My ex

Isabella

I picked up my phone when a message popped up. I stared at the two options staring before me. A message from the group chat I had just sent and another from Noah, my ex. I opened the one from Noah and saw his wedding invitation.

I felt a needle of pain pierce through my heart as I stared at the invitation card. Maybe this was a message from the universe that I should just accept my father's arrangement seeing that I can't get a man to keep by myself.

This was the only explanation I could give myself, because why would a man who had been dating me for six months visit my house, kiss me, and eats me out even though it was bad, and send his wedding invitation to me the next day?

It was unbelievable. He was not just getting married to anyone; he was getting married to the girl he claimed to be a long distant cousin. The same girl I caught him hugging and I had complained about but instead, he shunned me and called me insecure.

Rage burned within me as I drove to my place. Until now, my plan had been simple. Visit my father, get a job, and be freaking independent for once. I sighed as I opened the other message.

Chat messages on the WhatsApp group,

Rosetta: Wait, what…

Lisa: Please tell me you are joking…

Me: Nope. You know I did tell you guys but this was more like a Welcoming gift back home. *eye roll*

Rosetta: I am so sorry I doubted you, Isa.

Lisa: Isa, did you hear about Noah?

Me: Yeah, I just saw his wedding invitation.

Rosetta: Wait, wait, what? That shitface is getting married

Me: I guess so. And guess who is the lucky bride?

Lisa: Miranda..

Rosetta: What, his b*tch of a distant cousin.

Me: I can't believe I fell for that sh*t.

Lisa: Well, thank goodness you didn't give up your V card for that douchebag.

Me: Yeah *sigh*

Rosetta: You know what, how about we go out, just us girls?

Me: On what occasion? My life in general?

Lisa: Yes love, first boo to arranged marriages especially yours love and f*ck men in general.

Lisa: Oh sh*t. I gotta bail you guys. I can't do a girls' night today girls. I'm not in town currently but let's go out once I'm around.

Me: My life pretty much sucks bad.

Rosetta: No. Don't say that Isa. You've got us, especially me, so your life doesn't s*ck. Cheer up, girlfriend.

Rosetta: Since it is just us Isa, We're going clubbing.

Me: How about just a dinner instead?

Rosetta: At a club?

Lisa: Ew.

Me: Yeah, what she said. No to that idea.

Rosetta: Such good girls. Live a little.

Me: …

Rosetta: Fine. Let's go to Dinner to talk then a Club to shake off the bad vibes.

Rosetta: You guys need to add some spice to your lives. Rosette: How do y'all function with that lot of goodness in you?

Me: I know I function well

Lisa: Well guys, I have to go. Have a drink for me and be safe. Text me if anything comes up.

Me: Sure Lisa. Have fun bye.

I put down my phone to prepare for the dinner with Rosetta. Just knowing I'd be able to relax and talk the last twenty hours out with Rosetta tonight before going clubbing helped ease some of the stress that weighed on me since I left my father's last night.

I hated that Lisa couldn't be there. She completed our love triangle, as Rosetta called it. She was the calm devil's advocate, always challenging us to think of the other person's point of view, while Rosetta plotted the murder of whatever hurt her or her friends. And I was the angel, the little-miss-goodie-too-shoes as Rosetta always calls me, who gives angelic and too-good bits of advice and is scared to break the rules. We were perfect for each other.

That crazy talent show freshman year had brought us together. Rosetta, Lisa, and I bonded over our shared horror and laughter as someone performed an epic hen-themed spectacle. The individual literally got a huge hen tattoo on their back and showed it to us for a talent show that didn't really exist. We caught each other's eyes and started laughing in unison, and the rest as they say is history. We'd held each other through each crazy, emotional struggle and adventure over the last four years. Who would have thought that ridiculous moment would forge lifelong friendships?

I dressed, got ready, and called an Uber. With Rosetta and clubs, you don't need your car because you'd be drunk as f*ck. I was ready to laugh, dance, have a little too much alcohol, and pretend my duty to my family didn't have much effect on me with each step.