𝐀 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 | 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐲

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑

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"I'm sorry! You had to wait a full day, a whole 24 hours to tell me that you're going to be in a Beta Squad video!" Aaliyah squealed, "Who are literally my favorite group in the world!"

As Aaliyah's voice got louder and more excited, I could feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead. Even though I was a hundred miles away, the intensity of her interrogation felt like I was in the same room.

"Yes, I'm sorry! I didn't want to get your hopes up and I wanted to make sure that everything was confirmed before I told you," I replied.

I was saying the truth, well at least half of it; I had been binge watching Beta Squad videos last night and fell asleep after ordering a takeaway.

I knew that I couldn't tell her that I had a cheat day and was watching videos instead of making sure that everything was organized. I felt embarrassed and guilty, but I knew that I had to keep my composure and just apologize for not informing her earlier.

"How did you even get an invitation?" Aaliyah asked curiously, "I've tried multiple times to even be their videos, but to participate is different,"

I could just say 'Oh I saw a stranger in need and helped him so he won't get fired from his job' but that's too weird for say outloud and Aaliyah is the type of friend to say 'stranger danger' and would fly across the world if I told her the truth.

"I helped an old lady with her groceries and turns out she's a worker in Beta Squad's crew," I lied convincingly.

"You're so lucky!" Aaliyah exclaimed. "I'm so jealous! I can't believe you got the opportunity to be in a Beta Squad video. You have to promise me you'll take lots of pictures and tell me everything that happened!"

I smiled and agreed to take pictures and tell her all about the experience. I was relieved that she hadn't asked too many questions about how I got the invitation and she was happy for me to be part of the video.

She was excited to hear about my plans and was looking forward to seeing the video. We said our goodbyes and I was on my way.

I said goodbye to Aaliyah and thanked her for her support. She wished me luck and said she was looking forward to seeing the video. I promised to keep in touch and let her know how everything went. We said our final goodbyes and I hung up the phone.

I sighed, feeling guilty for lying to my friend and knowing that I'd have to keep up the story for the rest of the day.

I got off my bed and stretched, letting out a long yawn. I had stayed up late the night before and my body was feeling the effects.

Dragging myself to the bathroom, I got a text from Miguel yesterday to come to a nearby building to meet the boss since we hadn't met yet.

I slowly stepped into the steaming hot bath and let the warmth of the water wash over my body. As I submerged myself further into the bath, the tension in my body began to dissolve.

I closed my eyes and allowed myself to relax as the heat soothed my tired muscles. I took deep breaths, letting the steam fill my lungs and calm my mind.

After a few minutes, I opened my eyes and grabbed the soap, lathering it up and scrubbing my body from head to toe. I felt my body becoming cleaner with each stroke of the soap, washing away all my anxieties and worries.

Finally, I rinsed the soap off and stepped out of the bath, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

I dried off and wrapped a towel around myself before heading into the bedroom. I brushed my teeth and changed into a comfortable outfit for my meeting.