Chapter 9:Tears and Truths

Lucia and Mia’s playful banter was cut short when the dorm room door swung open, revealing a disheveled and red-eyed Sarah. She stood frozen for a second before letting out a shaky breath and stepping inside.

Lucia’s eyes widened as she quickly sat up. “Sarah?”

Mia, who had been reclining on her bed, immediately straightened. “Whoa. What happened to you?”

Sarah shut the door behind her and leaned against it, her arms wrapped around herself. Her lip trembled, and despite the obvious effort to hold it in, tears began to spill down her cheeks.

Lucia was on her feet in an instant, crossing the room. “Hey, hey, talk to us. What’s wrong?”

Sarah let out a choked laugh, wiping at her face. “Tonight was supposed to be perfect. I was supposed to have a romantic date with Jake.” Her voice cracked on his name, and fresh tears fell.

Mia frowned. “Let me guess. Jake turned out to be a jackass?”

Sarah let out a bitter chuckle as she sniffled. “Understatement of the year.” She swallowed hard and looked at them. “I thought he really liked me. But tonight, right in the middle of dinner, he tells me… he’s been seeing someone else.”

Lucia’s heart sank. “Oh, Sarah…”

Mia’s expression darkened. “You’re telling me he dragged you out on a date just to dump you? In public?”

Sarah laughed humorlessly. “Not just dump me. He said—and I quote—‘I don’t think you’re really my type, and I’ve been seeing someone who understands me better.’” She exhaled sharply. “Apparently, I was just… convenient until he found something better.”

Lucia’s fists clenched. “That’s awful.”

Mia’s jaw tightened. “I hope you threw your drink in his face.”

Sarah sniffled. “No… I just walked out. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break down.”

Mia sighed, standing up. “You should have thrown something. He deserved it.”

Lucia wrapped an arm around Sarah’s shoulders. “You don’t have to hold it in. You’re allowed to be upset.”

Sarah let out a shaky breath and finally let herself sink into Lucia’s hug, her body trembling with quiet sobs.

Mia exhaled, running a hand through her hair. “I swear, guys like him should come with warning labels.”

Lucia glared at her. “Not the time, Mia.”

Mia raised her hands in surrender. “Fine, fine.” But then her eyes gleamed. “But seriously, just say the word, Sarah, and I can make his life miserable in creative ways.”

Despite her tears, Sarah let out a weak chuckle. “Thanks, Mia, but I think I just want to forget him.”

Lucia squeezed her shoulder. “We’re here for you.”

Sarah gave them both a watery smile. “I know.” She exhaled deeply. “I just… need some sleep.”

Mia nodded. “Good call. Sleep first, revenge later.”

Lucia rolled her eyes, helping Sarah settle in. As they turned off the lights, the room fell into silence—except for the occasional sniffle from Sarah.

Lucia sighed, staring up at the ceiling. Tonight had been way more eventful than she expected.