The outing

Rebecca’s POV

Nica had just decided to take me out. I didn’t know where she planned to take me, but I had no objections. Deep down, I trusted her—she always had good intentions when it came to me. Besides, the day was dragging on and I was already growing bored staying indoors. A little fun wouldn’t hurt.

“Yes, Nica. You can take me wherever you want,” I told her with a smile.

But beneath my calm exterior was a small wave of worry. I didn’t have many nice clothes. In fact, since I came to the university, I hadn’t bought even a single new dress. Most of my clothes were older or casual, and standing next to Nica—who always looked like she had stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine—made that painfully obvious. Still, I pushed the thought aside. I would wear what I had, and I wouldn’t let comparison ruin my day.

“Well, girlfriend, I have to rush back to my place to shower and pick out something really impressive. I want us to look fantastic today,” Nica said, clearly excited, then grabbed her things and left.

That left me alone to prepare. I walked over to my small wardrobe and started scanning through my clothes, hoping to find something flattering, maybe even a little bold—something that might make me feel as radiant as Nica always looked.

“This one,” I said out loud the moment my eyes landed on the blue dress Carlos had bought me last year.

It was a beautiful piece, elegant yet simple. Carlos had surprised me with it on our anniversary. I remembered that day so vividly—the joy in his eyes when I unwrapped the box, the way he smiled as I stepped out in the dress paired with my black and gold heels. He had taken me out for a lovely dinner that night, and I had felt like the most beautiful woman in the world.

Wearing that dress again today made me feel connected to him. It reminded me of how in love we were—how in love I still am with him. We hadn’t been out like that in a long time. Things had changed. Distance had crept in. But my feelings hadn’t faded.

I quickly jumped into the shower, not wanting Nica to return and find me unprepared. She hated waiting, and I didn’t want to be on the receiving end of her complaints. After bathing, I applied my favorite lotion—the one I’d used since high school. It always blended perfectly with my skin and left me feeling fresh and confident.

I slipped into the dress and added a light layer of makeup. Just enough to enhance my features, not to hide them. A spritz of perfume completed the look. I glanced at myself in my small mirror, and for the first time in a long while, I genuinely liked what I saw. I felt beautiful.

When Nica finally returned, it had taken her quite a while—but the moment I saw her, my jaw nearly dropped. She looked breathtaking. Ten times more stunning than usual. She had clearly gone all out. Her hair was done perfectly, and she wore her signature black lipstick—bold, daring, and uniquely her.

“Well girl, I’m here now. How do I look?” she asked, flashing a wide smile.

“You look absolutely astonishing, Nica. You’re so beautiful, and I admire you,” I replied sincerely, meaning every word.

“You look beautiful too, babe. Let’s go then,” she said with a wink.

I was beyond excited. It had been ages since I treated myself to a day like this. I grabbed my purse and phone, checking to make sure I had a little money—just in case of emergencies. It wasn’t much, but I felt better knowing it was there.

“So, where are you taking me, you nasty girl?” I asked playfully as we waited for a cab. Nica had been grinning from ear to ear, which only made me more curious.

“You’ll see. Don’t worry—it’s a surprise,” she replied, practically glowing with excitement.

Soon, the cab pulled up and we hopped in. The weather was perfect—warm, with a gentle breeze. It was just right for the dress I had chosen.

“Take us to Rose Dale Hotel,” Nica told the driver.

My heart skipped a beat. Rose Dale Hotel? I had only heard about it. I’d never dared to step foot inside. It was known as one of the most luxurious hotels around. A place for the wealthy and the elite. The kind of place girls like me didn’t just visit casually.

“I’ve never been there, Nica. This is my first time,” I said, barely able to contain my excitement.

“Oh, I’ve been there a number of times,” she said proudly. “It’s the best. The service is amazing. My family and I go there for celebrations—birthdays, holidays, you name it.”

She was lucky—blessed with the kind of life many of us could only dream of. I couldn’t help but feel a little small, a little unworthy. But I shook the thoughts away. Today was not for comparison—it was for enjoyment.

As we arrived, my eyes widened. The hotel was even more stunning than I imagined. Everything screamed elegance. Outside, people lounged by the pool, laughing, sunbathing, eating. Everyone looked happy. Relaxed. Like they belonged here. And for a moment, I felt like I didn’t.

Nica paid for the cab before I could even fish my small notes from my purse.

“Relax girl, it’s my treat. I’m paying for everything today,” she said, cutting off my attempt to contribute.

I didn’t argue. I simply let her lead the way. She knew the place, and I didn’t want to embarrass either of us by fumbling around like a lost tourist.

She quickly found us a cozy table, and before we had time to settle, a friendly waiter approached.

“Hey ladies, here are our menus. You’re welcome to order anything, we’ll gladly serve you,” he said as he handed us the menus.

I opened mine and stared blankly. Most of the dishes were unfamiliar. I couldn’t even pronounce some of the names.

“Thank you, but please serve us mango juice first while we look at the menu,” Nica said smoothly, and the waiter nodded before walking away.

I leaned closer and whispered, “Nica, I can’t understand this menu.”

She smiled warmly. “Don’t worry. I’ll order something nice for us, Rebecca.”

Relieved, I sat back. Next time I come to a place like this, I’ll make sure I’m prepared, I told myself. It was embarrassing not to know what to order, but I reminded myself it was my first time. That had to count for something.

I thought about the time Carlos took me out for dinner, it had been a much simpler place, full of people like us. The menu was easy to understand, and I hadn’t felt out of place. But this—this was a whole new world.

The waiter returned shortly with our mango juices, placing the glasses delicately on the table.

“We’ll have summer rolls with peanut sauce,” Nica told him.

I had no idea what that was, but I trusted her. When the food arrived, I took my first bite—and was blown away. It was delicious. Every bite was packed with flavor.

“Eat, girl, and remember me forever,” Nica said with a laugh, clearly enjoying how much I was enjoying the food.

As we neared the end of the meal, Nica leaned in with a twinkle in her eye. “After this, I’m taking you to a club nearby. It’s going to be lit. A famous musician will be performing, and I don’t want us to miss it.”

My heart skipped again, this time out of anxiety.

“A club? Nica, I can’t go. You know why,” I said cautiously.

“Oh Rebecca, come on. You’re in university now, not primary school. Besides, it’s my treat. I won’t take no for an answer,” she insisted.

I knew that look. If I declined, she’d be upset for the rest of the semester. And honestly, maybe it was time I tried something different. I had never been to a club before, maybe just once wouldn't hurt.

“Okay, Nica. I’ll go with you… but I’m not drinking,” I said firmly.

She beamed. “Fair enough.”

This was shaping up to be a day I would never forget.