been a barrel of laughs this weekend!’

Lola was momentarily taken aback, but she didn’t want to darken the mood, so she tried to lighten the conversation.

‘It’s still lovely out, isn’t it?’ Hearing the humour in her friend’s tone, Orla felt guilty for being so brash.

‘Sorry, Lola, that was out of order.’

‘Don’t be silly, pet,’ said Lola magnanimously, wrapping her arm around her friend’s shoulder. ‘I know it gets to you, us always winding you up about Peter. You know we just think you’d be a great couple, that’s all.’

‘I know, Lo, I know,’ said Orla with a deep sigh, resting her head on Lola’s shoulder.

‘It will happen between you two. It’s written in the stars. I can feel it!’

‘Do you really think it’s written in the stars?’ giggled Orla.

‘Of course! You know I know about these things, plus I’ll ask Arthur to check, just in case,’ laughed Lola. ‘Anyway, enough about boys, it’s all about the ladies tonight. So, let’s just have a great time before you all head off and leave me.’

The night seemed to fly by as they danced and laughed the hours away. Lola couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so carefree. Leaving the club, Lola’s feet began to throb in pain. She realised that she hadn’t actually sat down all night as she retreated to the nearest seat, waiting for the others to emerge from the stuffy club.

‘There you are,’ said Orla. Lola fought hard to contain her delight at seeing Orla and Peter coming towards her holding hands.

‘Well, Lola, long time no see. Did you have a good night?’ asked Peter, who now resembled a Cheshire cat, his smile stretching from ear to ear.

‘Hi, Peter. I’m doing great! I’ve had a brilliant night, and by the looks of it so have you,’ replied Lola, cheerily gesturing towards Orla with a slight nod of the head.

Instinctively, Peter pulled Orla closer to his side. His dark eyes glistened as he looked at her in admiration.

‘The best night I’ve had in a long time, Lola,’ he winked.

Lola liked Peter, they all did. He was easy-going and very funny. Lola and the girls knew that he totally adored their best friend. She was so happy to see them together after all this time she thought she might burst with excitement, but she knew better than to say anything for fear of Orla’s wrath.

‘Where are the rest of them?’ asked Orla, trying to remain nonchalant, just as Clara and Ruby emerged from the crowd.

Catching sight of Orla and Peter together, they pretended not to notice, perching themselves on the bench alongside Lola.

‘So what’s the plan of attack now?’ chirped Ruby.

‘Bed!’ offered Lola wearily rubbing her feet. The last of her energy had evaporated in minutes. ‘Dancing all night in heels doesn’t seem such a good idea now!’

‘Bed!’ protested Ruby. ‘The night is young, and since this is our last night together for three months, I intend to make the most of it, Miss Paige.’

‘There’s a party at my friend’s house, if you fancy coming?’ Peter said, looking at the girls hopefully.

The pleading look on Orla’s face made it impossible for Lola to say no. ‘Sure why not.’

‘A house party – great!’ exclaimed Ruby. ‘Let’s go!’

Ruby leapt off the seat, pulling a reluctant Clara and Lola with her.

‘So is it anyone we know, Peter?’ enquired Ruby as they made the short journey to the exclusive Strand Road. Knowing her, it was more than likely someone she knew, thought Lola.

‘It’s Alex Stein’s place. Do you know him?’

‘Yes, doesn’t everyone? You would have to be on another planet not to know Alex!’

‘Yeah, he seems to have that effect on most people he meets,’ chuckled Peter.

‘Alex Stein, Alex Stein…,’ mouthed Lola to herself. The name sounded vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t think where she had heard it before.

‘The name sounds familiar, Peter, is he in your law class?’ Lola asked.

‘No, he studies architecture at Yale. He’s home for the summer. Actually, I think he’s home for his year out. His father owns Stein Corporations, so he’ll be working for him. You obviously haven’t met him, Lola. You would definitely remember Alex! He leaves quite an impression on the ladies. But I don’t think he would be your cup of tea,’ added Peter, with a wry smile.

‘I would buy front-row tickets for that encounter,’ sniggered Ruby in agreement, clearly enjoying the private joke. Lola pretended not to hear them. Turning onto the Strand Road, it was clear that the Stein party was the hottest in town. Droves of revellers swarmed towards the cliff-side mansion.

‘Which house is it, Ruby?’ enquired Lola. They were almost at the end of the street and as far as she could see there was only one other house and it seemed too modest to fit the description of the Stein residence.

‘It’s actually built into the side of the cliff; they’ve been working on it for years. Word is that Alex was the main architect on the project. You want to see it, Lo! It’s like some gothic castle. I’m dying to get a look inside!’

‘Oh! I saw that place today. From the beach. When I was out walking. One minute it was there and the next it was gone.’ Lola had forgotten to ask Ruby about the house and the young man on the balcony when she had returned from her walk earlier. Falling into step with Peter and Orla, they turned into a brightly lit asphalt lane. A sandstone wall flanked the driveway on either side with two large stone owls perched on pillars at the end. Below the owl on the left-hand side was a small plaque inscribed with the words Chateau Bacchus. The cacophony of laughter and sound spilled out of the open door into the cool night air.

‘Chateau Bacchus – how apt,’ mused Lola as she walked into the throng, hit by a wall of music.