3. Dear Best Friend, ADJUSTING

Ciara's POV

"Ciara will come later to our dinner with our family at Derek's place," Faith stated as she swallowed her food, "She was invited by John."

"Oh, that's fantastic."

"Just for me," Faith suggested, "what if you bring Julie as well? That way your parents would know about her, right? They need to know." I had a look at them.

 

Shan was staring at Julie as if their eyes were speaking to one other.

"Hmm," he says, as though he doesn't want to invite her or introduce her. "I'm good about it, but how about you, baby?"

"Baby, I'm busy tonight," she said abruptly.

"OK, I understand," Shan said with a nod.

"It's a shame," Faith replied as she continued to eat, "By the way, Ciara, how are your mother and father?"

 

My phone rang shortly after, suggesting that I had a message. I took it and was taken aback when I saw Daddy texting me. WHAT A BLESSING!

"Wait, Daddy has a message," I said, excited because my Parents had never texted me before. 

The pleasure and smiles on my lips faded as I read the message.

"Did he say something?" Shan was the one who asked.

 

I simply shook my head "No. He's just texting to say that he and mom will be leaving for Cagayan de Oro," I started this as I slid my phone inside my suitcase. I couldn't eat anything because I'd lost my appetite, so I just drank iced tea.

 

I was disappointed since I had hoped for nothing. I was under the impression that they had finally remembered me, and that they were already greeting me. Since I was a child, I haven't felt their presence; they were just doing their job.

I understand that they are doing this for our family's sake, but may I please be selfish for the time being? I want them to spend time with me because I've never had the opportunity to do so before.

 

I hope we could be close, but they are moving away from me, and they, my parents, have no time for me. So, I'm grateful to have met Shan, as well as his wonderful parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, and my Uncle Derek.

 

"They may have no time for you," my Uncle's favorite phrase of the day reminded me, "but remember that they love you always and are doing this for you."

 

"Shoot," Julie remarked abruptly, "I've got to go now. My mother and I had made plans," She stood up as soon as she said it.

Shan responded, "I'll go with you," but then shook her head.

"Shan, there's no need. Just join with them here. I'm alright," she murmured as she turned to face us, "Sorry, but I have to leave. Bye."

 

She left shortly after, and we proceeded with our lunch before deciding to return home and rest.

x x x x x x

 

In front of the mirror, I checked myself while measuring the things Faith and I had bought earlier. "Is this okay?" I asked as I turned to face her and showed her the dress I was wearing.

 

She gave me a big smile as she glanced at me, "Ciara, you look great in it! It's absolutely lovely!"

 

I smiled, and it's the last thing I'll wear for their family's dinner. Uncle Derek and Aunt Giselle's Restaurant is located at Capitol Avenue. They claimed that the building is owned by our family and used to be the coffee shop of Lolo and Lola, which was also reported to be the hangout of Shan's parents when they were courting.

 

I got my gold earrings, as well as my gold-sparkling necklace with a crescent moon pendant, and put them on. I took out my make-up kit and applied a little decoration on my face.

 

I only put makeup on my face once in a while when I go on a walk or when there are ceremonial parties

 

Faith muttered, snatching the make-up I was holding, "That's enough for make-up and maybe someone will suddenly fall in love with you."

"Aren't you done yet?" I heard Shan's voice at the door.

 

"Don't be such a bully, heh. Of course, we must be pleasant and attractive. Isn't that right, Ciara?"

 

"Girls are girls, Shan," I acknowledged with a nod.

 

He just shook his hands to surrender, "Fine. Dad is waiting for the both of you, so hurry up."

 

Faith said, "Yeah, we're done; we'll just take our bags," we took our sling bags and exited Faith's room.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were already waiting for us when we got downstairs. This is a casual dinner with all of Shan's family because Jane's birthday is tomorrow, but they want to celebrate early, so they'll be having dinner with me tonight.

 

As we reached downstairs, Faith remarked, "Hey Bro John, we're ready."

We exited their home and entered their car. I was in the middle of Shan and Faith, as usual. 

Being next to him was a little awkward, which is strange considering I'm so used to being next to him. But, even if he's still my best friend, I need to put some distance between us now that he's taken.

 

"Hey, what's up with you being so quiet right now?" Shan unexpectedly asked, and I was taken aback when he even caressed and showed my face to him.

 

I froze when I looked into his brown eyes, which reminded me of his mom's. His eyes are tempting, yet I take my gaze away from him, "Nothing. Why?"

He was stunned at the time and simply shrugged, "I'm not sure. I'm not used to seeing you be so quiet."

 

"I am exactly like that," I responded, attempting to ease the awkwardness and tension.

 

"Look at this, Ciara," Faith pushed me and showed me something until we talked in the car, at which point I turned to Shan and saw him typing on his phone. Probably, it's his girlfriend.

 

I simply returned my focus to Faith and continued, and not long after, we arrived at Uncle Derek's restaurant. As Mr. Anderson parked his car, he said, "Off we go."

 

We got down when Faith opened the door as she was the closest. Shan grabbed my hands as soon as I decided to step down, and I stopped.

"Are you avoiding me, Ciara?" Shan asked gently.

 

I sighed deeply, closed my eyes, and turned to face him, "I'm not avoiding you, Shan. How can you say that? Why I'm avoiding you?"

 

He stooped and got out of the vehicle, closing the door behind him, "Nothing. Something seemed to have changed between the two of us."

"Anything has changed?"

"It's different now. We're not the same as we used to be. I feel like you're a bit farther away from me, and you don't seem to care about me as much as you used to," he continued with a sad expression on his face.

I close my eyes because I'm trying to stay away from things we shouldn't be doing, "That is not the case. Of course, I'm a little distanced because I'm aware that your life and time are now owned by someone else. You already have a girlfriend, but it doesn't mean we'll avoid one other and quit being friends."

 

He gave a little smile, "Really? We will remain as best friends, okay? I can't afford to lose you in my life," he squeezed me passionately after I nodded.

 

I kept myself from crying because what he said had such an impact on me. I can't afford to lose him in my life, either. That's fine with me, even if it's only a best friend.

That is the major reason I decided to keep my feelings secret; I don't want to create a barrier between us if I reveal how I feel.

 

I was taken aback when he said, "I love you," while still hugging me.

 

"I love you, best friend," he said again as I was going to say something.

"I love you too," I replied, "Bestfriend," as I let go of the hug and faked a grin.

 

He lifted me onto his shoulders and led me to the restaurant's door. As we entered, I noticed Uncle Derek talking with Shan's parents.

 

"Hey, here's my lovely niece!" he exclaimed as I walked in. "How are you?" he asked as he hugged me.

"Uncle, I'm fine. Mom and Dad left as usual."

"Where are they?" he muttered, freed from the hug.

 

I shrugged, and he realized they'd left town again, "Come on, have a seat. Today is Jane's birthday, so the food must be extra special," Uncle said something, and I could tell Jane was having a great time celebrating her birthday.

 

I'm envious of the fact that they remembered her birthday. Only my nanny and I have been there for my past birthday celebrations. It's a good thing Shan is there because instead of my parents, he makes me happy on my birthday.

 

Jane remarked, "Uncle, my birthday is still tomorrow."

"Let's have an advance birthday bash," we giggled at Uncle's jest and said, "Okay, we'll serve the foods immediately."

 

After he had left, Mr. Anderson asked about my parents ' where they are, "They had previously explored Cagayan de Oro. They miraculously texted," I made a joke and grinned.

"Don't worry. They may be busy, but I'm confident that they will find time for you soon," Mrs. Anderson agreed with what he said.

"Yes. You might consider us your temporary parents for the time being."

 

I smiled because I could feel their greeting. I've always desired a family that could love and support me. People who will act as my guardian and guide me in ways that my parents could never really do.

"How are things doing with your studies? What's it like to be a freshman in college?"

"It was okay, Mrs. Anderson. The other subjects are a little more challenging, but I'll adjust," I stated.

 

Being a student of accountancy is quite difficult. Perhaps there is no such thing as an easy course for everyone. Everything is extremely challenging, but you must persevere and transform.

"It's incredibly hard, it made her cry in the Conceptual Framework Midterm Exams." I glared at Shan. He teased me for a week after he found out I cried about the exam, so I know he'll torture me again.

 

I slapped him on the shoulder and shouted, "Hey, you're going to tease me again."

"Why? Is it that difficult?" Mrs. Anderson asked, laughing.

"It's not difficult; I was merely under pressure because I didn't know anyone on the day of the exam, as in! Some of our seniors around me."

"Yeah, she's the only First-Year student in the class, which includes second-year students."

"Why is that? Shuffled?" Mr. Anderson asked as he fiddled with his phone.

"Yes, several fellow seniors who are also under Mr. Justine Espina," I said.

 

Uncle Derek arrived shortly after, carrying our dinner. "Bro, here it is. That's all there is to it, and this is Jane's specialty," He stated in his case. Jane clapped with delight as she set down the iPad she was holding.

"Thank you, Uncle Derek!"

 

Mrs. Anderson ordered, "Now, Jane, wash your hands first. Shan, go with your sister."

"Let's go, Jane," Shan said as he rose. He held her hand and went to the washroom at the same time.

 

Faith and I got up as well and followed them to the washroom. Shan is extremely sweet and loving to his sister, and I observe how he cares for her.

 

Jane is only eight years old, yet she is an intelligent and gifted young lady who can dance and perform gymnastics. After all, she inherited her mother's talent as a cheerleader and acrobat.

"You'll be the next to go. Jane and I have finished," Shan muttered something, and we proceeded to wash our hands in the restroom. Before we returned to our seats, I waited for Faith to finish before we went back to our table.