*****
They don't create a fantasy world to escape reality. They create it to be able to stay. Being in that world is like a roller coaster, and they can't run away from it but they are also human too, they are also tired of the path they have chosen to take just to achieve what they wanted.
Ernaline just stared at the figure of men busy playing volleyball. You can see the joy on their faces as if they are not facing any different problems. She was smiling as she looked at her companions, she was just sitting to one side in the shade of a coconut tree.
Ernaline is wearing a black shirt and summer shorts given to her by Perth. That guy is so sensitive about her skin. Perth said he doesn't want anyone else to see her complexion that isn't half the whiteness of Kyle's color while the other two girls with them - Sav and Sinji are sizzling hot with their swimsuits. Ernaline is not jealous because she also has a beautiful body and also she doesn't like to be the center of attraction.
"Enjoying the view?" Ernaline reverted her gaze to a person who sat beside her. His name is Gun.
"Not really. I'm just glad Jasper and Kaizen were defeated," she said. She can't concentrate because of their half-naked bodies and their screaming sizzling hot abs.
Gun is holding a can of beer. The man offers her but she refuses to drink, She's not that alcoholic. Ernaline was only occasionally when drinking. It was noon but this man was immediately drinking alcohol.
"So, how's Dezrail as your boyfriend?" Ernaline played with her foot on the white sand as she looked back at her companions who were enjoying. They already know about their status with each other. Maybe there’s nothing to hide from their companions? It's fine with her, though.
"I don't know,"
"What do you mean you don't know?" Gun asks her like he can’t believe what Ernaline answered.
"Perth is not a type of guy who loves courting a woman to be with him. I mean, I only said yes because he forced me." the man laughed because of what the girl said.
"It's a different way for a woman to answer that idiot." Gun was still shaking before he looked at the can of beer he was holding. "I can't believe it. But that guy is a good man though sometimes he has this attitude of being mysterious. Only once will he open up himself to us."
Ernaline was about to speak when suddenly someone grabbed her waist and made her sit on his lap. Perth's smiling face wrapped in sweat flashed at Ernaline. The man was wearing no top while his bottom was board shorts.
"What did you two talk about?" Perth said.
"Jealous huh? I'm just being friendly with her." Gun's teasing of the man. While Perth just smirked.
"Let me go Perth." she broke away from the man's embrace but he did not let go of her and hugged her tightly.
Things are happening too fast with them and she is embarrassed because she has no experience with relationships!
"Fuck! You're so clingy. It won’t suit you! I'll go ahead." Gun sprinkled them with sand but the crazy Perth just laughed.
"Why did you end up here alone? You don't know how to play volleyball?" He asked.
"Writing a song is like a sport to me. So no, I don't like playing sport and I also don't want to sweat so you can let me go because you smell like sun." the truth is Perth doesn't smell like sun. The girl is embarrassed because they are the only couple here.
"That Luther is annoying. Don't ever give up!" Sav rushed towards them, her body also covered in sweat, followed by Sinji who was laughing because of their friend's resentment.
"Give up on him already. It's just a game, mars."
Ernaline adjusted her seat when Perth released her but her arms remained wrapped around the back of her waist.
"Why do you keep on pursuing him Saviel? There are a lot of good guys around you. Try to find someone else." Perth whispered in conversation.
"And why do you always keep on asking me? I like what I wanted to do and I don't want to hear your opinion! Quit pissing me off." Sav frowned as she left the seat where they were. Sinji and Perth did not say a word about Saviel's words.
Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get-- only with what you are expecting to give-- which is everything. In Saviel’s case, she knows her boundary. She knows when to stop and she knows how to handle her situation. They were also approached by other friends who were tired of playing beach volleyball.
"You're cheating," Jasper complained, still panting.
"Idiot! Where's the trick on it? You just don't know how to play volleyball." Everyone already started teasing Jasper because of his childishness.
Ernaline was thinking about what happen why she ended up being their childhood friend? Maybe their habits just clicked and he was the only one who forgot.
"Because you already know that playing volleyball is just like a girl. If you don't catch them well, they'll be miserable in the end." Trevon stretched while patting Jasper's head.
"Stupid. What's the connection with your deception?" the men just burst out laughing.
"Get off your hands Fynrell!" Ernaline was shocked when her older brother pushed Perth away and it took Perth's place.
The men shouted with mixed teasing because of what her brother had done. Left and right, the young man received a shout from friends.
"You're being naughty Fynrell. We should have brought our girlfriends too." Calvin said as he grins at Perth full of teasing.
"You don't have any girlfriend dude. If I were you'd approach Sav."
"I still love my life, dude" Calvin turned to Luther who was just quietly to one side.
Ernaline can't understand them. They are the only three Sav is the woman with them. These ten hot guys with them in a private resort are so like a paradise. After the teasing, they all decided to go snorkeling, diving, banana boat, and other activities that can be done at a resort. It all seems free because it belongs to Trevon. Sinji and Ernaline found Sav sleeping in the cabin where they were staying. They don't bother Saviel anymore and might just get angry. The of them take turns entering the comfort room to get dressed.
Ernaline was currently airing the veranda when Sinji approached. It's already dark outside and the gentle breeze of the serenity brought by nature. The more time you spend with nature, the deeper your understanding will be. Nature is one of Ernaline’s escapes from reality!
"I feel sorry for Sav." Sin started as the woman get out of the veranda.
"Why?" Ernaline asked in astonishment. The woman sat in the vacant chair scattered on the veranda as she remained standing as she leaned against the railings and folded her arms over her chest. The breeze coming from the sea is fresh. The sound of the waves is also good to hear - relaxing.
"You know, she's pursuing my brother even though he's ignoring her."
"It's her happiness Sin. We can't stop her from what she wants to do in her own love life. Happiness is not something readymade, it comes from her actions. You know they are destined and not just your brother realizes Sav's existence in his life. " Ernaline said.
"Isn't there a saying that when you lose someone, you just look for him because you are used to his presence? Maybe your brother is too afraid to take some risks. The key to being happy is knowing you have the power to choose what to accept and what to let go of. " Ernaline continued.
"Is that the effect of D being your boyfriend? You're becoming a love guru?" Ernaline's eyes rolled at what it said. Serious talk and then it will pull like that? She's a bad girl.
"Whatever, Sin. If you are a true friend of her, you will support her until the end. That's how friendships work."
Friendship isn't about whom you've known the longest. It's about who walked into your life, said "I'm here for you" and proved it. It is rare for people to find a true friend. Those who will not leave you in your time of need, you will support each other in happiness or sad times. Friendship is always a sweet responsibility never an opportunity.
And not everyone who gives advice needs experience in love.
Love is not a competition.
Love takes time.
Everything in this world starts a step-by-step process, no one is in a hurry everything starts at the beginning of how to build a strong relationship. In her case right now, Ernaline thinks she can't apply them to herself.
"I'm just worried about her. I know Saviel, she can do everything she can for someone. Saviel can sacrifice just for the sake of others but she doesn't value her happiness." Sinji continued.
Ernaline looks at her as she sat beside Sinji. "Did you ask her if Saviel was happy with what she was doing?"
"No."
"Then ask her. You can't control how she feels because she's your friend and him as your brother. Her story is different from the story of your life. Let her enjoy her life Sin, you can't hold her."
Sinji let out a sigh.
"Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm just over-reacting because I don't want Saviel to be like me. I just recently met my brother, while Sav and I have known each other for a long time. Of course, friendship still weighs more heavily on me than my brother."
"Don't worry too much about me Sin. I know what I'm doing." Sinji and Ernaline turned to the person who spoke at the same time. Saviel's folded figure opened up to them as she leaned against the jamb of the sliding door.
"You’re here? I thought you were asleep," Ernaline asked.
"I was awake earlier, and I heard everything," Saviel replied sarcastically before approaching them and squeezing herself in the middle of where Ernaline and Sinji were sitting. "In fairness to you Ernaline, you're mature enough to think like that."
"I'm also surprised Mars, Ernaline is good at giving advice," the two women high-fived while giggling.
"Crazy fools!"
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