Adiepena and Cynthia were both astonished when Chantel told them that she had agreed to finally become Kevin's girlfriend.
"What! You can't be serious!" Cynthia exclaimed.
"Tell me you are joking. You are joking, right?" Adiepena began to laugh.
"I am not joking and I am very serious. I can't explain it but whenever i see Kevin, I feel so happy and content. Like I have everything I want and everything I need, you know. I like him and I just can't control myself," Chantel said.
"Girl, you are crazy. What makes you think what you feel is even love? What do you know about love, huh? Or have you also forgotten that Nadia is also after you because of this boy? Do you hate yourself that much?" Cynthia snapped.
Chantel jumped back. "Cynthia, what has gotten into you? Why are you behaving like this?"
Cynthia scoffed. "What's wrong with me? No, what's wrong with you? Chantel, what are you getting yourself into? I don't know why, but I have a feeling that boy will hurt you. Why can't you see that?"
"Kevin loves me, and he will never hurt me. He promised me and I believe him a 100%. You won't understand because I am sure you have never been in love before. So, you have no idea how love feels."
Cynthia gasped and held her chest in shock. Adiepena was totally in shock. She shook her head and tried to say something but Cynthia beat her to it. "You are right. I have no idea what love is because I have never fallen in love before. But, I have seen what that so called love, has done to young girls like you. And it hurts me that you can't see that I am only trying to protect you."
Cynthia walked out, feeling angry and disappointed. Chantel tried calling her back but she did not turn and kept walking till she was out of sight. Chantel sat back in bed, feeling bad for what happened. She had not meant to hurt Cynthia with her words. She just wanted Cynthia to understand her and support her. She only wanted her friend to stand by her.
"Why can't she understand me?" Chantel said, feeling dejected.
"She wants to protect you. Cynthia has been my friend for years so I know her more than anyone. When she has a bad feeling about something, never doubt her. She is only looking out for you." Adiepena replied.
"I know. But, I just want her to be happy for me, that's all. I did not mean to say anything to hurt her."
"Chantel, I know you did not mean what you said and Cynthia knows it too, but she is hurt. Just give her time, she will get over it."
"I am really sorry. I really am."
"Don't beat yourself about it, okay. By the way, tell me about Kevin? How is he really like?" Adiepena said, changing the subject.
Chantel smiled. "Kevin is so charming. He is caring, kind and very romantic."
"You don't say. Wow, I really want to meet this guy. It seems he really makes you happy."
"He does."
"Well, if he is the one you really want, and you are certain he is the one for you, I have no problem with that. I just wish you the best in your relationship."
"Thank you, Adiepena. I really appreciate it." Adiepena smiled at her.
Some hours later, Chantel decided to go out and look for Cynthia, who had not returned after their argument. She found her sitting under the huge nim tree, throwing stones into the nearby bushes.
"I knew I will find you here," Chantel said, when she got closer to Cynthia.
"What are you doing here, Chantel? Please, leave me alone," Cynthia frowned.
Chantel lowered herself on the ground and sat beside her. "I just want to talk, please."
"I don't want to talk to you. Go away, Chantel."
"Cynthia, please. Don't do this to me. You are my friend, my sister, and I don't want to argue with you. It hurts me that we both argued. I am sorry, Cynthia."
Cynthia looked at her. "Chantel, I know you might be thinking I am not happy about your relationship. It's not like I am not happy, I just don't want to see you get hurt. Tell me, how well do you know Kevin, anyway? You guys just met like a month ago and you are saying you love each other? Don't you think it is so sudden?"
"Yeah, you are right. That is why I agreed to be his girlfriend, so that I can learn more about him. And I know with time, I will be able to know much more about him."
"Chantel, just as you said, you are like a sister to me. And I love you more than you know. The first time I saw you, I liked you, because I know you are a good girl. That is why I want to protect you. That is why I don't want to see you hurt. But what you said earlier, even though it hurt, it is the truth. I may not know how it feels to be in love, but I know what that love has done to so many girls. I don't want you to be in that category. Please Chantel, please listen to me, just this once."
"Cynthia, listen. It's not like I don't want to listen to you. I really understand your point. But, at least, be happy for me and continue to support me. Kevin is not a bad person. He is a very sincere person. And I know he loves me. Please get to know him and I promise you that you won't get disappointed."
Cynthia sighed. "Well, if you say so. But, if he even makes you cry for even a second, he will answer to me."
Chantel laughed. "If that happens, which I doubt very much, I will leave you to deal with him. And, I am sorry for all the things I said to you earlier. Forgive me."
"You know I can never get mad at you, for long. I am also sorry I overreacted. I guess I shouldn't have gotten angry at you like that." Both girls hugged each other and stood up from the ground.
"Let's go back to the dormitory. It's getting a bit late." Both girls walked back to the dormitory, happy that they were able to solve their misunderstanding.