𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐬

12

"Let's run away," Maliah says in a serious tone.

"Pff- hahaha," Aria bursts out laughing but stops after seeing her cousin's serious face. "You can't be serious, Lia."

"Oh, I am damn serious, Aria," Maliah gives a mischievous smirk.

Now, you must be wondering what this is all about. Well, let's rewind ourselves 15 minutes back. I was lazing around, phone in my hand, scrolling through my TBR list. Hundreds of books were present, but I didn't know what to read.

I was feeling lost, depressed, and in need of a book, but nothing was catching my eye. Now, don't go all "books are better than PDFs" on me, because some people are born to read books and forced to download PDFs. Well, in simple words, we can't afford it.

Not that I don't have any books; I can proudly say I have five books that were gifted to me, not bought, but nonetheless, physical books in my possession. In my defense, what if the book I buy is not to my expectations? What a waste of money that would be. No thanks, I am okay with PDFs until I get my own money, obviously.

Well, I am damn sure I am going to be a rich mommy spoiling my friends. GOD, I am so delusional and off-topic. I swear I don't have ADHD; it's just that I think too much.

So where were we? Books. Ah, no, we're running away. Okay, so why are we running away? Well, I got an email, and guess what? I got selected to my dream college, yay! I am happy, like over the moon, but the problem is, I am selected for the University of London, which is in London, with a scholarship.

Now you will say, "Aria, you should be proud." Well, I am very much so, BUT MY DAD IS OVERPROTECTIVE. He will never, and I mean never, let me go abroad, where I am out of his reach. Heck, I don't go out of the house without permission. That's how bad it is.

And I am your typical good girl, but very rebellious inside. But nobody knows that, and no one's gonna know anytime soon.

So here I am, in my favorite cousin Maliah's house for advice, having a girl's night out. She is like my best friend, my second half, my soulmate. The total opposite of me: a badass bitch, the type of girl your mom says to stay away from but too cool to stay away from. I'm never gonna say these things out loud; she doesn't need to know.

"Daydreaming again?" She snaps her fingers, startling Aria out of her thoughts.

"That's a ridiculous idea, I can't do that. No, no, no, we need another idea. I can't do that to my family; what will people say?" Aria shakes off the idea instantly.

"When did you start caring about what people say? Knowing your father's character, he's never gonna agree. I know he is loving and all, but this is your dream we're talking about, Aria. And the opportunity is right on your door; you need to snatch it before it slips away," Maliah persuades her.

"See, I am not telling you to run away before persuading Uncle and Aunty. Try to talk to them; if they agree, great. And if they don't," she raises her brows, "we have Plan B." Which is running away, and I am definitely not going to do that. I just can't; it's not even an option.

Aria sighs. "How do you even think of these crazy ideas?" She shakes her head. Maliah just gives her a pretty smile and takes out her phone. "Now, what do you want to eat?"

"Anything," Aria says.

"Burger King?"

"Nah."

"Sharma?"

"Not in the mood."

"Domino's?"

"Too expensive."

Maliah gives her a side-eye. "Aria, what do you freaking want to eat?"

"I don't know," she pouts. She really can't decide what to eat; everything looks delicious.

"That's it, I'm going to order on my own. You just have to eat it."

"Okay," Aria nods obediently. She loses her brain cells when she is with her favorite person, and she has no idea why.

After Maliah orders the food, they settle down on the couch. "So, how exactly are you planning to convince your dad?" Maliah asks.

Aria shrugs. "I haven't thought that far ahead. I was hoping you'd have some brilliant plan."

"Well, you know how stubborn he can be. Maybe you should appeal to his logical side. Show him the scholarship details, the benefits of studying abroad, and how it will help your future career."

Aria sighs. "I know, but he always worries about my safety. He thinks the world is a dangerous place and that I'll be better off staying close to home."

"That's understandable, but you can't let his fears hold you back. This is your dream, Aria. You need to stand up for it," Maliah insists.

"You're right," Aria nods, determination in her eyes. "I'll try talking to him. If that doesn't work, well, let's hope it doesn't come to Plan B."

"That's the spirit," Maliah cheers. "And remember, I'm here for you, no matter what happens."

Aria smiles, feeling a bit more hopeful. "Thanks, Lia. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd probably be lost in your own thoughts, overthinking everything," Maliah teases.

"Probably," Aria agrees with a laugh. "But seriously, thanks for always having my back."

"Always," Maliah promises. "Now, let's forget about all this for a while and enjoy our food. We'll tackle the big stuff later."

As they wait for their food to arrive, Aria feels a bit more at ease. With Maliah by her side, she knows she can face whatever challenges come her way. And maybe, just maybe, she'll find a way to make her dream of studying in London a reality.

___________
My will to write is slowly fading away, I am withering away. It must be the age, being an unsuccessful adult is tiring.
Be kind and vote.
Tz

What do you think about Maliah?