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𝑻𝑶𝑫𝑨𝒀 𝑾𝑨𝑺 THE first time in weeks that Christiana had actually been alone—something she desperately needed. The only downside was that she was stuck at work.
Chris sat behind the counter, the usual spot she found herself in most days, her journal open in front of her. It was a rare moment of stillness, and she'd finally found the time to write down everything that had been weighing on her. She had to get it out somehow.
May 6th, 2004
I'm glad I can finally write again. I've been too occupied to even pick up a pencil. I stopped seeing the guy Brian—he's sweet, cute eyes, and soft lips... but Mia also likes him, and it feels weird. Like, "stealing" him from her. That's the last thing I want to do. I mean, sure, I liked him, but what can you do? The bright side is... now I can spend more time with Jess—
Chris paused, her pen hovering over the page as her thoughts scattered. She lifted her gaze from her journal, and the moment froze. Mia had just walked in, a grin spread across her face that practically radiated.
Christiana quickly shoved her journal into the drawer beneath the counter, forcing a smile as she greeted her. "Hey, Mia! Why are you cheesing so hard?"
Mia's grin widened, her voice practically bursting with excitement. "Me and Brian are going out on Friday!"
Chris's heart sank. She tried to muster some enthusiasm, but the tightness in her chest made it hard to keep her smile genuine. "That's... sooo cool," she said, dragging out the word "so," trying to sound as supportive as she could.
She could feel the irony in the air—why did they both have to like the same guy? Mia, who was her friend, was now taking that step with Brian, and Chris was just... left here, holding it all in.
"What are you gonna wear?" Chris asked, a part of her desperate to seem normal.
Mia practically bounced on her feet. "That's why I'm here! I want you to help pick out my outfit!"
Chris blinked, her mind a little too slow to react at first. Of course, Mia would ask her of all people to help. It felt like the universe had decided to play a sick joke on her. She could already feel the pang of frustration mixed with a growing resentment. But Mia was her friend, and she had to be happy for her.
