CHAPTER 21: LIBERATED IN LOVE

Kiesha placed a cup of rice on her plate and two pieces of cooked ham. She smiled at her best friend and went by the sand near the shore to sit and started eating. She looks at the bright sky and is thankful that she was saved on her night and shining armor that night. She ate with barely hands that time while looking at Justin and Aivy as they were talking with each other.
“I think my best friend is secretly in love with you, Justin. I am thankful that my heart met you for at least a short period of time. But I think it’s time for my heart to let go. I don’t know it’s just so weird. I can’t even explain what I felt for you these past months until after graduation. But I now understand. My best friend told me once that if a guy really wants you, he will immediately don’t want to lose you. So, he will tell you that he loves you right away.”, she whispered to herself.
Justin looked elsewhere and found out that Kiesha was eating alone near the shore.
“You know what Aivy? Kiesha was really worried about you last night. She asked my help to carry you towards your tent since you pushed her hands away. Why? Did you two argued each other?”, he asked.
“Oh I think our hearts argued.”, she whispered.
“Pardon?”, asked Justin.
“Huh? Oh no. I mean of course not Justin. It’s just that you know Kiesha that she’s a girl who was not that too jolly to be with right? She don’t even drink light beer. But I understand my best friend. This morning, I immediately apologize to her right away because I’m not that kind of person who will hold a grudge or something. And that’s it, she understands me too.”, replied Aivy.
“If that’s so, then why she’s there eating all alone? Will you not sit beside her?”, asked Justin.
“Of course I will. I will just have to get my plate. She’s a girl who likes to view by the seashore.”, she replied.
Kenneth saw Kiesha and seated beside her.
“Hey Kiesha, why are you here? I haven’t seen you and Aivy talk lately.”, said Kenneth.
“Oh, we talked recently and we hugged each other too. I’m just here to smell fresh air from the seashore.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh, I see. There she is. Bye for now.”, replied Kenneth.
“Kiesha? How are you best? Are you alright?”, asked Aivy.
“Hi best. Yes I’m okay. How about you? You drink a lot last night. I’m really worried.”, replied Kiesha.
“Thank you best. By the way, can I sit beside you?”, asked Aivy.
“Oh my goodness. Why are you asking permission best? Of course you can.”, replied Kiesha.
“Thank you. So you mean, are we okay now?”, asked Aivy.
“Okay in what aspect best?”, replied Kiesha.
“I mean did we argue last night?”, asked Aivy.
“No.”, replied Kiesha.
“Great. I did not expect we can bond each other.”, said Aivy.
“Me too.”, replied Kiesha.
“Hey, can we seat beside you girls?”, asked Kenneth.
“Yes sure.”, replied Aivy.
“How about you Kiesha? Is it alright with you?”, asked Justin.
“Huh? Of course. By the way, you ruined our conversation.”, said Kiesha.
“Oh we’re sorry. I think we need to go back now bro.”, replied Justin.
“No. Just stay.”, replied Aivy as she holds Justin’s right hands.
Kenneth and Kiesha stared with each other.
“No I am just kidding Justin. Come on, join us.”, replied Kiesha.
“Alright. So, what’s going on here?”, asked Kenneth.
“We’re eating and chitchatting Kenneth.”, replied Aivy.
“So, can we have photos guys? Come on, let’s take a pic while eating haha. 3, 2, 1 smile!”, said Kenneth.
“By the way Aivy, I have to tell you something.”, said Justin.
“Oh what is it?”, asked Aivy excitedly.
“You know what, your best friend was lost last night.”, replied Justin.
“Huh? Kiesha where did you go?”, asked Aivy.
“She went to the deep forest last night because she doesn’t know there is a comfort room there. She looked somewhere to pee hahaha.”, replied Kenneth while laughing.
“So, is it really funny Kenneth?”, asked Kiesha.
“Nope.”, replied Kenneth.
“So after?”, asked Aivy.
“She lost at 12:00 am midnight. Since you’re drunk, me and Justin searched your best friend. Will you not thank us?”, replied Kenneth.
“Wait. What? Are you serious here? Kiesha? Is it true?”, asked Aivy.
“Yeah. I don’t know. I just went through the woods. I’m sorry best. I’m really really sorry.”, replied Kiesha.
“And guess what. Aivy you will be thankful because she was found by Justin. I’m so proud of my bro. Right bro?”, said Kenneth.
“After that? What happened?”, asked Aivy.
“We came back, with Kenneth. Of course, we are very worried about Kiesha’s safety.”, replied Justin.
“Is is true Kiesha?”, asked Aivy.
“Yes. I’m sorry guys. I’m sorry Justin, to you Kenneth and best. I was just crying that time because..”, replied Kiesha.
“Because?”, asked Aivy.
“Because I miss my parents.”, replied Kiesha.
“I’m sorry for causing you trouble guys.”, she added.
“Oh best. I’m sorry I did not look for you last night because I’m drunk.”, replied Aivy.
“It’s okay best. I want you to be happy and do what you want. You know what? I am very excited if you have a boyfriend soon.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh wow. Why are we talking that here? Me too. I am so excited for your future boyfriend too. You know what? You and Kenneth are match. What do you think Ken?”, asked Aivy.
“Oh just stop it Aivy.”, replied Kenneth.
“Why? Kiesha is very beautiful.”, replied Kenneth.
“I want to but I think someone already stolen her heart. Right Kiesha?”, asked Kenneth.
“Huh? Nope. I haven’t found yet my the one. But I don’t want to pressure myself from it.”, replied Kiesha.
“Yup. You’re right. Kiesha is beautiful.”, replied Justin.
Aivy and Kiesha stared at each other.
“Really?”, asked Aivy.
“Yes, of course. Do you have a boyfriend now Kiesha?”, asked Justin.
“Ehem!”, said Kenneth.
“Nope. My best friend is not yet ready for it. You know why? She plans to reach her dreams. Right Kiesha? That’s the last thing you told me.”, replied Aivy.
“Well, yes. You’re absolutely right best. Unlike you guys, you can do whatever you want.”, replied Kiesha.
“By the way Justin. Why are you asking Kiesha? Do you like her?”, asked Kenneth.
Aivy’s face got anxious and raised her eyebrows back at Kenneth. Kenneth noticed it.
“Hey are you okay Aivy?”, asked Kenneth.
“Shut up you bitch.”, replied Aivy unexpectedly.
The three stared at Aivy.
“Oh I’m sorry. I need water because I hardly chewed what I ate.”, replied Aivy.
“By the way, in connection to Kenneth’s question. How about Matilda Justin? Did you two split up?”, asked Aivy.
“I don’t know. We lost communication. She did not even reply at my texts nor answering my calls.”, replied Justin.
Kiesha suddenly thinks of the place where she found Matilda last time but she doubted if she will say it to them.
“Hey best, are you okay?”, asked Aivy.
“Wait. Did you tell me about the place where you saw Matilda right? The time you were searching for your parents?”, asked Aivy.
“Oh yeah. Right. I really want to share this to you guys I think this is about the time.”, replied Kiesha.
“Come on, hurry up Kiesha. What about Matilda? Where is she?”, asked Kenneth.
“I’m sorry Justin but I saw Matilda in a resto bar. She was with a guy. It’s raining that time. Remember the time we met that evening where you crossed the pedestrian lane and let me borrow your umbrella? I’m sorry I did not tell you about it because I’m afraid if Matilda will know that I’m the one who conveys it. So I waited for the day to tell you this.”, replied Kiesha.
“Actually, you don’t have to say sorry about it because I saw them that day Kiesha.”, replied Justin.
“What? You did? Really?”, asked Kiesha.
“Yeah. They were in the Dream Girl’s Bar that night. Right? But I did not approach her because I know the personality of Matilda. She makes friends with every guy she meets.”, replied Justin.
“That freak girl I’m gonna pull her hair out, seriously.”, replied Aivy.
“Best.”, said Kiesha.
“Oh sorry guys. So that’s it?”, she added.
“So when are you planning to break up with her?”, asked Kenneth.
“I’m waiting for the right timing bro.”, replied Justin.
“So you mean, do you still love her, don’t you?”, asked Kenneth.
“Just right. No more, no less.”, replied Justin.
“Did you love her?”, asked Kiesha.
“Yes. I do.”, replied Justin.
“If ever you have given a chance to start a lovelife, what type of girl do you want bro?”, asked Kenneth.
“Well, I like a girl who reads novels and is simple.”, replied Justin.
“Excuse me for a while guys. I think I’m done with my plate now.”, said Kiesha.
Justin stared at her. Kenneth also goes with Kiesha.
“Hey, wait for me!”, shouted Kenneth.
“So, do you like her?”, asked Aivy.
“Huh? What are you saying about?”, asked Justin.
“Oh come on Justin. You’re so obvious.”, replied Aivy.
“I don’t know.”, replied Justin and went away.
Kiesha cleaned the tables and fixed the chairs. It was hot and very sunny day but the cold breeze by the sea replaced the warm air.
“Hey guys, what’s up?”, said Kenneth.
“Everybody, listen. We can do what we want now. We can go swimming! What do you think?”, asked Aivy.
“Yes I like that!”, shouted the other.
“Oh right! We can now change our outfits girls.”, said Claudia.
“Oh I brought my colorful swimsuits. You can pick what you like girls.”, she added.
“That’s great, Claudia Can we see it?”, replied her friend.
“Come on!”, replied Claudia.
While most of the graduated students changed into swimsuits, Kiesha was sitting alone under the tree reading her old book.
“Hey, how are you? Is that still the Pride and Prejudice book?”, asked Justin.
“What? Do you think I will not return it at the end of the semester? This is not the book you’re asking for. This is another one.”, replied Kiesha.
“Are you mad at me?”, asked Justin.
“Why would I?”, asked Justin.
Aivy saw them sitting under the tree while Justin was caressing her hair.
“Oh please stop it!”, replied Kiesha as she pushes Justin’s hand.
“What’s wrong with you?”, asked Justin.
“Just don’t talk to me. Move away.”, replied Kiesha.
“But why? Are you sick?”, asked Justin as he touched Kiesha’s forehead.
Kiesha pushed Justin until he was almost slipped off the ground.
“I’m sorry. I just need to have alone time right now.”, replied Kiesha.
“Alright fine. If that’s what you want. I will not bother you anymore. I’m sorry.”, replied Justin.
Kiesha felt that she was all mixed up that time. She knows that her bestfriend was in love with him. But she kept it to herself instead and started crying quietly.
“Does his sorry mean goodbye?”, she whispered.
“Why can’t he just say it directly? If he really wants me he should stand for it. He should talk to me. If ever I push him away, if he loves me, he will do anything for me. But I guess, I was wrong.”, she added.
Kiesha wiped her tears as she was flipping her hands through every page of her book.
“Bro, I saw you with Kiesha. Why are you here? Have you planned already to say the truth to her?”, asked Kenneth.
“Kenneth, he doesn’t like me bro.”, replied Justin.
“What do you mean?”, asked Kenneth.
Justin pulled Kenneth’s arms and tried to explain everything to him.
“Bro, kiesha doesn’t like me. She just pushes me away and don’t want my presence.”, replied Justin.
Kenneth looked Kiesha from a distant.
“Look bro, it seems that she was crying. What do you think? Does she already know that you like her? Or maybe she just tried to keep a distant from you because..”, replied Kenneth.
“What?”, asked Justin.
“Because maybe she knows that Aivy likes you?”, replied Kenneth.
“Bro, what do you mean Aivy likes me?”, asked Justin.
“Haven’t you noticed everything?”, asked Kenneth.
“Bro, Aivy is not my type.”, replied Justin.
“Yes. I know but it seems Kiesha noticed it too. Every time you’re with her, Aivy will turn the spotlight. Did you notice it too?”, asked Kenneth.
“I think so?”, replied Justin.
“So, will you just leave it hanging your feelings towards Kiesha?”, asked Kenneth.
“Bro, I don’t know if it’s the right time.”, replied Justin.
“Look. We will have another opportunities awaiting us bro. So if you will not pursue her now, you will loos the chance bro.”, replied Kenneth.
“Did you mean that me and Kiesha can’t meet each other again?”, asked Justin.
“It seems like that.”, replied Kenneth.
“What should I do now…”, sighed Justin.
“You know what? Aivy asked me about something lately.”, replied Justin.
“Like what? Will you date her? Haha.”, replied Kenneth.
“No. She asked me if I like Kiesha.”, replied Justin.
“See bro? Really? Did she ask you that?”, asked Kenneth.
“Yes.”, replied Justin.
“So Aivy knows that you like her. Oh no bro, you’re too obvious now.”, replied Kenneth.
“So what? I have only one heart. And my heart belongs only to someone special. And that’s Kiesha. Don’t worry. If ever I meet Matilda, I’m gonna break with that girl. After all we’ve been through. After all she made Kiesha embarrassed in the entire school. I can’t forget how rude she was bro. Aside from that, I even saw her with another man. My goodness. What type of girlfriend I have.”, replied Justin.
Meanwhile, Aivy was already wearing her cool swimsuit. She was very sexy and even dancing in the midst of the bright sun.
“Hey Kiesha!! Best! Look! Am I sexy now?”, asked Aivy.
“Wow! I wouldn’t have thought you also wear that style huh. You look very stunning today Aivy. You look so perfect and sexy!”, replied Kiesha.
“Hey, what are you doing? Let’s just have some fun best. Can you wear the swimsuit I brought for you? Please… I want us to be the same.”, replied Aivy.
“Oh, uhm.. You know that I don’t want to wear that kind of clothing right? I’m not comfortable. I’m sorry best.”, replied Kiesha.
“But Kiesha please.. I want us to be the same so that we can have great photos with each other.”, replied Aivy.
“Aivy. Don’t force Kiesha if she doesn’t want to.”, replied Justin.
“Oh there you are again, night and shining armor.”, replied Aivy.
“Just leave us alone in here.”, replied Aivy.
“Aivy?”, said Kiesha.
“What? You know, since we met this guy, we can’t do any great bond with each other. Why is that?”, asked Aivy.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Aivy”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh gosh. Isn’t it obvious that he likes you Kiesha?”, asked Aivy.
“So what’s the problem with it Aivy?”, asked Justin.
“You are the problem.”, replied Aivy.
“Oh no. What’s going on here?”, asked Kenneth.
“Kiesha is not your bestfriend. I don’t like the way how you just came in into our conversation Justin. Could you give us some space?”, replied Aivy.
“Alright fine best. I’m gonna wear that swimsuit you bought for me.”, replied Kiesha.
“That’s my friend.”, replied Aivy.
Kiesha went to Aivy’s tent and somehow changed her clothes into a swimsuit.
“OMG! You look really amazing best! I got cha!”, shouted Aivy with joy.
She then hugged her best friend and they went outside to take photos by the beach.
“Come on Kiesha. Let’s take a picture here.”, said Aivy.
Aivy grabbed Kiesha but Kiesha was really shy that time.
Kenneth and Justin were amazed by the two best friends. Everyone was shocked.
“Who’s your bet Justin?”, asked Kenneth.
“Shut your mouth bro.”, replied Justin.
“Seriously bro.”, asked Kenneth.
“Kiesha stuns bro.”, replied Justin.
“Me too.”, replied Kenneth.
“Hey Kiesha!”, shouted Kenneth as he went over with the two best friends.
“You look really beautiful today. I can’t believe you wear like that huh.”, said Kenneth.
Justin came to them as well.
“Aivy you look beautiful.”, replied Justin.
“Thank you for the compliment Ken but I did not wear this just to show off. Aivy really wanted to.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh it’s alright best. Thanks Jus.”, replied Aivy with a blush on her face.
The two best friends continuously take photos while the two guys are staring at them.
“Bro, why did you compliment Aivy instead of Kiesha?”, asked Kenneth.
“Because Kiesha pushed me away. She doesn’t want me to be with her. So I decided to make her jelaous.”, replied Justin.
“Oh cool of you huh.”, replied Kenneth.
All the batchmates gathered together and played games under the heat of the sun. But Justin can’t keep himself staring back at Kiesha especially she was wearing her swimsuit on that day.
“Oh I’m inlove.”, whispered Justin.