Chapter 4

Freya's Point Of View.

"Oh, come on, Freya! You've been throwing a lot of papers away. What's the deal with you?" Yizell chastised me as she continued to pick up the waste.

We are still in my room. She's too determined to wait for me to finish what I'm doing when in fact, nothing is even running through my mind. 

"It's just that… how can I write an essay when I have no experiences in love?" I grumbled for the nth time as I sighed.

This is frustrating me!

"Then, just tell the professor that you won't submit until you have experienced being in love," she advised. 

Is that even possible?

"That doesn't make sense, Yizell. What if I fall in love after our graduation? So, how could I turn in work if the class has ended?"

"I agree, but there could be another way. Don't you think? You can, for example, make up a love story and claim it as your own. Write romance fiction novels! You can do it, right?"

"Good idea! That's exactly what I'm going to do."

Before I began, I tied my hair back. I reminded myself to concentrate and imagine a realistic love scene. After that, I wrote it down and added some feelings to make it look authentic.

"Are you done?" Yizell approached me and took a look at my paper. "See? You relieve yourself of stress." 

While she read my finished work, I exhaled deeply and fiddled with my pen. The essay stressed the shit out of me! I didn't even have a crush at this age? What kind of heart do I have?

"Jeez! We're running late!" 

When I looked at the wall clock, I immediately stood up and took my bag. We moved quickly and ran outside in order to catch the school bus.

"Come on in, Yizell! Faster!" I said, clutching the handle. 

When we got inside the bus, we both gasped for air. I took a seat, fanning myself with my hand. When our gazes met, we made fun of each other's haggard faces.

We jumped out of the bus and went inside as soon as we arrived at the front of the school gate. Something struck me as I was walking towards our classroom. I was about to say something when Yizell interrupted me.

"Bestie, can you help me?"

"Help you where?"

"Could you please help me convince Paul to accompany me to the amusement park tomorrow? It is, after all, my birthday. Even just this once, please?"

Paul is a huge obsession for my best friend. Well, I'm fine with her request because it's also my present for her upcoming birthday. But, if that's the case, what about Ton?

"But–" I couldn't finish what I was about to say when she spoke again.

"By the way, Ton already knows I like Paul," she added, widening my eyes. "But he swore he would never tell anyone. I warned to kill him if he dared!"

Oh, no! How did he find out? 

"But, you know, he said something odd. He told me that we're the same, that the person we like won't like us back," she added. "I wonder if he has a crush on someone."

I simply kept my mouth shut. I really feel sorry for Austin; knowing that the girl he has feelings for likes his friend hurts him so much. 

"Do you think Paul has feelings for someone else?" Yizell asked me.

I don't want either of them to be hurt because they are both my friends. I want Austin, Yizell, and Paul to end up with someone they love. Because that is exactly how it should be. I want them all to be happy.

"Hey, are you listening to me?" 

When Yizell tapped me, I snapped back to reality. I smiled and nodded to her.

"Huh? Okay, I'll speak with Paul later and tell him to go with you tomorrow."

My smile vanished as I realized what word had just protruded from my mouth. 

Did I say I'd force Paul? Oh, no! 

I think I have just worsened the situation. It's not like I don't want to help Yizell, but I also don't want to be unjust to Austin. He asked me to help her with Yizell, but here I am, stuck deciding which favor to grant. 

"Really? Thank you so much, bestie! Tomorrow will certainly be my best day!" She exclaimed excitedly.

I didn't back out of my promise any longer. I must stand up for it. Besides, Yizell's birthday is coming, I hope Austin can understand I'm only granting her wish.

***

"Time is up, turn in your essays," the professor said.

Everyone in the class, including my friends, went up to the front to submit theirs. I was too embarrassed to pass mine, so I stood at the end. Later, the professor ordered us to compress and sit on the floor. We're going to watch a movie and then write a reaction paper about it.

Austin and Yizell are watching quietly because the film is addressing the question, "What if the person you like doesn't like you?" They are laser-focused. I poked at Paul, who was also standing there watching.

"Can you tell me what you wrote in your essay?" I asked.

"It's a secret. Why do you want to know?"

"Nevermind," I just said.

Because I'm ashamed that my friends have had even a crush or a puppy love while I haven't had any up until now.

Paul added, "I also indicated who it was."

"Who?" I asked again, this time with a curious tone.

"It is…" He didn't get to finish what he was about to say when the professor captured our attention.

"All right, class. So, now write a reaction to the movie."

We were given a half-hour to complete it, but mine was completed in record time. After passing my paper, I used my free time to persuade Rafael.

"Yizell's birthday is tomorrow, and she intends to celebrate by visiting an amusement park." We're having a family dinner, so I won't be able to come with her. Could you please accompany her? She really wants to go," I almost begged.

"Why not Austin instead?" Paul asked, frowning.

If it's possible, and if only Yizell agrees to it… 

"Please? It's her birthday tomorrow anyway," I insisted, ignoring his question.

He sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose. "Fine. I'll pick her up tomorrow at 2 o'clock in the afternoon."

I smiled triumphantly. Finally, I convinced him! I even lied about our family dinner in order to get him to say yes. My only and remaining problem is Austin…

***

Paul and Austin were the first to depart. Yizell and I were left alone in the classroom while we waited for our driver.

"Uh, bestie, Paul has agreed to accompany you to the amusement park for your birthday," I informed her.

Her eyes sparkled with delight. "Really?"

"He'll pick you up at 2:00 PM, so you better prepare," I added.

"Oh my God! Thank you so much, bestie! You're the best!" 

Feeling grateful as if she won a jackpot or the lottery, Yizell locked me in her arms and squeezed me. I just chuckled and tapped her shoulders.

"Come on, let's go home."

"You can go first. Our professor has summoned me," she said.

"Why?"

"I'll be returning the essays to the classroom."

"All right, I'll go first. Go home safely. Goodbye!"

I waved at her as she turned away and walked towards the faculty room while I was there, standing and sympathetically watching her from afar.

I'm happy for you, Yizell, and it's true. On the other hand, I pity Austin. I feel sorry for him. To both of you. You don't deserve to experience unrequited love…