So it was one of those lazy weekend afternoons, can't really remember if it was on a saturday or a sunday, but i do know for sure it was on weekend... you know that feeling where you just want to be at home and relax without wanting to do anything at the moment, I was super chill, the sun shinning through the window, and the smell of my delicious grilled chicken from my kitchen calling me to take another bite :D... I was just chillin on my couch scrolling through instagram tryna find something to do...
My phone beeped, it was a whatsapp message and its Jennifer my bestie, the GenZ way of saying my best friend. LOL... since forever... she's all "Hey Lets hit that our regular spot later" But like her vibe was off Like majorly off... I mean she sounded hyped but it felt fake kinda like when you pretend to love a movie just cuz everyone else does. The Jennifer i know wouldn't sound like that... the way she said it was too flat and too formal for my liking.
I tossed my phone away feeling kinda worried and a bit annoyed because Jennifer had been acting weird lately bailing on plans and giving me these vague answers whenever I asked bout her life... Like what's the deal "Was she mad at me? Did I do something to piss her off? Even if I had done something wrong to her, she's supposed to tell me instead of acting up.
The little detective in my brain kicked in and suddenly i was like on the case of the century. I could almost see myself in one of those detective coats with a magnifying glass snooping around.
As I got ready to meet her at our favorite spot where we usually meet, I saw myself in the mirror messy hair no makeup but whatever ya know I threw on my favorite brown jeans and a flannel top to match, thinking it'd give me that I don't care look which is totally what I was going for... But deep down I was feeling like a total mess and was indeed very worried. If there's anybody to act this way, definitely not my bestie which i've known all my life.
When I finally got there, the place was packed... The awesome aroma in there hits me hard every time...
I saw Jennifer in our usual spot but she wasn't her normal bubbly self... She was on her phone with this super tense look "Hey girl" I said trying to sound all upbeat and ease up the atmosphere but I felt like I was trying way too hard. I sat down on the chair facing each other and she looked up forcing a fake smile that was so obvious it didn't come from her inside.
"what's up" she said but it was like way too serious coming from a bestie and not a total stranger... so many things were running though my mind...
"So what's up girl, you seemed kinda off in your texts" with my drink on my hand, feeling a bit nervous
"Oh you know just tired" while she drank her special order "Work has been crazy"
"were you really busy or was it really hectic?" I tried to engage her with our normal bestie conversations But nope she just changed the subject asking bout my week... I tried to keep it casual but inside I was really worried and tensed
As we talked I kept getting this feeling that she was avoiding my questions like the Matrix movie... Every time I tried to figure out what was really going on she changed the subject...
After a while I finished my drink and the detective in me was like "OK time to do some investigating" After a few minute of not getting any real reason as to why she was acting up lately, we finally left the cafe, giving each other a hug that felt forced and we went to our separate destinations.
I decided to go to Lisa's place, one of our friend... she's like the gossip queen of our group she knows everything about everyone. If anyone could figure out Jennifer's weirdness, it was definitely her
I told her what was really going on and how our friend Jennifer has been acting up lately to me, I wanted to find out if she's acting up the same to her...
"Weird Lisa said, What do you mean"
I told her everything that has been going on and how Jennifer keeps canceling plans... I think she's hiding something from me.. Like is she mad at me or something... Did I say something wrong... I just feel like she's tired of our friendship"
Lisa stared at me for a sec then burst into laughter "Wait are you for real... Jennifer been planning a surprise party for you... That's why she's been acting that way to make that plan sweeter, hahaha"
I was shocked "What... A surprise what? surprise party? For me I've been totally off track this whole time" I could feel my face getting hot Id been ready to accuse my best friend of plotting against me when she was actually planning something nice
Jess grinned leaning back "Yep Now do you wanna help me keep it a secret or not Cuz we need to get this party planned"
And just like that all my stress went away I couldn't believe I let my crazy imagination go wild.
For the next few weeks I was super excited... We were planning the party and every time I saw Jennifer, I felt this secret happiness instead of worry It was like I got a second chance to appreciate our friendship
Fast forward to the big day my surprise party I walked into a room full of my friends lights everywhere and music blasting Jennifer was there her face lighting up when she saw me "Surprise" they all yelled and even though i already knew about the party and it wasn't a surprise anymore, I felt awesome.
I couldnt help but laugh at myself... There I was thinking something was wrong when really Id been surrounded by love and friendship the whole time... We danced laughed and partied like there was no tomorrow.
Right then surrounded by my friends, I realized that sometimes we jump to conclusions and make a big deal out of nothing. You see "Trust", it is super important in any friendships... that's why it is very important to learn learn to talk to the person if you sense anything off.
I was so glad I didn't do something crazy when I first started sensing something was off, I always kept it cool, trying to find out what was wrong. I found the truth before it was too late... Life's too short to be worrying about the wrong things when there are so many wonderful things to look out for... As I raised my glass to toast I couldn't help but feel really grateful to have lovely friends and above all, a true and lovely bestie... Cheers to friendship surprises.
