"I don't think this is something that should worry you so much, that it prevents you from doing anything with your life," Diana said.
"Come on! Who told you that love isn't painful? You don't understand, Diana," Jackson replied.
"I do know the pain, Jackson. I love Brian, but he doesn't love me back. Still, it hasn't consumed me to the point where I can't function," Diana answered him.
"That's true, but now we need to give Brian some advice. What do you think he should do next?" Jermaine asked, looking thoughtful while fiddling with his laptop.
"Uhmm, I think they should just keep their relationship hidden for now. It's not a big deal as long as she doesn't bring him home or make it obvious to her parents. That way, they won't feel the need to marry her off quickly," Jermaine suggested nonchalantly.
"I think he should just go and let her family know about their relationship. They don't seem like the type to refuse if she's willing to wait. Besides, what's the point of secrecy? Some guys never fulfill their promises, leaving the girl hanging. If her parents agree, she can wait without any issues," Diana stated firmly.
"Hmmm, you're all focused on Brian, but what about me? Won't you help me find Elena before I lose my mind too?" Jackson asked, making us all laugh.
"Brian, with all this deep thinking, what's your plan?" Diana asked, her eyes fixed on me.
I took a deep breath and smiled before speaking. "My only plan is to convince her parents, especially her mother, to let her continue her education at the university. This would buy me enough time to finish my law degree and then marry her."
"Have you discussed this with Sasa?" Jackson asked.
"Yes, I have," I replied.
"What was her response?" Diana asked eagerly.
"She agreed to go to university if her parents, especially her mother, allowed it. She promised to wait for me, giving me the time I need," I answered, seeing their faces relax slightly.
"Well, it seems like you don't have much to worry about, Brian," Jackson said.
"But will her parents agree to let her go to university? That's the question," I added, my mind heavy with concern.
"That's what's been on my mind, making me think deeply," I sighed.
We all laughed a bit, then fell silent, each lost in our thoughts.
"I love her so much, it's driving me crazy. I can't bear the thought of losing her... It's causing me so much anxiety and fear," Brian said, his voice filled with emotion.
"Brian, I believe you can convince Sasa's mother. But for now, you need to set aside this worry and focus on finishing this semester. When you go home for the long break, you'll have plenty of time to think about it," Diana said, her voice encouraging and reassuring.
"You're right... I need to put this aside for now and focus on my studies," Brian agreed.
"That's the spirit, my friend," Jackson said, making us all laugh.
"And I'll find my Elena soon enough," Jackson added, causing another round of laughter.
We continued our conversation until late afternoon, then we walked Diana home. Jackson and Jermaine returned to their rooms, and I went back to mine, feeling more confident and determined to convince Sasa's mother to let her go to university.