NO ESCAPE?: The Hostel.

Lana To My Laila (CHAPTER 2)

Oh, it's good to have you back! :)

NARRATOR's POV:

Lana couldn't wait for the charade to be over.
"Look, it's done!" a female voice echoed the quiet halls of the hostel.

As much as Lana wanted this to be over, she wasn't ready to look at the changes Laila had made. She bit her lips and took deep breaths as she made her way towards the suitcase. She had her fingers closed in a fist, as tight as it could've been.

"Hurry Lana!! I know you'll be in love with this", Laila cried out loud.

Lana's breath intensified as took her last step. Her toes banged against the bed, "Owww!", she hissed out in pain.

"Ugh stop being clumsy and just look at this incredible arrangement I've made", Laila yelped.

Lana shut her eyes aggressively and took deep breaths before opening them again, "I think I HAVE to do this", she whispered under her breath. When she finally gathered the courage, she opened her eyes. The final reveal had her in a choke hold. She ran out of words.

"What are you speechless?", Laila smirked, "I told you!".

"I-What is this mess?!", Lana finally spoke. Although it took her a while to get out of the absolute shock that Laila's arrangement had caused, she somehow managed to speak.

"What do you mean?! Do you not like this?", Laila raised a brow and her tone got high-pitched.

"You've literally put all your party clothes and evening dresses in here and thrown my books and clothes out!", Lana gritted her teeth.

"You mean your boring grandma clothes and EXTREMELY heavy books?", Laila yelled, "No thanks, I think this looks just as an adult's bag should".

"NO Laila! Those were just okay, these are not my clothes and so out of my comfort zone", Lana pleaded , "I need my clothes back, please?" .

Laila felt disappointed, her face said it all but she didn't want her friend to be unhappy, "Can you atleast keep a few of the dresses? I'm sure it won't affect your 90s wardrobe style", she further tried to convince Lana.

Lana smiled, "Okay but only a few".

After an hour, the final arrangements were made. Lana somehow managed to adjust all her books and clothes along with some Laila's party dresses and evening gowns. Laila looked satisfied and somewhat convinced that Lana won't have a boring college year after all.

"So what do we think?", Lana pressed her lips.

"Hmm I think it looks better", Laila added, twiddling her thumbs.

"Glad", Lana smiled, "Well I guess then, I'll leave, in a couple of hours".

"When's your flight again?", Laila's voice trailed off.

"It's around 6pm, after 2 hours!", Lana responded, "I'll miss you, miss this, miss everything so much".

Laila was looking at Lana as if she would never be able to meet her again. Tears had cumulated in her eyes that she kept from falling, she wanted to look brawny. She had her fingers tucked in her denim's side pocket. Her foot kept tapping on the floor because of the anxiety, "Yeah I guess. I'll miss you too!", she scoffed.

Lana took no time and went in for a hug, she threw her arms around Laila's shoulders and patted her back. Tears dripped down Laila's face as she buried her face in Lana's grip. Soon, Lana had tears rolling down her face too. They both didn't speak, the silence was all that was speaking. It was almost as if that Laila didn't want her best friend to leave.

They both had known each other for almost 17 years.

They were 2 when they got transferred into this hostel. Lana and Laila were individuals with two completely different personalities. Lana being the quiet kid, who was always bullied back in the day and Laila being the complete opposite.

Once, while they all sat in the mess waiting for the food to be served, a group of girls snatched Lana's plate and threw it on the floor. Lana couldn't do anything, she ran and broke down while sitting on the bathroom floor. That's when Laila saw her, she saw Lana at her lowest and most vulnerable state and ever since then, she's been with her. She's always been Lana's saviour when it came to mean bitches and life.
On the other hand, Lana was more on the 'nerdy' aspects of life and did Laila's assignments when she got wasted. She covered for her when she missed her classes because she was partying or getting over from the hangover of the parties.

In short, they'd both been there for each other at the most vulnerable situations. The thought of getting separated had never occurred to them.

"Laila, it's okay. I'm gonna be your best friend, even in the most toughest of times. Remember how I tolerated you for 17 years? Well I'll do it more!", Lana patted her back and broke out in a grin.

Laila brought her face up and wiped her tears, "Shut up", she giggled.

"It's not like I lied, you've been a pain in the ass, always", Lana chuckled.

"Oh shut your delusional mouth. If it weren't for me, you would have become a lifeless corpse", Laila raised a brow.

"In your dreams. If it weren't for me, you would have been stuck in the same class forever", Lana mocked her.

They both giggled reminiscing the delightful old memories for awhile.

"Laila I think I need to get ready for the flight now", Lana sighed as the smile faded from her face. The bitter reminder of her leaving her best friend and this city struck her mind.

"Yeah-Yeah I'm sorry, I'll help you out with the packing", Laila stuttered as tears began to form again in her eyes.

They both stayed quiet for the entire evening.

---------------

"Lana are you done?", Laila's voice squeaked.

"I think yes", Lana responded and looked at Laila, she put a fake smile on her face.

"You look good, cmon let's call the uber and get you to the airport ASAP. We still have 30 mins left for your flight", Laila changed the subject.

"Yes sure, I just called the uber. It'll be here in a few minutes", Lana responded as she struggled to maintain eye contact with Laila.

A few minutes later, Lana's phone chimed from the notification of the cab's arrival.

"It's here", Laila hollered as she peeped out of the window, "I think it's time to go Lana", she spoke in distraught.

Lana rushed for a hug immediately, a soft affectionate hug was all that was needed. Lana had her head dug inside Laila's shoulders. She could feel Laila's tears on her arms and collarbones, "I'm sorry Laila, i really wish I could stay. You're the Laila that every Lana deserves. I don't know if I would've survived this place if it weren't for you".
Her voice quivered, "Ever since my parents got divorced, they never looked back to even check up on me but you did. Always. I'm so grateful to you, thank you for everything!", her tone quavered as she tried to keep herself from breaking down.

"I love you lana, thanks for being my best friend. I'll miss you more than words can ever justify. You've been the absolute best friend anyone could ever ask for. I hope you settle well in Toronto", Laila sniffed and caressed her hair, "Now enough, let's get you down, the cab has been waiting for ages", she giggled and wiped the tears off of her face.

"Yeah you're probably right, let's go", Lana giggled too and grabbed her suitcase.

It was heavy from all the clothes that Laila had made her put in.

Thank you for reading this far! I hope you liked it💖
Come back for the next chapter hehe ;)
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