Eva's life had been going smoothly. She had settled into a comfortable routine, going from school to her grandmother's house, then to work. Her relationship with Hazel had continued to grow stronger, and they had become best of friends. But in the process, Eva had neglected her other friends, Daniel and Ruth. They had been her closest friends before she started at the new school, but she had barely had time for them lately.
One day, Daniel and Ruth decide to confront Eva about her absence from their lives. They went to her grandmother's house, where Eva was sitting in the living room, studying for a test. "Hey, Eva, we need to talk to you," Daniel said, his voice serious.
Eva looked up, surprised. "What's up, guys?"
"Eva why have you been ignoring us" Ruth cried out "thought we were friends"
"I'm sorry I haven't had much time for you lately. I've just been really busy with school and work."Eva pleaded
Ruth frowned. "That's exactly what we're talking about, Eva. You've been avoiding us since you got admitted into that school. We feel like we're losing our best friend."
Eva sighed, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry, guys. I didn't mean to neglect you. It's just that I have had a lot to do this period. School, work and all that. I'm sorry "
Daniel and Ruth exchanged a look, then Daniel spoke up. "We're happy for you, Eva. But we miss you. Can't you spare some time for us today? Just a few hours?"
Eva hesitated, feeling torn. But then she looked at her grandmother, who was watching her with a knowing smile. "Grandma, can I go with Daniel and Ruth for a few hours? I promise I'll make up for lost time."
Her grandmother nodded. "Of course, Eva. Go have some fun with your friends. You deserve it."
Eva grinned, feeling relieved. "Thanks, Grandma!" She turned to Daniel and Ruth. "Let's go! Where do you guys want to go?"
They decided to go to their usual swimming spot, a beautiful lake on the outskirts of town. As they drove there, Eva chatted excitedly with her friends, catching up on old times. When they arrived at the lake, they spent the afternoon swimming, laughing, and joking around.
As they sat on the beach, drying off in the sun, Daniel couldn't help but admire Eva's beauty. He had always thought she was pretty, but now he saw her in a new light. She was confident, intelligent, and kind, and he felt grateful to be her friend.
Eva noticed Daniel's gaze and smiled, feeling happy and content. She knew that she had been neglecting her friends, but she was glad to be back in their lives. She leaned over and playfully splashed water on Daniel, who laughed and splashed her back.
Ruth joined in, and soon they were all laughing and playing in the water. As they swam, Eva felt a sense of freedom she hadn't felt in weeks. She had been so focused on work and school, she had forgotten how much fun it was to just relax and enjoy life. Daniel and Ruth were splashing her, and she was laughing and splashing them back.
As they packed up their things and headed home, Eva knew that she would never let her relationships with Daniel and Ruth fade again.
As they walked back to town, Eva turned to her friends with a smile. "Thanks, guys. Let's do it again soon?"
Daniel and Ruth grinned, happy to have their friend back. "Definitely," Daniel said. "We'll make sure to keep you from getting too busy again."
Eva laughed, feeling grateful for her friends. When they got back to Eva's grandmother's house, they all hugged each other tightly. "Thanks for today, guys," Eva said, feeling grateful. "I needed that."
Daniel and Ruth smiled, hugging her back. "Anytime, Eva. We're always here for you."
Eva smiled, feeling happy and content. She knew that she had found a balance between her work and her friendships, and she was grateful for it. She was excited for the future, and she knew that she would always have her friends by her side