Lyra walked into the café, her three friends greeting her with warm smiles. They exchanged hugs and settled into their favorite corner booth.
"So, what's new?" Chloe asked, sipping on a latte.
Lyra sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Oh, nothing, just my dad sending me to live with my aunt in Michigan," she said nonchalantly, waving her hands.
"What?" the three friends said at the same time. They exchanged concerned glances.
"Why does he want you to move?" Sapphire asked.
"Something about getting my shit together. Yeah, that sounds about right," Lyra replied, shrugging.
Her friends listened attentively, offering words of encouragement.
"Well, that's one way to drop a bomb," Talia said, snorting.
"Michigan? That's quite far, isn't it?" Sapphire asked, sipping her coffee.
Chloe, who sat between them, nudged both their sides.
"Honey, you know Michigan might not be so bad. Plus, it's not that far, I think," Chloe said, holding Lyra's hand and rubbing it reassuringly. That was Chloe for you—always so motherly and warm. Her comforting presence was what held the group together. Her short, stylish bob and rich brown skin radiated a sense of warmth and coziness.
To Chloe's left sat Talia. Her dark, straight hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Sometimes, Lyra would envy her hair. Her sharp features and piercing gaze commanded attention, and her quick wit and sharp tongue could cut down anyone who dared to cross her or her friends. With a feisty attitude and a fighter's spirit, Talia was the group's protector and defender. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, often with a biting remark or sarcastic comment that left others laughing or taken aback. But beneath her tough exterior, Talia had a heart of gold and would stop at nothing to support and defend her friends. Her mean mouth might intimidate others, but to those closest to her, it was just a part of her charm.
On the right was Sapphire. Sapphire was a vibrant and dynamic presence with her copper-colored hair that cascaded down her back in loose waves. As the social butterfly of the group, she was always surrounded by friends, and her infectious laughter and quick wit made her the life of the party. She was the athlete of the group. Her lightheartedness and humorous nature made everyone feel at ease. Sapphire's favorite thing to do was eat. Whether it was trying out new restaurants or baking her own treats, food was always on her mind. Her greatest asset was her friendly and approachable demeanor.
Lyra was all of these traits combined. She was introverted and yet extroverted at the same time. She loved eating like Sapphire, had a sharp tongue like Talia, and was warm and cozy like Chloe.
Lyra smiled warmly and placed her hand on Chloe's.
"So, what's new with you guys?" Lyra asked her friends.
"The only thing new in my life is why my desserts are taking so long to get here," Sapphire said, looking at the counter and trying to get the waiter's attention.
"You know, sometimes I think food is the only thing your brain thinks of," Talia replied to Sapphire, who ignored her but instead got a swat from Chloe.
"There's nothing new in my life. The life of an accountant is very boring, and your brother doesn't make things easier for me, Ly," Talia said, looking at Lyra.
"Since when does Alex make life hard on anyone?" Lyra asked, raising a brow.
"That…" Talia wanted to use swear words but held herself back, "…that brother of yours is best known for handing me work that I have edited repeatedly. And all for what? A do-over. So yeah, that's what's new," Talia said and went back to sipping her juice like nothing happened. Talia never drank coffee. She hated the taste of it. She always ordered juice even when everyone else ordered something else.
"And here I thought my life as an interior designer would be dramatic," Sapphire quipped, getting the waiter's attention as she waved him over to their table.
"Good afternoon, ladies. What can I get for you to eat?" the waiter said, smiling warmly.
"Eyes on her, pretty boy. She's holding the menu," Talia responded, pointing to Sapphire.
The waiter's eyes roved back to Sapphire, whose eyes searched the menu vigorously and yet meticulously. He had never seen someone so dedicated to the menu.
"She's not weird, just excited about her food," Lyra said, assuring the waiter. She noticed that he looked stunned from Sapphire's murderous look at the menu.
"Right. I can come back a bit later if you need time," the waiter said.
"All done. I'll have all your desserts," Sapphire said, closing the menu.
"What?" the waiter asked in shock.
"Yeah. And for my friends…" she looked at her friends, who shook their heads in disapproval, "…okay, so it's just me," Sapphire said shyly.
"All the desserts? Isn't that a lot?" the waiter asked again.
"Trust me, the desserts are the least of your problems," Talia said, smirking at the waiter.
"Besides, it's just what, five desserts?" Sapphire asked.
"It's eleven, ma'am. But okay. Eleven desserts coming up," the waiter said and walked away.
"Chloe, what's wrong?" Lyra asked, sensing Chloe's uneasiness.
Chloe hesitated before pulling out a small card from her purse. She placed it on the table with a beaming smile.
"Actually, I have some news," Chloe said, her eyes shining with excitement.
"I'm getting married."
The café erupted in a chorus of squeals and cheers. Sapphire, Talia, and Lyra jumped up from their seats, rushing to envelop Chloe in a group hug.
"Oh my god, congratulations!" they chimed in unison, their voices filled with genuine excitement.
As Lyra congratulated her friend, a pang of sadness fluttered in her chest. She pushed the feeling aside, focusing on her friend's joy. They spent the next hour discussing wedding details, from venues to dress choices.
As the evening drew to a close, she stood up to leave.
"I should get going," Lyra said, her mind already racing ahead.
"I'll miss you, Ly," Chloe said.
"I'll miss you more. All of you," Lyra replied, smiling at her friends. She hugged them and left the café.
As she walked home, her mind wandered to her own canceled wedding and the dreams that had been shattered. She felt a sense of restlessness wash over her. On impulse, she decided to hit the club one last time before leaving the city. The music and lights would be a perfect distraction from her thoughts.
The club was in full swing when she arrived. She lost herself in the rhythm, letting the music consume her. Hours flew by, and before she knew it, the clock struck 2 a.m. She stumbled out of the club, phone in hand, and made her way home.
Lyra stumbled through the front door, her heels clicking on the floor. She was clearly intoxicated and reeked of alcohol. She attempted to sneak quietly into the house, hoping to avoid detection.
However, her father was waiting in the living room, his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face.
"Where have you been?" Gabriel demanded, his voice firm but controlled.
Lyra, trying to play it cool, mumbled something incoherent, but her father wasn't having it.
"You smell like a bar," Gabriel said, disgust evident in his tone. "You're twenty-five years old, and you're still acting like you're eighteen. This behavior is unacceptable."
Lyra swayed slightly, her eyes half-closed, but her father's words seemed to penetrate her haze. She looked up, a mixture of defiance and guilt on her face.
Gabriel continued, his voice firm, "I've had enough of this. You're going to pack your bags first thing in the morning and you're off to Michigan. Maybe some fresh air and discipline will sort you out."
Lyra's face fell, tears brimming in her eyes.
"Dad, no… please," she slurred, but Gabriel's mind was made up. He turned and walked away, leaving Lyra standing alone in the hallway, the reality of her situation slowly sinking in.