Jols and I were just sitting at the cafe today, and we realised how much older each of us have grown. Our minds, still unable to grasp the reality that we're already turning 18 this year, and that time isn't gonna slow down for anyone of us. I knw 18 might not seem like a milestone to many of those who've already surpassed its coming, but to Jols and me, it's like a surprise visit from Santa in June. We're both so caught up in the hassle of school, work and life that we forget that we're about to reach a number which is considered of fair importance in many teenagers' lives. Marking the end of tweenhood and the beginning of young adulthood. And when u finally take some time off and think it through, u become stunned by how quickly everything has gone by, and 2 years ago seemed like it was just yesterday.

And as we spoke of friends and acquiantances, we found it surreal to discern the lives certain individuals around us lead. It's just damn frightening to acquire the knowledge of ppl who're about ur age, either married (be it because they feel ever so steadfast about their love or a shotgun), or have gone thru abortion. I've always thought such occasions were only depicted in novels of romance or on the TV screen, but these deviations do actually occur in real life, and to ppl we knw (whether by name or personally).

U can call me immature, naive, gullible, young, whatever. But I like to keep myself sheltered from the harsh/wilder side of reality and lead a very nutshell existance. Those ppl lead their lives like a fairytale, their fairytale. However, if it were me in their stead, it would b a nightmare. It's shockingly scary to watch ur life move into a fog. Ur future, ur career, what u could've been, all vanish with an indication on the pregnancy test kit. Ur dreams, a chance to weave a more beautiful and accomplished life, all "poof!", gone just like that. It's just frigging scary! So hard to disgest..

But I guess, if what they've chosen is sincerely what they feel is best for themselves and their path ahead, there's nth anyone else can say to convince them otherwise. And all their loved ones can do is to be there to lend a hand when they're in dire need of help or advice, or just a shoulder to weep on.