Zara Ellison never planned on causing so much trouble. First, there's her tragic one-night stand living next door, who Zara loves to taunt. Then, there's his roommate, where the two catch feelings during a series of flings.
In other words: Zara was...
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THE ONE WITH REGRETS.
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Zara had ruined her own celebration meal, which was typical.
Everyone had come, but there was one seat that was empty that lingered for the whole night. There was a false happy atmosphere with everyone trying to ignore the reality that Chandler was not with them.
Though, Hannah was with them, who was completely clueless. They weren't exclusive — and definitely not in a relationship — but Zara was keeping Hannah around like an invisible string to stay attached to someone, but not completely. Though, sitting here, Zara felt more alone than ever.
Until Joey had clinked his glass, standing with everyone's attention falling on him.
"Uh... so, I don't have much to say, but I think we should all raise our glasses to Zara for signing her contract," said Joey, a little awkwardly as he rose his glass with everyone knowing he was trying to distract them from Chandler's disappearance. "To Zara, not just our friend, but the future best-selling author."
Everyone cheered at that with their glasses clinking together, though Zara had a forced smile on her face. "I don't know about best-selling author."
"Oh, please," said Ross. "Your name will be all over the New York Times this time next year."
"I hope you're right," Zara replied.
Monica struck up a conversation about Zara's long road ahead of her to get the books published, which Zara was still wrapping her mind around herself. There was going to be a lot going on with Zara feeling the stress, but she was also thankful for the much needed distraction.
If Zara couldn't have love, then she'd have success.
"So, where is Chandler tonight?" Hannah questioned as their food arrived.
There was silence at that as Zara stared down at her plate.
"He couldn't make it," Monica spoke for Zara. "Because he's..."
"Sick," Rachel added. "Really sick."
"Oh, no," said Hannah. "That's a shame."
"Oh, I have an idea," Phoebe blurted out, trying to save the moment from falling into awkwardness again. "What if for your book release party you have a superhero costume theme!"
"Oh, imagine the little kids in Ruby costumes," Rachel said, face softening at the thought. "Or even Carlos!"
That caused Zara to smile — a true, honest smile. The majority of Zara's characters were eleven, but Zara was excited to see the future artwork for them, especially the three main characters: Ruby, Carlos, and Joanna.
