Page 12 of Journey to Love

ANYA: “Perfect! I’ll buy the tickets today!”

LANA: “Wait, how much is it?”

ANYA: “It’s only $500 a ticket”

LANA: “Damn! That’s cheap for a cruise!”

ANYA: “I know right? I’ll send you the confirmation as soon as its booked”

LANA: “Great! I’ll venmo you the $500”

ANYA: “What?! No! It’s my birthday gift to you!”

LANA: “Anya, I know where you work, which means I know how much you get paid. So, I will send my $500 and you can just buy me a souvenir.”

ANYA: “Okay, fine! Party pooper!”

LANA: “lol, you love me anyway”

I booked the cruise and then sent the confirmation information to Lana. Within two minutes she sends me her half. She can be so stubborn sometimes, but she was right. Paying the full amount would have taken a huge chunk of my money. Looks like I need to start picking up more shifts to put some money aside for the trip!This is gonna be great!I say to myself.

Later that night, I sent pictures of all the stores, restaurants, and activities the cruise offers. I even sent over information about possible shore excursions that we could do when we get to each destination. I continue looking through all the photos when Lana’s name pops up on my screen.

“Is that a nightclub?” she excitedly asks.

“Yes,” I reply.

“Oh my god! Girl! We are going to have so much fun! I can’t wait!” she squeals.

I chuckle as I continue browsing through the photos on the computer. We go over the details of transportation and food, planning out our upcoming adventure.

“Anya, you have no idea how excited I am to go!” Lana exclaims, her enthusiasm infectious.

My ears know exactly how excited you are, I mutter to myself with a smirk. “Have you ever gone on a cruise before?” she asks with anticipation.

“Yeah, my parents took us four years ago to Bermuda,” I reply, recalling the memories of that trip.

“We should totally go there next!” Lana suggests, her excitement palpable.

“Yeah, maybe,” I respond with a hint of hesitation. “Just let me lose a few pounds first. I already have enough anxiety about lying by the pool on this cruise, I can’t even think about the beach” I admit, feeling self-conscious.

“Girl, stop! You are gorgeous!” Lana insists, her tone firm. “I bet you’ll have all the men eating out of your hands.”

I let out a snort, feeling a mix of amusement and disbelief. “Yeah, right? Men don’t want someone like me,” I retort, my insecurities bubbling to the surface despite Lana's reassurances.

*flashback*

“What the fuck are you wearing?”

“What? It’s a dress that I bought” I look down at my blue dress, it goes to the middle of my thighs. Then it hugs the curves of my hips and waist. It has a heart-shaped neckline, my cleavage barely makes an appearance and the straps clip together at the back of my neck.

“You look like an idiot” he scoffs and looks down at his phone.

“I do not!” I say as I recheck myself in the mirror.

“Anya, please look at yourself again, that dress isn’t meant to be worn by someone your size”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean” I snap.

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