My Perfect Love Story

Chapter 1: Bumble

July 16, 2021

9:00 am

Houston, TX

The hot, bright sun shined against the beautifully decorated, burgundy drapes. Mariana peacefully slept until the sun's rays beamed shamelessly on her deep, tan skin. The hazel-brown eyes slowly opened as the sunlight caused discomfort while amid her slumber. Mariana groaned as she got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. The warm water runs down Mariana's back and soothes the painful sores due to a lack of stretching and comfortability.

As Mariana stepped out of the shower, the breeze hit her quickly. After grooming herself, Mariana wore a yellow, bell sleeve crop-top with flare leg jeans and wedges. Skipping breakfast was a routine for Mariana so she made her way to work. After 10 minutes, Mariana is filled with pride as she views her clothing boutique while parking her car.

Mariana's Clothing Boutique

After opening the boutique, Mariana began restocking clothes and filling out the inventory sheets. She also worked on the financial aspects of running and maintaining a business. Mariana's business is fresh in business, which means she needs employees. The workload and stress of owning a business were always known to Mariana. She trained herself to be mentally prepared for the hardships she will face before opening her business, but physical preparations were impossible for Mariana.

Just as Mariana finished filling out paperwork, the bells above the door rang as her first customers of the day entered. To her surprise, it was Myra and Amira, Mariana's best friends in college.

                                                                                Mariana

"Well if it isn't the boss herself!"  Amira was always cheerful and bubbly. Her energy was one that brightened my mood whenever I was feeling melancholic. "What are you guys doing here?" I rolled my eyes jokingly as I was familiar with the energetic, fun attitudes instilled in my friends. My friends are my strength. They were there for me through the darkest times and the celebratory moments.

Amira is the reckless, care-free friend that energizes the group, but is very impulsive. Myra is an optimistic, smart friend that balances everyone in the group. She is the glue that keeps us all together. Then, there's me! I am the mom of the group, I plan everything sensibly, and I am honest when it comes to everyone's best interest.

"We just came to support your business and catch up!" Myra said, walking towards the check-out counter. "Okay, what shall we 'catch up' on?" I said sarcastically as each of them looked suspicious. I also noticed a beautiful glow on each of their skin, which made me even more curious. "Well, I have a boyfriend named Chris," Amira announced her relationship status with a bright smile and glow on her face.

"Oh my gosh! When were you planning on telling us?!" I questioned Amira's trust within this group because eight months is a long time to keep a relationship private from people who are close to you. "Well, Myra organized our first date for us," Amira hesitantly admitted the involvement of Myra in her relationship which hurt me deeply.

"Wait, why wasn't I included in what could be a beautiful moment?" I tried to be passive, but I feel isolated in this friendship. I feel like I'm put as their second-best option in this friendship. "No offense but we didn't want it to be awkward or amateur since you've never been in a relationship. We felt like you would damper the moment." It hurt to know that my relationship status is stopping them from mentioning certain things with me. If it isn't about my family, I'm not an emotional person. This situation makes me want to rethink my love life.

"We're sorry if we made you feel unwelcome with the situation but we didn't know if you would be 100% supportive." I always thought I was the positive one in the group but, to them, I dampen and ruin exciting moments. "You guys have known me for four years so, you should know I would be 100% supportive of anything you do. However, I'm happy for both of you and I can't wait to show you guys around the shop!" I decided to change the subject to save my emotions from being ruptured.

Showing them around the shop made me calm and oblivious of the eyes they were giving each other. I am extremely proud of the business I have started and the items I am selling, no one could ever take the joy and happiness my business gives me. As I was showing them around, they began shopping and I was fully prepared to sell it to them. They brought their items and are staring at me with devious smiles on their faces.

"Okay, what now?" I rolled my eyes, knowing they were up to something I most likely wouldn't like. "Download Bumble," Amira demanded. I knew they were doing something I wouldn't like. "No. We've been over this, online dating is not the move," I shook my head and looked at both of their disappointed faces.

"Mariana, you know we love and care about you. We're sorry about not including you but we think it's time for you to find a man. If you aren't comfortable with online dating, that's perfectly fine. We'll talk to you later girl." Myra dragged most of her words in her statement, which made me eye her suspiciously.

"I appreciate your apology and thank you," Before I could complete my expression of gratitude, Amira snatched my phone and ran to the back of the building into a fitting room. I ran after her in hopes of grabbing my phone before she could impose on my privacy on my phone. It wasn't until I reached the fitting rooms when I noticed I left the keys on the counter.

After running back to the counter to get the keys, I ran halfway towards the fitting rooms to find Amira and Myra smiling widely with an open Bumble account on my phone. I snatched my phone and viewed several different messages with guys, some cute, some old, and I'm in the slightest bit interested.

"Myra and I know everything about you so, we decided to create an account for you to start dating and interacting with different personalities." As I examine the messages and profiles, I notice many men who appear to be my type, not mentioning the borderline catfishing Amira and Myra did. "If this is what will get you guys off my back, then fine. I'll be sure to interact on Bumble and find a date." I was exhausted by the similar nags every conversation we have so, I'll give it a try.

"Speaking of dates, you have two next week," Myra said, catching me completely off guard. "You guys are well aware of me being a busy woman, how, in the name of Jehovah, am I going to find time to go on dates?" My heart was racing quickly, I couldn't believe it. They are so lucky my schedule is clear or I would have gone ballistic.

"Just know that we love you and if you need help running errands or clearing things from your schedule, we have your back." As much as I want to get mad, I love my friends for their great heart and intent. They always find a way to express their love and consideration.

Let's see if I can find true love on Bumble. Only time will tell.

                                                                  ~My Perfect Love Story~