WHEN LOVE RETURNS

CHAPTER 2

After the lunch with Mr. De Leon, the rest of the week felt like a blur for Erica. The pressures of family expectations weighed heavily on her, and the thought of her father's disapproving gaze haunted her. I can't keep living this way, she thought, her heart aching for something more.

As the weekend approached, her friends Maya and Jess were determined to pull her out of her funk. "You need to let loose!" Maya insisted during a video call. "Forget about everything for one night. Just have fun!"

"Yeah, seriously," Jess added, her grin infectious. "You've been way too stressed lately. It's not healthy."

Erica hesitated, her mind still tangled in the web of her obligations. "I don't know, guys. What if someone recognizes me or tells my parents?"

"Who cares?" Maya said, throwing her hands up dramatically. "It's not like you're doing anything wrong by going to a party. You deserve a break."

Jess chimed in with a smirk. "Yeah, plus, think of it as rebellion therapy. You might actually enjoy being a little bad for once."

Erica couldn't help but laugh. "Fine, you win. Let's do it." A small thrill sparked in her chest as she added, "Just one night of fun, though. No drama."

I need this. I need to feel free, even if it's just for a few hours.

*****

The night of the party arrived, and Erica found herself stepping into a packed house pulsing with energy. Music thumped through the air, colorful lights flashed wildly, and laughter echoed around the room.

"Erica! You made it!" Maya shouted, weaving through the crowd to pull her in for a hug. "This is going to be epic!"

"You better not back out now," Jess teased, handing her a red plastic cup.

"I'm here, aren't I?" Erica replied, her lips curving into a genuine smile. This already feels better than pretending to care about mergers and market trends.

"Drink up, babe! Tonight, we're letting loose!" Maya declared, raising her glass.

"Cheers to that!" Erica said, clinking her cup with theirs. She took a sip, the drink's warmth spreading through her. Okay, I can do this. Just enjoy the night.

*****

With her friends by her side, they made their way to the makeshift bar, where someone was pouring shots.

"What are we starting with?" Maya asked, her eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Tequila!" the bartender shouted over the music, already filling shot glasses.

"Oh boy, here we go," Jess said with a laugh, grabbing her glass.

Erica hesitated for a moment before taking a glass. "What's the worst that could happen, right?" she joked, raising it in the air.

"That's the spirit!" Maya cheered.

*****

After a few rounds, Erica felt a buzz humming through her body. The music seemed louder, the lights brighter, and the weight on her shoulders lighter. This is exactly what I needed, she thought, swaying to the beat.

The night spiraled into laughter and games. Erica found herself in the middle of a heated round of beer pong.

"Erica, come on! You've got this!" Maya shouted, pumping her fist in the air.

"I'm going to crush this, just watch!" Erica replied, feeling an unfamiliar surge of confidence.

Her friends roared as she sank shot after shot, earning cheers from the growing crowd around the table.