Like fireworks...

Celestine was startled when someone pulled the chair and sat beside her. She turned her gaze to look at that person.

“Hey there!” Zachary greeted her. He even waved his hand. She only nodded.

Celestine didn’t expect him to come and join them. She looked at Kathline and Veronica but they seemed alright with their set-up.

“I thought you’re with Clarence?” Kathline asked. Before Zachary could answer her question, she said, “Ha! Let me guess… he ditches you already.”

“Of course, I won’t. Why would I ditch my friend?”

Celestine averted her gaze and unconsciously touched her temple. Here they are, bickering again as soon as they meet.

“What are you doing here?”

“Am I not allowed here? There isn’t a sign that says I’m not allowed here. And first of all, you didn’t own this place.”

“Oh, you didn’t see the sign that says ‘No animals allowed’?” Kathline sarcastically remarks.

Zachary looked at Celestine when he heard her sighed. She shifted her gaze to the sea while massaging her temple. Veronica and he were used to seeing this scenario every time Kathline and Clarence met. But he forgot that Celestine was not used to this.

Other customers would also feel bothered if they continue their childish fight. They don’t want to attract their attention.

As soon as Zachary saw the waiter heading in their direction while carrying the food. He made a signal to Veronica to stop the two.

“Both of you, that’s enough for today. Try to restrain yourself from fighting. You are not a child anymore. Besides, aren’t you embarrassed that Celestine has to endure your childish fight?”

Only Veronica can stop those two because if it was Zachary who would stop them, Kathline would only shout at him. Ever since that happens, he never steps forward to stop them. And if ever he is stuck between them, Zachary always leaves then lets them fight with each other whenever they want.

“The food is here so better behave yourselves and just eat.”

While the waiter put the food on their table. Zachary talks to Celestine.

“Those two were ex-lovers so they didn’t get along well. Someday you will get used to how they treat each other. For now, all you need is patience.”

Shocked was written all over her face. Celestine didn’t expect them to be ex-lovers. She only thought that something might happen to them that they end up like this. But it’s not to the extent of being a lover.

Then, when she looks at them… she’s amused how their friendship wasn’t awkward to each other. Especially if you’re alone with a former couple.

Kathline picks a fork and points it at Zachary. “Hey, you! Don’t try to brainwash my friend.”

“Are you sure I'm brainwashing her? I merely gave her some information.” Zachary's tone has a tinge of taunting in it.

Celestine quickly said, “Let’s eat.” Then smiled at them.

Who knows what might be going to happen after knowing what kind of conversation they had earlier.

They start eating the food and mind their own business after hearing what she said. Once in a while, they asked Celestine some questions about her and her life at Moonves.

After eating they stayed for a while then decided to head to the seashore for some walk.

***

It was already evening. The night sky was full of stars like the night at the party.

Celestine took off her sandals then carried them in her right hand. She walks to the sea where the level of water was enough to cover her feet. She closed her eyes and let the wind touch her skin.

It makes her calm.

At that moment, all she could hear was the sound of the waves and the faint voices of people talking with each other. It feels like a scene from the book she read. The only difference is, she’s not reading it now but she’s the one feeling it… experiencing it.

It was that time when she opened her eyes, the scene of the fireworks exploding in the sky welcomed her.

Unknown to her, Zachary was silently watching her. Looking at how happy Celestine was while looking at the fireworks display, he decided to approach her.

Celestine looks at the person beside her. She’s slowly getting used to his presence that she no longer feels startled every time he stands or sits beside her.

They were silently watching the fireworks display when Celestine spoke. “You know, feelings are like fireworks… if you keep it for too long then something triggers it. It will explode, but It’s not beautiful like what we are seeing now, instead, they might be poisonous and dangerous like the fireworks powder in the air.”

“More likely a bomb,” Zachary commented.

Celestine tilted her head to look at him. “That’s why if you’re not feeling the best of yourself, you need a person who could talk to you and understand you. Don’t let your emotions explode and become poisonous to others.”

Zachary opens his mouth then closes it. He chose not to say anything. He lets himself listen to whatever she says. Who knows? She might also be talking to herself through saying it to someone else.

It was because there are instances when you always give other people advice but don't follow it yourself. Or a message you wish someone could say to you

***

Weeks have passed since the day they watch the fireworks. This time, school days are back and they are busy being college students.

It was at the opening ceremony she got to know that Zachary and the twins are ahead of them by one year. She thought they were all the same year level but only she and Kathline were in the same year.

Veronica was studying business management, while Zachary and Clarence were both pursuing business administration. As for Kathline, she wants to pursue her dream to become a fashion designer. On the other hand, Celestine takes up accountancy.

They have different schedules and only on the weekends they don’t have hectic schedules.

Kathline was busy doing her portfolio for her project in class, that’s why Celestine decided to spend her time at the library.

She made her way upstairs after signing her name in the logbook. There weren't many people in the library at that time, so she quickly finds a great spot by the glass window, where there's just one other person on that table.

Celestine sits down and looks out the window after placing her books on the table and her bag on the chair next to her. She can see from up there the people who were practicing soccer not far away.

‘It’s time for me to be productive!’ Celestine thought. She got her notebooks and started doing her assignments.

At that time, Zachary was awoken from the noise. When he looked up, he was startled to see Celestine sitting two chairs away from him. She was focused on writing in her notebook and casually flipping the pages of the book.

“Don't take that too seriously. You're on the verge of kissing the book.” He made a humorous remark that drew Celestine's attention.