Chapter Five

Chapter Five

While Reya cried alone in her room, her friends were busy thinking about how they could make her feel better. At first, they planned to go and party but today they all had classes for tomorrow so getting wasted is not the best idea as of this moment.

They thought of a lot of ideas, and then they eventually went with the plan of building small camp at the backyard – Tammarah and Alliyah were setting the small tent while Kaize helped Gerieca prepare some snacks. Jiel on the other hand was trying his best to make a small campfire despite the cool wind breeze.

Both Tammarah and Alliyah squealed when the tent cover was blown by the wind – they needed to chase it. Reya heard it from her room so she decided to look out of the window. She saw how her friends were doing their best to try and cheer her up. Then her eyes met with Jiel’s.

“You should come and join us, Cher!” Jiel waved.

“We’re having some barbeques and parfaits!” Gerieca pointed to the grill.

People who have never experienced the pleasure of having genuine friends would never understand the comfort of belonging to a group of people who truly cares for you. Reya is very thankful that she has found these people who are always there for her.

Reya smiled and wiped the traced of tears in her cheeks using her palms, before fixing herself and making her way to the backyard.

-

“Sometimes I ask myself, ‘where did I go wrong?’.” Reya sighed. “I was just trying to defend myself, yet I ended up being seen as the enemy.”

Then she turned to look at her friends who were listening to her while enjoying the snacks and parfaits that Gerieca had prepared. Gerieca is a culinary student so she’s one of the main reasons why they get the opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes and desserts for free – they can afford to eat at fancy restaurants but they just don’t choose to do it.

“Well at least you don’t have to deal with that toxic environment anymore.” Gerieca replied as she sat on the empty space between Alliyah and Tammarah who were hiding under the thick blanket because of the cold wind breeze.

“Ge’s right, Ate.” Kaize nodded. “You did nothing wrong! They just did not understand your point.” She added as after taking a bite from the ham and cheese sandwich that she was holding.

“They were lucky that I wasn’t there! Or else I would have demonstrated my karate skills!” Alliyah chipped in and they all laughed.

“You haven’t even finished your science homework...” Jiel chuckled. “...and I’m pretty sure your mom will go ballistic if she finds out.” 

“You have been reading too much pocketbooks, Iyah.” Tammarah laughed. “You obviously won’t win if you try attempt that.” she added.

Reya chuckled and smiled. 

“I appreciate that you want to avenge me, but nothing will change.” She spoke. “I have already submitted my resignation letter...” she sighed and then looked up to the dark and starry night.

“I don’t know if I should consider myself lucky knowing that the only problem, I have right now is my thesis.” Kaize sighed as she leaned her head on Jiel’s shoulder.

“Yeah, you’re still lucky...” Jiel chuckled as he leaned his head on Kaize’s.

“Don’t you think life is too cruel to us?” Gerieca spoke. “I mean, we all are struggling and... single.” she chuckled.

“The last thing I need in life right now is a boyfriend.” Reya replied. 

“On the brighter side, this might be a sign for you to pursue your lifelong dream ate!” Tammarah said. “You can finally launch your own cosmetics collection!” she cheered.

Reya looked at her and smiled. “You’re right Tam...” She replied. “This might be it.” She nodded.

“I can help you get a direct supplier for the ingredients.” Kaize volunteered.

“My photography and editing skills may be helpful if you plan to make commercials.” Gerieca said.

“Alliyah and I can be your sellers.” Jiel presented and Alliyah nodded.

“Yiiiiee~! We’ll be your first team!” Kaize squealed.

Seeing how eager her friends were, made Reya feel special. She’s very thankful to have such very supportive friends.

-

The next day, Reya woke up and noticed that she had fallen asleep while creating her business plan. She looked around and saw her friends scattered everywhere – Kaize was sleeping on the sofa while hugging a throw pillow, Tammarah and Alliyah were lying down on the carpet while hugging each other, Jiel was trying to make the most space out of the single sofa chair, while Gerieca, whom was still wide awake, was leaning on the kitchen counter top as she enjoyed some homemade milk tea.

“Good morning.” Reya greeted and yawned as she stretched her arms up in the air.

“Morning...” Gerieca replied and waved. 

Reya stood up from her seat and decided to wake her friends up so they could go and rest at their rooms.

“Is it morning already?” Jiel asked with his groggy voice. “I only napped for 30 minutes, but the sun had already shined.” he yawned before walking his way to his room which was upstairs.

Kaize was now sitting on the sofa while blankly staring at the coffee table. It seemed like she was still processing information. Alliyah and Tammarah had already made their way to their bedrooms.

“Shall I cook breakfast now?” Gerieca asked. 

“I think we should get more rest first...” Reya replied then Gerieca nodded.

Both of them went to their bedrooms to get some proper rest. Reya dropped herself down on the soft mattress of the bed and hugged her favorite bolster pillow, and then she took a deep breath and exhaled.

She then decided to take some rest, because she realized that she needed to go back to the University Campus and gather her things up.

She honestly did not have any plans to visit but then she realized that she still needs to say goodbye to her students.

“Dear heavens, everything is uncertain but I will rest my fate in your hands...” She whispered to the wind.