Chapter 6

Maine and her friends went to the mall to buy clothes for graduation. Suddenly, a wave of sadness enveloped her. If only Dylan hadn't deceived her, she might have been graduating now too.

"Hey Maine, look at this beautiful dress! It would look amazing on you for graduation!" Emelie happily got the dress.

She forces a smile "Yeah, it's really nice."

"Are you okay, Maine? You seem a bit down. Is something bothering you?" Elise asked.

She sighs "I... I had to stop schooling because of my cheating boyfriend. It's been really tough for me."

"Oh, Maine, I'm so sorry to hear that. That must have been really difficult for you." Monique gives sympathy to her.

"We're here for you, Maine. You don't have to go through this alone. We'll support you no matter what." Emelie cheers her up.

"Thank you, guys. It means a lot to me to have your support. It's just hard to see everyone excited about graduation when I won't be a part of it." she was about to cry. The tears started to mold on her eyes.

"Maine, remember that graduation is just one milestone in life. Your education and future success are not defined by this one moment." Elise comported her.

"Absolutely, Maine. You are still capable of achieving great things, even without a graduation ceremony. Don't let this setback define you." Emelie said.

She was teary-eyed "You're right, guys. I can't let this hold me back. I'll find a way to continue my education and pursue my dreams."

"That's the spirit, Maine! We're here to support you every step of the way. And remember, you deserve so much better than someone who cheated on you." Monique clapped her hands.

She smiles through the tears "Thank you, my friends. I'm really lucky to have you all. Let's find those graduation dresses and celebrate our friendship."

********************

As she and her friends enjoyed their meal at the mall, she couldn't help but notice a tall and handsome man nearby. There was something about his appearance that seemed familiar to her, but she couldn't quite place where she had seen him before.

Curiosity got the better of Maine, and she decided to take a closer look. She discreetly observed him from her table, trying to jog her memory and figure out who he was. Was he a friend from the past? Or perhaps someone she had seen on social media?

Suddenly, it clicked. Maine realized that the familiar face belonged to Demitri, her uncle's best friend. Excitement washed over her as memories of their shared adventures flooded back. She couldn't believe that they had crossed paths again after all this time.

She scrutinized the man closely. His appearance was almost the same, but more mature now. Her friends looked at him too, observing his every move.

"That's Demi, you surely know him," Emelie said to her. "No girl can approach him; he's incredibly aloof and grumpy. Did you know he was also cheated on by his fiancée? Apparently, he's too strict."

"Did you hear about that too?" Monique chimed in. "Our version is different. The girl cheated on him because Demi's family wanted a pre-nup. She got offended, I think her name was Veverly. Ended up with an older rich guy, they say she's a gold digger."

"I know this Veverly," Elise added. "She's had some enhancements. Maybe Demi found out that if they kissed, her nose might break, hahaha," and Elise chuckled. They all laughed at her remark.

"Crazy!" Emelie playfully slapped Elise on the arm.

They almost choked from laughter at the woman's comment.

"But he's handsome, right?" Monique said, "Isn't he your uncle's best friend, Maine?"

"Yeah," she replied.

"I remember when he used to drop you off. Why don't you approach him? He might talk to you," Elise suggested.

"I don't want to. He might just snub me, and he might not even recognize me anymore." She declined. The man glanced at her. Their eyes met. She smiled at him, but he didn't respond. She felt embarrassed.

'Such an aloof guy,' she muttered to herself. 'Maybe what my friends say about him is true. But what girl would cheat on such a handsome guy? Perhaps that girl is incredibly beautiful.'

She continued eating and chatting with her friends, glancing at Demi who was no longer there.

She scanned the area, unable to find him.

"Did he disappear?" Emelie teased her.

"Maybe he flew away," Elise joked.

"You're both crazy!" Monique shook her head at the antics of her friends.

Laughter filled their table because of their antics, and she was nearly choking with laughter herself.

Since they were young, these friends have been like this. She used to be the same until she moved to her father's place. There, she became the most beautiful, but here, there are many like her. That's why she's happier at her grandmother's place, with more competition.

Elise covered the cost of their meal. Her family was well-off. She said it's a treat for her graduation.

"We should have ordered take-out," Emelie joked.

"Yeah, regretting it now," Monique pretended to lament.

"Hey, you gluttons!" Elise laughed at them.

"It's okay, it's a treat," Emelie replied.

They continued laughing until they left the restaurant. These were friends who didn't just pass through life. She was grateful to them, as they helped her slowly recover from her painful past.