Chapter 152: A Girls' Day Out.

Zoey shielded her eyes from the gentle caress of sunlight streaming through her window, casting a warm, golden glow across her room. As she slowly emerged from the depths of boredom, a sense of mental fatigue washed over her. The weight of her recent loss, end-of-the-year school work, and balancing her bonds with the people around her had taken a toll on her mental well-being. She knew she couldn't let Victor's sacrifice weigh her down like this.

Amidst the soft morning light, Zoey's phone chimed with a message. She reached for it, her eyes widening with anticipation as she read Callie's words.

"Hey, Zoey! We've got a surprise just for you. Prepare yourself for a day of pure pampering and self-care. We'll pick you up in exactly one hour!"

A frantic look appeared on Zoey's face as she sprang out of bed, her boredom momentarily forgotten. Only an hour to get ready?! She's been doing nothing but rolling around in bed on her phone all morning! Zoey got up from bed and started to get ready in an outfit that Callie would approve of. She slipped into something comfortable to wear. Athletic leggings, a sports bra, and a tank top. Since today was supposed to be all about embracing relaxation and indulgence, wearing something easy and comfortable would be good, right?

True to their word, Callie and Katlyn arrived promptly, Callie's face radiating excitement and anticipation. Katlyn also seemed to be looking forward to it. She didn't usually dress in light colors like she was today. Callie embraced Zoey in a tight hug when she came out of the house. She didn't know how they knew she was feeling down, but just the fact that they were always concerned and worried about her physical and mental well-being made Zoey's heart brighten.

It was a new feeling for Zoey. Having people besides her family care about her, and even then, her family has never done anything like this. If Zoey was ever feeling down, they just gave her space. Zoey was fine with that, but having others care about you enough to do the things that Callie was willing to do to cheer her up was completely out of left field for Zoey. After the suffocating but caring hug from Callie, Zoey saw something strange in their hands. They held silky blindfolds for some reason.

"What's the blindfold for?" Zoey felt a little bit nervous.

Callie's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Ah, that's part of the surprise, Zoey! Today, we want you to surrender control entirely and allow us to pamper you in ways you've never experienced."

Zoey hesitated momentarily. She hoped this wasn't going to awaken any new fetishes inside of her. Why the hell did she word it like that? If Zoey was gay, she would have already fallen in love with Callie at their first meeting.

"What she meant to say is, just enjoy the ride and wait for the surprise." Katlyn rolled her eyes at Callie's theatrics.

Zoey felt a little more relieved hearing Katlyn's words. She allowed Callie to tie both of the blindfolds around her eyes, letting go of her worries and relinquishing herself to their care. Callie guided her to Katlyn's car, and they just drove. They talked about whatever came to their minds. Although, the experience was slightly stranger for Zoey since she was the only one blindfolded on the trip.

Eventually, the car came to a stop after who knows how long. Zoey was gently guided out of the car as pleasant ambient music reached her ears. Soon enough, the tantalizing scent of essential oils enveloped Zoey, their fragrance mingling with the gentle breeze that flowed through the windows. Callie and Katlyn brought Zoey inside some building before removing the blindfold to reveal their destination—a hidden oasis nestled amidst nature's embrace.

Zoey didn't exactly know how to feel as she took in the sight before her. The spa looked expensive. Not like she was hurting for money or anything, but would this place really help? Callie's infectious smile locked in on Zoey's confusion, smashing away Zoey's uncertainty.

They crossed the threshold into the spa, greeted warmly by the staff. The reception area exuded elegance, with its polished marble floors and plush seating inviting guests to sink into relaxation. Soft, ambient music played in the background, creating a harmonious melody that embraced their senses. The melodic trickle of water from nearby fountains added an extra layer of tranquility to the space. As they paid for their visit at the reception, they were led deeper inside.

Lush greenery surrounded them, and a gentle man-made waterfall cascaded down rocks, its rhythmic melody blending with the symphony of nature. The air was infused with the delicate fragrance of lavender and eucalyptus, wrapping around Zoey like a comforting embrace. This type of place was completely out of her element… 'If this is what paradise is supposed to be, I don't think paradise is for me…'

Guided by attentive staff, Zoey was led to a private room for her first treatment—a deeply soothing massage. As she stepped inside, she found herself cocooned in a gentle breeze of warmth and tranquility. The walls were painted in soothing hues, casting a soft, gentle glow. The massage table beckoned to her, adorned with plush towels and scented candles that flickered with a gentle, warm glow. Being locked up in that prison for so many days did some work on her spine.

The skilled masseuse greeted Zoey with a serene smile, her hands radiating an aura of healing energy. With a soft voice, she explained the different massage options available, each tailored to specific needs. Zoey chose a combination of Swedish and aromatherapy massage, thanks to Callie's recommendation. She obviously didn't know what the fuck to pick in a place like this. Then she was told to undress and actually froze up!

"They're professionals. They're the best of the best!" Callie gave her word.

Zoey had no choice but to undress after she said that. She put on the softest fucking robe they gave to her after telling her to go to the dressing room to undress. Upon returning back, she laid down on the massage table, feeling the luxurious softness of the sheets as she settled comfortably on the massage table

"Are you ready to surrender your body and mind to the healing power of touch?" Katlyn dryly laughed at the table next to her.

As the female masseuse's hands glided over her body, a building sense of relief washed over Zoey. With each precise movement, the weight of stress and exhaustion slowly melted away. The tension that had accumulated in her shoulders, neck, back, legs, arms, and even face temporarily evaporated like a distant memory. The room was enveloped in the harmony of tranquil music and the moans of three girls, intertwining with the delicate scent of aromas that filled the air. Zoey's mind drifted into a state of blissful relaxation, her consciousness embracing the serenity of the moment. There was no world of magji, no Organization of Magjistars, no Victor, no daemons, no need to worry about the safety of her loved ones, just nothing but a damn good fucking massage…

After the massage, Zoey left with Callie and Katlyn in the spa's cozy lounge area, their spirits alight with shared excitement. They settled into plush armchairs that encircled a crackling fireplace, its warm glow casting dancing shadows on the walls. The room exuded comfort and intimacy, adorned with vibrant artwork that Zoey didn't understand at all, lined with books on wellness and mindfulness. Sadly, Zoey wasn't a reader unless it had pictures.

Their next indulgence awaited—a facial and rejuvenating skincare treatment. Katlyn was most excited about this one, surprising even Zoey. She didn't express her emotions nearly as often as Callie, but she was still pretty expressive. At least when compared to Zoey, that is. Even after all this time, Zoey still wasn't used to freely expressing her emotions. She just didn't grow up like that and usually repressed them.

The trio of girls was taken to another room that reminded Zoey of a hair salon place. Zoey's skin, delicate and deserving of care, was treated with the utmost tenderness. Each step of the process was a sensory delight—a gentle cleansing that washed away the impurities, a meticulously applied exfoliant that unveiled a fresh canvas, and a nourishing mask that enveloped her in a cocoon of floral scents. The esthetician's expert touch painted a shit-ton of relaxation across Zoey's face, her hands gliding like the brushstrokes of an artist, revealing a radiant glow that mirrored Zoey's joy at Callie's and Katlyn's care for her.

As the day progressed, Zoey and her friends surrendered themselves to the healing powers of hot stone therapy and a calming aromatherapy bath. The sensation of smooth, heated stones gliding across her body sent waves of tranquility deep into Zoey's muscles, unraveling any remnants of tension that wasn't taken care of by the masseuse. The soothing warmth of the stones embraced her, coaxing her mind and body into a state of complete bliss. The aromatherapy bath immersed her in a fragrant sanctuary, its aromatic oils dancing atop the water's surface, infusing her senses with magical peace.

The spa day continued with a delicious and nourishing lunch, a symphony of vibrant flavors and textures. Each dish, carefully crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients, burst with vitality and health. They savored each bite, allowing their taste buds to dance in harmony with the nourishment that replenished their bodies.

"Having fun so far?" Callie smiled at Zoey, already knowing the answer by recording her myriad of facial expressions throughout the day.

"Yes." Zoey already knew Callie had got over hundred of thousands of likes from the videos and pics she took of her.

Zoey's fans have already found out the identity of her best friends and close friends thanks to her classmates willingly recording and taking secret photos of her at school. Callie, Katlyn, Alexander, and Lindsay were these friends. Then there were the kids she taught at the gym who had their own little social media area completely separate from the social media area where people around Zoey's age virtually hung out. The kids would frequently ask for pictures after class to post on their pages.

Zoey didn't like that people involved in the fighting community would lurk on her student's pages, but it wasn't like she could stop them. They had high hopes for her student's futures. Some had a little more than hope and were actively trying to invest in her student's future, just like Coach Scott. They would contact her students' parents and try to make deals with them regarding the kids' futures. Unfortunately for them, Coach Scott was willing to drain himself into debt to keep these kids attached to his gym. Zoey guessed that since he's seen the major success of Dylan—a potential contender for multiple world championships, he wouldn't let go of Zoey's students even if death was at stake.

"Good." Katlyn nodded. "I'm going to be honest, Zoey. I think you should quit your secret job." Katlyn shared honestly.

"Katlyn!" Callie exclaimed.

"No, she's right." Zoey stopped Callie. "I already quit. It just wasn't worth the money." Zoey sighed.

"Good on you. Whatever job is stressing you out enough that you can't even go to school and hang out is not a good job to be working at. No matter how much it pays." Katlyn nodded.

"You're right," Zoey admitted again, wishing she had taken this type of advice earlier. But she doubted she would've listened in the first place.

"I don't know what happened on this secret job that you still can't tell us, your bestest friends in the world, about, but just know that we're always here to be with you, Boxing Queen." Callie's words made Zoey blush.

Zoey didn't know how she could say sappy shit like that and not get embarrassed. But it wasn't bad, in Zoey's opinion. Callie was a great friend. Someone she couldn't imagine not being friends with now. If it was before they met, Zoey couldn't ever see herself being friends with Callie. Not to mention 'bestest' friends.

…

In the afternoon, as the sun reached its zenith, Zoey and her friends embarked on a guided meditation and mindfulness session. They gathered in a serene meditation room, its walls adorned with ethereal artwork depicting tranquil landscapes. Soft cushions invited them to find solace, and flickering candles created a serene ambiance. The meditation instructor, with a voice as gentle as a whispering breeze, led them on a journey of how to obtain inner peace. They closed their eyes, embracing the invitation to let go of negative thoughts and embrace the universe of their inner eye. With each breath, Zoey felt a profound clarity wash over her, as if a veil had been lifted, revealing the limitless potential that lay within her. Not the type of limitless potential in regard to her magji. But the infinite possibilities for her to explore in the normal world as a normal person.

[Meditation Lv1]

As the day gradually transitioned toward its end, Zoey, Callie, and Katlyn retreated to a cozy relaxation room. The air was thick with the fragrance of lavender, embracing them like a comforting embrace. Swathed in plush robes, they settled into recliners that cradled their bodies, inviting them to release any remaining tension. Sipping on revitalizing herbal elixirs, their taste buds savored the delicate blend of flavors that invigorated their senses.

Zoey's heart was swelling with gratitude as she looked at her friends, their eyes twinkling with understanding and support. Their thoughtful gesture had not only provided her with a day of relaxation and rejuvenation, but it had also served as a poignant reminder of the last words given to her by Victor. In this haven of peace and tranquility, Zoey felt a renewed sense of purpose and resilience, her spirit soaring to new heights.

"Thank you, Callie and Katlyn," Zoey whispered, her voice brimming with gratitude. "Today has been really good. It helped me a lot…" Zoey turned her face to avoid eye contact with them. She still wasn't a fan of eye contact.

Callie's smile radiated warmth. "We'll always be here for you, Zoey. Remember, mental health care isn't a one-time thing. It's an ongoing practice. Whenever you need a break or support, we're just a phone call away."

Katlyn nodded, her eyes shining with unwavering commitment. "Don't forget we're your beste-" Katlyn bust out laughing as she couldn't even finish the corny phrase.

"Are you really laughing at my encouraging words to my bestest friend who needed our support!?" Callie was outraged.

Katlyn only laughed louder as she heard Callie's serious tone, and the word repeated again. Zoey couldn't help but laugh as well. Bestest was a funny word… Callie was not happy to see Zoey laughing, but considering this was Zoey's day, she had to give up. It wasn't often she got to see Zoey laughing so hard. So, she'll accept being made fun of. This time anyway.