Trapped in Blood: A Childhood Beyond Betrayal!

BREAKING POINT!

NEXT DAY- THE HAPPY CAFE - AFTERNOON

Hope and Lisa entered the restaurant, which had a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The walls were covered in colorful art and the tables were filled with lively customers. They were all engaged in their own conversations and activities, but there was a general air of energy and positivity in the restaurant. It was almost intoxicating, and Hope felt herself relaxing a little bit as she took a seat in the sight of the restaurant.

Hope decided to order food with three milkshakes.

"Why did you order for three?" Lisa asked, a bit puzzled.
"It's for Tasha." Hope responded.
"She's not coming, Hope," Lisa said, sounding a little concerned.
"Why?" Hope asked, seeming to wonder why Tasha wouldn't be coming.

"Were you that happy to see your man that you forgot to remember what you said to her last time?"
"That? She always says rude things to us all the time and we let it slide without her even apologising".

Natasha walked in and sat next to Lisa, placing her purse on the table. She seemed relaxed and unconcerned about anything.

"I didn't know that it was a competition. So I see you meant what you said, cool. I thought I had told you I prefer vanilla."
"And I got you strawberry, if you don't like it then..." she said casually.

"I'll take it, thank you. I was thinking we should go out and blow off some steam."
"I don't know, I have to work." Lisa responded hesitantly.
"I could use a break from my mom, so yeah." Hope added.

"I will come," Lisa agreed, changing her mind.
"Of course. Let's go shopping! It's on me." Natasha offered.
"Let me get the bill." Hope suggested.
"Don't worry, I got it." Natasha paid for the bill in the end.

EASTRIDGE MALL - LATER THAT DAY

The three were window shopping at the Eastridge mall. Natasha spotted a hot dog stand and called out to Hope saying...

"Hope, come get the hotdogs; I know you're a sucker for them. They are damn good, and you can get some for Alex." She said in excitement.
"Natasha, stop it. You're overdoing it. I don't know what you're trying to do, but you're being too pushy."

"I'm just trying to be affectionate like you wanted".
"But this proves that affection comes naturally. Lisa doesn't even have to try; everything she does is so affectionate. Just be your usual rude self, as for affection, I have Lisa for that but thank you for trying."

"This one time where I try being nice and all you do is compare me to Lisa. I was trying to do something for you, and you brush it off and say, "I have Lisa for that." It's no wonder I'm rude to you, since even when I try, you still want someone else."
"You can't just offer what you don't have. You're not affectionate, nor can you be affectionate overnight. It's a natural feeling that you just don't have and that's okay. You don't need to change who you are for anyone. You're great just the way you are, and you just need to find someone who appreciates you."

"And that someone is not you? I can never be good enough for you, can I? Damned if I try, damned if I don't. You find happiness in Lisa, but what about me? What is my role in this friendship? Why are you still keeping me around if I don't bring you any happiness? Every day, you keep proving how one-sided this friendship is."
"Tasha, it's not that deep". Lisa replied, trying to ease the tension.

"I would have been damned if you didn't defend her," Natasha replied, seemingly resentful and upset.
"Leave it Lisa. Let's go and get ready if we're still going out."

As they walked away, Tasha followed behind them, facing away from them both. Her face full of sadness and disappointment, and her pace slow, indicating that she's feeling a little lost and rejected.