CHAPTER 22: JUSTIN TELLS THE TRUTH

All of the 4th year graduated students played volleyball while the others were playing badminton under the heat of the sun. Other girls were putting a sunscreen lotion to protect their skin form sunburn. Other girls and boys were eating fresh fruits and watermelon which they brought to recover from thirst. Aivy and Kiesha took a photo with each other by the shore. Kiesha was very beautiful in which Justin can’t stop staring at her. Aivy found out and suddenly not in the mood.
“Ahm Kiesha?”, asked Aivy.
“What if we will have an activity today.”, said Aivy.
“Oh well. Why not? What are you thinking best?”, asked Kiesha.
“Well, I planned to have a volleyball game today.”, replied Aivy.
“Wow. That’s nice best. I think everybody will love it. Let’s try. Come on announce it best.”, replied Kiesha.
“Really? Let’s go.”, replied Aivy.
“Everyone please gather around. Aivy will announce something. I’m sure you will love it.”, said Kiesha.
“Everybody, let’s have an activity today. Me and Kiesha decided to hold a volleyball game this morning. Please gather who will like to join. Thank you everyone!”, announced Aivy.
“I’ll join!”, shouted the other.
“Us too!”, replied others.
“Come on Justin, let’s join them.”, asked Kenneth.
“Yeah sure.”, replied Justin.
“Kiesha want to join us?”, asked Kenneth.
“Oh I’d love to but I don’t know how to play volleyball.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh best, it’s okay. I will teach you.”, replied Aivy.
“If Kiesha doesn’t want to join, well, we should not force her.”, replied Justin.
“No. I’ll let my bestie join. Right best? Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you.”, replied Aivy.
“But.. Ahm. It’s okay Aivy. Just play the game. I’m here to cheer you up guys.”, replied Kiesha.
“No. You should join the game so that we can bond together.”, replied Aivy.
“Ok, I’ll try best.”, replied Kiesha.
Everybody prepared things for the game. On the other side, some of the group participated in the badminton game.
“Hey, are you sure about this?”, asked Justin.
“Why?”, replied Kiesha.
“Nothing. But you don’t know how to play volleyball right?”, asked Justin.
“Yes but Aivy will teach me later. It’s okay for me.”, replied Kiesha.
“Is it okay if I will teach it to you now?”, asked Justin.
“You know what? You are always bothering me.”, replied Kiesha.
“Hey, no I’m not. I am just concern about you Kiesha. You can quit. Okay? Just watch me playing volleyball.”, replied Justin.
“No. My bestie will teach me Justin. Thank you for your concern. You can go now. Just leave me here. Aivy! Come on! Where is she?”, she said.
“See? Aivy is not yet here to teach you. Why can’t you just let me teach you this time Kiesha. Come on give me that ball.”, replied Justin.
“No. I’ll just wait Aivy here.”, replied Kiesha.
“Kiesha? Are you avoiding me?”, asked Justin.
“Huh? No of course not!”, replied Kiesha.
“It seems like you are avoiding me. Why?”, asked Justin.
“No I did not.”, replied Kiesha.
“Come on give me that ball.”, asked Justin.
“No. I’m fine. Just don’t teach me okay?”, replied Kiesha.
“But Kiesha, the game will start later. How can you play if you do not know?”, asked Justin.
Justin grabbed the hand of Kiesha and stood at the back while holding her hands. He started to teach her the basics of volleyball. Suddenly, Aivy came over and was startled on what she saw.
“Oh gosh. They are getting sweeter. This can’t be happening!”, she murmured.
“Hey! What’s up best? What’s going on here?”, she asked.
“Oh, I was just teaching Kiesha the basics. Is there a problem Aivy?”, asked Justin.
“Honestly, she is waiting for you but I grab the chance to. Oh I mean I was just concern about Kiesha. She’s doesn’t know how to play. That’s why I teach her right now.”, replied Justin.
“Fine.”, replied Aivy.
“Alright everybody! Everything is under control. We have done preparing things already for the games.This side will be the volleyball game while on the other is the badminton game. Just choose the game you like folks! Good luck!”, announced Kenneth.
“So, are you ready now?”, asked Justin to Kiesha.
“I’m nervous. I can’t. Sorry.”, replied Kiesha.
“But why? This is not a competition Kiesha. We will just have some fun. Haha.”, replied Justin.
Kiesha distant herself from Justin because she knows Aivy likes him. She seated on the rock at the side and shaded herself from the branches of trees. Justin stared at her and tried to follow her but Aivy grabbed her hand.
“Oh Justin. Come on now. Let’s play together. Come on guys!”, shouted Aivy.
“But how about Kiesha? Kiesha come on!”, shouted Justin.
“No I’m okay. It’s too hot. I will just cheer on you guys! Go on!”, shouted Kiesha.
“Just leave her Justin. We both know that she doesn’t know how to play right?”, replied Aivy.
“Yeah but I already taught her earlier.”, replied Justin.
“Kiesha best? What? Will you not join us? Are you tired already? Are you okay there?”, shouted Aivy.
“Yeah best! I’m fine. I need to rest. I’ll join later!”, replied Kiesha.
Kiesha’s heart was shattered everytime she saw Aivy and Justin together. She stared how Aivy was secretly inlove with Justin. She was silent the whole time and tried to avoid of being so jealous with the two. Suddenly, Aivy was hit by the ball on her head and Justin suddenly came over to help her. Kiesha could not take it anymore so she decided to go back to the tent and change clothes. She then went outside to prepare meals for lunch. She cooked rice and prepare viands. Justin saw her and came over.
“Hey, hey. What are you doing? Come on. Join us please.”, said Justin as he holds Kiesha’s right hand.
Aivy saw them and get so jealous.
“Kiesha! What are you doing there? Come on best. We’ll teach you.”, said Aivy.
“Oh no best. I’m okay here. You know that I am not sporty right? Just have some fun with Justin, with them. I will just prepare meals for you. It’s almost 12:00 nn already. I know after that game, you will all get hungry and thirsty.”, replied Kiesha.
“You change your clothes best. Why?”, asked Aivy.
“I’m not comfortable. It doesn’t suit me. Thank you for letting me borrow it for awhile best.”, replied Kiesha.
“Are you sure you’re okay here?”, asked Justin.
“Of course.”, replied Kiesha.
“Best? Come on. Join us.”, replied Aivy.
“I’m okay best. I’m not that into sports hehe. You want drinks? Watermelon? What do you want best?”, asked Kiesha.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”, asked Aivy.
“Yes best. I’m very well okay. Go on. Just be happy. I’ll just stay here and watch you being happy.”, replied Kiesha.
“I love you best.”, replied Aivy.
“I love you more.”, replied Kiesha.
Justin looks at Kiesha deeply in the eye. Kiesha just look away and pretending to prepare tables and chairs.
“Oh gosh. Here I go again. Crushing…”, whispered Kiesha.
Kenneth was defeated from the game so he took a rest by the side not until he saw Kiesha doing things.
“Hey, Kiesha why are you doing that? Come on, join them. I was defeated already so I decided to came over for you. Why did you change your swimsuit? Why are you preparing meals? While us, we enjoyed the game. Come on, I’m sure you will enjoy it too. Let’s go.”, said Kenneth.
“No, I’m okay. I just wanted to help you guys. What do you want? A juice? Watermelon? Water?”, asked Kiesha.
“Uhm.. I’ll just take water. Thank you for this Kiesha.”, replied Kenneth.
It’s already 11:00 am in the morning. All of the group members were having fun except for Justin. He saw Kenneth who was talking with Kiesha and even tried to help her preparing for lunch. Justin can’t take it anymore so he left the game.
“Hey Justin, where are you going? Don’t tell me you’ll leave.”, asked Aivy.
“I quit. Sorry guys. I am tired already. You can even play without me. Okay?”, replied Justin.
“But wait. Hey!”, shouted Aivy.
Justin came over to Kiesha and Kenneth’s conversation.
“Hey bro, what’s up? Are you defeated?”, asked Justin.
“Well, yeah. How about you? Why are you here?”, asked Kenneth.
“Oh I am just tired bro. I quit the game.”, replied Justin.
“Do you want water?”, asked Kiesha.
“Yeah sure. Thanks Kiesh!”, replied Justin.
“Ehem!”, jokingly said Kenneth.
Kiesha noticed the two guys smiling with each other. She just pretended that she doesn’t know what’s going on. The two guys helped Kiesha set the tables and chairs while Kiesha was spicing up the grilled barbecue. Justin took off his shirt because he was really sweating that time. Aivy saw them so she also quits the game.
“Hey guys. What’s going on here? Justin you’re taking off your shirt. Are you hot?”, asked Aivy.
“Yes. Sorry about that. But I can’t stand the hot season.”, replied Justin.
After the game, everybody went to the tables to eat their meals prepared by Kiesha. Others were tired so they just stayed at the side and shaded themselves under the trees for awhile.
“Mmm.. The meal is so delicious. And the fruits. I did not expect you’re good at cooking Kiesha.”, said Justin.
“Oh thank you Justin.”, replied Kiesha.
“So how’s the game best?”, asked Kiesha.
“Oh it’s fine. Justin and Kenneth just quit so we defeated. LOL.”, replied Aivy.
“Bro, why did you quit the game?”, asked Kenneth.
“Well, I want to help Kiesha here. It seems that no one is helping her.”, replied Justin.
“Oh did you forget me bro? I am here awhile ago.”, replied Kenneth.
“Yeah, that’s why..”, replied Justin.
“Guys? Come over. Have your lunch!”, shouted Kiesha.
“After this, let’s go swimming Kiesha.”, replied Aivy.
“Oh, I don’t want to wear swimsuit Aivy. Please I am not comfortable with it.”, replied Kiesha.
“Alright. Wish granted best.”, replied Aivy.
Evening came. The group members are very excited for the night swimming. The moon shines so bright while the waves are sparkling at the shore. It is the final day of their trip. The group went swimming. Justin and the boys decided to lit up a fire at the center to recover from cold breeze. Other boys are singing while playing guitar. Other girls are chatting about their crushes. Aivy went on swimming while wearing her another swimsuit.
“Hey best. You look so sexy and stunning. Did you change your swimsuit? Wow! You’re so beautiful. It seems you have many swimsuits.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh thank you best. Yes. I have lots of these. You want? You can wear it this time. Come, take this.”, replied Aivy.
“Oh I’m not used to it best. Ahm, it’s quite cold outside. Maybe I will be having a stomachache.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh it’s okay. You can wear jacket.”, replied Kiesha.
“Alright.. But this is our last day of our vacation best. Please.. just for me.”, replied Aivy.
“Okay okay. Your wish is granted best. I’m gonna wear this.”, replied Kiesha.
“You already wore one of my swimsuits this morning. But you just changed it. You look more beautiful if you wear it. Here, take this.”, replied Aivy.
The two bestfriends went outside and both of them look so stunning.
“Kiesha? Why are you wearing that again? You said that you are not comfortable wearing it.”, said Justin.
“Oh Justin sorry. I pleaded Kiesha to wear it. Since it is our last day of vacation together so my wish is granted this time. Why? Do you have a problem with it?”, replied Aivy.
“No. But if Kiesha wants to, then why not.”, replied Justin.
“Hey guys, come over here. Let’s sing and enjoy.”, shouted Kenneth.
Kiesha feels so awkward that time. She seats on the sand beside Kenneth. Justin saw it and immediately seats beside Kiesha. She hugged herself because of cold. Justin gave his jacket to Kiesha. Aivy noticed it.
“Oh, how sweet.”, whispered Aivy.
“Kiesha, are you cold? Take my jacket. Everything will be fine.”, replied Justin.
“Thank you. But how about you?”, asked Kiesha.
“Oh it’s okay. Don’t worry about me.”, replied Justin.
After the dinner, the group decided to eat junkfoods and drink light beers.
“Kiesha? Can we talk later?”, asked Justin.
“Yes? Ahm.. why?”, asked Kiesha.
“Just later okay?’, replied Justin.
Kiesha felt nervous about what Justin would say to her. She observed Justin talking to other guys. She then stood up and placed the jacket on the sand without Justin knowing. She went immediately at the tent and change her clothes. Justin noticed that Kiesha was gone.
“Kiesha? Why are you running?”, asked Kenneth.
“Oh my stomach hurts. Sorry I need to go.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh where is she?”, asked Justin.
“Kenneth, have you seen Kiesha?”, asked Justin.
“Oh yes, yes. Bro, she told me her stomach is aching. I think she needs to relax at the tent. Why? What did you tell her? Don’t tell me she knows already bro.”, replied Kenneth.
“I just told her that I wanted to talk to her later. Because I need to tell her how I feel towards her bro. I can’t take this anymore.”, replied Justin.
“Oh really bro? Good luck.”, replied Kenneth.
“I’m nervous. You think I can make it?”, replied Justin.
“Bro, I believe in you. I know you can do it.”, replied Kenneth.
“Thanks for the support bro!”, replied Justin.
“I need to search for her.”, added Justin.
“I saw her running towards the tent.”, replied Kenneth.
“Oh really, I’ll go now bro.”, replied Justin.
“Okay bro. Update me okay? Haha.”, replied Kenneth.
Justin is looking for Kiesha until she saw her sitting under the tree near the tent.
“Hey Kiesh, I.. I was looking for you.”, said Justin.
Kiesha stared at him deeply.
“So, what is it you would like to talk about?”, asked Kiesha.
“First of all, can I seat beside you?”, asked Justin.
“Yeah.”, replied Kiesha.
“Sorry I left your jacket. Have you found it?”, asked Kiesha.
“Yes.”, replied Justin.
“Ahm Kiesha.. Uhh… You know we have been classmates for 4 years in high school right? You know. I was just keeping this to myself for 4 years.”, replied Justin.
“Why? What’s the problem Justin? Say it. I am here for you. What? Are you a gay?”, asked Kiesha.
“Huh? Of course not!”, replied Justin.
“Then what’s the matter?”, asked Kiesha.
“Kiesha I…”, replied Justin.
“What?”, asked Kiesha.
“I don’t know how to say it Kiesha. I’m afraid you will just..”, replied Justin.
“Why? Could you please just say it Justin?”, asked Kiesha.
“Alright.. I.. I like you since first year high school.”, replied Justin.
Kiesha could not even say a word about what she heard. She faces Justin and looks him deeply in the eyes.
“But why? Why me?”, asked Kiesha.
“You’re different Kiesha. You’re unique.”, replied Justin.
“Kiesha, I’m sorry. I made you feel this way. But I can’t help it. I can’t hide my feelings for you. Please let me. I love you.. Can you be my girlfriend?”, replied Justin.
Kiesha was shocked about the words which Justin uttered.
“But I am not like Matilda nor Aivy or other girls. I am not rich. You know that. Just quit playing games with my heart Justin. I’m sorry. I hope we can still be friends. Okay? Ahm.. How about Matilda? She is your current girlfriend. I have to go now I think Aivy is searching for me”, replied Kiesha.
“Kiesha wait!”, said Justin as he grabbed Kiesha’s hands and pulls her.
Justin kissed Kiesha’s lips gently.
“I love you. Please let me love you Kiesha.”, replied Justin.
“Please just stay away.”, replied Kiesha as she pushes Justin and ran away.
Kiesha cried and went back to the tent.
“Thank you for telling it to me Justin. But I can’t… I know Aivy likes you.”, whispered Kiesha as she was crying quietly.
She stared at the bright moon while looking at the stars. She placed her hands on the sand and created hearts.
“Best? Are you inlove? What is that? You draw hearts haha.”, replied Aivy.
“Oh best. Yes I am inlove, with our friendship. I don’t want our friendship would tear us apart so I decided to stay away from it.”, replied Kiesha.
“Huh? What are you talking about?”, replied Aivy.
“Oh, no no. Nothing. I’m sorry. I was just hungry. Let’s go and eat best.”, replied Kiesha.
“Okay?...”, replied Aivy.
“Hey, it’s raining. Can we dance best?”, asked Aivy.
“Oh sure. Come on.”, replied Kiesha.
The two best friends danced in the rain.