AFTER THIS NIGHT

Trapped

The night had already settled when Sophia opened the door to her apartment. After a brief sigh, she tossed her bag onto one of the sofas in her small living room. She took off her shoes and coat, neatly placing them before collapsing onto the couch.

"So, you're back?" exclaimed her roommate and best friend Sharon from her room. Getting no response after several attempts, she quickly put on her robe and, stealthily, with a curtain rod in hand, reached the living room, ready to strike the first stranger she would encounter. Seeing Sophia slouched on the couch, the tension in her eased, and she delicately leaned her weapon against the wall and approached the room.

"You could have answered me, So, so I wouldn't create scenarios in my head," she gently scolded while sitting on a pouf next to the couch.

"Sorry, I really don't have the strength to raise my voice. I'm literally drained," she justified.

"Sorry, darling. I hope tomorrow will be less exhausting for you because we're going out," Sharon announced.

"We're going out?" Sophia raised an eyebrow, emphasizing on "we."

"Don't worry, dear. You heard right. Sean invites us to the gala organized by his parents, and he made it clear that he won't accept any refusal," said Sharon. She knew her best friend well. Getting her out of the house was almost mission impossible. For that, she had thought of everything because she was determined to give her a break from her dark thoughts. Since the betrayal of her ex-boyfriend, Josh, the young woman had been brooding. The once vibrant, joyful woman had become extremely calm. She no longer went out, preferring the bed or the couch and her blanket.

"But I don't have..." Sophia began.

"Outfit? Dress? I took care of that," she said, her voice full of pride and challenge.

"And we need..."

"Accessories, shoes, etc. Don't worry about anything, my dear. I have a complete outfit for you, So. You won't back out, my beauty," Sharon replied.

"But I have overtime on Sundays," complained Sophia.

"We won't stay out late. Plus, Sean got us a room at the hotel where you work..."

"What?" Sophia interrupted, astonished.

"Sean got us a room at the hotel where you work," she said casually, shrugging her shoulders.

"But the rooms there are expensive, and you know it. Why did you let him do that?"

"It's not money he lacks, So. Plus, he already paid, and you know their refund policy."

"You shouldn't have let him do that, Sharon!" Sophia exclaimed.

"He did it before telling me, young lady. It's not my fault," she lied to defend herself.

"Okay, okay, I give in!" said Sophia in a sign of resignation.

"Great. One more thing," Sharon began, prompting Sophia to look at her with big astonished eyes. "No, don't worry, So. It has nothing to do with the party preparations or anything like that," she laughed at the expression on her friend's face.

"Good. Otherwise, I would definitely back out."

"That you back out? No! I know you wouldn't waste Sean's money."

"Yeah, right! Go on, I'm listening."

"You know I'm right. Well! Well! Well! It's likely that you'll sleep alone at the hotel. Sean might have other plans for us."

"Maybe? Don't act like you're unsure or don't know with me. The room was booked only for me. Surely, your Prince Charming and you will end the evening together at his place or somewhere, but still together," Sophia teased.

"I'm serious, So."

"Hmm-hmm, I don't believe you, Shasha," protested Sophia.

"Yet I am. No, I don't believe you even a little bit."

"Well, then, I'll go back to my room. I have to finish getting dressed," said Sharon pretending to be offended.

"You're going out?"

"No, but Sean might come with dinner, "she said, gracefully getting up.

"And what if he doesn't?"

"We'll just order pizza, but it's unlikely."

"Okay, okay!"

"Do you think it's okay like this?" Sophia asked Sharon as she entered her room. Finishing applying her mascara, the young woman turned around and lost her words. She was captivated by her friend's beauty. Sophia didn't realize it, but she was breathtakingly beautiful. She didn't fit the stereotype of the perfect woman. No! She had beautiful, harmonious curves due to her African origins. The 23-year-old woman was of mixed race, born to a Beninese-French mother and a French father. She was generous-hearted and exuded purity. Her shyness, reserve, and angelic face charmed from the first second.

"You are gorgeous, So. Damn! " Sharon exclaimed, breathless.

"Are you sure? I feel like..."

"Stop it, So. You annoy me by doubting all the time like this. Listen to me! You are magnificent. Come, look at yourself in the mirror," she said, pulling her to the large mirror in her room. "You need nothing more. You are perfect."

"Don't you think it's a bit much?" Sophia started. She had never worn dresses like these. She found them too revealing.

"Don't start again, So! This dress is perfect for you!"

"Okay, okay. I resign," she gave in.

The mirror reflected an image of her totally different from what she was used to seeing. She found herself beautiful that evening but couldn't believe it. It had been almost five months since she had taken the time to indulge herself, to present herself well, and to go out. She was so accustomed to seeing a neglected image of herself that she couldn't accept the fact that she could be very pretty.

"Sean won't be long. Let's go!"

With a smile on their faces, they headed to the front door. Hearing the sound of Sean's car engine, they went out, and after locking the door, they walked to the car in front of which Sean was waiting for them.

"You look stunning, girls" he said with a big smile. When they reached him, Sharon extended her hand. He took it, pulled her towards him, and kissed her. He turned to Sophia and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Oh! I forgot," he said before tapping on the car's front window. It opened, and a gloved hand handed him two boxes, which he then handed to them. "These are for you," he continued, handing them over in turn.

They took them and opened them. Two beautiful masks adorned with a delicate fluff resembling a cloud were inside.

"Wow! They are beautiful," exclaimed Sophia, running her fingers over her mask.

"I don't say. You made beautiful choices, my love," said Sharon, all moved.

"Thank you, baby."

"You didn't tell me it was a masquerade ball," Sophia said to her best friend.

"I forgot that detail. Sorry. But now you know, dear," Sharon replied.

"Ladies, take a seat! We have a long way to go," Sean said, opening the door.

They all settled, and the driver started the car after they all fastened their seat belts.