"What do you mean?" Rose asked, her voice wary.
"Hope this isn't about William again?" Nancy replied lightly, trying to sound casual.
Silence stretched between them for five long minutes. Then Rose let out a small, sad smile. "Of course it's about William. You should have known the moment you got those invitations. The only connection we've ever shared with him was fighting for his attention… but we're no longer together. It's been more than three years, Nancy… so why does it still matter?"
"Rose, things have changed," Nancy said softly but firmly. "And maybe your mindset needs to change too. We're going there just to chill, nothing else. Please… stop linking everything to William. The birthday is tomorrow, and we're going together. That's final."
Rose's mouth fell open. "The birthday is tomorrow, and you're telling me now?"
"I already tried to tell you earlier," Nancy explained, rolling her eyes with a hint of exasperation. "I just didn't have the opportunity. Like I said, relax. We have until 8 p.m. tomorrow to pick something to wear so calm down."
Rose knew arguing would be pointless. She knew Nancy too well; there was no chance she'd accept a refusal. "I… I still feel awkward about the whole thing," she admitted quietly.
"Calm down, Rose," Nancy said, her tone softening. "It'll be fine. We're just going there to have fun."
That night, Rose couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned, her mind spinning with worries, her heart restless.
The next morning, Nancy peeked into the room. "You're up already?"
"Hmmm… couldn't sleep," Rose mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "I was worried about today."
Nancy reached out, gently touching her friend's swollen eyes. "Your eyes… they're puffy, Rose."
"I said I couldn't sleep," Rose replied softly, avoiding her gaze. "I just have a bad feeling about this birthday thing."
Nancy shook her head. "I don't want you to feel bad. It's completely fine if you don't want to go. I was joking yesterday. Your happiness comes first and that's why I didn't show you the invitation in the first place. I just thought it could be a chance for you to relax. But I won't stop you if you don't want to go."
Rose took a deep breath. "No… it's fine. I'll go with you. There's no big deal."
Nancy brightened instantly. "Perfect! I already picked an outfit for us and ordered matching shoes. Look!" She handed Rose her phone.
Rose smiled as she saw them: simple, elegant white shoes just her style. "I like them," she said softly.
Nancy leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Oh… and Gabriel called this morning."
Rose froze. "It's been a long time since I heard from him. how are you two?"
"what do you mean by that?" Nancy asked almost laughing
"He told me you weren't picking up his calls," Nancy said, frowning.
"It's hard to deceive me, Rose. Even when you try, the truth always comes out. He called to check on you after you ignored him."
"i don't know but i think Gabriel likes you instead. i think he uses me as excuse." Rose said calmly
"he'll noooooo hahaha" Nancy said
"no Nan i'm serious that's why i don't pick his calls so he goes to you directly instead of calling to great me. it's sound awaken to me."
"Noooo Lewis was just my classmate and you know we share no romantic feelings."
Rose nodded but still not convinced, her jaw tight. "I'll apologize when I see him," she said, turning toward the kitchen.
Nancy followed, smiling. "I see… already hungry, huh?" she teased, her eyes sparkling like she knew exactly what she was doing.
"Hey! That's true!" Rose said, puppy-eyed, pleading for mercy.
Nancy laughed. "Stop that already. I know you're trying to dodge this conversation don't even pretend!"
Rose pouted. "But it's the truth I'm hungry."
Nancy dropped her phone immediately and followed her friend.
"My little baby Rose is hungry… and planning morning tantrums, I see."
"Don't say that!" Rose protested, but a small smile betrayed her amusement.
"I was already making breakfast before you woke up," Nancy added casually, when suddenly the phone rang.
"Ring, ring, ring."
"Don't worry, I'll get it," Rose said, hurrying to the sitting room but the call stopped before she could reach it.
"It stopped," she said, handing the phone to Nancy. "I checked who it was… and saw you also use Messenger on Facebook."
Nancy froze for a moment, a tense knot forming in her chest. She wasn't sure how much Rose had navigated or shared, and a subtle unease filled the kitchen .