two

It is the third day of summer with my sister and dad, and this has got to be the time where I get to spend my time alone. For the past few days, my dad has been taking us on short trips around town. We've been to the beach, made a bonfire so Nathalie can heat up her marshmallow on sticks, and tried fishing, but my dad failed to impress us because we ended up eating seafood at a local food stall near the beach. He's also taken us out shopping, mostly for Nathalie, because he said she's been growing up fast and most of her clothes and shoes in the house don't fit anymore. I bought myself three outfits, a bikini, and sandals, because under this heat, it feels much better to wear toe-showing footwear. I also assume that I'll be spending a lot of time hanging out with my old friends on the beach.

My phone started ringing, I reached for it and read the caller's name. It's my childhood best friend, Veronica. As much as I hate sudden phone calls because they make me nervous and awkward no matter how close the caller is to me, Roni, on the other hand, hates to text and just calls directly. I never really got used to her sudden phone calls.

I answered the call after releasing a sigh of relief that it was just Roni and not anyone else, "you know I hate phone calls," I heard Roni giggle in the background, "Good morning to you too, miss!" For some reason, I actually feel relieved to hear Roni's voice again after a long time. We haven't kept in touch for a long time now, since I have been busy with my SATs, university interviews, and my graduation. "Good morning to you too, miss. How can I help you?" I jokingly teased her, and I could feel that she was rolling her eyes at me, saying, "How come you didn't tell me you were already here?!" Now that she's said that, I can feel her pouting like a child. "I'm sorry, Roni, the past few days have been busy, my dad took us out, but today I am free, we don't have any plans ahead and my dad will be looking after Nath, so let's save the babysitting for another day." I heard her squeak in the background, getting all excited. "You're damn right, because I am on my way to your house," my eyes widened because I haven't even had the time to brush my hair and teeth, or even change my clothes, "well, that was unexpected and fast." I said as I quickly ran to the bathroom. "I actually walked past Ray and Nathalie, I think they went to the park or whatever. Ray told me I should drop by." I picked up my toothbrush and started brushing my teeth while answering, "Okay, I haf to geyt ready now, I'm bwushing my teef. Byeee!" I hung up before she could start laughing or making another conversation.

One thing about me is that I hate embarrassing myself over the smallest of things, like not being able to at least look presentable.

Veronica Davis is my childhood best friend and probably the only person I can be vulnerable with. I also have a great relationship with my other friends around town, but Roni is the only one I confide in, especially during my mom and dad's divorce. Unlike me, she's a social butterfly, and she's probably one of those people who likes to gossip, but our friendship runs deeper because none of my secrets were ever exposed. I trust and know her enough to look past the "gossip" part. Besides, some of the rumors around high school were so hilarious that we ended up cracking up together sometimes.

I was changing my clothes as I heard the doorbell, "give me a minute, Roni!" I shouted from my bedroom, as I zip and button my denim shorts. It's really hot in Florida, especially during the summer, so I'd rather wear light clothes during my stay.

I went downstairs to open the front door, and I was greeted by a really beautiful lady. Blonde hair, brown skin, is taller than me, and has a toned body. Wow. Roni is definitely hitting the gym. "Hey, Roni!" I smiled at her, still admiring my best friend's looks. She jumped at me and gave me a hug, saying, "Oh, how much I've missed you! It sucks to see you on a yearly basis now." I gave her a hug back; I really missed being around her. She's very fun, and I never had a dull moment with her. "Excuse me, Miss Ma'am, but you definitely look different and even more beautiful!" I exclaimed because she is "Are you in love?!" I added, because that's the only thing I can think of right now.

We sat on the couch in the living room comfortably after releasing our hug. Roni's looks have somehow changed. She dyed her hair blonde; she's naturally a brunette. Her skin glows, and her body is toned. I can tell she's been working out for months now. "You're actually right, I am in love." I was shocked to hear this because she never once told me who! "Unfair. Who is it? How come you never told me?" She smirked at me and chuckled. "See, girly? that's how I felt when you didn't tell me anything!" She teasingly said, and I rolled my eyes. It is indeed a little upsetting when your best friend doesn't tell you anything at all! "I'm in love with myself." She said and smirked again. "You got me on this one!" And we laughed together at her silliness. "I'm just working on myself before I enter that lovey-dovey phase of my life," and she's right.

One thing that should be done before giving someone a piece of you is to learn how to love yourself first, so when that piece of you is broken, which is inevitable, you'll still have a lot left for yourself.