Love blinds more than it reveals

― Rick Yancey

Friendship is not chosen, it happens, who knows why, like love

― Mesa Selimovic

Old friendships are more than love, because they are part of us

― Mesa Selimovic

Chapter 18

"Tara, play with us!" Emma's loud voice stopped me from drifting off to the dreamland. I opened my eyes angrily and looked in her direction.

"Seriously? I was trying to sleep."

"You're no fun. Did you come here to actually have fun or sleep?" she asked me with a smile. I rolled my eyes and scanned my surroundings. I was sitting next to Sarah, on the window seat. She was busy shuffling a deck of cards, probably for the game they were planning to play. Victor and Luke were sitting on the seats in front of ours and Stephan and the black-haired boy I didn't know in front of Emma and Lena. They made something that should represent a table out of several suitcases and placed it between seats.

"I really appreciate your effort, but how are we even supposed to play? There's little to no room, I would have to stand up every now and then to put my cards on that thing."

"Is it even possible to be that lazy?" Emma asked me and I just shrugged.

"You can sit on my lap," Sarah mumbled, still way too much occupied with her cards.

"I'm literally heavier than you," I said, rolling my eyes.

"That doesn't mean you're stronger," she pointed out.

"She's not wrong," Emma sniggered with triumph.

"I'd be offended, but It's true," I said, amused by the whole situation. Immediately after that, I put my legs on Sarah's and my hands around her neck, trying to sit on her lap that way. She watched my unsuccessful attempts with a smug expression, eventually deciding to help me out and save me from my misery. She wrapped her arms around my waist, lifted me up a little and placed me in her lap. I leaned against her chest and put my head on her shoulder as she went back to shuffling the cards. What kind of obsession is that anyway?

"You're unbelievable," Victor burst out laughing. Next to him, Luke rolled his eyes but with a visible smile on his face, showing how amused he was by my actions.

"How did I even endure being in a relationship with you for a year?" Stephan chimed in on the conversation. I snorted so loudly I almost woke up his roommate. However, it seemed like I wasn't as successful when it came to Lena who just got up from her seat and with a sour expression walked somewhere in the front of a bus. I looked at Emma who only shrugged seeing as everyone was tired of Lena's behavior. However, I didn't let it spoil my mood and I looked back at Stephan.

"It was the best thing that has ever happened to you, admit it," I said arrogantly to which he rolled his eyes.

"Sure," he said sarcastically and I stuck out my tongue.

"How old are you?" Victor asked me, trying to sound serious.

"I'll be 6 in a week, why?" I countered in the same way.

"As I said, unbelievable."

-

"Not fair, you're cheating!" I yelled after losing for the third consecutive time. I crossed my arms and stood up from Sarah's lap, returning to my seat. All five of them burst out laughing at my immature behavior, which made me even more annoyed. At that point, I could have hurt them all.

"It's fine, T, you can't have luck in both love and gambling," Emma teased me and gave her a dirty look.

"And you really don't have it in gambling," Luke tittered. I groaned and hit him in the head with my fist. I wished I could say I didn't use my full strength, but I did. However, it was rather obvious how strong my impact was considering that he only laughed at my desperate attempt and rubbed the part where he received the blow.

"Damn, woman!" he raised his voice a bit but his lips were still formed into a smirk. His provocations annoyed me so much that I wanted to strangle him. I wondered where did all the aggression in my body come from.

"All right, students, we have arrived at our destination. For the next two days, you have the freedom to spend your time here as best you can. We also expect you to behave according to your age. With that being said, we don't want problems. We'll be available to you at any time for whatever you need. You can go now, have a good time." As soon as the dean finished his, to our luck, short speech, all the students headed off the bus. As I walked past the middle-aged man, I could clearly see how visible the dark circles under his eyes were. He was dressed up, as usual. The expensive, navy blue suit seemed even more costly on him and fit his body perfectly. He was tall, not so muscular, but still handsome, with sapphire blue eyes and light brown hair with few gray strands. At the age of 45, he could still easily beat many far younger men when it comes to looks. However, deep inside, he was lonely, sad and beyond broken. He lost his wife due to an overdose a few months earlier. Many gossips and various explanations spread about how it happened - from the one where his wife was described as a hardened addict, to the one where he was accused of being the one who gave her narcotics in the first place. I, however, believed in only one story - the official one. That fateful evening, the two of them went out to one of the most famous restaurants in the city. They ordered food and drink, enjoying the atmosphere. However, not long after the order was brought to them and they started their dinner, her body began to shake and foam came out of her mouth. Traces of a substance that is hitherto unknown to the general public - a new drug - were found in her wine glass. Police suspected that members of local criminal groups were lurking for their customers that evening and that their product was accidentally put in her drink, that is, that glass was intended for someone else. The dean invested all his energy in finding the culprits for the murder of his wife, yet, his attempts were in vain. Nevertheless, he didn't give up, he probably never would. Whenever I saw him, I had a huge need to help him, I was terribly sorry for everything that happened to him. From a once strong man who radiated true, raw masculinity, he became someone whose life energy was completely and utterly drained. I could only hope that at some point that would change and that one day he would go back to how he was, as well as that he would fulfill his goal and find the murderers. He deserved it, just like his lady.

I was brought back to reality by Emma's high-pitched voice.

"What do you mean we're supposed to set up the tent by ourselves?" she asked Sarah with a horrified expression which earned her an eye-roll from said friend. Only then did I notice the environment we were in. We were surrounded by trees, and not far from us a beautiful lake with crystal clear water could be seen. The sun rays refracted on the surface, and the whole scene took my breath away. Although there were dozens of students around me, the atmosphere was so calming I felt and peace and I never wanted to leave. If this is what heaven looks like, I might even consider changing my behavior.

"And what did you think Em? It's not like the professors would do it for us," Sarah said In slight annoyance.

"I mean, it wouldn't kill them."

"They're literally three times older than you, Em, they can die from too much effort," I told her.

"Tara!" Lena shouted and looked at me in disbelief.

"What? It's true," I casually repeated and shrugged.

"I mean she's not wrong," Sarah agreed with me.

"That's an awful thing to say!" Lena continued to yell, unable to believe that we actually said something like that.

"I don't get it how you still haven't gotten used to our dark humor."

"Because you two are extremely morbid, in a sick kind of way," Emma murmured at what Sara and I looked at each other, fist-bumped, and burst out laughing.

"Like I said, sick freaks," Emma rolled her eyes. "And now, since we all agree on that, would you be kind enough to tell me how you plan to set up a tent?" she asked us clearly irritated.

"I say some of you seduce a guy to do it for us," Sarah suggested and Emma glared at her.

"Why don't you do it?" She asked her.

"Cuz she would probably kill the guy before she even gets to that part," I pointed to what Lena I Emma immediately agreed and nodded their heads.

"I think that you're perfect for the job." Emma looked at me with a smirk.

"No way, Mateo would kill me," I declined straight away.

"But how would he know?" She asked me.

"No idea, but that's Mateo," I responded, suddenly nervous and she nodded her head. She was well aware that I was telling the truth. She maybe wasn't acquainted that well with him, but she knew enough to understand that he wasn't someone to be messed with.

"I can't do it either, everyone avoids talking to me because of Victor," she spat.

It was as if something clicked in my mind the moment she said that. I raised my hand and slapped myself on the forehead. I couldn't believe that we didn't remember the solution that was right in front of our noses. They looked at me weirdly, but I didn't pay attention to it.

"Are we that stupid that our first option isn't to ask the guys to give us a hand?" I looked at them in disbelief, reminding them that we have three friends who would be more than happy to help us. Emma looked at me in surprise and, when she processed my words, repeated my action. Still, her slap seemed to be a bit stronger, judging by the loud groan she let out.

"Sometimes I wonder how did we even manage to enroll at university," Sarah murmured as we set off in search of the boys.

-

"Girl, marry me, like for real!" I jumped out of shock after I hear Emma's sudden, excited voice. I turned around to face her and raised my eyebrow. Her eyes were fixated on my body and she was shamelessly checking me out.

After we managed to get the guys to help us set up our two tents, Emma, Lena, Sarah and I quickly got into one of them and started to change. We planned to go to the lake together, but Sarah and Lena left before Emma and me because they were tired of waiting. They dressed in comfortable clothes that they brought from home, which was probably much more logical to do than to dedicate hours to choose the right combination for going to the beach, and eventually end up in a very simple one. I opted for fiery red leggings and a plain, white spaghetti top with a deep neckline. I paired it with white Jordans and only then I realized how pointless it was to wear clothes that get easily soiled in the woods and on the lake. However, the combination, as simple as it sounded, suited me perfectly, and Emma's reaction was enough to confirm it.

"Emma, baby, you know I was waiting for you my whole life," I winked at her and she smiled.

"Your words drive me crazy!" She said breathlessly, pretending like she was melting due to what I said. I rolled my eyes at her dramatic antics and turned to the suitcase in hopes to find a white, thin spring jacket. After a few minutes, I succeeded in that. I took it out and placed it over my forearm, not wanting to wear it yet because it was quite warm outside, which is usually not a common case at this part of the year.

Emma and I went hand in hand to the lake where some of our colleagues already were, including our friends. I scanned the entire area with my eyes. Sarah, Victor and Luke were standing on one of the rocks that were so big that a person could easily jump into the water from there. Knowing them, I wouldn't be surprised if they did exactly that, even though it was only the beginning of spring and the water was probably freezing. On the other hand, not far from us, Lena and Stephan were sitting on a huge rug that was placed on the grass. Their eyes were fixed on the trio and they looked at them with a judgment in their eyes. It wasn't that I could blame them, we all knew those three lunatics well and we were aware of the stupid things they were capable of doing.

"Let's join them," I told Emma end pointed in the direction of Lena and Stephan. She nodded her head and not long after we were on our way to greet them. As we walked my gaze met Paul's who was passing by. He took the opportunity to wink at me. I had a great urge to roll my eyes, however, I also didn't want to give him the pleasure of seeing that he had successfully provoked a reaction out of me. Fortunately, soon my attention was diverted from him to my friends.

"Here," Lena said in a tender voice. I noticed that she was holding a huge sandwich in her hand that she, apparently, brought for me. "I know you haven't eaten a thing today, T," she gave me a pointed look and insisted that I take the delicious thing. I let out a groan but ended up taking the sandwich.

"Thank you," I sighed and she nodded her head. Even though I hated it when she acted like she was my mother, I also enjoyed it. In that way, she showed me that she loved and cared for me, no matter on what terms we were at the moment.

"What do you need that for?" I heard Emma ask after a few moments of silence. I looked at the direction she had her eyes on and saw an open notebook and pen next to it. I raised my head and looked at Lena in confusion.

"We should make a list of necessities we need for tonight's party," she replied simply. I didn't know how it never occurred to me that such an event wouldn't pass without a classic student party. We were so invested in those things that we would make one in the desert, so a lake and woods shouldn't really be a problem.

"What about music?" Emma asked, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Several people brought those big wireless speakers," Stephan replied.

"And how exactly do you plan to buy the food and drink, mostly drink?" This time it was me who asked a question.

"This is a tourist destination. I saw a shop not far from here, by the road. Victor, Luke and I will go there later today."

"You're leaving your roommate by himself?" I teased.

"You're making it seem like we're in a relationship," he said in a tone that made it clear that he didn't appreciate my insinuation.

"I wouldn't know!" I raised my hand in defense and raised my eyebrow, provoking him.

"Oh, but I think you do," he chuckled and gave me a pointed look to which I rolled my eyes.

"Dude, I wouldn't flirt with her if I were you. That is, if you want to live, if you're suicidal, don't let me stop you," Emma told him in a serious voice. He suddenly turned pale. He probably remembered Mateo, judging by the fear in his eyes. It was safe to say that the night at the club when he saw him for the first and only time left a trauma.

"Yup, I'm playing for another team. Make sure to tell him that," he quickly said. Emma, Lena and I burst out laughing. I wouldn't be surprised if he did something in that range to prove to my boyfriend that he wasn't trying to get back together with me.

"So Sara thinks she's a better swimmer and I want to prove how wrong she is, so we need a judge because Victor is too busy right now," I jumped at the sudden voice that barged in on our conversation. I shifted my gaze to Luke, holding my hand over my heart to calm myself down. If looks could kill, we would be giving him 40th-day memorial service right then and there.

"What is the idiot doing?" Emma asked, trying to sound indifferent, but we all knew that wasn't really the case. Although lately, it seemed that she was slowly beginning to understand her feelings and accept them. Nonetheless, she would never admit that.

"Well, you see..." Luke raised his hand and scratched his hair. I frowned at his discomfort. I wondered what could be so scary that he wasn't comfortable telling her.

"Luke, spit it out!" She snapped, no longer hiding that she was interested in her ex's whereabouts. However, before he could answer her, loud laughter reached our ears and all six of us looked in the direction where the sound was coming from. I gasped after I realized what was going on. Not far from us, Victor was talking to a rather tall and handsome blonde, with long, lean legs. He was in his flirty mood, judging by the fact that he was saying something to her with a smirk on his face and he was also twirling a lock of her hair around his finger. The girl was obviously enjoying herself. Her face was beyond flushed. I swallowed and turned in Emma's direction. Calling her furious at that moment would be the biggest understatement in the history of understatements. She was ready to kill. Her eyes were murderous, and her body was almost shaking.

"Em..." I reached out to her to calm her down, however, by the time I succeeded, she was already on her feet and walking in their direction.

"She wouldn't?" Sarah asked in worry and disbelief.

"I don't think so, but knowing her, she'll do something worse." Before I even managed to finish my sentence, she confirmed my statement. She walked gracefully past them and approached a group of guys, including Stephan's roommate, and without a single word, pulled the confused, black-haired guy toward her and kissed him hard.

Almost simultaneously, the five of us gasped, completely in a daze because of what was happening right in front of us. However, we were not the only ones who were surprised. Viktor stopped talking to the unknown girl and with a mixture of shock and anger, watched the whole situation. He didn't wait long before he approached them, put his arms around Emma's waist and pulled her towards him in an attempt to separate her from the guy. Furthermore, he picked her up, slung her over his shoulder and headed in a direction away from the people, threatening the mentioned boy along the way. The poor guy quickly got out of the state of confusion and went into the state of fear. His friends tried to calm him down, but considering how frightening Victor looked, it was no wonder that they failed.

"Well, at least tonight's party would be interesting," I murmured after a few moments of silence.

"That's one way to say it," Luke added and rolled his eyes. I looked at him, confused by his actions.

"What are you hinting at?" I asked him.

"I don't understand why you women do things like this," he said simply and shrugged. I heard Lena letting out a breath and muttering how he should've kept his mouth shut. And he definitely should have.

"And what is it that we women do?" I asked him with a raised eyebrow, daring him to continue.

"Well, for example, the thing that Emma has just done," he shrugged. I saw Lena slapping her forehead.

"You really don't know when to shut up?" She asked him with a dose of pity in her voice. And she should feel sorry for him. She really should feel sorry for him.

"Yeah? And what exactly has my friend done?" I carried on in the same tone.

"Why are you making me say it out loud?"

"To see how big of an imbecile you really are. Do continue, though," I insisted.

"Well, honestly, why this? She made a scene by kissing that guy in front of Victor in order to humiliate and enrage him, and then, afterward, she will say how he forcibly dragged her from there and acted like a maniac. When you women do shit like that, then it's okay, but if we pull that crap y'all would have our heads," he explained and raised his voice a bit. I was aware that he didn't do it on purpose, but it was enough to anger me.

"So ..." I said, pointing my finger at his torso and poking him in process. He was probably scared of the tone of my voice and threatening look because he started taking steps back. However, he was not so lucky because I followed him at the same pace. His one step back meant my one step forward. "Are you saying that my best friend did a terrible thing because she kissed a guy in front of Victor, who is nothing to her and who flirted with a girl in front of her less than a moment before?" he tried to say something, but I didn't let him, I immediately continued, "And you also want to say that he didn't force her out of there and actually acted like a maniac?" I raised an eyebrow. Somehow, we reached the edge of the same rock that Sarah, Victor and he had previously stood on so we stopped walking, but I was still invading his personal space.

"Well, when you put it like that..." he mumbled with a guilty expression.

"When I put it like that what?" I was aware that he only said what he said because he wanted to be loyal to his friend and that he would gladly withdraw his words, therefore I didn't have an excessive need to torture him further, but I wanted him to say it, to admit it out loud. Thus I kept insisting.

"I was wrong, I'm sorry," he whispered and lowered his gaze. I felt sorry for him for a second, but then I recalled his words and my previous anger made its comeback.

"I'm not the one you should apologize to, Emma is your friend too."

"I know. I was just pissed."

"Well, next time you'll think twice before saying something while you're pissed," I told him firmly and approached him impossibly close.

"What are you..." he didn't have time to finish the sentence since I had already pressed his torso with my hand and pushed him into the water. However, right after him, I let out a yelp. I clearly wasn't counting on one simple thing. As he was falling down he accidentally or intentionally, I wasn't sure, kicked my leg and I fell after him. Moments later, I felt the ice-cold water engulf my body. It was so freezing in there that at one point I was sure that hypothermia was inevitable. Luckily, the water wasn't very deep - it barely reached my waist, but I certainly hated the feeling.

"You idiot!" I shouted at him as we got to our feet and began spraying him with water. I heard laughter around us and noticed that people had gathered on the shore to watch the whole scene unfold. There were, among others, Sarah, Lena and Stephan who could not hide their mocking facial expressions.

"In my defense," he started intermittently because I was still spraying him with water. "You pushed me first, you lunatic!" He replied in the same tone.

"I knew you did it on purpose!" I kept on yelling. I was sure I would have a terrible headache afterward, but I didn't care, I was furious.

"That's rich coming from you!" This time, he retaliated with a water attack of his own. The adrenaline flowed with such power through my blood that I no longer felt the coldness of the water, only the burning need to take revenge on him, although, essentially, I had no right to do so.

"Um, T?" I heard someone calling my name, but I ignored it, too focused on Luke's and my battle.

"You owe me for this!" I told him angrily.

"And why exactly?" I was thinking of playing the card that was every man's weakness – to whine how I would get sick due to his actions, but it seemed too cruel, so I changed my mind.

"Tara?" The same voice from a few moments ago called me again, but I once again ignored it.

"You ruined my favorite top!" That was a complete lie. The top was white, but it was neither my favorite nor ruined. I could simply wash it and it would look like new. Yet, Luke certainly didn't know that.

"Honestly, I wouldn't say it was ruined, I like it a lot better this way," he told me with a smirk and winked. He stopped his water attack and fixed his gaze on my chest. Confused, I looked down and gasped when I saw what was distracting him from our argument. My top was so soaked with water that it completely clung to my body, and the red, lacy bra I was wearing underneath was on full display for everyone to see. I looked up furiously and right when I was about to yell at him louder than ever before, a loud voice that had previously tried to get my attention, and that I realized belonged to my friend Sarah, was heard again.

"Tara!" I turned and looked at her intently, confused by her slightly frightened expression. I gave her a sign with my eyes to continue, and she just pointed somewhere behind her. Confused, I shifted my gaze to the direction she was pointing at and immediately froze when I saw who was there.

Not far from me, on the edge of the forest and with a perfect view of the lake, stood my boyfriend.

What the actual fuck?

A/N

Every single time before I start writing a Serbian version of a chapter I say to myself "Girl, write a short one so you could write the English version easier and quicker." But then I end up writing the longest part so far and I literally want to shoot myself because of it. Like, is it that hard to listen to the voice of reason in my head?

Anyways, I'm just frustrated with myself. So, I hoped you guys liked this chapter and I have to tell you that your votes, reads and reviews mean a world to me.

I hope you all are safe, healthy and happy. If you want to ask me something or to genuinely just talk, feel free to dm me, here on Wattpad or on Instagram (v_jelenaa).

Love you xx