Trapped in Blood: A Childhood Beyond Betrayal!

THE MELTDOWN!

NEXT DAY -PICANO RESTAURANT- DAY

The trio was enjoying a casual lunch at a nearby restaurant. It wasn't long before Hope was smiling widely, looking extremely ecstatic and cheerful. Despite the other two being puzzled, they couldn't help but feel delighted by her infectious positivity and happiness. They wondered what could be the reason behind Hope's sudden uplifted moods, but they were thrilled to see her so vibrant and excited.

"Are you going to tell us what's going on? You look happy today, did Kevin propose?". Tasha asked
"Even better. I guess I never needed therapy. Would you believe me if I tell you I'm so happy it's like I was never depressed?".
"What worked the magic? I know it wasn't us". Said Lisa

"My mom apologized to me," Hope said, surprising Tasha.
"What? Your mom did what?" Tasha asked in disbelief.
"I'm serious. She apologized and she wants us to work on our relationship. She assured me she'll try her best to support and guide me."

"Really?" Tasha's eyes widened, and she covered her mouth with her left hand in disbelief.
"That happens once in a blue moon" Lisa responded, confused.
"She assured you? And you believed her? Don't you think you gave your mother the power to destroy and make you, emotionally speaking?".

Tasha asked, looking at Hope warily.

"What do you mean by that, Tasha?" Hope asked with a mixture of confusion and defensiveness. With a hint of skepticism, Tasha said...
"So you were going to be like this for the rest of your life if she never apologized? What if tomorrow she turns on you, then what? Is it back to square one?"

"I don't see the problem here. She apologised and she's trying to do better, which made me feel better. Why are you making me question my decision?"
"Why does your mother have that power in the first place? I agree she played a part in your depression but why give her the power to your healing and happiness? 15 years Hope, and all of a sudden she's sorry? Didn't you wanna know why the sudden change of heart?".

"I hate to say this but I agree with Tasha. Yes she can be sorry but you shouldn't depend on it".
"She's not even sorry, she just wants to control her or she's just lonely. It can never take your own mother 15 years to finally see your pain. Especially if she's the cause of it, never. Don't give her the benefit of the doubt; it could be one of her tactics to manipulate you again."

"I don't think I actually gave her all the power over my healing and happiness. But it definitely appears that way. Maybe it's due to my desire for reconciliation and my belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Perhaps it's also a sign of my own inner weakness as I keep holding onto hope that she can change. And yes, I do want to know why she had a sudden change of heart. But I'm not ready to ask her that question yet; I need more time to trust her again."

As they were still talking, the waiter brought their meals which included salads and burgers. They were enjoying their meal when suddenly, two girls on their right started taunting Lisa. The trio stopped the conversation they were having and turned their attention to the girls, who seemed to be deliberately making rude and offensive comments towards Lisa. The girls seemed to be focused on teasing Lisa in an inappropriate and upsetting way, and it was obvious that it was making her uncomfortable.

"Eww, why would she order so much junk food when she already looks like junk?". Amy said to her sister and upon hearing that Lisa added salad to her plate in embarrassment
"She really think salads will work the magic? There's no going back, she looks like a pig, look at her face". Rose said and Lisa started getting teary eyed when Hope and Tasha started getting angry. Rose laughed and said,

"She's so fat. I bet they have to tailor her clothes just for her."
"Speak softly, if she sits on us, we'd be crushed."
Hope spoke up instantly, "That's it".