Extended vacations

I stared at the ceiling for a while, thinking about what I experienced since I arrived here. Being Marie had been incredibly fun, and Soraya had such a comfortable life. I loved the friendship between them and Joanna and Ryan. I never had friends like this before... Being with them this last month really helped ease the pain I've felt since I had to flee and leave Claire.

My left hand slithered along my flat and soft stomach. I also couldn't deny how amazing it felt to be in such a wonderful skin... I didn't want things to end so soon, I wanted to experience more of this life here...

"It wouldn't hurt to stay here a while longer... I still have so many things I want to experience." I muttered as Lady snuggled close to me, begging to be petted. "You're a good girl, I would miss you. And Marie, Joanna, and Ryan too."

I've always wanted a pet, so I really loved Lady. She was so adorable and energetic, and her fur was so smooth. I already grew attached to her, maybe a bit too much...

"We should sleep now, it's getting late. Goodnight, Lady~" I said, giving her a kiss on the forehead.

The next day, after dressing in some hot punkish skirt, thigh high socks, Docs, and a band shirt, I took Lady for her morning walk. Soraya's town was very relaxing and quiet, I really liked being here. I then grabbed my bag and took the bus before joining my friends on the campus, at our usual spot.

"Morning, girls~" I said with a bright smile as I approached them.

"Hey Soso, how are you feeling?" Joanna asked after we exchanged a kiss on the cheeks.

I pulled Marie and Joanna closer, hugging them tightly. "Much better, thanks again for last night, it really helped."

Marie smiled. "That's good."

Ryan joined us shortly after, and the four of us talked more while waiting for our classes to start. The band had a concert planned next month, and Joanna wanted us to practice for it during the weekend. It would be the opportunity for me to finally play the drums with them, so I was quite excited deep down. I never got the opportunity to learn any instrument or play in a band in my previous life, and I knew from Soraya's memories that it would be a really fun time.

Even if our kind of music wasn't Marie's favourite, she still almost always came to see us play, taking pictures and videos and sharing them on social media. I did this once during the time I was in her skin, being even more enthusiastic than her when I was watching the band play.

We spent the morning following our lectures and seminars before going to a kebab place the group frequented often, enjoying a tasty unhealthy lunch.

My mood soured when I spotted a familiar face approaching, though.

"H-hey Soso..." Alexis awkwardly said.

"Fuck off, asshole, she doesn't want to see you again." Joanna immediately replied, glaring at him.

"Please, let me apologise, at least. I know I was wrong." He pleaded.

I closed my eyes and sighed before standing up and staring at him. "You knew you were wrong but you still cheated on me for months. Had it been a one-night stand while drunk, I might have forgiven you. But after what you did, I can't. Now leave, I have no intention of speaking to you again."

I sat back and took an angry bite of my sandwich, looking away. Alexis didn't leave, though.

"Soso, I'm sorry..."

Joanna got up and faced him. "You deaf? Move your ass before I punch you."

Alexis and her kept staring for a brief moment before he sighed and turned back, leaving the restaurant. I guessed he would try to talk to Soraya again after breaking up, but he acted even faster than I had imagined.

"The nerves of this guy! Showing his face after what he did!" Joanna grumbled as she sat back with us.

"You did well." Marie said, gently caressing my shoulder. "Are you alright?"

I smiled. "I am, don't worry. It's over between us." I then pulled Jo and Marie closer, hugging them both. "I came to terms with it, thanks to my wonderful friends~"

Marie giggled. "Aww, you're gonna make me blush."

"You deserve far better than a loser like him anyway." Joanna commented.

I chuckled. "True, but I'm not in a hurry. I should try to enjoy being single again for now."

"Just stop me if I ever try anything that might anger Jo, she was quite scary there." Ryan said in an amused tone.

"How dare you tell a girl she was scary, do you have no shame?" Joanna replied, poking his cheek.

Ryan just grinned. "Nope, what's that?"

"You dumbass." Joanna punched him playfully before looking back at me. "Anyway, wanna go to the karaoke again tonight?"

"Sure, I'd love to~"

Marie sighed softly. "Twice in a row despite the finals approaching? You're so unreasonable at times..."

"It's why you love us~" I replied with a teasing smirk.

She giggled. "Of course."

We finished our lunch in a much better mood despite Alexis' apparition. How I loved this group of friends, they were so wonderful. So close to each other. They already felt like my own best friends.

As we left, I caught a glimpse at my reflection in a window and smiled. Well, they are my best friends, currently~ I'll stay a bit longer than I had originally planned, but don't worry, Soraya, I won't mess with your life.