A Bitter Taste Reunion

Withautiful woman in a fitted, rust-colored cropped sweater with a square neckline and puff sleeves. The ribbed texture accentuated her figure. She paired it with high-waisted white jeans, further highlighting her shape. Her long, wavy brownish hair flowed as she moved. Luna just arrived at Anonymous Café, a charming restaurant near the seaside. She immediately noticed the bright, modern, minimalist aesthetic. A few people were inside, mostly engaged in their conversations.

Luna scanned the room until her eyes found a beautiful woman with dark, curly hair. Marley was wearing a light and airy lavender mini dress with floral prints. The dress flattered her figure. Ruffles at the neckline and hem gave it a feminine and romantic feel. "Luna! You witch! I missed you!" Marley exclaimed, rushing to give Luna a tight hug. Luna laughed, feeling the warmth of their friendship.

"Wow, what did they feed you in the US? You're glowing even more!" Marley joked, clearly pleased with her friend's transformation.

"Steak, of course!" Luna replied, both laughing. "You look more prettier now, Ley. But still single?" Luna asked teasingly, curious.

Marley raised an eyebrow, replying with a touch of playful arrogance, "Who says I'm single? Have you heard? I've always had a boyfriend." They both laughed again, happy to be reunited.

It's Sunday, and Luna's high school friends, Tanya, Jovy, and Marley, are meeting up. They're discussing tomorrow's bridal shower for Meagan at Marley's exclusive seaside resort. Two of Meagan's friends and a cousin will also be there. Luna and her friends didn't tell Meagan about their meeting today because they're planning a surprise bridal shower for her tomorrow.

Marley guided Luna to the table where she had come from, her face beaming with joy at seeing her friend again. She enthusiastically introduced Luna to the group of women there.

On the aesthetic and minimalist couch, five women were seated. Three of them were somewhat familiar to Luna, and one she recognized as Meagan's cousin. On a single couch, sat a woman with long, black hair and bangs. She was beaming, clearly happy to see Luna again. She was wearing a light and airy floral dress in a peach or light pink hue, adorned with purple and lavender flowers. The dress had long sleeves and layered ruffles at the hem, made of a sheer or translucent fabric.

Luna didn't hesitate and immediately hugged the woman.

"Tanya! I missed you..." Luna said, almost tearing up as she held her friend Tanya tightly.

"I thought you weren't coming back home," Tanya replied, tears in her eyes, as she touched her stomach. "Look at me, I'm going to be a mom of four," she added, sweetly but tearfully.

Luna paused, feigning shock. "Four kids already?! Tanya, you're a baby-making machine! I'm starting to think your husband has you on some sort of fertility potion. Probably keeps you pregnant to make sure you don't have time to find someone else!" They both burst into laughter. "And you're still a crybaby, I see... nothing changes!" She laughed, pulling Tanya into another hug, this time with a little more playful force.

Tanya wiped her tears with a sniffle, her eyes filled with joy. Like a child eager for a hug from a close friend, she couldn't help but smile as she looked at Luna.

Luna then turned her attention to the three women sitting on the long couch. She recognized Meagan's cousin, but the other two women were not very familiar to her. She smiled and greeted them with "Hi" and "Hello," but her interaction with them was limited because they didn't know each other very well yet.

Across the table, a woman with long, straight hair sat on a single couch. She wore a formal dark navy blue double-breasted pinstripe suit, her arms crossed, her expression serious and emotionless as she regarded the arriving guest.

"Hi Jovy, I missed you!" Luna said warmly, hugging her friend. Jovy returned the hug but remained silent.

A prickle of unease ran through Luna. She was overjoyed to be reunited with her friends and assumed they felt the same. They had been close since high school—practically sisters. It was unsettling that Jovy didn't seem happy to see her.

Marley quickly ushered Luna to a seat, seemingly ignoring Jovy's reaction. Luna noticed, but knew it wasn't the time to address it—if there even was something to address. She knew Jovy: quiet, but the most observant of the group. Direct and blunt, Jovy never hesitated to speak her mind. "Did I do something wrong?" Luna wondered.

"We have a lot to catch up on," Marley said, launching into the bridal shower plans, "but for now, let's focus on the shower. Here's the plan..."

Everyone's excitement over the ideas and activities was palpable.

"Let's make it naughty, shall we? No boring rice cookers present!" Marley declared, her eyes twinkling. "Think... racy comic books!" she added with a mischievous grin.

Tanya playfully rolled her eyes. "Do we need those 'Who's most likely to...' questions? They're a bit much vulgar, don't you think?"

Marley's laughter rang out. "Oh, come on, angel in disguise! Four kids, and you're still shy over these things? Don't be such a prude!"

Tanya lightly punched Marley's arm, a smile dancing on her lips. Marley just laughed, delighted by Tanya's feigned outrage. The playful banter continued, the air filled with good-natured ribbing and shared amusement.

Marley suddenly suggested a game of Truth or Dare. The penalty for refusing to answer a question would be a drink—a light drink since two of them were pregnant. The questions, according to Marley, should be "something naughty," causing Tanya to almost protest again.

"I might get drunk just from the questions, Marley..." Tanya said, shaking her head but still smiling.

"Oh dear, just tell the truth then... it's simple!" Marley replied, causing the whole group to laugh. The women's laughter was oblivious to the presence of other customers.

Amidst the laughter, Luna and Jovy exchanged a glance. For a split second, Jovy's eyes mirrored the group's amusement, crinkling slightly at the corners. But the amusement quickly faded, replaced by a guarded stillness. The change was subtle, yet unmistakable, a shift from lightheartedness to a quiet intensity that held Luna captive. Jovy cleared her throat and avoided Luna's gaze, her shoulders tensing. Luna's brow furrowed. What's wrong? Luna wondered, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach. Is she angry with me? Did I do something?

"What's her problem with me?" Luna thought, a flicker of annoyance igniting within her. She chose to ignore Jovy's cold shoulder, letting it go until their bridal shower brainstorming session ended. The other three women left, leaving Luna with Tanya, Marley, and Jovy. A few moments later, Jovy stood to leave, pointedly avoiding Luna's gaze.

Marley's smile faded, replaced by a look of apprehension. Tanya's eyes widened slightly, her hand instinctively reaching for Marley's arm in a silent gesture of support. The sudden silence hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the recent laughter. Luna had expected them to catch up since they hadn't seen each other in so long.

"Wait, Jovy!" Luna called out, unable to hold back any longer. "What's going on? Did I do something wrong?" Luna asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked at Jovy, who had been turning to leave but stopped and faced her. Luna saw the conflict in Jovy's expression—she sensed Jovy wanted to say so much yet remained silent as if struggling to keep herself from saying something hurtful.

"Are we not good?" Luna asked again, her gaze unwavering. "The Jovy I know is straightforward. So, what's going on?"

Jovy offered a smirk, but a strange anger flickered in her eyes, barely contained. Marley suddenly stood and put a hand on Jovy's shoulder, as if trying to prevent a confrontation.

"Hey... let's calm down," Marley said, forcing a laugh to ease the tension.

Jovy sighed and finally spoke. "I hate pretending... For the sake of our friendship, just ignore me... Maybe it's just the hormones making me overly sensitive," she said, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Tanya and Marley watched nervously as the tension between their friends escalated.

"I would appreciate it if you would explain the situation. I find it unsettling to speculate about my possible missteps." Luna said frankly, a hint of disappointment coloring her tone. She'd expected their reunion to be filled with laughter and fun, not this tense scene with Jovy. Luna felt a mixture of annoyance and hurt at Jovy's response.

Jovy's voice was icy. "I hate people who appear happy while they're ruining someone's life. I have to go—I have a more important appointment. See you." She walked out without another word, leaving Luna stunned. "What was that supposed to mean?" Luna thought.

Marley's smile was strained as she touched Luna's shoulder. "Ignore Jovy. Pregnancy hormones, you know?" She sat beside Luna, the unspoken tension thick in the air.

Luna glanced at Tanya, who avoided her gaze, taking a long sip of water.

"What's going on with her?" Luna asked sharply.

"Uh…" Tanya hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. Her eyes flicked to Marley, silently pleading for her to speak.

Marley sighed, reluctant but unable to avoid the question. "It's about Kai," she said carefully.

The name slammed into Luna, a cold wave of dread. Kai? She looked at Marley's concerned face, then at Tanya's nervous fidgeting. A cold knot tightened in her stomach.

"What about him?" Her voice was calm, but a storm raged inside.

Marley hesitated, then shook her head. "It's better if we leave it for now, Luna. Let's not spoil Meagan's celebration for the sake of our friendship." She squeezed Luna's hand.

Despite the unanswered questions swirling in her mind, Luna chose to let it go for now. She didn't want to cast a shadow over the joyful occasion they were planning for their best friend, Meagan.

Luna couldn't ignore that Jovy's reaction was all about Kai. "What does this have to do with me?"