You Bring Me To Life

01: A Weekend Getaway

We were totally lost in our own little world, giggling like idiots and not even paying attention to the people around us. Shanaya was cracking jokes, and Zarika was adding fuel to the fire, making it even harder to control our laughter. Seriously, how do they come up with this stuff?!

The cruise vibe is amazing, everyone's either chilling solo or with their people, and here I am, living my best life with my crazy best friends. It's the perfect weekend getaway, a much-needed escape from the stresses of, like, adulting.

**(Ugh, adulthood is the worst sometimes.)*

We met five years ago at SUNY, and ever since then, we've been thicker than thieves—like, way more than sisters. Shanaya's from India, Zarika's from Bangladesh – who would have thought we'd be this close? We share a luxurious apartment in New York, and honestly, I can't imagine my life without them.

"You know what, guys? I really needed this trip," Shanaya says, all dramatic. She's the one who planned this whole thing, the mastermind behind this cruise adventure. Seriously, Shanaya? You're acting like you haven't been slacking off all week.

"Yeah, like you were super busy all week," I tease her. You can totally tell she was just chilling and living her best life.

"Look at me and Ehmel, we were super busy all week, and you were enjoying your week off!" Zarika chimes in, rolling her eyes at Shanaya. Honestly, we were both majorly jealous when we woke up super early, and this girl was shamelessly sleeping in. And then, BAM, she decides we should take a cruise?!

We finally got here after checking in and taking a much-needed nap. Let's just say, I was driving non-stop, and Zarika couldn't sleep because Shanaya was way too excited about the trip. —seriously, how did that girl function?

After we finally pulled ourselves together, we headed to this restaurant that was, no joke, a foodie heaven. Everything was so stunning and perfect—like, suddenly I was living in a Pinterest board. The sun was casting this beautiful glow everywhere, and the night was creeping in like a romantic movie waiting to unfold. Gorgeous sunset, the perfect ending to this relaxing day...hopefully.

Shanaya and I were eating and chatting non-stop, but Zarika had already finished and was staring off into space. What the heck is going on? Shanaya and I exchanged a curious look.

Zarika, the biggest foodie in our group, had barely touched her food? What's wrong, with her? Is she sick? Did a guy ghost her?

"Is my eyesight playing tricks on me, Ehmel?" Shanaya dramatically whispered. She's so dramatic.

"What are you talking about, girl?" Zarika asks, all confused.

"Oh, Miss Curious, I'm dying to know what's so interesting. You took two or three bites and stopped eating?" Shanaya says, teasing her. Zarika rolled her eyes. Okay, now I'm curious too.

"Yeah, Zarika, I'm curious too," I chimed in.
"What's the big deal?" Zarika looked at both of us and shrugged.

"Guys, you know this restaurant has the world's best pastries?" she said, like it was the most obvious thing ever. Of course, she's crazy about pastries, especially from this place.

"Oh, so that's why! I was starting to think something else was going on," Shanaya says, nudging me playfully. It's actually kinda funny

"Umm, yeah, Zarika, I was thinking that too! But like, which guy wants to get himself killed?" I say, trying my best to keep from bursting out laughing. We absolutely love teasing Zarika about boys. She's not into relationships or dating – ever. And if she ever does try it, she'll end up in a huge fight with that poor guy.

Zarika glares at us, and we both start laughing. Oh, she's going to be so mad! She stands up angrily.

"Okay, okay, we're just kidding, Rika," I say, hoping she doesn't get too mad.

"Oh, I know. I'm just going to get myself my favorite pastries. Adios, love!" she says and walks away. Shanaya and I can't help but laugh at our adorable, pastry-obsessed best friend. She's so extra, But we love her. She knows that, right? Right...?

After finishing our meals, Shanaya aya and I headed to the poolside, strolling along and enjoying the sunset. It was breathtaking. Shanaya's eyes were glued to something—or someone.

"Huh? What's with you, bitch?" Shanaya says slowly, and I look to see what she's staring at. There are some girls sitting near us with guys, and they seem to be looking at Shanaya. And Shanaya's staring right back. What in the world is happening?

"Shanaya, what's going on?" I asked, confused by her sudden shift in mood. Uh oh, trouble brewing.

"Ehmel, this crazy girl think I like that dude with her!" she said. Yeah, that's probably not the best idea...

What dude, what's going on here? I glanced at the girl Shanaya was talking about. She stood up and walked away with the guy. Shanaya was glaring at them. What the...

I let out a laugh. Shanaya may be the sweetest person ever, but if you push her buttons, she can be a total beast. But she's still cute even when she's angry.

"Shanaya, why do you always get into these situations?" I sighed. Especially when you're with us.

Shanaya was fuming. "I'm going to get myself a lemonade and calm down," I said. And hopefully keep her from doing something she'll regret.

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