Chapter 7: CHAPTER SEVEN

Lisa trudged through the front door, her feet heavy with the weight of her emotions. She hadn't said a word since leaving David's place, and she didn't plan on breaking her silence anytime soon. As Rachel tried to ask her what happened, she just shrugged and headed straight for her room. She locked the door behind her, enveloping herself in the quiet darkness.

Days passed, and Lisa's silence became a palpable presence in the household. Rachel tried to coax her out of her shell, but she refused to budge.

Rachel, however, was not one to give up easily. She'd always been Lisa's confidante, and she was determined to get to the bottom of her friend's sudden mutism.

One day, Rachel barged into Lisa's room, flopping down beside her on the bed. ‘Okay, Lis, I've had enough of this silence,’ Rachel said, her voice firm but gentle. ‘What happened at David's? You can tell me.’

Lisa shrugged, her eyes fixed on the wall.

Rachel sighed, grabbing Lisa's hands in hers. ‘Come on, Lis. I'm your best friend.’

Lisa's gaze finally met Rachel's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, in a barely audible whisper, Lisa spoke her first words in days. ‘It's just...I feel so stupid, Rach.’

Rachel's face softened, and she pulled Lisa into a tight hug. ‘You're not stupid, Lis. Tell me what happened.’

And with that, Lisa's dam finally broke. She laid on her bed, her body shaken by uncontrollable sobs. Rachel sat beside her, arms wrapped tightly around her shoulders.

‘I knew it, Lis. I knew he was trouble,’ Rachel said, her voice laced with anger and concern.

Lisa's words tumbled out between tears. ‘He...he just wanted me for his own convenience. To fill the void. Not because he truly cared.’

‘That manipulative bastard.’ Rachel spat, her voice venomous. Her grip tightened. ‘Selfish, egotistical…’

‘He hasn't even thought to call to explain himself.’ Lisa said

‘Lisa, come on. He cheated on you before without showing any remorse. Remember? What makes you think he'll care now?’ Rachel said

Lisa's voice cracked. ‘You were right, Rach. Genuine love doesn't exist. It's all just a game to them.’

Rachel's expression turned fierce. ‘I told you, Lis. Men only think about themselves. They don't deserve our love and commitment.’ Her expression softened. ‘Oh, Lisa, I'm so sorry. I wish you didn't have to go through this.’

Lisa's tears slowed, replaced by a hardened determination. ‘You know what? I'm done. Done with the fairy tales, done with the heartache.’

Rachel nodded solemnly. ‘I'm here for you, Lis. Men don't deserve anything good.’

Lisa nods vigorously, her voice dripped with cynicism. ‘I’ll play their game. Time for a new approach. No more being delusional.’

Rachel handed Lisa a box of tissues. ‘I’m glad your eyes are now wide opened.’

‘I won't let anyone hurt me again.’ Lisa smiled wryly, wiping away tears.

Rachel's phone buzzed with an incoming call from Alex, a close friend. She stood up from the couch, her eyes locked on Lisa's. ‘I need to take this. I'll be right back.’

Lisa nodded, still sniffling. ‘Go ahead.’

Rachel walked out of the room, phone in hand while Lisa sat alone, lost in thought.

A few minutes passed before Rachel returned, a happy expression on her face. She turned to Lisa, still curled up on the couch.

Lisa's sobs finally subsided, leaving her exhausted but calm. ‘You've cried enough for now.’ Rachel said to her.

Lisa smiled weakly.

Rachel's expression softened. ‘Now, let's focus on moving forward.’

Lisa nodded, blowing her nose. ‘That's all I want to do now.’

Rachel's eyes sparkled. ‘And I have just the thing. Alex is throwing a party for his sister tonight.’

Lisa raised an eyebrow. ‘A party?’

Rachel nodded. ‘Yes! It’s her convocation after-party. It's perfect timing. A fresh start, new beginnings. We'll get dressed up, dance, and forget David ever existed.’

Lisa's gaze lingered on Rachel. ‘When?’

Rachel's smile was gentle. ‘7 PM today. We can leave around 6. It’s a starting point. You need to get out, have fun, and remember who you are.’

Lisa's shoulders squared. ‘You're right. I'm ready.’

Rachel grinned. ‘I'll get the makeup and dresses ready.’

Lisa got up and stood in front of her closet, staring blankly at the array of clothes hanging before her.

Rachel appeared beside her and picked out a garment with a bright smile. ‘Time to get glammed up, girl!’

Lisa raised an eyebrow. ‘You're really determined to get me out of this funk, aren't you?’

Rachel nodded. ‘Absolutely! Now, let's get ready to party. You'll wear this red one, it'll bring out your fiery spirit.’

Lisa's eyes widened as Rachel handed her the dress. The bold, crimson fabric shimmered in the light, and Lisa felt a spark of excitement.

Meanwhile, Rachel slipped into a sleek, black number that accentuated her curves. ‘Accessories?’ she asked, rummaging through her jewelry box.

Lisa laughed. ‘You think of everything, don't you?’

With dresses on and hair styled, they admired themselves in the mirror.

‘Ready to shake off David and show the world we're unstoppable?’ Rachel asked, winking.

Lisa nodded, smiling. ‘Let's do this.’

Together, they grabbed their clutches and headed out into the night, ready to dance, laugh, and leave their worries behind.