HOOKED ON LOVE

‘Seriously?’ Lisa mutters, her voice laced with frustration, resignation, and a hint of desperation.

She settled into her plush couch, surrounded by the warm glow of table lamps and the soft hum of the TV. She stares at her phone, a portal to a world of potential connection, scrolling through the endless stream of tinder profiles. Her thumb swiped, dismissing each candidate with a growing sense of despair.

‘Everyone seems to have found their person, but here I am, swiping. Is there something wrong with me? Am I unlovable?’ Lisa whispered to the room, the self-doubt crept in, a familiar, unwelcome companion. She couldn’t help but feel like she was stuck in a never ending cycle of shallow conversations and meaningless encounters.

‘Lis’ Rachel's voice, gentle as a summer breeze, interrupted her downward spiral. ‘What's going on?’

Lisa startled, her phone slipping from her grasp. Rachel stood behind the couch, concern etched on her face. ‘Nothing,’ Lisa lied, hastily wiping away tears.

Rachel rounded the couch, settling beside Lisa. ‘Don't 'nothing' me. You were lost in thought, and your aura screams sadness.’

Lisa sighed, surrendering to Rachel's empathetic gaze. ‘Just feeling hopeless. Everyone's coupled up, and I'm still swiping through Tinder.’

Rachel wrapped a comforting arm around Lisa's shoulders. ‘You're not alone, Lis. And true love isn't a swipe away.’

‘I know,’ Lisa whispered. ‘It's just hard to see everyone moving forward while I'm stuck.’

Rachel pulled her into a gentle hug. ‘You're not stuck, Lis. You have other amazing things going on in your life, and the right person will come to see your brilliance very soon. And I'll be here, holding your hand through the wait.’

They share an intense, soul soothing embrace. Rachel’s gentle squeeze easing the knots of frustration from Lisa’s shoulders.

‘You’re not alone, Lis,’ Rachel said with a reassuring smile as they slowly parted, their arms lingering for a moment before adjusting their positions on the couch.

As they sat together, the Tinder profiles forgotten, Lisa felt a sense of peace settle over her. Her gaze met Rachel’s, her eyes shining with gratitude. ‘Thanks, Rach,’ she said, her voice barely above a whisper. ‘What would I do without you?’

Rachel’s face softened, her smile warm and gentle. ‘You’d probably be a hot mess.’ She teased, chuckling softly. But her expression quickly turned serious, her eyes locking onto Lisa’s. ‘That’s what friends are for, Lis. To pick up the pieces, to offer a shoulder, to remind you of your own strengths.’

Lisa’s lips curved into a smile, her heart swelling with emotion. Rachel was more than just a friend. She was a lifeline, a beacon of hope in the darkest moments.

Lisa and Rachel’s friendship was forged in the vibrant crucible of university life. They met during freshman orientation, bonding over shared laughter and nervous excitement. They understood each other’s emotional landscapes, actively listened and offered comfort. Their differences complemented each other. Lisa’s introspective nature found balance in Rachel’s outgoing personality and Rachel’s spontaneity was tempered by Lisa’s cautious wisdom. Rachel who had always been the outgoing, confident one, expanded Lisa’s social circle and her presence provided comfort. Lisa on the other hand, offered stability and organisation, her honesty kept Rachel grounded and helped her confront vulnerabilities.

Post-graduation, they decided to share an apartment. Their home became a symbol of their unbreakable bond. Their living situation allowed them to support each other’s growth, celebrate milestones, and navigate life’s challenges side by side.

‘You always know how to make me feel better,’ Lisa said, her voice laced with sincerity.

Rachel’s hand reached out, her fingers brushing against Lisa’s. ‘That’s because I’m the best therapist couch-surrogate-life-coach friend ever,’ she joked, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

The silence that followed was comfortable as they lounged on the couch. Rachel’s expression transformed from empathetic listener to mischievous plotter. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement, her voice remained gentle, but her words carried a hint of strategic intent. ‘Lis, do you ever think about how far we’ve come since University?’ Rachel asked, her tone introspective.

Lisa’s gaze drifted, lost in thought. ‘I guess… not often enough.’

Rachel’s smile was knowing. ‘We’ve grown so much, Lis. We’ve built careers, and found our own paths.’ Her voice paused, hanging delicately in the air. ‘Don’t you think it’s time to celebrate that?’

Lisa’s eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the unspoken direction of Rachel’s words.

‘And what better way to do that,’ Rachel continued, her tone deceptively casual, ‘than attending our university reunion party?’

Lisa’s gaze snapped towards Rachel’s, her brow furrowed in alarm. ‘What? No. Absolutely not.’

Rachel’s smile grew, her eyes crinkling at the corners. ‘Hear me out,’ she coaxed, her voice low and enticing. ‘It’s the perfect opportunity to prove to yourself how far you’ve come. You’re not the same person you were back then.’

Lisa’s resolve began to fray, Rachel’s words insidiously eroding her defenses. Rachel sensed the vulnerability and pressed on. ‘Imagine walking into that reunion, head held high, confidence radiating from every pore. You’ll show them the incredible person you’ve become.’ Rachel’s words painted a vivid picture, her enthusiasm infectious.

Lisa’s resistance waned, replaced by a flicker of curiosity. Rachel detected the shift and sealed the opening. ‘We’ll make it a weekend getaway-laughter, memories, and a closure.’ Rachel’s eyes locked onto Lisa’s.

‘I guess we’ll see.’ Lisa conceded.

The following days blurred into a flurry of preparation. Lisa and Rachel coordinated outfits and reminisced about old times. Before they knew it, the day of reunion arrived.

Lisa stood in front of their bedroom mirror, smoothing her dress and taking a deep breath. Rachel, busy styling her own hair, watched with a knowing smile.

‘Ready to slay this reunion?’ Rachel asked, winking.

Lisa rolled her eyes good-naturedly. ‘You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?’

Rachel chuckled. ‘I’m just proud of you. We've got this, together.’

They finished getting ready and walked into their cozy living room.

Rachel handed Lisa a glass of champagne. ‘To new beginnings,’ she toasted. Lisa clinked her glass against Rachel’s. ‘To closure.’