Twisted Rumours (Twisted series fanfiction #2)

3. SOFIA VOLKOV

"Where is Lia?" I asked Josephine, who was busy staring at the menu in the restaurant. We were having our usual girls meet except Camilla, as she is in her kingdom. Josephine looked up and replied, "She's running a bit late, but she should be here soon."

"She was the most punctual in our group." I added, remembering Lia's usual promptness.

"My brother or I should say her husband, remains glued to her like a leech , so she's probably just held up by him." Josephine chuckled at my comment before returning her attention to the menu.

"You never order anything yet stare at the menu, Josie. May I ask you why that is?" I said, trying to start the conversation.

"I have an AFRID food disorder. So my food intake is very limited, and I like to carefully choose what I eat," Josephine explained. "It's a struggle sometimes, but I've learned to manage it over the years."

"I am sorry." I responded, feeling a pang of sympathy for Josephine. "It must be difficult to navigate social situations involving food with that disorder."

"Oh, don't be sorry. It's fine for me . At least I don't have any mental syndrome. "Besides, it has helped me become more mindful of what I eat and appreciate the simple pleasures of food," Josephine added with a smile. "I've found ways to enjoy meals in my own way."

"Why didn't you tell us before?"

"I didn't want to make a big deal out of it," Josephine replied. "I prefer to focus on the positive aspects of how it has shaped my relationship with food. And Lia always knew."

"Hey girls, sorry I was late. I hope I didn't miss too much," Lia chimed in as she joined the conversation. She was looking as beautiful as ever, with her hair perfectly styled and a smile that could light up the room.

"Nothing important. " Josephine flipped off the subject, and I didn't object. It was Josephine's choice about when to open up on this and when not.

"Well, why were you late?" I tried to steer this conversation away from a lighter topic.

"Marco wouldn't leave me. He tried to get me to spend the afternoon with him, but I declined. He later respected my choice to spend time with you all and dropped me here. He is so protective yet really understanding." Lia beamed as she spoke about Marco, her eyes sparkling with admiration. It was clear that their relationship was a source of joy for her, and I couldn't help but feel happy for her.

"Sofia, remember what I said earlier?" Josephine glanced at me, and I knew what she was talking about.

"You were right, Josephine Dante Vivian Russo." I giggled as Lia stared at us, silently asking for an explanation. "It's nothing, Lia. It's just that Jospehine predicted something."

"Don't use my full name." Josephine stated, checking something on her phone.

"Why? I thought you liked your name." I teased, knowing that Josephine had always been proud of her Italian-Chinese heritage.

"I do, but it's just too long and fancy. It sounds like I belong to some 17th or 18th century, but I do love my name and my middle names too. After all , they belong to the people I am proud to be the daughter of," she replied with a smile.

"Should we call Camilla?" Lia asked, dutifully playing the role of the mom of the group here.

"She might be sleeping right now because it's past midnight there. It gets hard to talk to Camilla properly because of this. " Josephine sighed, clearly missing her friend, who lived in a different time zone.

"I'll try messaging her tomorrow when she's awake," Lia suggested, hoping to bridge the gap in communication with their faraway friend. "Sofia, how is Stacy doing? It's been a long time since we last heard of her. I saw a girl passing with hair like her, so I remembered."