A Whole New Experience

When we got to that place, I felt so amazed simply by seeing the surroundings I can see.

"This place is amazing. I never thought that there was actually a place like this in the city".

"I know right. It's been about three years since I've first visited this place and I feel exactly like yours every time". Claire said

While walking, I couldn't help but take photos of every amazing thing there is.

I am used to walking for hours but this feels much different. It feel more calming and relaxing since I haven't been around nature for quite some time now.

I am really enjoying every moment while walking and watching this stunning work of art.

After about an hour and a half of walking, we reached which seems to be at the peak.

This place looks much better than what I saw earlier. This overlooking view is something I can stare at for hours.

"Thank you for bringing me to this place. I can relax and think about things here. I am also needing some inspiration and this place has already given me so much".

"Of course. I also visit this place when I feel uninspired or stressed with work or just want to think about things". Claire said

I never knew that we actually have so much in common. Hope we could become more close to each other just like the bond I created with David.

"It's over lunchtime already. Wanna go have lunch? There's so many good places within this area with good food". Claire said

I didn't even notice the time and I am actually feeling hungry already. I don't what kind of food to expect but I am excited.

"Sure. I'm feeling very hungry already".

So we headed down and went to the food area. There really is so much kinds of food.

"Is there anything you want to eat"? Claire asked

"Well, there is so much try, I don't know which one. You should recommend what I should try".

"Okay, then. You should go find us a table then. Save the best seat for us". Claire said

As she left to buy food, I went around to look for a seat with a nice view. I saw a spot overlooking the entire view and its exactly for two.

This area is really the best spot and its near the food area.

While waiting for her, I took out my two notebooks, pens, and my phone. There is so much nice things in this area that I could write about.

I was scrolling through the photos I took and I was able to write so many things which I don't think I've done before.

Moments later, Claire comes back with so much food. So I fixed my things and helped her get settled.

"This place is really nice. You're lucky to find this beautiful place". Claire said

"Very true. This view says it all. There is so much food. They all look so good. It's been a while since I had this much food".

"It's all the best sellers here. These are the best to pair with this stunning view in front of us". Claire said

As we were enjoying the food, we also continued our very fun conversation.

"You seemed busy when I came". Claire said

"Oh that, I was just writing things since I've got so much inspiration from the few hours we've been here. What else can this place bring"?

"That's true. It has everything we'd ever want in a peaceful place like this". Claire said

I still feel very stunned by this beautiful scenery surrounding me.

"Also, what else have you been up to outside of school activities"? Claire asked

"Well, I've been trying to get back the artistic side of me which I haven't had the time to do so yet. Asides from that, I have also been focusing more on family and friends since I haven't been able to spend as much time lately".

"That's nice. We should all be doing the same. Honestly, we haven't been able to spend time as a whole family because our free times do not match with each other. But, when there are special occasions, we always make sure that we are together even if its just over dinner. I really hope that we can spend time together like travel abroad or to another city. I miss the times before where we could do it again". Claire said

"That's exactly the same with me. Majority of the dinners I've had during the past months have mostly been my Mom and I. Dad has been really busy and I understand that because he is doing it for the family and for others. I do miss those times where I could spend time with both of them".

"Those moments may be dreams now, but one day, it will come true. As long as we have the opportunity to be with them, we should cherish those moments to be with them. Belonging to families who are always under the limelight, there are things that we cannot hide but it is important to find private time to be with each other". Claire said

I very much agree with her. I am lucky to actually live majority of my life away from the limelight. Our parents know where our limits should be in terms of being in the limelight. There are things that we should be keeping privately and we should live our lives like normal people do. It's something that we should know and balance at the same time.

"I agree. having been to many events where I need to be present around cameras and all that, I don't find it a bad thing because I still get to enjoy certain things privately whether with my parents or alone. Growing up in this set-up is not an option for us to make as our parents belong to it".

"That's true. This lifestyle we have now is something completely out of our choice as that is our future too. But, shining and becoming successful on our own feet, wouldn't that make us more proud and fulfilled? I always thought of it that way, to be honest. I mean I'd like to live like my parents but it doesn't mean that it has to be in the same field as them. Just want to shine like them in a completely different field. Don't you think so too"? Claire said

"Well, my parents told me that I can shine in my own field first before taking over the family business. You know how experience can be very helpful before stepping into such a big responsibility".

"That's right. Your parents own the biggest empire in the country. How do you plan to run such a big empire"? Claire asked

"Since I am taking Fashion Business and Management, I will pursue masters and doctorate studies then after that I would start my own fashion brand before entering the family business. By then, I would be ready to take any position my parents would give me in the company. Just like you, I want to establish myself first in the fashion industry before I plan to receive any responsibility from the family business".

"Wow. It seems like you already planned everything. I wish I was like you and David. David already has a masterplan of what he plans to do after graduation. He has been planning that since he was a senior in high school". Claire said

"As soon as I entered high school, I started researching what I plan to do in the future, and my parents were very helpful in every decision I would make. Luckily, everything has been going as planned though there were spontaneous things that happened but were surprisingly helpful at some point. I still appreciate the small surprises that come alongside the things I am doing each day in order to achieve every big goal that I have".

"That's nice. Although things may not go as planned, it could still be part of the process you're going. When I graduated college, I had some plans on which company and job to apply for but it didn't go as planned. However, I went on another way which was somehow similar to the plan I had and look where it got me. Things don't always happen the way we plan them". Claire said

I do agree with that though. My Mom tells me that a lot too. There are things that simply don't go as planned. Life truly is full of surprises and unexpected situations. I have been too harsh on myself in terms of planning everything that I should actually try being a bit more lenient in terms of enjoying life. I feel like I'm missing too much fun already because of what I already planned.

"I agree with that too. I feel like I've been way to harsh on myself since I plan my daily schedules all the time. I should learn to let myself enjoy my teenage years while I can. I've been planning my next vacation to Japan with my cousin and a friend on the incoming summer break".

"That's exciting. I haven't been to Japan for years now. I am planning to visit soon. I've been telling David to take a break too since hasn't taken a break, he's too focused on academics and extra-curricular activities even during school breaks". Claire said

"I agree. I always make sure that the weekends are free so I could spend it with my friends or with my Mom. Though I have a morning class on Saturdays, I make sure that the afternoon onwards is free for personal life".

"That's right, you should invite David to spend time together doing things both of you enjoy. Honestly, David isn't the type of person who would free up his schedule because of someone, but since he met you, he would suddenly allot or set a certain time in his schedule to be with you. It's cool that you got David to change that somehow. Hopefully he will continue to do that and enjoy life like you want to". Claire said

"It was more of an advantage for me because I had each day meticulously planned well that I find it hard to fit in other sudden plans but with David, I tend to push back all my plans and would rather spend time with him. He is actually part of every thing I do because we always text or chat each other. We also tend to have video call study sessions whenever he was bored. He really made me rethink how I want an ideal day in my life to be".

"That's nice. At least, both of you are benefitting from meeting each other. You should continue learning new things from each other throughout your relationship. There are changes in David since he met you and I believe it is the same with you too. It's really nice to have that someone who could change some things in your life". Claire said

"That's true. I never knew that meeting David would change so many aspects of my life. I always used to think that everything should be planned well in order for a day to by well. Meeting David changed that as he showed me how simultaneous plans actually bring something good that we don't expect".

I feel so happy when I get to talk about life and the very special people around me. Without them, I wouldn't get to where I am today. Each of them has their own impacts or influence in my life which I will be forever grateful for.

"That's nice of you to say. I haven't been in a relationship ever but seeing you two together and happy already makes me feel loved and proud that the both of you are happy. I really wish I could find someone like David who would look at me and support me like how David does with you". Claire said

I really wonder why hasn't been in a relationship but can gives such amazing advices about love. She is already at the age where she should already be with that person who would treasure, care, and love her for who she is.

"That's one thing I am curious about. I am really curious why you haven't ever had a serious relationship. It was never obvious that you hadn't been in one because of the advices you give David and I about love".

"You are the first one to know about this, honestly, the reason why I haven't been in one was because I was too focused on work that I put 100% of my attention to it which kinda affected my social life at that point. Just like you, I am scared of being in a serious relationship because I don't want to get hurt. I tend to think of it as a distraction to my work since there is still so much I want to achieve". Claire said

"Well, I don't know if I have the right to say this. Honestly, being in a relationship isn't something to be scared about if you find a person who would love you and support you in everything you want to do. In my case, it's only been three days since David and I became official but I have been very happy and productive because there is someone who loves, cares, and supports me for who I am and for the things I want to do. This bonding we're having is already a nice thing for him to do because he wants me to enjoy my life with others and be happy all the time".

"Thanks for that advice. I'll need a ton of those kind of advices, to be honest. Although you and David are just a new couple, but your friendship has already established a very strong foundation for a relationship that would last for a long time. You and David are two of the strongest people I know in terms of emotional and mental situations. I really hope that even with this relationship you both have, you could still maintain the friendship that brought you here". Claire said

"I will always remember that. David and I promised to remain friends regardless of our relationship. Since we are just a new couple, having that strong bonded friendship that we created already shows how far our friendship could go. Although I am scared of what could happen in the future, our friendship would always remind us that trust and support matters the most.