In the days that followed, I felt alive again. When my friends invited me to go shopping and watch a movie, I didn’t hesitate. I did whatever I wanted, finally feeling free. For so long, I had spent less time with them or myself, always glued to Skyler, doing what he said. Now, I felt joy in doing what made me happy. Without Skyler and Tia, most of my troubles evaporated, leaving only the sweet solitude of being alone.
But then Simon, one of Skyler's friends who treated me slightly better than the rest, called. "Raya, why are you keeping us waiting? We're all here, just missing you."
I blinked in confusion. "Waiting for me? Why?"
"Aren't it you and Skyler treating us to dinner? Hurry up and come over. We're waiting for you." He hung up before I could protest.
I stood stunned as my phone beeped again. Simon had texted me the address of the restaurant and the private room number.
For a moment, I hesitated. Should I just ignore this and finally make a clean break? But then, maybe this was the time to confront them, to clarify things. After wrapping up my work, I headed to the address.