Chapter 18

Exasperated, Asa cut the call, not willing to be drawn into an emotional war with her mother. However, before she could even catch her breath, her phone buzzed again. It was a call from her best friend, Anastasia.

"He-hello," Asa responded, her voice still shaken from the previous call.

"Asa baby!" Anastasia sounded exuberantly happy, her voice a stark contrast to the one Asa had just heard.

Asa let out a faint chuckle. "What's got you so overjoyed?" she asked.

"No idea, just in high spirits. Anyway, you're coming with me to a birthday party, right?" Anastasia chirped.

"Um...," Asa began to say, but Anastasia cut her off.

"No 'ums' or 'buts'. You're definitely coming," Anastasia stated decisively.

"But I didn't even..." Asa tried to object but was cut short.

"I know," Anastasia interrupted, laughter tingeing her voice.

The girls broke into a round of laughter. "Okay, I'll pick you up at 9PM sharp next tomorrow. Be ready!" Anastasia commanded.

Asa acquiesced, deciding that a night out