Neon Escape

Chapter 3

The morning light entered through the curtains, spreading lines across my eyelid. A dull ache hammered in my head, a reminder of last night's emotional ups and downs. I let out a heavy sigh, rolling over and reaching for my phone, only to find it sitting comfortably on the nightstand.

Suddenly, the memory of last night came running down on me like a giant wave. Marcus, Aurora, the betrayal, the pain, the ice cream… and Sarah. A smile formed at the corner of my lips, because I knew I wasn't alone.

Looking around, I saw a sight that made my heart leap for joy. Sarah lay across the chair opposite the bed, mixed up in a mess of blanket and legs. An empty bag of chips was left on the coffee table, next to a DVD case with a worn-out romantic comedy cover. Oh, yes this is Sarah doing.

A soft laugh escaped my lips, the sound waking Sarah. Her eyes came open as she blinked away sleep with a groan.

“Ugh, what time is it?” she asked her voice still filled with sleep.

“No idea,” I replied

“But considering the sun, it’s past responsible adult time,” I said with a smirk on my face.

Sarah's eyes opened wide in shock as she sat upright, popcorn raining down on her,

“Holy Moly,” she shouted,

“Did we really watch all those movies yesterday?” she asked, clearing the popcorn away from her.

“Looks like it,” I said looking around,

“And judging by the empty bottles and bags, we consumed a huge amount of junk food.”

Sarah shamefully scratched her head, making a baby face,

“Hey, sometimes what a girl needs is a sappy movie and some sweet treat to feel better,” she said, attempting to sound defensive.

I couldn't help but laugh.

“You know what? I said,

“Last night was exactly what I needed. Thank you, baby. Seriously.” I said with a smile on my face.

Sarah's smile softened. Her face filled with so much joy,

“Anytime, Gem. But you gotta agree, ditching that cheating fool was pretty cool for you,” she replied.

I nodded, a newfound hope building inside of me.

“It was,” I agreed.

“And guess what? I don't need him anymore.” I replied, glancing at my phone on the nightstand, a flash of boldness replacing the ache. There was nothing from Marcus, no missed calls or desperate texts, nothing just silence.

A comfortable silence dragged between us this time. Sarah stood up from the armchair with surprising strength for someone who had just woken up.

“Alright, sleepy head,” she declared,

“Operation: Get your life back on track starts now. First thing first, coffee and a decent breakfast, my treat,”

I couldn't stop smiling. Right now, I might not know what the future holds for me, but with a friend like Sarah by my side, I knew I could face anything. We went into the kitchen, and Sarah searched for coffee while I put on the kettle.

After breakfast, a serious look filled Sarah's face,

So, Gem,” she began,

“What's next? Is there a big plan to take over the world, or do you wanna start it slowly?” she questioned.

I looked out of the window, the sun casting a warm glow, taking in a deep breath,

“Sincerely, I've got no idea,” I admitted.

“But for the first time in a while, I don't feel lost. I just want to focus on myself, on things that make me. Maybe take dance lessons, finally learning that language I always wanted to.”

Sarah's eyes lighten,

“French, right? I knew you would do well at French,” she replied, her voice laced with happiness.

I nodded, a spark of excitement stirring within me. French has always been a dream pushed away, covered by a lot of things. Maybe, just maybe it was time to dust it off.

“Oh yes, baby. French, it has always been and will continue to be.” I said, my voice firm.

“And maybe a road trip. Just you, me, and the open road. What do you think?”

A smirk appeared on Sarah's face, her eyes full of mischief.

“Sounds like we've got a plan, girlfriend. Now, finish your coffee, because beating the world, or at least a fair trip doesn't happen on an empty stomach.

I let out a laugh, a sincere one. The world outside might have looked different this morning, but inside, I felt a gleam of hope, a newfound strength to write my own story, a story filled with friendship, love, laughter, and maybe even a sprinkle of French.

The doorbell rang out loudly, breaking the peaceful breakfast. I and Sarah exchanged a worried look,

“Expecting someone?” Sarah asked as she wiped her mouth with a napkin.

I shook my head, a twist of fear and anxiety forming in my gut.

“Nope, not at all,” I said with a worry-filled voice.

Sarah stood from the table, making her way toward the door, her face serious.

“I will get it,” she flung it open,

“Yes,” she asked firmly

My grandmother stood at our doorstep. Grandma is usually strict but today, she doesn't look her usual self, she seemed anxious and uncertain. My parents stood behind her, looking worried.

Gem, there you are.” she said, pushing Sarah before she could say anything.

“We need to talk, baby,” she said to me as she cupped my face into her hands, staring at me.

“Grandma, What is it? What is wrong?” I asked, my voice thick with worry. Madam Helena, my grandma was always full of life, her eyes filled with joy and happiness, but it wasn't longer there. Today, fear, pain, and… regret is all I could see in her eyes.

Without acknowledging my question, she walked into the living room. My parents followed her like children who did something bad. Sarah, being the good friend she was, stood in front of me with a defensive look.

“Maybe you could explain why you came in uninvited,” she said in a demanding voice.

For the first time, my grandma seemed to be unsure. She took a deep breath and let out a sigh showing how worried she was.

“This got nothing to do with you, young woman. It's a family issue.” she let out

Sarah's eyes narrowed, and she didn't move a pin.

“Anything that concerns Gem concerns me,” she said, her voice firm.

I gave Sarah's arm a gentle squeeze, thanking her silently. Having Sarah by my side made me feel stronger.

My grandmother cleared her throat, her voice shaking like I had never heard before.

“Gemma, we came here to talk about your future.”

The word ‘future’ hung heavy in the air. Fear and anxiety filled my heart, tightening it.

“My future?” I questioned my voice a bit shaky.

My mother spoke, her voice filled with pain and unshed tears.

“There… there is something you need to know, sweetheart.”

Grandma interrupted, her voice firm but also laced with fear,

“The Raymonds have made an offer, Gemma, and it is important to the family that you accept it,” she said.

“The Raymonds?” I let out a breath as the name sent shivers down my spine.

The Raymonds is a ruthless billionaire dynasty known for their stone heart and coldness. What do they have to do with me?

“What offer, Grandma?” I asked, my voice shaking. God, this is bad, very bad. My grandma's lips formed into a thin line.

“Ma… marriage, Gem. You are going to marry Matteo Raymond” she let out, her voice barely above a whisper.