Avril liked the idea.
After that day, it was lunchtime.
Valerie walked toward Lukas.
"Hey Lukas, let's eat together"
Lukas was surprised to see her.
he still felt awkward after what had happened the previous day.
"But I'm eating with my sister."
"Sister?"
"Yeah, Elliene."
Valerie looked at Elliene and gave her an unpleasant glance.
Elliene noticed it.
Elliene felt confused. She didn't understand why Valerie had looked at her that way.
"Then can I join you?" Valerie asked with a sweet smile.
"Uhh…"
Lukas hesitated. He couldn't decide whether to accept or not.
He was a people pleaser, and he thought Valerie might feel hurt again because of him.
"Uhh, Elliene, do you mind if Valerie joins us?"
Elliene was unsure. She had a feeling Valerie might not be good company.
Lukas look at Elliene and wonder what will she do
"Sure, I don't mind," Elliene replied vaguely.
The three of them sat at the table. Valerie sat beside Lukas, facing Elliene.
"Oh, Sister, what's our next subject?"
"Oh, it's Chemistry."
"Oh, the one where we need a partner?"
"Yeah. Want to be my partner?"
"Absolutely! Hehe, I'll depend on you for everything."
"Hey, don't depend on me too much. Help me too, you idiot."
"I'm just joking. It's settled then—I'll be your partner, Sister!"
Valerie felt awkward listening to their conversation.
Valerie thought that she will be left behind to their conversation so she decided to butt in
"Lukas, do you want my pizza?"
Lukas glance at the pizza and his eyes widen and he began drooling
"Hahaha didn't you like pizza? "
"I love pizza!"
Lukas hesitates to accept Valerie's lunch. (one of Lukas' favorite food is pizza)
"Can I?" Lukas said trying to act cute
Valerie smile from within and act cool
"if I give you my pizza you should also trade something in return"
"uhh what's should I offer for it?" Lukas was eager to eat that pizza
"for now, you owe me one. you better pay what you owe me in the future" Valerie said while smiling
Lukas was hesitant to accept Valerie's offer
*it's fine right?. Why worry about the future when you eat pizza right?*
"Sure thing Valerie"
"Oh, Lukas, if you don't mind me asking… Why do you call Elliene your sister?"
"Yeah, I'm curious too," Elliene added.
"Ugh…" Lukas hesitated.
After a brief moment of silence, he sighed.
"…It's a long story."
***
Lukas and his family were on their way to the beach.
At that time, Lukas was only ten years old.
"Hey, Dad, what is the beach like?" Lukas asked.
It was his first time going there.
His father smiled slightly before answering.
"The beach is a strange place," his father said.
"It's not what we're used to. The ground there is unlike anything else. It's soft, warm, and dry—almost like hot powder. With every step you take, your feet slowly sink into it."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"And beside that dry, warm sand is water—a vast ocean. Deep, wet, and sometimes cold if you stay in it for too long."
Lukas listened carefully, his eyes filled with curiosity.