2 Break-up day

It was already half past noon of Saturday, the day for which Ayana was waiting for so desperately before, until yesterday.

She was feeling the worst today.

Her hands were preoccupied with a mug of hot chocolate milk and tissue box, which was third in use by now.

She was wrapped around in the blanket on her couch, and was binge watching TV for hours. The channels were changing repeatedly in a loop as her mind flickered everytime she saw something which reminded her of the previous day.

The situation got even worse when she realised it was a clear day outside today, which could've been perfect for a date, if only her boyfriend wasn't a jerk. While she sulked in her appartment, the sweet noise of cheerful children playing outside began to irritate her even more to the point she couldn't handle this frustration anymore.

"Why are kids so annoying in this world?!!! Urgh! Can't they keep quiet for a second?!" She screamed at herself but soon realised how stupid it felt.

Her mind couldn't process anything anymore and her body felt much more heavier than usual, as she dragged herself into the bathroom. Her hairs were a complete mess and her eye bags were swollen red with itchy sensation at the corners from dried tears.

She had never been in such a miserable state in her entire life. Seeing herself look so pathetic made her heart full of void to cry out even more, but even so, it didn't filled that large hole created by the heartbreak. She was so angry yet desperate as her heart still yearned for Jake, but it was impossible to meet him ever again.

As she was down in the dumps, suddenly her phone started ringing somewhere in her house. After a long searching, she finally found it under the couch and looked at it to see it was no one else but Betty, who also called her yesterday but she declined it since she was busy in the cafe at that moment.

She realised there were already twenty missed calls from her since yesterday, but she was so preoccupied in her world that she didn't even noticed them.

Seeing the phone call was about to end, Ayana immediately picked it up despite knowing what was going to happen next.

"DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW MANY MISSED CALLS YOU HAVE?! WHAT WERE YOU DOING ALL THIS TIME THAT YOU COULDN'T EVEN PICK UP A SINGLE CALL?!!!" Betty shouted right into her ears.

"Yeah, I just read them now, sorry...By the way, what was so important that you called me this many times?" Ayana said somehow managing her normal voice, as it had gone hoarse due to excessive crying since last night.

Betty: "Sorry?!! *Sigh* whatever girl, anyway, I just wanted to tell you there's an important gathering tonight and many employees from different departments, including you, have been invited to it."

Ayana: "Heh?! But for what reason? Also why's there a gathering and where is it taking place?!"

Betty: "You see, yesterday we had a surprise visit from the head directors. You didn't knew since you were on half leave yesterday, but trust me, out of them that one man was such a-"

Ayana: "Betty, Remember? No cursing." She reminded her the promise they made a long time ago.

Betty: " Fine. Nerd... So yeah, today we are having a small party to welcome them. Don't worry, there aren't that many of us. Oh! I almost forgot the best part!"

Ayana: "What is it?"

Betty: " Do you remember that fancy place we once saw on our way together? That black fancy building? It is actually an expensive restaurant which serves authentic dishes all around the world. It even has a disco bar on ground floor! It turns out, company is providing us a party at that same place, wo-hoo!!"

The excitement was clearly visible even through her distorted voice on phone.

Ayana: "...I am sorry sis, but really, I am not in the mood to attend any party right now."

Betty: "think again~ we can go to that disco party and have lots of alcohol too! Besides don't you think it's a great opportunity to get a promotion from seniors? C'mon, I know you won't miss this rare opportunity!"

Ayana: "... I.. I am not sure Betty.."

Betty was quick to notice the reluctance lingering in her voice. She didn't wanted to open that discussion but after catching the small hints through her phone, she couldn't help but finally ask for her well being.

Betty: "Hey, I forget to ask earlier, but are you okay right now? Do you want me to come over there?"

Ayana: "No, I am fine...wait a second! Why are you asking such questions?"

Betty: "*sigh* I guess I've messed up. You see, I got a call from Jake this morning, and he sounded... quite angry at you. I didn't wanted to bring this up because I know you are strong n' all and you like to maintain your privacy, but I just couldn't hold back in when you wouldn't even pick up my calls. Say, is everything okay? I don't know what exactly happened between you two, but I thought maybe a change of air, might refresh your mind."

There was complete silence for a minute as no response came from the other side. Betty once even thought of confirming if she was there, when suddenly a feeble noise from Ayana's side ringed her ears.

Ayana: "..Is he gonna attend the party too?"

Betty: "...No actually, I wouldn't lie by saying he wasn't invited, but rather he declined the offer on his own. And that's what I wanted to talk to you about."

Ayana: "It's... it's pretty long story, I'll tell you someday later. Anyway, at what time is the party today?"

Betty: "Ah, it's around eight I think. So, you coming?!"

Ayana: "Yeah. I think it might be a good to spend some quality time with my friend."

Betty: "Really?! That's my girl! Ok then, will see you there! Make sure to not dress up like a nerd!"

Ayana: "why would I?.."

Betty: "..."

"I guess she already hung up" Ayana stared at the blank screen of her phone and looked at the reflection of her swollen face for a while. She looked awfully pitiful.

She wanted to refuse, but Betty was right too. No matter what, she couldn't let go of this golden opportunity and waste it on sulking over a bastard.

And so, in the end she finally decided to step out of this heartbreak zone .

"Few shots of booze might be effective to help me forget him and elevate some pain." She hoped.

She looked through every single combination of dresses present in her closet, but nothing matched her taste. Everytime, the dresses felt either too short, or too colourful or too plain. It wasn't like she had hundreds of clothes to chose from but rather, quite the opposite.

After an hour long battle between choice, she gave up on choosing and picked out a black solid shirt with white blazer and trouser. She tied a loose bun followed by plain matching accessories to give a formal look, too formal to be honest. But she didn't mind it anyway as she was too tired to go through the process again.

After putting her final touch of makeup, she called the cab which she booked earlier and finally stepped out of her home. She glanced back at the mess she created and hoped to move forward soon from this hellhole.