When Lisa got home, she headed straight to her room, the door clicking shut behind her. She shed her school clothes and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the day's frustrations. Once dressed in comfortable loungewear, she plopped onto her bed, exhausted yet exhilarated.
A soft knock broke the silence. "Lisa, can I come in?" It was her mom.
"Sure," Lisa called, settling deeper into her pillows.
Her mom entered, the warmth of her presence filling the room. "Good evening, sweetheart. How was your day?"
"It was good, a little overwhelming," Lisa replied, feeling a flutter of excitement. "But guess what? I made a new friend!"
Her mom's face brightened. "Really? That's wonderful! Who is she?"
"Her name is Cassie Blake. She's really sweet," Lisa beamed, her excitement palpable.
Before she could delve deeper into the details, her mom's expression shifted. "What happened to Jade? She looked upset when I saw her. Do you know what went on?"
Lisa sighed, the weight of the day's events settling on her shoulders. She recounted everything that transpired at school, not glossing over Jade's antics or her own growing frustration.
After listening intently, her mom placed a comforting hand on Lisa's knee. "No matter what she did, try not to push her away. Family is important, even when things get rocky. Do this for me, okay?"
Lisa nodded, feeling the familiar pang of obligation. "Of course, Mom. I'll try."
Her mom smiled softly. "Dinner's ready whenever you are. I made chocolate cake for dessert."
As soon as her mom left, Lisa grabbed her laptop, seeking solace in the familiar glow of her screen. Videos from Liam provided a welcome distraction, pulling her into a world far removed from her own.
Friday arrived too quickly, and Lisa buzzed with anticipation for girls' night. However, her excitement was short-lived when her dad announced they'd be dining at his friend's house that evening.
"Who are we visiting?" Lisa asked, her heart sinking.
"Mr. Woods," her dad replied casually.
Lisa choked on her breakfast, a coughing fit overtaking her as she processed the information. Her mom rubbed her back, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"
"I'm fine," Lisa managed, though her heart raced. "I just… didn't expect it to be him."
Her dad raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a problem with Mr. Woods?"
"No! It's just a surprise, that's all," Lisa said, her voice hurried as she tried to suppress her unease.
"When we leave at six, no objections, right?" he pressed.
Lisa wanted to protest but refrained, not wanting to appear selfish. She stayed silent, the words unspoken, as her dad continued, "Then it's settled. I'll make it up to you, I promise."
"Yes, Dad," Lisa replied, her spirits dampened.
"Is Mr. Woods the father of Lucas, the boy in my class?" Jade piped up, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes, he is," her dad confirmed. "Lucas is a good kid. It might be a good opportunity for you two to bond."
"Sure, if you say so," Jade said, her grin unsettling Lisa.
"Lucas would be thrilled to see you," Lisa retorted, her tone sharper than intended.
"Lisa!" her mom admonished, her voice low but firm.
"I didn't say anything wrong," Lisa replied, her irritation bubbling beneath the surface.
During lunch, Lisa confided in Cassie about the unexpected cancellation of their girls' night. Cassie's disappointment was palpable, her brow furrowing with frustration.
"Why did it have to be on Friday?" Cassie lamented, her voice laced with betrayal.
"Don't be dramatic. My dad promised to make it up to me," Lisa reassured her.
"But I told Jason everything we were planning! Now he'll laugh at me," Cassie said, arms crossed. "I'm just glad he's not here to see me this way."
Just then, Jason appeared, sliding into the seat beside Cassie. "Who doesn't want to be seen by you?" he teased.
Cassie rolled her eyes. "No one."
"But I just heard you talking about someone," Jason insisted, not letting it go.
Lisa smirked, recognizing Jason's playful persistence. "There's no girls' night today," she confessed.
"Why not?" he pressed, feigning shock.
"My dad wants us to have dinner at his friend's house tonight," Lisa explained.
Jason burst into laughter, wiping tears from his eyes. "So, I'm the one she doesn't want to see?" he teased Cassie.
Cassie shot him an annoyed glance. "As if you could do without me."
Jason grinned. "Well, I'm extending an invitation for movie night. The offer stands."
Cassie shot back, "As if I'd ever take you up on that."
"So, who is this friend of your dad's?" Jason asked, curiosity piqued.
"His only child goes to our school," Lisa replied, unable to keep the slight smirk off her face.
"And who is that?" Cassie queried.
"Lucas," Lisa said, her voice casual.
"Lucas Woods?" both Jason and Cassie echoed in disbelief.
"Yes, the infamous Lucas Woods," Lisa said, adopting a dramatic tone for effect.
"You're so lucky!" Jason exclaimed, his grin wide.
"How is she lucky?" Cassie huffed, folding her arms.
"Because she gets to have dinner with Lucas—like a date," Jason taunted.
Lisa rolled her eyes. "It's just a family dinner. Stop acting like it's something more."
Jason leaned closer, his voice teasing. "But come on, you know it could be fun."
"Guys, can we not make this about Lucas? I'm already dreading dinner," Lisa said, exasperated.
Jason grinned mischievously. "Don't be angry! You know I can't help it. I just want you to enjoy yourself."
"Just don't make me lose my appetite," Lisa replied, her laughter bubbling up despite herself.
"You? Lose your appetite?" Cassie scoffed. "Impossible!"
Their laughter filled the cafeteria, the tension of the day fading, if only for a moment. Yet, in the back of Lisa's mind, unease lingered—dinner with Mr. Woods and his son could change everything.
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