Old Days Break Free [On Hold]

Ditch the Date, Date The Ditch-er

Lorraine's POV

"Red code... This is a red code" I am currently at home, no longer in solitude, as three of us women now occupy this space.

There’s me, Penelope, and Rhianna—two friends I met during my college years, both carrying their unique imprints on my life.

Rhianna was my friend first. We shared late-night study sessions, spontaneous adventures, and those intimate conversations that solidified our bond.

Penelope came into the picture later, after graduation, but it didn’t take long for her to grow on me.

Her sense of humor and relatability made it impossible not to get close to her.

She’s the kind of friend who can make you laugh even when everything seems to be falling apart.

"It's really a red code, especially for you. I mean, what do you mean by being in an arranged marriage, Rhianna? And you, Lorraine, why on earth are you still nervous about a simple date?" Penelope teased, her laughter bubbling up, making light of the heaviness we both felt.

This is my trio.

My refuge when life feels too overwhelming, too dull, or simply too much.

They know how to make the world feel lighter, easier, even on the hardest of days.

These women are my sanctuary, my safe space.

Talking to them, hanging out with them—it’s like taking a breath of fresh air.

"Exactly, it’s just a date. Be yourself, like you always are. For years, you’ve been talking about how much you like this girl. Honestly, I thought you’d already given up on her" Rhianna chimed in.

Her words tugged at a smile from me, even as I rubbed my hands over my face in an attempt to ease the tension.

Like washing away my nerves.

I couldn’t help but feel the weight of it all.

A dinner date.

Athena said yes.

The thought made my heart race.

Even though she’s constantly wrapped up in her busy schedule, she still carved out time for me.

That alone was enough to send waves of warmth through me.

She’s so much like Jezreel—both of them have their own way of being sweet without even trying.

It’s endearing in a way that leaves me feeling giddy.

"But what if she doesn’t like how I act? This is our first real date, and she’s actually acknowledging it as one. I need to make a good impression" I said, sinking deeper into my bed, the soft sheets cradling my uncertainty.

I stared up at the ceiling, a nervous grin tugging at the corners of my mouth despite my anxieties.

This date—this moment—it feels like a step forward, like there’s finally a real chance for something more between us.