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YOU REALLY WANT TO HEAR THAT STORY?

"ALRIGHT, WE'VE GOT SNACKS, DRINKS, AND MOVIES. ANYTHING ELSE?"

Hazel glanced around the cosy living room, ensuring everything was in place. The coffee table was laden with colourful bowls overflowing with popcorn, chips, and a medley of sweets, while various drinks lined up in neat rows, each waiting to quench their thirst. Beside them, a stack of VCR tapes towered precariously, threatening to topple at any moment. Isadora, perched on the edge of the couch, chewed thoughtfully on her fingernail, her gaze drifting over the carefully arranged snacks, lost in her own swirling thoughts.

"Nope, I think we're all set," Hazel replied, her voice upbeat, a vibrant façade that belied the underlying concern laced within it. Isadora could hear the faint tremor of worry that threaded through her friend's cheerful tone. As she took in the warmth of Hazel's efforts, a flicker of gratitude washed over her, though it struggled to penetrate the cloud of sadness hovering over her.

Taking a deep breath, Isadora made her way to the couch, where Kendra and Hazel awaited her with bright smiles that masked their concern. The three girls had decided on a girls' night—a much-needed reprieve for Isadora, who had been struggling since the chaos of the school dance and the unsettling party that followed. After weeks of isolating herself at home, retreating into her shell, she was finally ready to allow her friends back into her life, even if just for one night.

"How have you been, Isa?" Kendra asked gently, her eyes shining with concern as she leaned forward, ready to catch any hint of distress that might escape.

"Yeah, fine," Isadora shrugged, but her half-hearted reply drew worried looks from both Hazel and Kendra. They exchanged glances, silently communicating their concern. Isadora's withdrawal had not gone unnoticed; she had barely engaged in conversation for days, only leaving the house for school. Hazel and Steve had filled Kendra in on the troubling events of the party, which had left Isadora feeling exposed and vulnerable.

"You're still upset," Kendra stated softly, her voice a delicate combination of empathy and firmness, as if trying to pierce through the wall Isadora had built around herself.

"Of course, I'm upset, Kendra! I was really starting to like Billy, and then he just turned me into a game. I should have seen it coming; I was bound to get hurt. You were right, and so was Steve," Isadora admitted, her voice trembling as she fought back the tears that threatened to spill over. The hurt still felt fresh, a raw wound that refused to heal no matter how she tried to ignore it.

"None of us wanted to be right, Isa," Hazel said softly, her eyes filled with compassion. She reached out, resting a reassuring hand on Isadora's arm, a gesture of comfort that made Isadora feel slightly less alone, if only for a moment.

"I know," Isadora murmured, her gaze fixed on the floor, where the carpet seemed to absorb all the sadness she felt.

"Can I ask why you listened to Amanda? She's been trying to keep you away from Billy since the moment you two started working on that project together. It felt like she was clearly trying to break you up," Kendra pressed, her concern bubbling to the surface once more. Isadora hesitated, flicking through the VCR tapes stacked in front of her, searching for a distraction that might ease the weight of Kendra's question.

After a moment, she landed on Grease and handed the tape to Kendra. "Grease, good choice. I know that one always makes you feel better," Kendra said with a smile, sliding the tape into the VCR. The familiar theme music began to play, wrapping around them like a warm hug.

"Y-yeah, it does," Isadora nodded, looking down at her hands, which were nervously tapping together. Kendra's question echoed in her mind. Had Amanda truly been trying to sabotage her? The doubt gnawed at her as she wrestled with the memories of her interactions with Billy, feeling the weight of regret settle heavily in her chest.

As the upbeat music filled the room, Kendra pressed play, and the three girls began singing along, their voices blending together in joyful harmony. Isadora felt a flicker of happiness as she got up and performed her dance routine to "Greased Lightning." Laughter erupted from Hazel and Kendra, their cheers and applause creating a warm cocoon around her. For a moment, it felt as if all her troubles were distant echoes, forgotten amidst the joy of their friendship.

"Did you choreograph that dance yourself?" Hazel asked, pausing mid-laugh, her eyes wide with admiration.

Isadora froze, the sudden spotlight making her cheeks heat up. "Uh, y-yeah," she lied, a tinge of embarrassment creeping into her voice. Hazel and Kendra exchanged incredulous glances, and Kendra raised an eyebrow in playful disbelief.

"Okay, fair enough," Kendra replied, a teasing smirk dancing on her lips.

As the movie continued, the three girls sang loudly along to "You're the One That I Want," bursting into laughter when the song ended. Their carefree spirits were contagious, and Isadora felt herself relaxing, if only for a moment, but as the film transitioned into a new scene, Kendra began rummaging through the pile of VCRs, her expression thoughtful.

"Okay, so we have a few chick flicks here, but I also picked up some horror movies," Kendra announced, a mischievous glint lighting up her eyes. Isadora's heart sank at the mention of horror films, and she immediately shook her head, her resolve firm.

"Absolutely not. I am not watching any horror movie," she protested, crossing her arms defiantly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"Oh, come on, Isa! Horror movies aren't that bad! You might even enjoy one of the ones I brought with me," Kendra urged, her tone lighthearted yet persistent.

"Nope! Not happening!" Isadora insisted, her eyes narrowing.

Kendra chuckled and nodded, finally relenting as she set down the horror films and grabbed another movie. "Okay, then what about this one?"

"Sure," Isadora agreed, feeling a slight lift in her spirits at the prospect of more lighthearted entertainment. Kendra selected a new movie, and the three girls settled back on the couch, comforted by each other's presence.

However, as the new film began to play, Isadora's expression shifted drastically. The story unfolded around a group of high school students and their friendships and romantic relationships. Isadora felt herself drawn into their stories, her heart aching as she saw pieces of her own struggles reflected in their experiences.

"Isn't this such a classic?" Kendra said, glancing at Isadora, who nodded silently, her emotions bubbling to the surface.

As they watched, the characters' struggles with their identities and relationships resonated deeply with Isadora. It made her think of her own turmoil, especially regarding Billy and the role Amanda had played in it. Tears began to spill down her cheeks and she quickly wiped them away, trying to hide her tears from her friends.

"Isa..." Hazel said softly, concern evident in her voice.

"It... it was my fault," Isadora sobbed, the weight of her emotions crashing down around her like a tidal wave. She felt her heartbeat quickening as the realisation set in. Kendra had been right. Billy had defended her against Amanda's relentless attempts to break them up, and Isadora had let Amanda's words seep into her mind like poison. If it hadn't been for Amanda's influence, she would still be with Billy right now.

"We can turn the movie off," Kendra offered gently, trying to comfort her.

"Why? It's just a stupid movie!" Isadora snapped, wiping her tears angrily. The truth hit hard, and she realised how she had been the one in the wrong all along.

"Is—" Kendra began, but Isadora abruptly got up and stormed out, slamming the bathroom door behind her. Once inside, she collapsed onto the cold floor, tears flowing freely as she thought of how her relationship could have been salvageable if only she hadn't let Amanda interfere.

Kendra looked toward the bathroom, worry etched across her face. "I never would have chosen that movie if I had known it would upset her," she confessed to Hazel, her voice heavy with guilt.

"Should we check on her?" Hazel suggested, biting her lip with concern.

"Maybe we should just give her a few minutes?" Kendra replied, glancing back at the closed door. Hazel nodded, and they waited silently as Isadora remained in the bathroom, burying her face in her knees, allowing herself to feel the full weight of her sadness.

After what felt like an eternity, Isadora wiped her tears and composed herself, determined not to let her friends worry any more than necessary. She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and finally stepped out of the bathroom to rejoin them in the living room.

"You okay, Isa?" Hazel asked, her eyes searching for signs of distress.

"Yeah, sure. I'm totally fine, but can we talk about something else or watch a different movie?" Isadora suggested, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Sure," Kendra nodded, relief washing over her.

"Suddenly, a horror movie doesn't sound so bad," Isadora joked, attempting to lighten the mood. The three girls burst into laughter, and as Isadora joined in, she wiped the remnants of her tears away, grateful for her friends' support. They snuggled back under the blankets, and Kendra started another film.

"What about Fast Times at Ridgemont High?" Kendra suggested, pulling out another VCR.

"Perfect choice! I love that one!" Hazel exclaimed, clapping her hands together.

Isadora nodded, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Yeah, let's do it!" she said, feeling a sense of camaraderie and joy that she hadn't felt in a long time.

As the opening credits rolled, she nestled comfortably between her friends under the blankets, feeling a sense of belonging and warmth. She was grateful for this night, this laughter, and most importantly, for the reminder that even in her darkest moments, she was not alone.

As the movie progressed, Isadora found herself chuckling at the characters' antics and the absurd situations they found themselves in. The film's blend of humour and heart made her forget, if only for a moment, the heaviness of her own worries.

"Can you believe the way they handle relationships in this movie?" Kendra remarked, shaking her head. "It's like they have no idea what they're doing!"

"Right? But that's what makes it relatable," Hazel chimed in, giggling. "We're all just trying to figure things out!"

"True," Isadora said, feeling a connection to the characters. She couldn't help but laugh, knowing she was in a similar place—confused and trying to navigate her own feelings.

As the film reached its climax, Isadora felt a warmth spread through her chest. Surrounded by her friends, the laughter and lightheartedness began to lift the weight of her sorrow. She felt a flicker of hope that perhaps she could mend things with Billy if she could just find the right moment to talk to him.

Once the movie ended, Kendra turned to her friends, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Alright, next up, let's watch Some Like It Hot! It's a classic!"

"Absolutely!" Hazel exclaimed, bouncing excitedly in her seat.

Isadora couldn't help but smile, feeling lighter than she had in days. "Yes, let's do it! I love that movie!"

As Kendra prepared the next film, Isadora took a moment to glance around the room, soaking in the familiarity of her surroundings and the comforting presence of her friends. Despite the turmoil swirling in her heart, she felt an undeniable sense of comfort and belonging that steadied her.

When the charming antics of Some Like It Hot began to unfold, Isadora became completely absorbed. The whimsical adventures and hilarious moments resonated deeply with her, reminding her of her own feelings for Billy. A renewed sense of determination washed over her.

As the credits rolled, she realised she had to confront her emotions and make amends with Billy. It wouldn't be easy, but with her friends beside her, she felt prepared to take that step.

"Next movie suggestion!" Kendra announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"How about Breakfast at Tiffany's? It's such a fun one!" Hazel chimed in.

"Great choice!" Isadora agreed, her spirits lifting.

As Kendra set up the next film, Isadora nestled deeper under the blanket, grateful for an evening filled with laughter, friendship, and a much-needed escape from her worries, if only for a little while. The opening credits of Breakfast at Tiffany's rolled, and the familiar notes of "Moon River" filled the room, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

As the story unfolded, Isadora became captivated by the romance and journey of self-discovery depicted on screen. The vibrant scenes and heartfelt moments brought a smile to her face, temporarily lifting the weight that had burdened her for weeks. Surrounded by the joy of her friends and the magic of the film, she felt a glimmer of hope.

Yet, beneath her newfound lightness lingered a nagging thought. She had allowed Amanda to manipulate her feelings and undermine her relationship with Billy. The realisation struck her like a cold splash of water: she needed to confront her mistakes and find a way to apologise to Billy if she wanted to mend what had been broken between them.

With each passing scene, her resolve grew stronger. She had to be brave and face the consequences of her actions. This girls' night had reignited a spark of hope within her, fuelling her determination to take that first step toward reconciliation.

As the movie came to an end, Isadora looked around at her friends, their laughter and warmth enveloping her like a comforting embrace. She knew tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for tonight, she felt grateful for this moment of connection. She was ready to take the leap and make things right with Billy, believing that perhaps, with a little courage and the support of her friends, she could find her way back to him.

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Isadora is slowly coming to the realisation if she didn't listen to Amanda, her relationship wouldn't be ruined right now 🥺

Also I wanted to add this chapter to show more of Isadora's friendship with Kendra & Hazel

Enjoy! Xo

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