FRIDAY'S GIRL ·ϿʘϾ·

Chapter 27

The afternoon sun filtered through the tree branches, casting shadows on the sidewalk as Grace and I sat in massage chairs at Solano Town Center. I watched the cheerful Christmas decorations adorning the shop windows and the wide central aisles, surrounded by a constant flow of people laden with bags. Since my parents' divorce, those holidays had lost their meaning for me; they would never be the same again. Their betrayal had changed our lives, robbing us of joy, peace, and even our home.

My father had written to me several times that week, but I hadn't replied; I didn't want to see him at all. Remembering suddenly that he had kids and trying to make up for it with a lousy "Happy Holidays" message didn't make up for his neglect and lack of concern throughout the rest of the year, not to mention he often forgot to pay child support...

Above our heads on the ceiling was a large triangular light panel surrounded by colorful garlands that contrasted with my lack of cheer. Both my mom and sister kept telling me that holding onto resentment wasn't good for me, that I should let things go, but I couldn't. What kind of irresponsible father leaves his family in their worst moment to run away with his lover?

"How can it be that on school vacation, I feel so exhausted?" Grace asked, closing her eyes and relaxing her body so the vibrations could do their work.

We had just interviewed a schoolmate who had ranked first in the county chess tournament, but my friend was more distracted than usual. Despite her professional demeanor, I could see the fatigue in her expression, a tiredness that spoke of a sleepless night. Sitting next to her, I didn't know how to bring up the topic so she could open up to me.

"You're telling me," I replied, my voice trembling due to the chair's movements, making my words sound like a sheep's bleat.

"I went to bed super late last night."

I turned my head to observe my friend, who had a mischievous expression on her tired face. The worry that had accompanied me throughout the interview suddenly dissipated.

"Spill the tea!" I leaned forward in the chair, eager.

"I was talking with Emma..."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Although both were my friends, I tried not to influence them with my opinions, as I was also a mess. I often wondered why people insist on clinging to relationships that cause so much pain. Maybe it's because of the naive hope that love conquers all, like in those children's movies where evil always loses. Or perhaps the fear of loneliness pushes us to endure more than we should. In Grace's case, her love for Emma was very strong, though her lies and dismissals hurt her because of her fear of disappointing her family.

"And how did it go?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer; it was painted on the smile adorning her face.

"Well, really well, actually," she sighed, looking at me with bright eyes. "We had an... intense conversation. We talked about everything that happened, how we felt, and we ended up kissing."

I tried to hide my enthusiasm. Although I was happy for them, I didn't want to see them repeat that painful cycle that trapped them over and over again, where I couldn't be of any help. A small voice inside me wondered if this would be the final one or if Grace would eventually find the strength to break up with Emma. In any case, all I could do was be by her side and support her in whatever she decided.

"Does that mean you're going to give it another shot?" I asked gently, knowing these were treacherous waters.

"Maybe... I don't know, I'm confused," Grace admitted, her joy slightly fading. "Part of me still loves her, but another part is scared of getting hurt again."

I nodded, trying to find the right words before speaking. I feared that my opinion might confuse her or cause her pain if things got worse. The situation was already confusing enough without me adding fuel to the fire. Finally, I stretched my body and placed a hand on my friend's forearm to give her some human warmth.