I inserted my key into the door and unlocked it.
As I stepped inside, I saw Samantha typing away at her laptop while Riley giggled at her phone, and Lisa nibbled on something at the counter near the dining area.
As soon as they noticed me, all three turned to face me.
"Bloom! You're back!" Riley exclaimed, jumping up to give me a hug.
"Yeah," I replied, settling onto the couch. They were all expectantly waiting for me to say something, but I chose to hold back. I wanted to reveal something surprising.
Eventually, Lisa asked the question that was on everyone's mind. "So, did you get the job?"
"No, it was just another big waste of time," I said, trying not to laugh despite the grimace on my face.
"It's okay; you'll find another job, and you did your best," Riley reassured me as the others moved in for a group hug.
They felt like sisters to me, despite us just being friends. We had been close since middle school, all thanks to Riley's brother, Rion.
Rion and I had been friends for as long as I could remember. Our moms were inseparable, which meant Rion and I often had each other for company.
Over the years, we grew increasingly close. Rion was two years older than me, which put him ahead in school. I remember him boasting about his intelligence and strength while I would just sit there, enjoying some candy.
Rion's family dynamics were complicated; he lived with his mother while his dad was with Riley. Eventually, Riley's father couldn't manage her care anymore and sent her to live with her mom.
Rion was my guide through the new school environment when I entered middle school. He introduced me to Riley and her friends, and from then on, the four of us were inseparable until high school ended.
After graduating, they all went to college in Canada, but my dad opposed the idea, fearing for my safety and worried about me being so far from home.
Nevertheless, we kept in touch, and recently, I decided it was time for a fresh start in Canada.
I smiled as they huddled together, and before I knew it, I burst into laughter.
They stared at me, perplexed by my sudden outburst.
"Girl, are you okay?!" Lisa asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I got the job!" I exclaimed between fits of laughter.
As I continued to chuckle and roll on the couch, Riley picked up a pillow and threw it at me, prompting the others to join in. I attempted to dodge the incoming pillows, but it was futile, so I surrendered and soon the entire house was filled with laughter.
After the pillow fight, we all collapsed back onto the couch to catch our breath.
"No way, that job sounds amazing! You're really lucky," Samantha remarked, staring up at the ceiling.
"Yeah, I guess-" I started to say before Samantha nudged me, cutting me off.
"Always guessing, huh? What kind of test did you have?" I looked at Samantha, confused.
"How did you know I had a test?" she asked, raising her arms dramatically as if to hush me.
"There's always a test," I replied, glancing at the small but lovely chandelier that reminded me of the one in the office.
"Oh right! They asked me to interact with some kids." Samantha locked eyes with me, almost intimidatingly. "No way! There's no chance you didn't mess that up."
Samantha had a point; I often struggled with conversations, especially with new people, and kids were no exception.
I shrugged and let out a deep sigh. "I guess I was so determined to get the job that anxiety didn't stand a chance. The kids were actually pretty easy to talk to; they were kind of fun," I admitted with an awkward smile.
Lisa smiled brightly and tapped my shoulder. "Looks like therapy is finally paying off." I returned her smile, trying to convey that I didn't entirely agree.
I really disliked therapy; my mom had insisted on it. I preferred being me, unchanged. For three years, I felt stuck in endless sessions. My therapist was lovely, and I didn't want to add to her stresses, but my mom had pushed me into it, and I'd had no choice. Now that I was away, I felt lighter.
Riley's voice brought me back to reality. "Let's throw a party to celebrate Blossom's new job!" She looked genuinely excited.
"Oh no, please don't!" I shot a pleading look at Samantha and Lisa, hoping they would decline.
If there's one thing I truly detest, it's parties, especially at my place.
Samantha grinned mischievously, and I knew she was about to say something that wouldn't help my case. "I really dislike party planning; it's just too much stress-"
Well! That went better than expected. Maybe I should stop judging others so quickly, I thought to myself.
"Andrews is having a party tonight and invited me. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I brought friends," Riley chimed in, her grin widening.
Andrew was the guy Samantha had been dating for a year, and she never missed a chance to rave about him. I didn't have a good feeling about him-though I typically felt that way about guys I hadn't met.
I felt overwhelmed and was on the brink of tears. In a moment of panic, I blurted out, "Um, I think I have a headache. I don't feel well after interacting with those kids. You guys should go without me." I really hoped that excuse would work.
"Cut the act; we know you're perfectly fine. It's really not a bad idea to go out for a change. Since you've been back, you haven't had any fun. You've been stuck at home looking for a job- now that you got one, let's celebrate!"
Lisa's words rang true, but the thought of being in a crowd made me uneasy.
"B-but-" I searched for another excuse, but nothing came out.
"No buts! Rion will probably be there. You two haven't seen each other since you got back, so maybe it'll be worth it," Samantha added, and she was right; I did miss Rion.
I sat there, feeling flustered.
"All right, then let's get ready! We don't want to be late!" Riley exclaimed while Samantha tugged me along with them.
I grimaced at the idea of "getting dolled up," knowing I would end up looking like a doll with dark brown eyes, and curly hair. Ugh.