Talk Of The Town ✔️

22

Anya never predicted hitting total rock bottom this year. It resulted in a solitary routine life since her close ones ignored her.

She woke up, showered, ate, and sat in the cold with a book, lunch, a movie, a little chore or organisation, and dinner alone at the dining table as her parents would eat on the couch or outside.

It's the same thing all over tomorrow until that Friday morning.

Podcast Jill rang.

A little doubt crossed Anya's mind. She has no energy to spare for another podcast detailing her downfall this time. Jill persevered. She has already called eight times. Anya decided to pick up on the ninth.

"Hey, how are you? Jill asked.

"What do you think?"

"Life sucks for everyone. I get it. I'm not calling for a podcast if that's what you're worried and I didn't do any segment on you, FYI."

"I don't care. Everybody is already talking shit about me. There won't be a hurricane if one more internet personality does it."

"Ouch, bitter much."

"You don't say."

Chuckling, Jill admitted, "I'm calling to invite you to a party."

"For your brother and you to bully me?"

"Hear me out first. There's a lavish party happening tonight. The elite and affluent youth will attend. The host doesn't know you personally. She is my friend, and I know you. She told me to ask you to come because she's your fan."

"She's a fan after all that happened."

"Yes, everything that happened is what made her your fan. She can't wait to meet you. I can tell these past days have been difficult for you. People have spoken not in a good way. You deserve happiness, too, regardless of what you did. It's none of their business if you're hanging out with more than one guy. You're not committed to anyone. You didn't cheat on anyone. Will you come to the party?"

"I'm not sure."

"Please, Anya, you don't have to stop living because of cowards hiding behind their screens. Okay, be honest with me. How many of your family and friends are still talking to you?"

The five seconds of silence became deafening.

"I still want to be your friend. Some strangers intend the same. Give them a chance. If you don't like it, you could always bail."

Sighing, Anya asked, "What time is the party?"

"It starts at seven. You can come to my place around three or four. We'll get ready together."

"Okay, I'll be there around four."

"That's the spirit."

Enough is enough.

Jill is right.

She is the only one hurting while everyone else is living. Opening her closet, she rummaged through her clothes. Wearing that short black dress again is out of question. Since it's a lavish party, everyone will look chic. Anya grabbed a black and beige gradient dress with a tag and tossed it in a backpack along with her heels and jewellery.

Around three-thirty, she rushed downstairs, almost colliding with the maid.

"I'm going to a party. Inform my parents when they return home."