Chapter 8: Cold coffee in rain

"What's the point of bringing an umbrella when I got wet even after using it?" Alora hissed at her friends cum sisters.

"The point is you should enjoy the rain," Maya started.

"And yes, even if you know that you are going to fall sick later. Stop worrying dude. We all know how desperately you want to bunk the class and enjoy the rain with us," Sarah smirked.

"Oh my goodness, Don't tell me that you guys are going to bunk the school today. What if they teach us something important today?" Alora gasped.

"They won't be teaching us how to make money easily, so it doesn't count. If they were to teach us how to retire in five months then I would have been the first one to go and sit there for the whole lesson," Maya said rolling her eyes.

"She ain't wrong though. They just teach us how to bury ourselves in the mountain of student loans and work as slaves day, and night to only get a fixed salary. Is that even fair?" Sarah started complaining.

Without Alora knowing, she was going to the back of their school where a beautiful park is built.

"But without education, we can't success, and education is the backbone of our nation," Alora tried to argue further.

"I don't know anything about education being our backbone but one thing sure, carrying heavy books is the only reason behind my unstraight backbone. I don't think that I can even walk straightly," Sarah made a crying face.

"Well, walking with a straight back isn't that important. Comfort comes first, ain't it?" Alora's question sounded like a silent statement.

"Honey, maybe you have forgotten our beauty standards. Not that I stand anywhere near our beauty standards anyway," Sarah dimmed down.

Maya and Alora shared a look.

Sure, everyone has their insecurities. Even, Maya and Alora have some good ones. But, Sarah's insecurities just don't sit well with them.

Sarah wasn't the "straight out of a magazine cover" type beauty, sure. But her beauty wasn't any less eternal.

Her chocolate brown eyes were decorated with perfect lashes. A medium-sized cute nose and medium-sized lips.

A few pimples on her face and a few nail mark are that she got when she was younger.

Her height is smaller compared to other girls around her and it could be considered pretty much small.

Her sunkissed tan skin tone is her best feature.

Even though she is small but her body is quite on the curvier side.

Many may consider her average with her brown eyes but if paid more attention, one would be forced to notice how beautiful she is!

Everyone is beautiful in their ways. It's just people get insecure while comparing themselves with others they see on tv or social media.

"The beauty standards you are comparing yourself ain't real either. It took a lot of makeup, editing, and filters to make themselves look this perfect which is ridiculous. Our natural form is perfect just the way it is!" Alora signed after saying this.

"Most of your favorite models themselves would admit that they aren't as perfect as they seem to be. Our beauty standards ain't realistic in any form. Even the ideal body type of our generation is the outcome of a few surgeries!" Maya joined Alora.

"Ok, I admit that but have you seen their skins? Have you seen how slim they are?"

"Even their skin has texture which is normal. Every single person on the earth has texture. Pimples or scars on your skin don't make you any less beautiful. It should be normal. Not that I am saying, wearing makeup should be illegal cause it shouldn't," Alora looked at Maya, giving her a sign to continue.

"Wearing makeup makes us feel more attractive. It makes us feel more confident in our bodies. It's ok. Having confidence in you 24/7 isn't possible either. Even the most confident human will stumble somewhere. But what should be more important is being confident in your own body," Maya paused.

"About them being slim, most of the models have vegetables and protein shakes to keep them in shape. They exercise to keep themselves in shape. Everything comes with a price. They have to give up their desire to eat whatever they want just to get fame and luxury. It's their choice."

"Would you be able to give up on your favorite food like them? Being in shape is important and eating healthy is also important but we only live once. According to me, sacrificing my favorite foods for an unrealistic image, ain't worth it. Feel free to choose otherwise," Maya said pulling herself out of the umbrella.

"One of my favorite models, uploaded a video last week showing her skin texture and the pain behind her perfect image," Sarah slowly said.

"See, even the models know that what they are promoting isn't real either," Maya said taking a sip of her cold coffee.

"Are you fudging serious, girl? You are pregnant," Alora shouted at Maya, and Maya's face looked like she was suddenly hit by a track.

Sarah didn't look any better.

All three of them quickly called a taxi that was passing by and went back to their apartment.

Maya and Sarah took a hot bath as soon as possible.

Maya wore her warmest clothes and Alora dried her hair with the hairdryer.

Sarah made hot soup for all of them to have.

After making sure that Maya hasn't caught favor or cold, three of them left breathing with relief.

"You should be more careful, Maya. I didn't expect that from you. God forbid if something has happened to you or the baby then how would have we dealt with it," Alora sternly said.

"It's still new for me. It's difficult to come to terms with the fact that a whole new life is growing inside of my flat belly," Maya replied nervously.

Alora looked at Sarah with a very serious look on her face.

"I have to tell you something important."

Sarah gulped down her saliva and Maya also looked curious.