PART FIVE
~5
TRACY
I lifted my glass of Carlo Rossi red wine and smiled brightly at the beautiful weather outside. As the alcohol warmed my system, I felt that familiar soft buzz settling into my head.
Oh yes… I absolutely love my wine.
There's something about sipping slowly on a bright, cloudy day that gives me the calmest, chillest vibes. It loosens the tight places in my mind and lets me just… breathe.
Honestly, this is the kind of life I've been craving.
This — right here — feels like me. And I've decided I'm done depriving myself. No more holding back. No more living small.
Ever since I was born, life has felt… controlled. Restricted. Like my freedom was something carefully rationed.
But not anymore.
Right now, I want more. I need more. And with Sonia beside me, I finally feel ready to explore the parts of life I've been too careful to touch.
I was still floating in my thoughts when I realized Sonia had been staring at me intensely.
I blinked. Okay… what's going on, babe?
Then she finally spoke, finishing the last of her wine.
"Look at you," she said warmly. "You're glowing, Tracy. You look happy and alive — and I'm not even going to lie, I love myself for bringing out this cuteness in you."
I burst into a soft giggle, shaking my head.
"To be honest with you," I admitted, swirling my wine gently, "I really love this lifestyle. I've always wanted to be free… open-minded… genuinely happy. My joy has been on hold for too long, and I'm ready to shake off that old energy and revive myself."
Sonia jumped up slightly, clapping her hands in excitement.
"That's the spirit, girl! I love that — seriously!"
Her energy was contagious. I felt my eyes shine a little.
"Yeah, Sonia… thank you. I really appreciate what you're doing for me. You're honestly the best," I teased, narrowing my eyes playfully. "Even though you're still holding back that hot gist I've been dying to hear."
She gasped dramatically.
"Ohhh, so your ears have been itching you badly, abi?" she laughed, shifting comfortably in her chair. "Alright. Let's start with my ex — Kelvin."
Immediately, I sat up straighter.
This gist was about to be premium.
"Kelvin and I only dated for six months," she began. "We met at a club — which honestly should have been my first red flag. But the guy had vibes, and you know me… I was also the vibe."
I nodded knowingly.
"We started hanging out almost every day. Clubbing, shopping, dates, vacations… everything was just flowing. Before I knew it, we had fallen hard. I genuinely thought I had found my Romeo and he had found his Juliet."
Her expression shifted.
"Only for him to mess up my feelings."
My brows shot up.
"Girl, what did he do?" I snapped immediately. This gist was heating up fast.
She exhaled sharply.
"He cheated on me, Tracy. Can you imagine? The audacity of this man — he slept with the girl I personally took to his apartment to visit him."
My mouth fell open.
"I couldn't even call her my friend again. I cut her off instantly. The betrayal was too much," she continued, her voice softer now. "Honestly, I should have known. Someone I met at the club… what exactly was I expecting?"
My heart softened for her.
"I'm so sorry, baby girl," I said gently. "That must have hurt badly. I hate that I wasn't there to comfort you then." I paused, curious. "But wait — didn't he apologize after you caught him?"
She gave a small scoff.
"Oh, he apologized. Plenty times. In fact, can you believe he showed up here this morning uninvited?" She rolled her eyes. "He knows I have a weakness for soft talk and sweet energy, so he was trying to charm his way back in."
I leaned forward.
"And?"
"I bounced him," she said firmly. "Sent him right back where he came from."
I nodded approvingly.
"Serves him right. But…" I tilted my head, studying her carefully. "Girl… I have a tiny feeling you still want him back. Don't you?"
She paused.
Then sighed.
"Not going to lie, Tracy… a small part of me does," she admitted honestly. "The man is fine, okay? And I miss the affection, the closeness… all of that." She lifted her chin. "But he still has work to do. I don't need his money or anything — I just need him to understand that I'm not to be played with."
I laughed softly.
"I feel you, baby girl. I really do." I leaned back, grinning mischievously. "Should I help you talk to him?"
Her eyes widened.
"Get out, you cockroach!" she snapped, fighting a smile. "I don't want him knowing I miss him. Let him suffer small. Until then, I have you — even though madam here doesn't want to share her own gist."
She took another dramatic sip of her wine, and I could already see the tipsy glow settling on her face.
I pointed at her glass.
"Easy there, wine warrior. You're getting drunk."
She waved me off lazily.
"I know… and I'm safe at home. Now stop stalling and gist me."
I exhaled slowly.
And unfortunately for me… his face flashed across my mind.
I giggled before I could stop myself.
Sonia's eyes immediately narrowed.
"This smile is very suspicious," she said slowly. "Don't tell me this is man matter."
I covered my face briefly, laughing.
"For real, Sonia… it is."
She squealed.
"HA! I knew it! Talk to me!"
I leaned forward, my voice dropping dreamily.
"This man… goodness. He's ridiculously fine. Like — unfairly fine. His face is so well structured — strong jawline, sharp cheekbones, and eyes that… honestly, I couldn't even decide if they were deep brown or something lighter. I only saw him from a distance but…"
I pressed my hand to my chest dramatically.
"…my heart has already misbehaved."
Sonia was now fully invested, blushing and fanning herself.
"Tracy! When did you see this Greek god, please?"
I bit my lip, smiling shyly.
"This morning."
She leaned closer.
"Where?"
I pointed vaguely.
"Through my hostel window."
She froze.
Then slowly leaned back with a look.
"Oh wow. So he's a student too? Lives in the hostel like you?" Her tone turned teasing but skeptical. "Babes… you're too big for that one o."
I straightened immediately.
"And what exactly is wrong with that? Love doesn't check accommodation first, madam."
She lifted both hands defensively.
"I didn't say you're prohibited! I'm just saying — you said you want to explore life. A fellow student might not exactly unlock that level for you."
I shrugged calmly.
"I like him. And I feel like there was… something. So I'll give it a shot. If it's worth it, good. If not, also good. Time will tell, baby girl."
I stood, reaching for my bag.
"But for now, my Uber is already here. Please escort me downstairs like the sweet hostess you are."
She groaned dramatically but stood up with me.
"I had such a beautiful day with you," I added warmly. "And trust me — we are definitely doing this again."
I leaned closer with a wicked grin.
"I love you… but Kelvin loves you more."
For half a second she froze—
Then we both burst into loud, uncontrollable laughter as we walked out together, the sound following us down the hallway.