Kara got home and, thankfully, Nareen wasn't in the living room. She darted to her room, threw her bag and herself onto the bed.
As she replayed the day's events in her mind, her phone buzzed. She fumbled into her bag and checked the screen. It was a text from Becky: You're still coming to the party, right? We're not done, Kara.
She glanced at the clock. It was 6:30 pm. Kara sighed deeply and dropped her phone. She knew she had to go. She had to stop being a coward.
After making up her mind, she hurried to the bathroom, took a quick bath, and slipped into a simple long black gown.
Just as she finished dressing, Nareen appeared in the doorway, watching quietly.
"Are you going somewhere?" Nareen asked.
"Um, yes. It's a party. Kelvin's cousin's party," Kara replied.
"Okay. Come back early," Nareen said.
"Of course, Mother. That's why I'm leaving early," Kara answered.
Nareen smiled. "Take my car." Then she turned and walked away.
By 7:30 pm, Kara arrived at the venue.
"Kara's here," Kelvin whispered to Todd, then leaned over to Becky and pressed her shoulders.
"What are you doing?" Becky asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Kara is here. I think it's best you avoid her. She needs to have fun with Todd, while we have fun together," Kelvin said with a sly smile. They kissed.
Kara scanned the room, searching for her group.
"Hey babe. You look ba… basic," Todd said with a hint of disappointment as he saw her long black dress.
"Kara, you can be honest with me. What's going on? You've changed so much," Todd continued.
Ignoring him, Kara asked, "Where's the rest of them?"
Todd's patience was wearing thin. "Don't we have something to talk about, Kara?"
"Yes, we do," Kara said firmly. "But not just us. I need to talk to all of you."