Was It all a lie?

"Now that you mention it, it does make sense. I guess John is at fault," murmured Rose.

Sam, surprised, thought to himself, Didn't John tell me he loved Rose? But somehow, I won her heart. What really happened here?

"Hey, Sam," called Rupert.

Sam snapped out of his thoughts. "Uh, nothing," he replied, glancing around to check if Rose was nearby. In the distance, he could see her with Julia.

"You remember I told you about John saying he'd be the one to win her heart?" Sam continued.

"Yeah, I remember," replied Rupert, curious. But neither of them noticed Rose standing nearby, within earshot as she grabbed some snacks. They were at a picnic, and Rose overheard their conversation.

"What do you mean, 'win me'? Do you think I'm some sort of prize to be claimed?" she said, frowning.

"It's not what you think. It's different now—" Sam started.

"Of course, it's different," Rose replied coldly.

Rupert watched the scene with a sad expression. "I'm going home," Rose said abruptly.

"Wait!" Sam shouted.

"I just need time to calm down," Rose said. "Come on, Julia, let's go home."

"What happened?" Julia asked as they walked away.

Rupert replied, "It's okay, Julia," as Sam stood there, paralyzed. Rose turned back briefly, gave Sam a small, sad smile, and said, "Don't worry; I just need time."

On the way home, Julia asked again, "What happened?"

Rose sighed. "It's nothing. Let's go to Sarah's house. We need to clear things up; I don't want her to harbor any resentment toward me."

"Okay," Julia agreed.

They arrived at Sarah's house, where Sarah was still crying in the hall. Sarah's mother greeted them. "Oh, you must be Rose. You look lovely; please come in."

Sarah looked up, hurt and angry. "Why are you torturing me?" she demanded.

Rose was taken aback by the harsh words, but she smiled gently and replied, "Sarah, it's alright if you're upset with me, but please, just give me a chance to speak. I beg you."

Sarah's mother, who had initially thought poorly of Rose, was moved by her words, as was Julia. Sarah paused, then said, "Okay."

Rose sat beside her on the sofa, took her hand, and spoke softly, "I'm not in love with John. He's just my friend. I'm in love with Sam, the basketball captain. You can have John if you want; I'm not going to interfere or seduce him as you feared. I just wanted you to know the truth."

"Alright, so that's the truth you wanted me to hear," Sarah responded. "Well, it's all clear now. I'll let you go."

Rose began to stand, but Sarah stopped her. "Wait… I'm sorry. I never should have said those things to you. Could you come to my room? I want to show you something. Please?"

Rose agreed, following Sarah upstairs. Sarah's room was large, with racks full of her fashion designs. Her parents had expanded the space to accommodate her passion.

"Wow!" Julia exclaimed. "This is beautiful. You have a small boutique in here! I'll be your first customer, Sarah."

Sarah smiled, genuinely happy, and explained that she wanted to start an online business for her clothing designs. She had so many outfits but didn't know how to launch her business.

"That's simple!" Rose and Julia said in unison. Rose added, "We've learned web development. I'm at an intermediate level, but Julia has mastered the advanced stuff. I'm still learning, but we can design an online shop for you and help with the setup."

"We can also discuss the design ideas during lunch breaks," Julia offered.

Sarah was thrilled. "Thank you both so much!" she said, gifting them each a two-piece dress. "To my best friends."

"Yup, best friends we are!" Julia replied with a grin.

The next morning, Sarah called John. "I know everything now, John. Rose already has a boyfriend, though I won't tell you who. Don't feel hurt, but I've decided not to come to your classes anymore. Rose and Julia helped me with everything, and you… you only used me for your own purpose. But what I don't understand is why you kissed me and spent time with me at the bookstore…"

John cut her off, his tone cold. "If that's all, I'll hang up."

Sarah was stunned by his lack of sympathy. John continued, "Sarah, I love Rose. I cherish her. I don't care who told you she has a boyfriend. Rose and I have a genuine, three-year relationship, and I don't want you speaking to me again. Stop spreading lies. It won't end well for you." He hung up abruptly.

Sarah, shocked and hurt, left her house and wandered to a nearby park. There, to her surprise, she spotted Sam and Rose together, kissing and embracing. She hid herself, realizing Rose had been telling the truth.

Was everything John told me a lie? she thought, as she watched the couple in the park.