Chapter 42: Chapter 42

"That's your plan?" Trish asks me, her eyebrows raised high. I nod silently, waiting nervously for her opinion. She immediately jumps up and down, holding out her palm for me to high five.

"That's the best thing I've ever heard!" Trish squeals, our palms slapping against each other. I grin from ear to ear, pleased that she thinks it's a good plan.

"Are we about to take the law into our own hands?" Trish asks, her eyes shining brightly. I can practically see the adrenaline pumping through her blood right now.

"We?" I question, lifting my hot chocolate to my lips and taking a small sip. Lately I've been having the biggest craving for chocolate. But not just any simple old hot chocolate. . .

Hazelnut hot chocolate with cream, sprinkles and a heap of chocolate shavings.

Nothing more, nothing less.

"Yes, we." Trish replies, rolling her eyes dramatically. I lift my brow high at her, placing my cup back down.

"There is no we Trish, just me." I correct her firmly. She lets out an exasperated sigh before arguing her case —

"Emily, you're pregnant. If you think I'm about to let my best friend go into the big bad world without me, you must be crazy."

"I guess I'm crazy," I grin, knowing my stubborn behaviour would soon aggravate her. She releases another heavy sigh, staring at me directly in the eyes whilst using her best glare.

"I'm doing this with you," she says bluntly, her acrylic nails tapping on the table. I lean back in defeat, giving her a small nod. My intentions at first was to do this alone but Trish is right, I can't risk it. I'm pregnant and having someone by my side is the safe and sensible thing to do.

"Okay, you're in." I smile quietly, noticing the sparkle return to Trish's eyes.

"Oh my god, we'll be like police officers! This is so cool!" She grins, slapping her knees in excitement. I chuckle slightly, shaking my head —

"The correct term is actually vigilantes." I tell her.

"Really? That kind of sounds like an STD." Trish responds, scrunching her face up. I immediately splutter with laughter, my hot chocolate spraying all over me and my jeans. My eyes widen and I groan, wiping the chocolate stains off me. Trish gives me a sympathetic look —

"Sorry Em, I'll buy you another one." She comments, biting down on her lip to stop herself from laughing at my expense.

"Gee thanks Trish, how nice of you." I grin back, shaking my head before eyeing up the remnants of my hot chocolate in the bottom of the mug. I glance up to find Trish deep in thought, staring down at her drink in front of her.

"Are you okay? It's no big deal, it's just a hot chocolate." I re-assure her, wondering whether something else is bothering her. Trish sighs heavily, leaning back before shaking her head —

"It's not that. I've been wanting to do something for a really long time but I'm so nervous." Trish mumbles, mentally arguing with herself.

"Do what?" I question, intrigued at the dilemma she's currently facing.

*****

"Do you like it?" Trish asks me nervously, fiddling with the strands. I glance up from my phone and my eyes instantly widen as I study her.

"Wow..." I whisper, unable to form a proper sentence.

"Oh my god, you hate it, don't you? I knew this was a mistake!" Trish whimpers, panicking. I shake my head in protest, my dark hair flying around my face.

"No! It's not a mistake, I love it. It's just a huge change." I explain, tilting my head to study her.

Her usual long blonde hair as been chopped to shoulder length, courtesy of the best hairdresser in town. The bright blonde colour is gone and a beautiful chestnut brown shade replaces it. Caramel coloured highlights run around her head and the strands are curled loosely at the ends, framing her face perfectly.

"Wow, you look so different," I state, reaching forward to touch the bottoms of her hair. It's silky smooth, so different from her bleach damaged locks previously.

"It feels amazing," I gush, giving her a re-assuring smile. Trish let out a heavy breath, her shoulders immediately relaxing with relief.

"I really love it," she mumbles, turning to study herself in the mirror. Trish has always been pretty, all the boys are instantly attracted to her barbie looks and wild personality. But with her new hair, self love and a confident attitude, she's beautiful.

"You went from blonde barbie to classy barbie," I smile, feeling pleased for her. Spending the day with Trish has taken my mind off all the drama in my life currently and I'm extremely grateful for it.

"I've wanted to be classy barbie for a long time, I just never had the guts to do it." Trish says seriously, her voice softening considerably. She gives me a small smile and I frown, noticing how her eyes appear sad.

"What's wrong?" I ask her quietly, guiding her out the door and towards the car. She remains silent until we're both strapped in, watching the rain droplets fall onto the window. The sound is soothing and I lean back in my seat, getting comfortable. The sound of rain always relaxes my nerves, causing my eyes to grow heavy.

"I'm lonely Emily," Trish reveals, turning to face me. Her eyes are wide, full of sadness. I look back at her, shocked at her words.

Trish is lonely?

She's the life and soul of a party. Boys love her and girls wish they had her confidence and beautiful features. Despite how she may appear on the outside, I realise something else must be happening on the inside. I nod my head slowly, accepting her feelings —

"Why are you lonely?" I ask softly. Trish is hesitant to elaborate and I gave her a small reassuring smile, urging her to continue and open up to me.

"I may come across as happy and giggly all the time but deep down, I hate who I've become. I don't like the way guys leer over me or use me as their rebound. I want to be more than that. I see the love you and Jake share and I want that for myself, I want someone to love me for me, nothing else. I've been staying away from people lately and despite feeling happier about my choice, I'm lonely." Trish explains, sniffling a little.

I blink several times, feeling completely blown away by her words. I never once thought Trish was lonely, she always seems so happy and bubbly. It's crazy how many people wear a mask daily and are desperate for the chance to take it off and reveal their true self.

"I am so sorry Trish," I murmur, feeling guilt consume me. Trish turns towards me, her own eyes covered with a glossy sheen.

"Why?" She whispers, her hands clenching and unclenching around the steering wheel of her car.

"Because I've been an awful friend," I respond, leaning over to embrace her tightly. She immediately clutches onto me, resting her head on my shoulder.

"You've been busy," she mumbles, attempting to justify my lack of friend duties. I pull back and shake my head —

"That doesn't mean I can neglect you, you're my best friend and you're beautiful. You have the kindest heart, you're confident and brave. One day, you'll meet someone who will treat you like a true princess. I can't wait to see you truly happy," I tell her firmly, looking up into her eyes. She hastily wipes a tear away from the corner of her eye and sniffles —

"Thank you Emily. I wish my Prince Charming would hurry up."