UNEXPECTED REAL LIFE
Natalie Arthurs, 36, from Swansea, wanted to enjoy a rare night out, but a total stranger ruined that...
Shimmying into my new red velvet dress, there was no denying that I’d gone all out.
That morning, on Thursday 17 November 2022, after dropping my daughter Skylar, now seven, at school, I started getting glam.
Making plans with my bestie Jenna, now 36, we had lunch booked, with the idea to go for a few drinks that afternoon.
It was Beaujolais Day, too –a day in Swansea that was celebrated annually.
I hadn’t been out on that day in around 10 years.
I’d planned for my mum Debbie, now 61, to pick up Skyla from school and she’d also agreed to come and get me that evening at 8pm.
Being aself-employed cleaner, I’d normally wear hoodies and leggings all day.
It was abig thing for me to hit the town and Iwanted to look my best.
So, Iordered a new dress, got my hair done, painted my nails and applied fake tan, too.
Meeting Jenna at midday, we made our way to the lunch venue at 1.30pm, as her friends waited there for us.
It was such alovely vibe. After finishing the twocourse meal, we then made our way to Morgans Hotel, where they had amarquee and aDJ.
That’s when I felt an ominous presence behind me
We stayed there for aboogie before heading to Swansea’s most popular drinking quarter, Wind Street.
We didn’t have aplan, we were just going with the flow.
Ending up in Peppermint, it was abar I’d been to plenty of times in the past.
Back and forth from either the bar, dance floor or the girl’s bathroom, we were all having a great time together.
‘I’m just going to the loo,’ I shouted in Jenna’s ear.
‘I’ll come with you,’ she agreed, taking my arm.
And making our way into the small toilet, I pulled my lipstick out of my bag, wanting to touch up my makeup.
As I puckered up, Iheard a commotion as the door to the bathrooms opened.
Jenna quickly stepped back and gasped –pulling a funny face, too.
I assumed that the girl who came in had said something a little controversial.
Only, that’s when I felt an ominous presence stood behind me.
‘Who do you think you are?’ an aggressive voice growled before Iheard aglass smash.
As Iturned around, Imet a flash of white, blonde hair.
And the next thing Iknew, a jagged wine glass was coming straight towards my face.
With the sharp edge hitting my cheek, Icould feel acold sensation as it dug into my skin.
‘That’s my friend. That’s my best friend. STOP!’ Jenna wailed at the top of her voice.
Everything had happened so quickly, Iwas too stunned to even try and defend myself.
I’d never seen the attacker in my life before and could
