Self Improvement, chapter 8

Previous chapter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/self-improvement-85957366?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

The game progressed and Rachael kept getting the absolute worst questions it had to offer. A bunch of history, music, and sports related questions. All topics she didn't care for one bit. Suffice it to say, she wasn't having a particularly good time. She'd also caught on to the smirks amongst the boys every time her turn came around. Being yet to score points, one couldn't exactly blame them for underestimating her.

Speaking of zero points, Rachael had just finished yet another turn and come home empty handed. Misjudging the atmosphere, Mark jokingly mentioned that even though Rebecca was the blonde one of the pair, Rachael acted the part much better. Hugh followed up with a comment of his own, saying that at this pace, she might as well dye it to fit the part. After all, he said, she shouldn't go around pretending to be something she wasn't. Her natural hair color might be brown, but she certainly acted like a blonde. Of course, it was all fun and games.

Rachael didn't take the comments in good faith. In fact, she found them quite repulsive and demeaning. How dare these asshats insult her intellect purely on the basis of some stupid trivia game they've probably memorized the questions for??
Seeing where the situation was headed, Rebecca jumped in to save the day. Party defusing Rachael's anger in the process.

"Come on guys, she's not that dumb! Just unlucky with the questions. And yeah, maybe she should dye it, but not for the reasons you mentioned. She'll simply look stunning as a blonde!"

Rebecca's attempt at flattering Rachael back into a good mood wasn't exactly subtle. Either way, it had seemed to work. The brunette perked up a little bit and handed the die over to the next player. As she did, her mind was racing with thoughts surrounding her hair. Should she dye it? Would it look as good as her friend claimed?

In spite of Rebecca's best efforts to include her friend in the conversation, Rachael kept mostly quiet until they finished up the game, speaking up only when reading cards and answering them. She thankfully managed to get a few of the questions right, even some hard ones. Enough to rectify any doubt surrounding her intellect, not that there were any in the first place.

"This has been a blast, but we probably should get going. Got places to be and things to do."

Hugh said, trying to sound mysterious by not giving away anything. More than anything, it was an open invitation for Rebecca and Rachael to ask them about their plans. The modern male equivalent to dropping the handkerchief.

"Well don't be a stranger, where are you guys headed?"

"Friend of ours is having a party. Strict invite only.. Not to say we do get a plus one ..each."

"Now isn't that convenient, huh, Rache?"

"I've got plans.."

"Bummer, but don't be mad when I go alone!"

"Why would I..?"

"True."

And just like that, Rebecca got herself invited to a party. Rachael on the other hand wanted nothing to do with it, going as far as claiming she had plans when she most certainly did not.

While Rebecca left through a different exit of the park, Rachael left the way she came. But when she finally made it to the park's exit, she took a left instead of the right which would've led her straight home. The sidewalk upon which she found herself would lead her directly to the place where her aunt worked.