"Break it to me gently,
So my tears won't fall too fast
If you must go, then go slowly
Let me love you till the last."
-Brenda Lee

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After playing in the lake, Everyone went back and showered then suddenly it was nighttime and some people began preparing dinner while others were already taking drinks out and telling stories of college.

I sat by everyone just listening to their stories since I didn't have much to add, every now and then someone would offer a drink but I would decline since I'm not good with alcohol, being drunk is not something I want right now.

Andrew went into the kitchen to help with dinner, I said I'd go along but he simply told me to go and have fun so that's what I'm doing right now or at least I guess that's what I'm doing.

"Hey April!" I turned my head as I heard a voice calling my name to find out who they were when I saw Eli waving at me and signing me to come over where he sat which was nearby the lake away from the rest of the group.

I made my way towards Eli and sat right by him glancing towards the calmness of the water. Now this is something I enjoy. I took a deep breath in enjoying the freshness of the cool air.

"So, you and your boyfriend fixed things?" there was something in the tone of Eli's voice as he spoke but I couldn't tell what was it, i wonder why he wants to know about Andrew.

"Yeah.. It took a while but we're good now. We just spoke today actually..." I spoke sfotly as Eli simply nodded as he seemed to be deep in thought. Suddenly silence fell and none of us spoke for a few minutes but I didn't mind. For some reason Eli's simple presence was enough.

"Are you having fun with your date?" I decided to tease a little which earned a chuckle from him as he shook his head avoiding the eye contact with me.

"She's great I guess... We haven't gotten to talk too much since she's hanging out with everyone. " I guess? Maybe he would've preferred a little more private date.

"Ah, so you're more of an intimate date kind of guy? I'll make sure to let Riley know about it." we both laughed as his cheeks seemed to turn redder by what I said. He didn't say anything about it which left me thinking if he really would've enjoyed some more private time with Riley but I wouldn't pry on that.

"Hey Eli! C'mon man, everyone's waiting for you!" Someone came over and called on us which made Eli stand up almost immediately laughing at the guy who drunkenly came looking for him.

"Alright, are you coming too? Seems like they are having fun." he offered his hand for me to take but I simply stayed seated wanting to stay back.

"It's okay, you go have fun, I'll be there soon." of course he'd fit right in with everyone. Everywhere Eli was the room would simply light up, he was funny, and made everyone feel comfortable. I watched him as he made his way back and someone was already handing him a drink which he immediately downed.

I sat back and closed my eyes as I took deep breaths enjoying the air. I guess Holly was right, I am having fun. Maybe not the fun she wanted me to have but it is nice coming out here and getting to enjoy outside, I didn't think I would actually enjoy just sitting on the grass so much.

I heard footsteps coming my way and I looked back to see Riley walking towards me and taking a sit by my side.

"If you don't go back there will be no food for you left you know?" We both chuckled and I gave Riley a smile as she looked forward.

"Thank you for inviting me Riley, I'm having fun." She looked back at me with a smile also on her face which turned into a small laugh which made me confused for a moment. I don't think what I said was funny.

"There's nothing to thank for April. Of course I'd invite you, you're my friend! And everyone wanted you here as well!" Friend? Has she really always seen me as her friend? "April, did you think no one liked you? We all admired you back in college! You were always top of the class, and you had several jobs to pay for your studies, yes you were a little closed off to everyone but we understood your situation April." I felt like crying now. I never imagined Riley would see me as her friend. She did all this time and I was treating her like she was some stranger, I feel so bad now as well for everyone else back there.

I wrapped my arms around her pulling her into an embrace, no words could describe what I felt at that moment. I had felt so hurt those years that I just closed myself off to the world, not knowing I was missing out on so many things.

I let my family and my past dictate the way I had lived until now, but I am ready to let go. I want to experience life and not worry too much about everything, I want to meet people and have fun and that's exactly what I'm gonna do.

"Thank you, Riley." I spoke softly as we both separated from the hug.

"Alright, no time for tears, we're here to have fun remember!" she spoke in a cheery tone as I notice her wiping some tears away as well.

"Speaking of fun, how are things going with Eli?" I giggled as I saw Riley's cheeks turn pink just like he had done before. Aww I can already tell there's something more going on.

"Actually... I think he might not be.... Interested." What? Eli not interested in her? That seems weird. And why did she say it that way? What did she mean. I kept thinking for a while not knowing what to say. "But it does not matter we're still having fun so let's go!" With that she grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the rest of the group where everyone was having dinner, some were drinking, others were playing some weird games, overall everyone was having a great time, including myself.

After a bit I started feeling my eyes becoming heavier and people started making their ways to their tents, I saw my phone and the clock read it was past midnight so I made my way to Andrew and I's tent seeing him already getting everything ready for us to sleep.

"Ready for bed gorgeous?" I gave him a sleepy nod as I made my way into my sleeping bag feeling my eyes closing almost immediately. The last thing I felt was Andrew pulling my onto his embrace and I fell asleep.

I opened my eyes the next morning looking around me to find Andrew still sound asleep by my side making me smile sleepily. There was no sound outside so it seems like everyone is still asleep. I slowly stood up and made my way out of the tent to brush my teeth in the cabin.

As I walked to the bathroom I saw Eli standing in front of the mirror wearing Grey sweatpants and a white loose shirt, his bed hair looking messy, as well as mine.

"Morning there." my sleepy voice was still noticeable as I started brushing my teeth while he brushed through his hair.

"Hey April. Riley and I are going for a walk on the forest later, you up for it?" His eyes glimmer Ed with Hope as he looked at me through the mirror.

"Sure, I'll ask Andrew if he wants to go!" I saw the shimmer in his eyes disappear for a moment as he made his way out of the bathroom without saying anything else. Did I say something wrong?

Deciding to not give it much attention I grabbed my things and took a shower to get ready for the day.

After lunch time, everyone got ready, Eli, Riley, Andrew and I made our way towards the forest, I don't remember the last time I had a walk like this, or if I ever had actually done it, but I was enjoying myself, the fact that Riley and Eli were so friendly made things easier as they kept us entertained the whole way.

Or that's what I thought as I could see the death stares Andrew kept giving Eli every now and then, but Eli didn't seem bothered by it. I don't think he even noticed as sometimes I would look and see him glancing my way which made my cheeks feel warm.

"Hey April, take this it's important to stay hydrated while on this type of walks." I smiled as Eli handed me a bottle of cold water he was carrying in his backpack, but before I could even open it, it was snatched from my fingers by none other than Andrew.

"Hey thanks man, how caring, next time let me take care of my girlfriend. Sounds good?" His words were friendly but the way he said it was anything but that, I simply rolled my eyes and snatched the water bottle back into my hands earning a scoff from Andrew but Eli simply smirked our way. Why is Andrew being so childish?

All this time Riley simply stared blankly at all of us probably confused as to what just happened. I'll explain later. I mouthed hoping they didn't hear what I said to which she only nooded and we continued with our walk now with two pissed off big babies.

It was getting dark when we made our way back to the camp and we saw the rest of the group was sitting in a circle around a campfire so we made our way towards them. Thankfully Andrew had calmed down by now. What a perfect way to end the night.

"Hey Andrew! when were you going to tell us about the France project? Congratulations man!" Suddenly I heard a bunch of people congratulating Andrew for something I didn't quite understand.

Did they say France?

I tried to speak but my body simply would not move, I heard a voice saying something to my ear which I thought it was Andrew's but I was in a state of shock making me unable to process anything at the moment.

He's leaving again?

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Double update cause why not hehe

Can you believe Andrew is leaving?! How long is it for tho? Poor April, just when life is starting to get better for her.

She even got a new friend! Or we'll a friend she didn't even know you she had lol.

Don't forget to vote and comment! I'll try to update Pt. 3 of the road trip ASAP.