Willow Flower.

Masks

It was a late Thursday night for Willow for as she was still working on a project for her job. Her momentum was cut short when she got a phone call from one of her friends, Naira.

"Hey Naira wassup?" Willow held the phone to her ear while she worked.

"Hey O, you still coming tonight?" Naira reminded Willow of their weekly get together. The group of women, Willow, Naira, Zoya, Olivia, and Reese got together on a weekday to discuss all kinds of topics. The conversations ranged from sex to politics, but the girls still had a great time. Willow, Olivia, and Reese met in college while Naira and Zoya were met at a local bar. Everyone clicked with each other, married or single, and got along pretty well.

"Oh yeah. I'm just finishing some things up at work." Willow sighed and stopped her work for a break. She looked around for her purse and started packing up her stuff.

"Willow," Naira said sternly. "What have I told you about overworking? Its not good for the body." Willow sighed and turned the lights off in her office. After getting off of the elevator, she pulled her car keys out of her purse and unlocked her car.

"I know, I know Ni. I just got caught up tonight. That's all." Willow drove in the direction of Naira's house.

"I even stopped working after you called me." Naira chuckled.

"Yeah, that's because you knew I would chew your ass. I understand your job means a lot to you, but don't overwork yourself." Willow rolled her eyes.

"Naira, that's easy for you to say since you're a boss at your own job. You can take off whenever you like." Naira was a Physical Therapist and rose to a big name after everyone giving her high reviews and recommendations. She became one of Georgia's top Physical Therapists and she even opened her own office.

"Just hear me out O. Please?" Naira begged. Willow parked on the side of the street where Naira lived.

"I gotcha Ni. I'll be more aware. Now stop begging and answer the door." Willow hung up and started knocking on her door. The door whisked open and there stood a cheerful Naira on the other side.

"Willow!" Naira squealed and squeezed her in for a hug. Willow chuckled and returned the hug.

"Girl, you just spoke to me on the phone. Why are you so hyped?" They both stepped inside the house and Willow made herself comfortable.

"I have some news for everyone," Willow arched her brow and set her purse down slowly.

"Hmm, some news I hear." Naira rolled her eyes and Willow laughed.

"Lemme be the first one to guess it: You got engaged." Naira stood there shocked in place.

"Um, no I'm not." Naira quickly hid her left hand behind her back. Willow shook her head and just smiled at her.

"Alright. Whatever you say Ni," Willow sighed and leaned back into the plush chair. Right on time, the other three women walked in.

"Hey guys!" Naira's voice veered off into the distance as she greeted the women. Willow sat and stared at the fireplace in deep thought. She was very happy for her friend being engaged and she couldn't wait for the wedding. Willow questioned the thought of someone about actually loving her enough to want marriage. She really couldn't decipher dating even though deep down, she wanted it. Seeing her friends happy with their boyfriends or husbands made her happy, with bitterness on the side. Happiness for the simple fact that Willow loves seeing her friends in good spirits. Bitterness because she didn't have anyone for them to meet or haven't met anyone yet. Nonetheless, Willow sucked it up and put on a happy face.