Is There Something Wrong? (Part 1)

The past four days have been amazing for both of us. I wonder how she's doing today.

Hi, Love. Good Morning! How are you today? Do you have classes today?

Good Morning, Love! I'm doing great. I had a good night's sleep, thanks to yesterday. I have three classes today. The first starts at 9:45 am. - Love (heart)

Oh okay. Hope you have a good day today :) I'll see you at 5 pm later.

Okay then. I'll be with Karina every break time, don't worry. It's not like we wouldn't communicate at all. We can call or text like we always do. - Love (heart)

She never makes me feel like I miss her because we always talk almost every few minutes or so, there was never a moment that we don't hear or get updates from each other.

I got up early since my classes will start at 11 today and I better head to school as early as possible.

After taking a shower, I wore a light blue shirt, sweatpants, a black hoodie, and sneakers. I just want to feel comfortable today since I've been dressing up too much.

When I got down, Mom was already having breakfast. I sat in front of her and waited for her to notice me.

"Good Morning, Mom! Breakfast looks good today".

"Good Morning, David. You look handsome today. I assume that yesterday's plans went well". Mom said

Right, I told Mom about all the plans but I forgot to tell her about it last night.

"It was 100% successful. She had no idea that I just made up my schedule since I was preparing for it. Though I did meet with the campus newspaper team first since the upcoming issue is in the process of revisions and choosing the content but it wasn't that long. Claire helped a lot since she invited her for a girl's bonding without telling her that there was a plan. She enjoyed the whole time she was there and the sunset moment made the moment much better. Thank you for all the help, Mom".

"Of course, My Son. I am very happy to help you. Seeing Sophia happy makes me happy as well. She is like the younger daughter I always wanted. She is a very intelligent, hardworking, passionate, caring, and loving person. Just like how proud we are of you and your sister, we are just as proud of her because she is achieving everything she wants at a young age. Who wouldn't be proud of her? At such a young age, she already acts very mature and acts much older than her age. She is so dedicated and passionate that she already is independent at her age. She gets to do everything she wants on her own because she works very hard to achieve those things. I just can't find any reason not to be proud of her". Mom said

Mom's right. It is very impossible to find a reason to not be proud of her. Sophia has always been a wonderful person and she is continuously being one. Sophia is a person who knows her passion and goals in life very well. She would do everything in her ability to achieve those things. But, above all that, she makes sure that her loved ones remain her number one priority and reason to work hard and become a better person. On top of all that, she knows her limits in terms of the love and trust that she can and cannot give. She makes me feel like a completely different person from who I was before.

"You are right, Mom. Sophia is the most wonderful person I've ever met. She is as passionate and dedicated as I am but at the same time makes sure that her priorities in life are well set. She taught me to know my limits on certain things that I can and cannot give. She acts 100x more mature than I am actually. She has so many dreams and ambitions that she has already begun to dedicate herself to achieving every single one without forgetting the things that matter most in her life, her loved ones. Sophia makes me realize so many things about myself that I wish I would have done before. I am very proud to be her boyfriend because she is more than special, she is a one-of-a-kind".

"I do agree with that. Sophia is like family to us already. Being with her reminds me of your sister when she was younger, her energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity are beyond anyone's imagination. From her interest in traveling to learning different sports to learning tons of different hobbies, it already amazes me how she balances all that alongside being the daughter her parents want. Her professionalism and confidence shine whenever we meet them in social gatherings and how she could socialize with people whom she barely even knows". Mom said

She is an amazing person. Despite her failures, she doesn't make them a reason to stop her from achieving her dreams and succeeding in them. What more could I ask from such a wonderful girl like her? She's more than I can ever ask for. Her maturity, curiosity, professionalism, and confidence stand out in their very own ways. She is like a box full of surprises, not knowing what she would show next. She just seems to continuously evolve each day becoming the woman she wants to become.

Our conversation went on and on that, we talked about so many things from my love life to school life to plans. I am really lucky to have these opportunities to chat with my Mom even for a short time.

After I finished, I took my things then got in my car.

While driving, I suddenly received a call from Sophia.

"Love, what's up? You called suddenly".

"I couldn't contact Karina since this morning and this isn't something common". She said

"What?! Did you try contacting her parents? I'm sure they will".

"I did try to call her Mom earlier. But there wasn't a reply yet". She said

"Where are you? I need to see you now. I don't want you to feel alone especially in times like this".

"I'm at the cafe for an hour and a half now. My first class starts in two hours. I need to see you now, I really can't let myself think like this so much alone". She said

I know how much she needs someone to be by her side especially when it has something to do with the people she loves. I want to be the one she can be with when she needs someone by her side.

From then, I immediately rushed to the cafe and saw her at the spot she and Karina always sit at and she seems sad and lost in thought. So I immediately sat beside her.

"Love, I'm here now. I know what you're feeling because I am a friend of hers too. I am worried about her myself".

"Thank you Love for being here. I don't know what I would do if I am alone". She said

I could feel her sadness especially with the tears in her eyes. Karina is one of her weaknesses since they've been together for a long time already. She feels broken when something happens to her.

"I understand. Let everything out and it'll get better. Let's pray that she is doing well, wherever she is. You know how strong Karina is as a person and as a friend".

She cried even more after hearing what I said. I'm sure all she wants and to know whether Karina is good or not. Their bond goes way farther than friends, more like siblings. I understand how painful it is for her just like how I do with my sister.

"I understand how you're feeling. Have you tried contacting Karina or her Mom again? They might answer it now".

"I can try". She said

As she picked up her phone, I could see how nervous she was because her hand was shaking so much. I held her hand and tried to calm her down somehow. She squeezes my hand very tightly and tried to hold back her tears.

A few rings later, someone picked up the phone.

"Hello, Karina". She said

"Sophia, this is Karina's Mom, I was sorry I couldn't answer your call earlier". Karina's mom said

"Auntie, what happened to Karina? I couldn't contact her since this morning". She said

"I was actually about to tell you about that. Karina was rushed to the hospital last night because she collapsed". Karina's mom said

"Is it because of the same sickness she had in high school"? She asked

"It is. She had it since her elementary years. It has been almost 10 years since this last happened. It was so sudden that we rushed her to the hospital in the middle of the night". Karina's mom said

So Sophia already knew about it but hasn't seen this happen. I'm really worried about Karina.

"At least she's safe now. How is her condition now"? She asked

"Well, the last thing her doctor told her dad and I that she has to stay in for a few days for further monitoring then from then, they'll see what to do by then". Karina's mom said

"It would be best that way. I'm scared that something bad happened to Karina. I am still very much scared of what can happen". She said

I have the same feeling just like her. But, she is suffering from this more than I am since she's known Karina longer than I do. Sophia is a really sensitive and emotional person to the extent of having anxiety attacks. Karina was the person she leaned on and the person who helped her get through an anxiety attack.

"I am too, Sophia. Karina is the daughter I have always been thankful for. She helped me a lot with housework and spend a lot of our free time together. Although she isn't my eldest, she will always be my baby girl". Karina's mom said

"I agree, auntie. She is a wonderful friend and sister to me. She never made me feel lonely whenever we are together. She never loses energy even if we've had a busy day. She's just so wonderful and amazing". She said

After a few more minutes, I saw how Sophia was starting to become more relaxed compared to before. It's nice that she gets to talk to someone and let out her thoughts and feelings.

After finishing the call, she suddenly hugged me tighter than before. I know that she is now happy and assured. I couldn't help but hug her back with joy.

"I'm so happy that Karina is finally safe. At least, we now know that she is in good hands. I'm happy to see you smiling like that although you are still worried about her".

"Like Karina always tells me, always be positive even during the hard times. She always tells me that especially when I'm feeling that my GAD is triggering. You know how it is when I go through that". She said

After a few minutes, I thought of taking her to school since she didn't bring her car with her again. She does enjoy walking here a lot.

On the way, I wanted to ask her about her generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). I have been really curious about it. I mean I have seen her go through it but I just want to know how and why it happened.

"Love, there's one thing I have always been curious about. When did you first realize that you had GAD"?

"Well, I was in sixth grade when I first knew about it. I get stressed easily, I feel exhausted more often, I break down and palpitate a lot. My Mom was worried when she first saw it. So we had it checked with her psychologist friend and that's when I knew that it was it". She said

"Oh. When was the worst one you've ever had? What did you do to resolve it"?

I am really curious about how she deals with it by herself.

"I was in second-year high school at that time. It was the toughest 15 minutes of my entire life. My body and mind were too exhausted that I couldn't stand on my own anymore. Luckily, Karina was there to hold me up and bring me to the clinic. My Mom rushed to school at that time to fetch me and take me to my psychologist. I assumed that it was because of the severe stress and exhaustion I've been experiencing during that time. Busy people like the both of us, it's unavoidable for us to stay up late because there are things we have to accomplish". She said

"That's nice to hear. We should head to school now".

"We should". She said

On the way to school, I couldn't help but see how she suddenly looks stressed and worried again. I know that she couldn't help but think and worry about Karina. Their connection with each other is more than friends but sisters. They both care for each other and I understand that because there are people I treat the same way.

I decided to hold her hand to let her know that there is someone by her side. She tightly grips my hand and smiles at me. Even with that smile, I can see the sadness on her face.

"Love, you can surpass this. I know you are struggling with this but just let the day pass and you'll get to see her again. She wouldn't want to see you like this. As you said, she doesn't want to see you hurt so let's just think positive and she will become much stronger when she sees you smiling".

She nods in agreement and tries to smile. She looks more beautiful and I can finally see the strong version of her. Karina, she's willing to do anything to make her happy and feel better. She is one of the strongest people I know and I love her for that.

After our deep morning conversation, we arrived at school and I helped her out of the car.

"Love, keep being positive, okay. Just keep smiling and everything will go well. I'll see you at lunchtime"?

"Okay. For Karina, I have to be. I have to be strong so she will be too. Thank you so much for that. I'll see you then". She said

So I watched her go to her first class looking much better than she was earlier. I am really happy to see her trying to surpass everything.

Since I still have two hours before class, I should think of something that Sophia and I could give Karina as a cheer-up gift.

Love, what should we bring to Karina later? I'm thinking of something that can cheer her up. Since you two are close, do you have anything in mind?

Well, I'm thinking of that too. She likes good food, good books, good flowers, and good music. Those things make her stay alive. She always tells me that these are the reasons why she's living every day. I don't know what's going on in her mind since she is smiling all the time.

I never thought that there are still some things that they don't know about each other. Well, that's normal. No matter how close people are, there are things that they really can't share with anyone.

That's normal. Like you told me, she doesn't like seeing you sad which is why she doesn't tell you about it. But it's okay. Focus on your class and I'll see you later. Don't worry too much.

I won't. Thank you so much, Love. I will try my best to be more positive for myself and Karina. - Love (heart)

I know she can and will. Sophia is a very strong woman and she surpasses everything no matter how hard. That's what I love about her and I appreciate that very much about her.

After that, I went on my way to my class though I still have an hour and 45 minutes before it starts.

On my way, I bumped into Richard. He is my high school best friend but we haven't met for quite a long time because he moved to San Francisco after graduation. He moved back here for college and we've been catching up a lot since then.

"Rich, you heading to class"?

"I just came from the classroom. Our class was suddenly canceled today because our professor has some personal emergencies to attend to". Rich said

"Oh okay. So where are you heading to now"?

"I'm heading out. How about you"? Rich asked

"I don't have plans. I didn't expect this".

"Wanna go have coffee? There is still a lot of catching up that we need to do". Rich said

Right! We haven't got to spend much time these past few months since our schedules always conflicted with each other.

"Well, since you're the only one available now. Let's go"!

So we headed to our favorite hangout place near the campus and it's a relaxing place.

"How have you been? It's been almost 3 months since we last spent this much time". Rich said

"I've been doing great. Although I'm kinda busy with studies and extra-curricular activities but still very happy".

"I heard that you have a girlfriend already". Rich said

How did he know? I haven't told him about it though.

"Well, I do have. I'm just surprised how you knew about it so fast. I've barely told anyone about it yet".

"You know me. I have ways of knowing this without anyone noticing". Rich said

Of course, he does. He always knows things way before I do.

So we headed to our favorite cafe/ hangout spot. We ordered our usual favorites and sat somewhere far behind.

Hours later, we were just drinking coffee and chatting about things, mostly about me.

11:45 am. I received a text from Sophia. Hope it's nothing bad and that she is happy somehow.

Love, my class ended early. Are you in class now? Can we go out for lunch? My class at 1 pm was suddenly canceled because of some business that my professor had. - Love (heart)

"Boyfriend duties? You should go. I need to go somewhere too. Let's meet again soon". Rich said

He is amazing. He's been through this so he knows stuff like this well".

So we parted ways and I went straight to Sophia's classroom.

When I got to her classroom, she was waiting outside.

Did I make her wait too long? Hope not.

"Hi. Ready to go"?

"Of course. Let's go". She said

We went to the car and drove to the restaurant Rich recommended to me.

"This place looks aesthetic. I can't help but focus my attention on the style of this place". She said

I can see her admiration for the arts. Seeing her love for the arts grew alongside everything else that made her who she is.

"I'm happy that you like this place. I haven't tried this place so we're going to try this together. You know the thrill of trying new things together".

Food is always our most frequent bonding time. Although we enjoy many different things together, food is always our go-to wherever we are.

"I am excited. I have been wanting to try something new with you. We have visited the places we usually go to but never to a place that we both haven't tried". She said

"That's true. This is a "first" for us. We should take a photo to remember this".

So she took out her phone and we took selfies together. She wants to make sure that we can treasure this moment.

After ordering the food, I saw that she was still quite distracted.

"Love, is there something wrong"?

"Huh? Oh sorry, I'm just thinking about Karina. I think it's impossible for me not to think about her. But I feel much better than a while ago. I want to think more positively because I'm struggling with it myself. My mental health is the number one priority, not only for me but for the people around me too". She said

"I agree. Your parents, Karina, and I treasure you and your mental health very much. You will surpass all this because you are strong and we are here with you. I will make sure that your mental health will get better through this journey".

For the rest of the time, we were just chatting and having fun together. The time came that we had to go back for our classes.

We immediately drove back to the campus then we went on our own ways.

"I'll see you later, Love". She said

"See you".

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Chapter 10 is done... Thank you to those who are reading this book and I hope more people would be able to do so too.

Can't wait for how the story will progress. Hope everyone's enjoying this as much as I am writing this.