still in the flashback — less than three days before the mission departs
After the talk with her dad, Monica didn't go to her room. Instead, she went to her friend Katie's. She knocked once then entered.
"That party you told me about," Monica said already kicking off her shoes "It's still on?"
Katie replied, "Yaaas(zesty), are you coming?"
"F**k ya,"
"Wow, you're using big words too. What up with that?"
"I let go," Monica said proudly. "I am free now."
"Do you even know how long they've been waiting for you?".
"Yeah," Her smile widened until it almost hurt, her breath caught with excitement, "I don't know what took me so long."
"Even a council member joined before you."
"So, the rumors are true?"
"Girl, she is there every night, and she is Wiiild(hand with nail polish emoji)."
"Not as wild as How I am gonna be tonight."
"It's about to start soon, we should get ready." Katie said. "You should wear something hot today."
She walked to the corner, unzipped a faded luggage bag, and pulled out a red sundress with puffed sleeves. The fabric caught the light. It was daring someone to notice it.
She tossed it to Monica. "Try it. Let's see if it screams freedom loud enough."