20. Friend's Advice on Love

"Sarah, you won't believe it... Something happened just now," Ellen said. She had decided to tell her friend what happened, but not that she was feeling certain feelings for Paul. Sarah walked over to Ellen, holding her hands, eagerly anticipating Ellen's revelation.

"Hey, friend, I'm already anxious. What happened?" Sarah let go of her friend's hands and began to bite her nails in anxiety. Ellen held her friend's hands, preventing her from continuing.

"Stop it. You could end up hurting your fingers. Calm down, I'll tell you." Ellen smiled at her friend, and Sarah nodded, waiting for Ellen to start sharing the story. Sarah was so curious that she could hardly blink her eyes. Ellen noticed that even her friend's lips started to dry up due to anticipation.

"Well, I was heading to the elevator and ran into the twins." Sarah nodded, only listening to her friend's words without interrupting. As Ellen spoke, Sarah's hands lightly squeezed Ellen's.

Ellen smiled, observing her friend's anxious expression, and continued, "Something strange happened. I got nervous and even cursed in fright. Before I saw the twins, another person appeared first." Sarah gasped, feeling a rush of adrenaline, and exclaimed, "Who was it? Tell me! My God, I'm going to freak out." She laughed and covered her mouth. Sarah's reaction seemed amusing in the moment, but Ellen could sense the tension.

"Well," Ellen started to laugh but composed herself and continued, "Friend, I saw another person who looked like Paul, the one with the tan, you know? But this other individual had long hair, a lengthier beard, wore baggy clothes, and had lots of accessories. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw him."

Sarah clapped her hands excitedly, smiling widely. "I can't believe it! Another twin? Was he even more charismatic than the two of them? Tell me everything!" Sarah was all excitement, eager to hear more about the newly discovered twin.

Ellen paused for a moment, reflecting. All three were handsome and bore a striking physical resemblance, but each had their own unique personality. Phil was more reserved and serious, yet sweet and sincere in his own way. Paul was cheeky, direct, and incredibly attractive. Petro seemed adventurous, judging by his attire and behavior. Although all three were attractive, it was Paul who stirred Ellen's emotions in a way she didn't quite comprehend.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Ellen commented, "They're all handsome, obviously." She looked at her friend and added, "But they're not my type, you know? I'm not interested in meeting anyone, especially not them."

As Ellen tried to change the topic, Sarah's hand touched Ellen's, urging her to continue. Ellen looked at her friend, who wore a sad expression, and Sarah's voice was full of empathy. "I understand that your mother went through a lot due to your father, Ellen. I'm sorry for that. Your mother didn't deserve betrayal, but..."

Sarah gently squeezed Ellen's hands and continued, "But that doesn't mean the same will happen to you. Your first relationship didn't work out well, and I'm glad you ended it. You weren't meant to stay together. However, have you considered your future? Someone new will come into your life, Ellen. I know it will happen, so please don't close your heart to love. It might come when you least expect it."

Sarah's heartfelt words resonated. She loved her friend dearly and had been by her side for many years, since high school.

Tears welled up in Ellen's eyes, and she wiped them away with her hand. Sniffling, she hugged her friend tightly, finding comfort in her presence. "Thank you, Sarah. I love you so much. You're right. Sometimes I get frustrated with some men, even though they've treated me well.

Strangely, our twin neighbors treat me differently. But I want to remain friends with them, okay? Please, Sarah."

Her friend nodded, hugging her back. She sensed that there was more to Ellen's story, but she would be patient and give Ellen time to share.

After the embrace, the two friends smiled at each other. Ellen decided to spend the night at Sarah's house, and they tidied up the room before going to bed. With a full stomach from eating at her friend's house, Ellen just wanted to sleep and welcome the new day with the rising sun.