There is another girl?

In this world, there are many little things that we often forget. We always pay attention to big things that we think are very important. Therefore we forget there are small things which much more important than all of them. Sometimes we worry too much about what will happen to our lives in the future and forget that we live in the present and every second is very important.

Sometimes the definition of happy people are those who don't worry too much about what will happen and prefer to focus on the present. They know that time cannot be repeated, and we only live in this world once. Therefore they do whatever they want to do. But for some people, they are too afraid to take risks in this life, and they miss many things in this world.

Parents often do that. They always think about what is best for their children in the future. Yes, because that is their job. But they forget what their children need in the present. They forget that kids don't just need money or a plan to live life. They forget that we need love and attention to live life.

They always ask what we are doing, but never ask what are we feeling right now. They always get angry when we do something wrong, but they never ask what the reason for us doing that thing. They always ask how school was, but they never ask how our day was. They always ask why we don't study, but they never ask if we did our best.

They always tell us to take vitamins, improve nutrition, eat healthy food, and don't forget to exercise. But they never ask about our mental health. They never even ask, "are you okay?" because They always think that we can handle anything and we will be fine, despite the fact that many teenagers fail to survive and choose to end their lives.

It is a straightforward thing but very influential for us. They think that we can be independent to face the cruelty of this world. They think that their job is only to prepare for our future. Perhaps not all of them, but most of them are like that. And while they do that, they still ask why we keep so many secrets from them. Although sometimes, the reason we keep secrets is to survive.

Teenagers are like paper boats sailing in a wide sea. They are very fragile. They can survive if someone looks after them and helps to lift them when they are almost drowning. But when people left them to float on their own in such a vast and isolated place, they may get lost. Even drowned. and some parents don't realize it.

James Theodore and Olivia Dawson were part of them. They were always busy with work, even rarely at home. If they were at home, not much has changed. They would be busy with their work. They hardly ever sat at the dining table together, talked about many things like family as usual. Ella and Jeremy were used to it.

At first, it was tough for them, of course. But slowly, they got through the tough times by living it together. They became closer and usually told many things. If their relationship with their parents was not very good, they tried their best to keep their relationship as brothers and sisters well.

That night, Jeremy had just come home from his campus activities. Ella, who had been waiting for him in the living room from a few hours ago, almost fell asleep. That night Daffa was still with her in case Jeremy didn't get home in time.

"Oh, you still awake?" said Jeremy while struggling to carry his things. Daffa walked over to him and helped him. "Thank you," Jeremy said to Daffa.

"yeah, I've been waiting for you," Ella replied with a yawn.

Jeremy chuckled and then shook his head, "I said don't wait for me, why are you always so stubborn," said Jeremy.

"I told her to sleep but she didn't want to," said Daffa.

"I'm not sleepy yet," Ella protested, even though it was obvious on her face that she was sleepy.

Jeremy smiled a little at Ella's adorable behavior.

"go to your room, I want to talk to Daffa first. I'll check you later okay," said Jeremy, rubbing Ella's shoulder softly.

Ella refused at first, but somehow she was sleepy, so she chose to do what Jeremy said. When there was no sign of Ella's presence, Jeremy sighed and then took a seat.

"So today she doesn't go to school?" asked Jeremy.

Daffa sighed, "Yeah, I couldn't refuse when she asked for it. I didn't want things to get worse anyway, so I said yes."

"What happened exactly?" asked Jeremy, looking very worried.

"Umm, She had a bad day yesterday. There was someone who said badly about her in front of many people," replied Daffa.

"I'm sorry I should be able to take care of her or at least take her away from there."

"It's not your fault. I know you did your best for her, anyway, and I thankful for that," said Jeremy.

"So you still want to stay here or go home now?" asked him.

"I think I will stay here for tonight," replied Daffa.

"Okay, cool."

As Daffa walked up the stairs, Jeremy called out to him. "So you into her?" ask Jeremy teased.

"What? No? We're best friends."

"Think about it, dude. I mean, I would immediately allow her to date if it was you, though," replied Jeremy without any hesitate.

"So, if it weren't me, you wouldn't allow Ella to have a boyfriend?" asked Daffa.

"It's not like that. But I won't allow it until I know the boy is good for her. Okay, even though I know in the end, I won't allow her, anyway," Jeremy replied with a chuckle.

"You're evil. You know that, right?"

Jeremy laughed, "Hey, you would be annoyed too if Ella had a bad boyfriend, right?"

"Yeah, of course!! I mean, Ella is too innocent and kind. She has a very big heart for people, she always kind to everyone even for someone that have hurt her feeling. That's why I want to always take care of her. And that doesn't mean I have feelings for her. I mean, yes I love her so much, but only for best friend, i think. I just want to always be there for her, you know, "replied Daffa.

Jeremy chuckled and shook his head when he heard what Daffa said.

"You definitely in love with my sister. I've been concerned about you two since childhood, I'm sure one day it will be more than best friend or whatever you called it."

"whatever, Jer. I want to sleep," Daffa replied and walked into her room, ignoring Jeremy, who was still laughing.

Jeremy walked to Ella's room for checking on her. He knocked lightly on the door before stepping inside. "Hey, are you still awake?" asked Jeremy. "Yeah."

Jeremy walked over to Ella's bed and sat beside her. "So, is there anything you want to tell me?" asked Jeremy.

"Nothing, I'm good," Ella replied briefly.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"yeah, of course. Don't worry about it, I feel better if what you mean is yesterday's incident," said Ella.

"how do you know if i know?"

"Daffa couldn't possibly not tell you about it, c'mon i knew it," said Ella.

"Yeah makes sense," Jeremy replied.

"Hey Jer, do you think what I feel for Daffa is just a friend or more?" asked Ella after they had been silent for a few seconds.

"I mean, what do you think?" Jeremy asked back.

"I don't know. If I knew I wouldn't ask you!"

"It's hard to tell the difference between your feelings as just a friend or more. You'll find out soon enough, I can't give conclusions because the one who has a feeling for him is you," Jeremy replied.

"But do you think Daffa is the one for me?" asked Ella again.

Jeremy chuckled. "So you love him now?"

"You're not going to tell him, are you?" Ella asked in confirmation.

Jeremy burst out laughing. "SO YOU FINALLY FALLING FOR HIM?" Ella sighed, knowing that Jeremy would laugh at her.

"Okay..okay. I'll be serious. I've known Daffa since childhood and I know he will take care of you forever. I can't say that he's the one because I know you will meet a guy other than Daffa someday. But I can make sure that your relationship will never end even if you two are not together, okay?" said Jeremy and smiled warmly at Ella.

Ella sighed, "I don't think he loves me like the way i love him."

"Why do you say that?"

"I mean, there are many girls who are prettier than me, who are more compatible with him. He will choose them over me, anyway," said Ella while bowing her head.

"I don't think so. Hey, you're beautiful okay? If someone says otherwise don't listen to them," Jeremy said, trying to cheer her up.

"By the way, do you know when dad and mom come back?" asked Ella to change the topic.

"Not yet. Maybe they are busy. Why?" asked Jeremy back. "They're always busy."

"Hey, you have me, though. Don't be sad...," Jeremy replied.

"Have they ever thought of us?" asked Ella again.

"Of course, they have."

"I just- I don't know. Just tired, I guess," said Ella.

"Go to sleep. We'll continue in the morning, okay?"

"Okay, good night."

"Good night," Jeremy replied and walked out of Ella's room.

Ella sighed and tried to sleep. When she had just closed her eyes for ten minutes, her cellphone rang, indicating someone was calling. "WHO IS THIS? THIS IS THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT...FOR YOUR INFORMATION, I AM TRYING TO SLEEP," said Ella without opening her eyes.

Came a distinctive laugh from her cellphone that made her immediately open her eyes. "REALLY, DAF? You are still at my house. Why are you calling?"

"Chill. I'm sorry I thought you weren't sleeping yet," Daffa replied, laughing.

"So, what is it?" asked Ella to the point.

"Hey, do you know Aleya?" Daffa asked a little nervously.

"Aleya, who?"

"Aleya Madelyn."

"I don't know, what's wrong?" asked Ella.

"Nothing, I'm just curious," said Daffa.

"Okay?" Ella answered uncertainly. She was confused about why Daffa suddenly asked about Aleya.

"Hey, El. Umm is it okay if I'm close with other girls?" Daffa asked carefully.

When she heard that, She don't know what exactly she felt. It was like mixed together, sad? Confused? happy?

"I mean, why are you asking permission?" asked Ella, confused.

"I- don't know, I just thought I should ask you," Daffa replied.

Ella chuckled, "Hey, of course you can. I'm your best friend not your girlfriend," said Ella.

"Oh yeah- you're right. I mean, okay.... cool."

"I'm glad you want to talk to other girls besides me and vanya, you know," said Ella half-lying. Of course, she was hurting.

"Yes me too. Okay, Good night, El. Sweet dream, see you in the morning." without Ella's chance to reply, Daffa had turned off the phone. Ella sighed, maybe her guess was right. Daffa will not have the same feeling.