Confused Erika

Ava came down and saw Oliver and Arvin were already out, she quickly ran toward the front yard, "Oliver, wait. It's cold outside. Put on the jacket."

Oliver stopped and turned, his deep eyes had so much love in them. "Silly girl, it's not that cold. Why did you come out without your sweater?"

"I'm not feeling cold. Come on, let me help you put it on." Ava helped Oliver arrange his shirt and put the jacket on.

Oliver suddenly felt some deep emotion in his heart. He said softly, "Thank you, now go inside. I'll be back before you know it."

"Don't worry, Ava. I won't let Oliver get drunk and we won't go anywhere else." Arvin smiled and said reassuring her. But seeing them so cozy he felt a longing in his heart, how sweet they were. If only he and Erika could be like this too.

"Ok." Ava smiled and nodded.

She stood there and watched them drove away then ran back to the house. After Oliver left, Ava was bored, she chatted for a while with Mrs. Lee then went back to her room. She took a bath and went to bed but it was still early so she couldn't fall asleep. She took her phone and decided to call Erika.

The phone rang for a few seconds before Erika picked it up. "Hello, Ava." Erika's cheerful voice came from the other end.

"Rika, what are you doing? Am I disturbing you?" Ava asked in a relaxed tone.

"Not at all. I am just reading through my lines for the play at home." Erika said with a smile. She was lying on the bed holding a thick script book in her hand.

"Great. Listen Rika, I want to ask you something." Ava said in a gentle tone.

"Sure what's up?" Erika closed the script and became attentive.

"Well, your brother's birthday is coming and I wanted to buy something for him but I can't seem to think of anything that will be suitable for him. I mean he has everything, what can you get for a man who has everything?"

Erika laughed and said in a helpless tone, "Actually, I can't help you with this because I have no idea what he really likes. No matter what I give him on his birthday he will accept it happily without any complaint."

"Then what do I do?" Ava asked worriedly.

"Don't think too much, just get whatever you like. As long as it is from you he will like it."

"Does your brother like cakes?" Ava asked uncertainly. She has been with Oliver for the past five to six months, but she never saw him having anything sweet. If he likes cake she could at least make a birthday cake for him.

"Not really," Erika said in an apologetic tone.

Ava sighed, looks like she will have to figure it out herself. Getting a birthday present for someone was already a headache, and if that person was Oliver knight then it was simply a torture. She could neither effort something expensive and nor give him anything cheap.

"Ok. I'll go to the mall tomorrow and see if I can find anything. Anyway Rika, did you have a fight with Arvin today?" Ava changed the topic and asked casually.

"Not really we just had a simple talk. Why?" Erika replied awkwardly feeling a bit uncomfortable at the mention of Arvin.

"No, it's just he came home in the evening looking very depressed so I thought you two had a fight."

"Came home? What do you mean? He came to see you?" Erika asked confused. If he was upset why would he go to Oliver's Villa?

"He didn't tell you? He has been living with us for the past few days. He left his home."

Erika was shocked. Why would he leave his house? Did he do that for her? His parents must be angry with him for breaking the engagement. Suddenly Erika felt very guilty in her heart, she probably shouldn't have said those cruel words to him today.

"Rika, as a friend, I'd like to advise you, try to see the people who really care about you. I know you like Sam, but Sam probably is not suitable for you. If he doesn't feel the same way for you then your wishful thinking will only hurt you. Instead of that, I think you should cherish the one who really loves you. You and Arvin are so perfect together and you two grew up together so both of you know each other in every way."Ava said softly.

"Thanks, Ava," Erika said lightly, she didn't know what to say, she felt bitter in her heart. Everyone seems to know what was better for her except herself.

"Rika, I know this is your personal matter and maybe I am interfering too much, but I think you should consider Arvin. He is really suitable for you. I know you think he is very childish and not husband material, but I can see that he is already changing and in a few years he will become an excellent man. You know men are like children, especially in front of the woman they love."

Erika was silent because she knew what Ava said was true. Since she came back she has been trying hard to concentrate on her script to take her mind off Arvin but her mind kept flying back to Arvin and his painstaking face. Was it guilt or was it because she still in love with him? Erika felt very confused at that moment. She thought, she already put down her feeling for him. But today seeing him in pain her heart was also in pain. Then the feelings she had for Sam what was that? The more she thought about it more she got confused.

"Ava, can I ask you something? Can you tell me what is love and what is infatuation?"

Ava smiled and looked at the lamp over her head then said softly, "Infatuation is when you have strong feelings for someone and no matter what, you want him. But love is selfless, even if the other person doesn't love you or like you, you would still love him and want him to be happy."

"Really?" Erika said somewhat in disbelief. How did she confuse her feelings like that? So what she felt for Sam was actually infatuation because she knew he didn't love her yet she kept pestering him to be with her. And on the other hand, when she found out Arvin got engaged, although she was very hurt she chose to bless him and wanted him to be happy.

Ava could see that Erika was really confused about her feeling, she couldn't clearly distinguish her feeling for Sam and Arvin. She just hoped her words will clear her mind and help her to take the right decision.

"So what do you really think of Arvin?" Ava asked softly.

"I don't know," Erika said biting her lips, suddenly Arvin's worried face flashed in her mind when he covered her legs this afternoon with his suit jacket, she was grateful for that. She knew those boys were staring at her but she didn't take any jacket with her so even though she was uncomfortable she didn't say anything. When Arvin covered her legs she could see the concern in his eyes and she felt warm inside but she still held on to her cold face stubbornly.

"OK fine, don't think about it too much. Have a good rest. Good night." Ava chuckled and hung up the phone. She turned and looked at the empty side of the bed, now that she was used to sleeping in Oliver's arms she can't sleep without him. Ava sighed and closed her eyes.