Chapter three

Saturday afternoon embraced the city with a gentle warmth as Tris, Christina, and Marlene strolled along the bustling streets. They had embarked on this day out with the goal of leaving their work-related stresses behind and indulging in some much-needed girl time.

As they passed by shop windows displaying the latest fashion trends, Christina's eyes lit up with excitement. "Hold on a sec, guys. I think I've found my outfit for tonight!"

Tris raised an eyebrow. "Wait, isn't this the fifteenth dress you've tried on?"

Christina flashed a confident smile. "Well, the fifteenth time's the charm, right?"

Tris and Marlene exchanged amused glances as Christina disappeared into the store. Marlene leaned in and whispered, "She's on a mission."

Tris chuckled. "That's an understatement. But hey, if it makes her happy, why not?"

Marlene chuckled, giving Tris a playful nudge. "Come on, Tris. Maybe today's the day you'll find something new too."

Tris blushed, feeling a bit self-conscious. She had always been on the shy side, and the thought of trying on dresses in a store full of people wasn't exactly appealing to her.

Christina noticed her hesitation and grinned mischievously. "Oh, come on, Tris! You can't hide behind your striped t-shirts forever. Let's find you something fabulous."

Tris chuckled nervously. "I'm more comfortable in my shirts, honestly. Dresses aren't really my thing."

Marlene winked. "Well, maybe you just haven't found the right one yet."

After what felt like hours of dress shopping, they finally emerged from the store, with Christina triumphantly sporting her latest find. The dress was a vibrant shade of red that matched Christina's fiery personality perfectly. "Ladies, I am officially ready to conquer the evening!"

As they continued their walk, Tris's thoughts turned to her new neighbor. The encounter that morning had left her feeling a bit guilty. She usually had a good relationship with her neighbors, but this new one seemed to be off to a rough start. She needed an outlet to vent, and her friends were the perfect sounding board.

"Okay, you won't believe what happened this morning," Tris began, her voice laced with exasperation. "That new neighbor of mine? The one I told you about? Well, he managed to block the elevator with his moving boxes. Can you believe it?"

Christina raised an eyebrow, a playful grin on her lips. "Oh, the enigmatic neighbor strikes again."

Tris nodded, her irritation evident. "Exactly. And when I asked him to move the boxes, he was so stubborn and frustrating."

Marlene laughed. "Ah, the handsome jerk archetype."

Tris's lips twitched into a shy smile. "Yeah, that. But you won't believe this – he's also really handsome."

Christina's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Ah, the plot thickens."

Tris rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You two are impossible."

Tris blushed even more, feeling like she was under a microscope. She was used to her friends teasing her, especially Christina. It wasn't that she wasn't interested in relationships, but the idea of putting herself out there in the dating world was a bit overwhelming.

Christina playfully nudged Tris. "Come on, Tris. You need a boyfriend. It's been too long."

Tris chuckled softly, her shyness evident. "I'm just not in a rush, you know?"

Marlene grinned, wrapping an arm around Tris's shoulders. "That's our Tris, always taking things at her own pace."

As they walked, the conversation shifted to Christina's upcoming concert. She had been talking about it non-stop for weeks, claiming that the band playing was the best and most famous in the entire world. Tris couldn't help but express her scepticism. Her musical taste was firmly rooted in classics like Queen, The Beatles, and the occasional Adele track. Marlene couldn't attend the concert anymore because of a work event, meaning that tris had to go , as Christina wouldn't dare to show up to an event by herself.

Christina's excitement was palpable. "Tris, you have no idea. This band is legendary. They hardly ever perform, and now they're playing in their hometown, I even heard that they moved back to Chicago. It's going to be incredible!"

Tris sighed, already feeling defeated. "Alright, alright. I'll go. But just this once and you owe me."

Christina beamed, her eyes shining with gratitude. "You're the best, Tris! I promise you won't regret it."

With evening plans ahead, the friends dispersed, each heading home to get ready.

With her usual supermarket closed for renovations, Tris found herself at a different one. As she navigated the unfamiliar aisles, her focus was on gathering the essentials she needed.

Navigating the aisles of her second-closest supermarket, Tris had a particular goal in mind this time – finding the right brand of dog food for Bailey. Balancing a shopping basket on her arm, she browsed through the shelves, scanning the various options available for her furry companion.

It was during this quest that a moment of distraction led her almost to a minor mishap – she nearly stumbled over a pair of small feet sticking out from the bottom shelf. Quickly recovering her balance, startled, she bent down to investigate and was surprised to find a toddler with beautiful wavy hair. The little girl's hair was a shade of dark blond that glistened under the store's lights. Her hair fell in front of her face as she held on to her knees, sobbing softly. Tris's heart went out to the child.

Glancing around, Tris looked for any sign of a parent frantically searching for their missing child, but she saw no one in distress.

"Hey," Tris approached the child slowly, offering a warm smile. The girl finally noticed her and stared with large, ocean-blue eyes. She was like a miniature model with an angelic face. "I'm Tris," she introduced herself gently. "Are you lost?"

The girl seemed shy or perhaps too upset to respond. Tris decided to try to ease her apprehension. "You know, I'm 25 and I still get lost sometimes," she admitted with a chuckle. "Once I was at an IKEA store and couldn't find the exit. I ended up locking myself in one of the sample kitchens. It was pretty embarrassing."

Tris noticed a small smile forming on the girl's face, a sign that she was beginning to feel a little better. "I was screaming for help, but the store was about to close and most customers were gone. My phone had died, so I couldn't call anyone."

Tris paused for effect before continuing, "So, I broke the door of the closet and acted like it was normal. But when I finally got out, there was a whole staff meeting right in front of me. I was so embarrassed that I sprinted out of the store as fast as I could. I've been afraid to go to any IKEA ever since."

The girl's giggle was like a ray of sunshine, and Tris was relieved to see the child calming down.

"I lost my uncle," the girl explained, wiping away her tears. "We went to buy some food, and he wanted to buy me a tootsie roll because I was a good girl," she added with a fond smile. "But then I saw these chocolates!" She pointed to a shelf with star-shaped chocolates on the other side of the store, her face lighting up. "I ran to the chocolates to show Uncle Zeze, but when I turned around, he was gone."

The girl's voice trembled as she spoke, and Tris listened intently, fully engrossed in her story. "Then all these people started coming, and they were so tall," the girl used her hands and feet to illustrate the height. "I got scared, so I hid here, waiting for Uncle Zeze."

Tris could understand how overwhelming a crowded store might seem to a child. "You're a brave little adventurer," Tris praised her.

Tris stayed with the girl, hoping that her uncle would show up soon. As they waited, Tris's gaze was drawn to a tall man with dark skin and curly hair, who seemed to be searching the aisles with growing concern. His appearance was a stark contrast to the little girl's.

Finally, the man's worried eyes landed on the girl, and relief washed over his face. "Ella!" he exclaimed, hurrying over to them.

The girl's face lit up as she saw her uncle. "Zeze!" she cried out, running into his arms.

Tris watched their heartwarming reunion, touched by the obvious love between them. As the man hugged the little girl, he turned to Tris with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you," he said sincerely.

Tris smiled, her heart warmed by their connection. "No problem at all. She's a brave girl."

The man chuckled, ruffling Ella's hair affectionately. "You know your dad is going to kill me when he finds out I lost you. Let's not tell him, okay? Keep it our secret."

Ella beamed up at her uncle, giggling and nodding, then turned to Tris. She wrapped her little arms around Tris's torso. "Thank you, Tris," she said shyly.

Much to her uncle's surprise, as Ella is usually very shy and doesn't warm up to strangers easily. Tris smiled at the interaction, feeling a sense of warmth and accomplishment. The uncle's demeanor had shifted from panic to gratitude, and seeing Ella's reaction to their newfound acquaintance was heartwarming.

Tris nodded at Ella, her smile reassuring. "You're welcome, sweetie. Remember, if you're ever lost or need help, find a nice person like your uncle or someone who works at the store."

The uncle smiled gratefully at Tris, his relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you again. I really appreciate your help."

Ella's uncle thanked Tris once again, and the little girl clung to his hand as they walked away, her chattering about the chocolates and her brave adventure filling the air.

As Tris watched them walk away, a faint smile played on her lips. She took a moment to soak in the scene—the reunited uncle and niece, the relief on their faces. It was a snapshot of a small but meaningful moment in the midst of a bustling supermarket.

Turning her attention back to her own errand, Tris continued down the aisles. Her thoughts drifted to her loyal canine companion waiting at home. Bailey, her energetic and adorable dog, needed his dinner too. Tris quickly located the pet food section, grabbing a bag of his favorite kibble.

With her shopping list almost complete, she made her way to the checkout counter. As the cashier scanned her items, Tris's mind wandered back to the encounter with the little girl and her uncle. It was a reminder that life was full of unexpected twists and turns, and that a simple act of kindness could have a ripple effect.

After paying for her purchases, Tris headed home, Bailey's excited barks greeting her at the door. She fed him, making sure he was content before turning her attention to herself.

As she finished her meal and cleaned up the kitchen, Tris contemplated her options. She could easily come up with an excuse to skip the party, maybe catch up on her reading or binge-watch a TV show. But knowing Christina's determination and the promise of an open bar, she figured it might be worth the effort to at least show up for a little while.

With a sigh, Tris went to her bedroom and pulled out a dress from her closet. She changed into it, the fabric hugging her figure comfortably. After a quick glance in the mirror, she realized she was as ready as she would ever be.

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Tris grabbed her phone and keys, giving Bailey one last pat before heading out the door. The night awaited her, filled with laughter, music, and mingling. And while the prospect of socializing didn't exactly thrill her, she knew that in the end she would have fun with her friends.

Before heading to the party venue, Tris decided to take Bailey for a quick walk. The evening air was cool, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. Bailey happily wagged his tail as they strolled through the quiet neighborhood streets, the rhythmic sound of his paws on the pavement a comforting backdrop to her thoughts.

Tris glanced up at the darkening sky, a sense of calm settling over her. She had always found solace in these moments – the simple act of walking her dog, the world slowing down around her. It was a chance to clear her mind, to let go of the day's worries and embrace the present.

Bailey's excitement was infectious, his tail wagging with uncontainable joy as he explored every corner and sniffed at every intriguing scent. Tris couldn't help but smile, her worries and uncertainties momentarily pushed to the background.

After a brisk walk, they returned home, both invigorated by the fresh air. Tris gave Bailey one final pat before making her way to the party. With Bailey's happy tail wags echoing through the apartment, Tris grabbed her phone and keys. She locked the door behind her and stepped out into the city's lively streets.

The evening air held a sense of excitement, and Tris couldn't help but feel grateful for the day's unexpected encounter. It was a reminder that even amidst the mundane, life had a way of surprising her. As she made her way to meet Christina and Marlene, Tris's heart was a mix of emotions—reluctance and anticipation. The simple act of helping a lost child had added a touch of warmth to her day.

Tonight's plan was no ordinary evening. It was Christina's uncle's extravagant birthday party, a lavish celebration that promised opulence and indulgence. Christina, ever the social butterfly, had managed to drag both Tris and Marlene into the event. Tris couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's enthusiasm.

As she entered the venue, the sight that greeted her was nothing short of grandeur. The hall was adorned with elegant decorations, shimmering lights casting a soft glow over the attendees. A glance at the corner revealed an open bar, a testament to the extravagance of the affair.

Amidst the lively chatter and music, Tris found Christina and Marlene near the dance floor. Christina's eyes lit up when she saw Tris. "Tris, you made it!" she exclaimed, wrapping her in a tight hug. "Isn't this place amazing?"

Tris smiled, nodding. "It's definitely something."

Marlene grinned, taking in the surroundings. "Well, I have to hand it to Christina's family , they sure know how to throw a party."

The night unfolded with laughter, dancing, and conversations. Tris found herself getting caught up in the festive atmosphere, her initial reluctance fading away. The open bar turned out to be a delightful bonus, and even Tris, who wasn't much of a drinker, couldn't resist trying a few cocktails.

As the hours passed, Tris found herself in the midst of a lively conversation with Marlene about their upcoming vacation plans. Christina had disappeared onto the dance floor with an enthusiastic partner. The music throbbed, and the atmosphere was electric.

Amidst the revelry, Tris's thoughts briefly drifted back to the little girl and her uncle. She wondered if they had found their way back home, if the uncle's worries had eased. It was a fleeting moment of connection, a reminder that amidst the extravagance, the simplest acts of kindness held a special place in her heart.

The night wore on, and Tris found herself laughing and dancing alongside her friends. The party seemed to blur into a whirlwind of colors, music, and laughter. As the clock struck midnight, marking the end of the extravagant celebration, Tris felt a sense of contentment wash over her. It had been an unexpected night of joy and connection, a testament to the beauty of embracing life's surprises.

As they left the party venue, Christina linked her arm with Tris's, her voice filled with excitement. "Wasn't that incredible? I told you we'd have a blast!"

Tris chuckled, nodding. "You were right, Christina. It was quite the party."

Marlene chimed in, her eyes bright. "I can't believe how much fun we had. But hey, the night's still young. Want to grab a drink somewhere?"

Christina's eyes gleamed mischievously. "And who knows, maybe you'll meet a charming guy tonight, Tris."

Tris smiled, but her enthusiasm was half-hearted. The truth was, she wasn't particularly interested in mingling with strangers tonight. Her mind kept drifting back to the simple moments of the day—the lost girl in the supermarket, the bond between her and the uncle. Those were the things that felt real and meaningful.

"I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll pass," Tris replied, her gaze distant. "I'm actually feeling a bit tired."

Christina's expression softened. "Aw, come on, Tris. You've been working so hard lately. You deserve a bit of fun."

Tris nodded, grateful for Christina's concern. "I know and I had fun, but I think I'll just head home. Bailey's probably wondering where I am."

Marlene pouted playfully. "Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find us."

With a final smile and a wave, Tris left her friends and stepped out into the night. She walked through the quiet streets, her thoughts a mix of the party's excitement and her desire for a quieter, more meaningful connection.

As she unlocked her apartment door, Bailey greeted her with his usual exuberance. Tris gave him a scratch behind the ears, her heart warmed by his joyful presence. She kicked off her heels and changed into comfortable clothes, the events of the day playing through her mind like a movie.

Settling on her couch, Tris let out a sigh of contentment. It had been a day filled with unexpected encounters and moments of connection. And even though she had opted out of the after-party, she felt a sense of fulfillment that was uniquely her own.