ISABELLE

My phone rang, jolting me back to reality. It was Joey, calling me.

“Oh shit, her birthday party”, I nummured.

I glanced at the screen, and my stomach dropped. 10 PM.

I cursed under my breath, my fingers trembling as I swiped to answer the call.

“Isabelle… where are you?” Joey’s voice rang through the speaker.

“Everyone had gone, I'm still expecting you”, she added.

“I’m so sorry, Joey. I had to work on something. I’ll be there soon,” I said, my voice cracking as I didn't even realize tears were pouring down my eyes.

“Isabelle, Are you fine?” Joey’s tone softened, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell...