Chapter One
Dalila hurried through the park, her heart pounding as she navigated the winding paths. She could see the group ahead, sitting at their usual spot by the large oak tree that provided shade and a sense of familiarity. The sight of her friends brought a mix of relief and anxiety; she hated being late, but she also cherished these moments of camaraderie.
“Glad you finally made it!” Hollis yelled out, her voice cutting through the ambient noise of the park. Children laughed in the distance, and the murmur of conversations floated on the breeze.
Dalila gave a sheepish smile as she approached, feeling the heat of the sun on her back. “It’s not my fault I slept in. The alarm didn’t work or something. I promise!” She dropped her bag on the bench, the fabric rustling against the wood.
Juno, his usual smirk in place, barely looked up from his phone. “Oh yeah, it’s not like we called you ten times, one of which you picked up and saying, ‘Just five more minutes.'”
Dalila rolled her eyes, ready to retort, but Hollis’s announcement interrupted her. “Oh guys, my friend I wanted you to meet is coming in like three minutes! Surprisingly more late than Dalila,” she said, casting a playful glance in Dalila’s direction.
“What are you looking at me for? And why haven’t I heard that he is coming? Uninvited or what?” she snapped, folding her arms.
Lumi, ever the opportunist, jumped in with a grin. “Oo, is it a guy?” She leaned forward, her curiosity piqued.
“Yes, but don’t you have a boyfriend?” Hollis and Juno said in sync.
“But back to you, Dalila, it was a surprise for you all, and no, he is not coming into the friend group uninvited.” Hollis laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Lumi rolled her eyes but kept her mouth shut, the tension palpable.
“Dalila, he is so your type, though,” Hollis said, trying to steer the conversation back on a positive track. Dalila’s curiosity was piqued despite herself. What did Hollis know about her type? Did she even have a type?
Dalila scoffed. “Yeah, I don’t think so.”
Juno muttered, “Whatever,” his gaze fixed on his phone. Dalila caught the brief flicker of annoyance on his face but chose not to comment.
“What was that?” Lumi asked, breaking the brief silence. “Is he tall?” Lumi continued, genuinely intrigued.
“why do you care?” Hollis replied.
Dalila, uninterested, tried stirring away from this conversation.
Dalila glanced around the park, taking in the vibrant scene. The oak tree’s branches swayed gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The laughter of children playing nearby mingled with the distant hum of a lawnmower. This place had always been their sanctuary, a slice of peace amidst their hectic lives.
“Hey Hollis, next time you invite someone we haven’t met, can you ask or tell us beforehand about it?” Juno let out an exaggerated sigh. “Seriously, it’s not that hard to give us a heads up.”
“Duh, but learn what a fun surprise is,” Hollis shot back, her tone light but firm.
Lumi flicked her head towards Juno and Dalila. “Guys, we gotta be nice, y’know. Not everyone is as cold as you two.”
“Guys, he’s my friend. Trust me, I know what he is like. Annoyingly cold at times,” Hollis said, emphasizing the word “annoyingly.”
“You’re one to talk” Juno threw out.
A voice behind them spoke up confidently. “Talking about me, I assume?”
Dramatic Danna 