Chapter SIX

Jericko’s POV

We are here right now at Clyde’s family farm. His parents welcomed us warmly, it's been a long time since we visited here and we just came back now.

“Jericko, how are you? It’s been a long time since I saw you,” Clyde’s mom said when she spotted me in their living room.

“Hi Auntie Liza, I’m good. How about you? You seem prettier today,” I said with a smile and ed her.

She smiled and continued. "You have changed a lot, Jericko, so please don't crack a joke.”

“They are complete now, It's good that you go for a visit here Jericko,” Clyde’s father said.

“"I'm sorry, uncle if I only paid you a visit today; I've been busy with the company."

"It's alright, Jericko; you don't have to apologize. We are aware that city life is considerably different from farm life," stated Uncle Ruddie.

We used to love coming here since Clyde's parents are so sweet and treat us like legitimate children.

"Clyde tour your friends on the ranch, the horses are ready to ride, and mang Ben is there all ready to accompany you, "Uncle Ruddie remarked. "We need to go now, please enjoy your stay here."

“Okay, Dad, take care," Clyde replied.

We all said together, "Goodbye uncle and auntie."

Clyde invited us to their ranch, and what Uncle Ruddie said is true, the horses are ready to ride on.

"Clyde, it looks like your ranch is expanding," said Fred.

Clyde's ranch caught my attention as well; it was undoubtedly larger than before.

As he untied the horse, Clyde said, "Dad took good care of it so it grew even more."

To drive the horses, Mang Ben also helped us in untying them.

Charlie spoke up while we were touring the ranch. “Clyde, do you still remember the scene that happened last night?”

“Last night? What happened?” Clyde replied.

Since we didn't think Clyde would forget what he did the night before, we only exchanged glances.

“Don't try to fool us, Clyde; based on what I heard, the woman who was with the governor's daughter is your ex-girlfriend,” Fred said.

“Huh? What are you talking about?” Clyde responded awkwardly.

“Don't lie, Clyde, I'm not deaf enough to not hear what you said,” Fred stated.

Charlie interrupted, saying, "Jericko, don't be quiet there, I also know what you did last night."

Suddenly my friends looked at me because of what Charlie said.

"Charlie, what did he do last night?" Gino wondered.

“Before we left their table last night, he winked at the governor's daughter,” Charlie added with a smile on his face.

I chuckled at my friends' reactions because I thought they all appeared to be making the letter "o" with their mouths.

Still grinning a little, I questioned. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Woah, I think our friend here is already in love,” Fred teased.

When Fred said it, I just shook my head and started running my horse. My friend soon followed, and it felt like we had just left childhood because this is how we used to play.

We just kept going till we reached a river. Right away, I jumped and walked to the river. I glanced at the water, and it was still crystal clean.

“Jericko, do you still remember any memories of this place?” Gino asked.

“Yes, of course. Everything we have today began here,” I replied with a smile as I took in my scenery.

“Yes, Jericko is right; this is where we all first met. Do you still remember?” Fred stated.

“Who could forget that day," Clyde remarked as he jumped off the horse.

We all formed in this river. The friendship we have had to this point started as soon as we met here.

We dived off the river and swam while reminiscing our memorable moments. Fortunately, no one else was around because we caused the entire space to be filled with laughter.

Gino screamed "Wohooo" as he leaped from the cliff.

Fred and I just smiled as we watched Charlie and Clyde doing what Gino did.

I have a question, Jericko," Fred remarked abruptly.

"Yeah, Fred, what is it?" I replied.

“What if the governor’s daughter has feelings for you, what will you do?”

“Hmm I don’t know Fred, I told myself back then that I would never love or enter into a relationship, but it looks like I'll eat what I said too because Isabelle has a different effect on me.”

I'm not against what you want dude, but I'm just warning you, Isabelle's father is not a good person to talk to.”

I looked at Fred because of what he said. “What do you mean?” I asked with a frown.

Beside me was Fred. "Dude, let me tell you a quick story. This town is notorious for the governor's abuse of his kids. He may treat his staff members well, but when it comes to his kids, he acts like a monster.

I continued to scowl while I heard what Fred had to say. "What are you talking about? Is that realistic? I questioned in awe.

Fred pointed at Gino who was coming toward us and said, "You can ask Gino if you don't believe me.

"What's that?" When he got close to us, Gino questioned.

I stated, "Fred mentioned the father of Isabelle is not a nice person to talk to.

“That's true, I agree. He makes himself famous by marrying his kids off to wealthier families.” Gino gave a straightforward response.

Once more, I questioned. “Why is he doing such a thing? Doesn't he feel sorry for his children?”

As a response, they simply shrugged their shoulders.

Moreover, I didn't ask again. I continued to wonder what Isabelle's father was doing until we arrived back at Clyde's mansion.

"Jericko, why are you suddenly so quiet?" Charlie questioned.

“I noticed that as well; what happened?” Clyde seemed to have the same question.

I hesitantly replied, "Nothing.”

Until we ate, I kept quiet. My buddies never asked me the reason behind my sudden change in mood again.

“Fred, I need to tell you something?” I asked Fred while sipping the whiskey.

“Yeah, what is it?”

“I will admit that I have a crush on her, but should I feel this way? I'm not sure why, but I feel as though I'm concerned for Isabelle.” I replied.

"Jericko, what did you say? Do you have feelings for Isabelle? The daughter of the governor?" shocked Charlie yelled.

Gino retorted, "You need to have used a megaphone Charlie so that their neighbor could hear you. We're right next to you, if you shout there it's like you've won the lottery.”

Charlie responded with a smile, "I'm sorry, I was just shocked.”

Clyde commented. "Is that the shocked face?"

“Hey stop that,” said Fred. “As for you, Jericko, think about what you really for Isabelle," he added.

“Fred is right, Jericko. We are here to assist you if you truly feel that way, so first observe how you feel,” Gino stated.

I just rubbed my forehead and bowed. When I turned around to see who was behind me, I saw Fred tapping my shoulders.

“Jericko, don’t think too much, that's how it is when someone falls in love,” he said.

I insisted, "Fred, I haven't fallen in love with her yet.”

"Woah, you haven't fallen in love in that kind of situation yet,” Gino laughed. “What will happen if you fall completely in love, '' he continued.

Gino is right, I don't even know if I'm really in love but I'm like this if I'm worried about Isabelle, what else can I do when my feelings are real, I might end up killing someone who stands in the way of the two of us.

“Let your feelings for her blossom, Jericko; for the time being, simply go with the flow, '' said Clyde.

“And in light of that, let's congratulate Jericko who has already moved on from his ex-girlfriend and is currently experiencing a newfound love, '' Charlie said.

“You know what guys, I’m very thankful because if you’re not by my side, I can’t move on easily. You are always at my side when I am experiencing troubles, and you are always willing to listen to and understand my problems. Imagine you weren't there. I might not be in this world anymore,” I said with tears in my eyes.

“Hey, my friend, don't be such a crybaby," Gino remarked with a smile. "Remember, this is a celebration. We know that you will do the same thing that we did for you when we were the ones in trouble."

As Gino stated, we are celebrating, therefore we have been drinking till we are unable to control ourselves.

Charlie and Clyde are swaying like they're in a bar together. They are giggling and dance nonstop. Gino, Fred, and I were simply sitting and laughing as we watched the two.

Although I'm sure the drunkenness would give us a headache the following day, this is what I cherish most in life, to be happy despite a difficult situation. I am aware that my friends are experiencing similar difficulties, but they are at my side to show their support. The four of them are the most important people in my life, aside from my family.