Invisible Strings

Chapter 1

The rich aroma of coffee filled my kitchen as I poured the steaming liquid into my favorite mug-the one with the slightly faded quote, "But first, coffee." I leaned against the counter, staring at the fridge, debating whether I wanted a bagel to go with it. A quiet morning breakfast - more like brunch and my thoughts felt like the perfect way to start the day.

My hand was halfway to the bagel when my phone buzzed interrupting my peaceful morning.I half expected it to be a call from work turning my peaceful saturday into a hectic-work day. But when I picked up - "She said yes!!" The voice on the other end was unmistakable, brimming with joy and energy. A smile instantly spread across my face as I leaned against the counter, phone pressed to my ear.

"Of course she did," I replied, my grin widening. Eight years of their bickering and swooning flashed through my mind. "I can't believe it's finally happening after eight years of seeing you both madly in love."
"So, we'll see you tonight, right?"

"Of course! What kind of friend would I be if I missed your engagement party?" I laughed softly, already feeling the day shift from peaceful to exhilarating. The engagement party was hours away, but the buzz of celebration was already in the air.

I put my phone down with a huge smile, gulped my remaining coffee when it occurred to me that I needed to get them an engagement gift. "Maybe I should bake them some cupcakes as a gift" With that I put on my playlist and got to work.

"Tickkkk," went the oven timer. I wiped flour from my face and took the freshly baked cupcakes out. The whole kitchen filled with the smell of freshly baked goods. I quickly finished the icing, placed tiny red heart sprinkles and packed the cupcakes.

I lay flat on my couch with flour and icing covering my clothes, scrolling on my phone when my eye caught a look at the time. "Oh Jeez, it's 5 already" I exclaimed as I stretched my hands above my head in an attempt to get up.

"You don't wanna be late as always, do you ?" I questioned myself and I dragged myself to my room.

I flung open the almirah door, and sighed at the overwhelming number of choices-or lack thereof. It didn't matter how many dresses I owned; none of them ever felt right. Not for nights like these.

I pulled out a sleek black dress and held it up against myself. Too much. People will think I'm trying too hard.
Next, a flowy blue summer dress. Too casual. They'll wonder why I didn't put in more effort.

One by one I rejected them all, my reflection picking apart every tiny detail. This clings too much. That one makes me look shapeless. This colour washes me out.

With each discarded option, a familiar frustration settled in my chest. It wasn't just about the dress-it was about the silent scrutiny that came with it. No one at the party would probably-probably say anything, but I knew how people's eyes lingered, how they size you up in a split second.

Finally, I reached for my rusty-coloured, mid length halter dress. Not because it was perfect, but because it was safe. It hugged me in the right places, wasn't too flashy, and most importantly, it made me feel like me.

I take a final look at myself in the mirror before grabbing my things and heading out to the party, "Hmm I think this works, i don't look all bad" I think as i quickly fix my hair a little.

I take the cupcakes out of the fridge and place them in their box with a huge proud smile across my face, " these might be the prettiest batch of cupcakes i have ever made".

I placed the neatly packed cupcakes on the passenger seat and adjusted the tray to make sure it wouldn't slide. As I reached for the door to get in, a sudden thought stopped me cold.