Spending my summer vacation at home was really not one of my plans but since my best friend couldn't come to our planned trip to Davao, I am left with no choice but to go home. Its not that I don't want to be with my family, but I just want to feel the taste of freedom one last time before going back home. Studying in Cebu was one of the best decisions that I've ever made because I get the chance to be out of my family's shadow for once. You see, my family is one of the so-called elite families in Manila and it has always been thought by many that we do not have to lift a finger to get what we want because we have everything. I do not want people to like me because of my family but to like me for who I really am so when my grandmother became sick, I took the opportunity to ask my mom if I could go to Cebu to take care of her and continue my studies there. Good thing she agreed and I've been very happy since. When my grandmother died before my graduation, my mom told me to come home for good since my dad's health has been deteriorating. So my best friend and I decided to spend summer in Davao before I go back home but unfortunately, something came up so we had to cancel our trip and here I am, home earlier than planned.
I arrived late last night and the only one who was awake when I arrived was my mom and my dad so we talked for a bit before they let me rest and told me that we will be having an outing this weekend so that we could spend some time as a family.
Everything inside my room was the same as to what it was when I left. I have to admit I missed this place. This was where I would disappear for days in the company of my books and has become my refuge ever since I learned about our family's social status.
After fixing my stuff, I decided to sleep. When I finally laid down on my bed, it was when exhaustion hit me and reality started to sink in. I am now back in Manila and whether I like it or not, I am once again under the shadow of my family's influence. I really missed my grandmother and I hope that she was still alive so that I could stay longer in Cebu. I've had the best years there because I finally had people who liked me for me and not for our money. But I guess I have to accept the fact that I am finally here and if I want people to accept me for me, I have to show them the real me and I have to try hard to avoid any society galas or any event that would show our real social status. After a few minutes, I fell asleep.
I was awakened by the sound of guitars and drums and as much as I wanted to go back to sleep, I couldn't so I decided to just start my day and prepare for my meet up with my old friends today for some catching up. I had a quick shower and fixed myself before going down for breakfast. While I was still descending the stairs, I heard my brother's voice and it seems like he has some friends over. So I tried to avoid them and quietly went to the kitchen but my brother saw me and called me over.
"Cee!!! It's so nice to see you! Come here and give your big brother a hug! When did you arrive? I thought you were going to Davao? He said while smiling that signature smile of his that makes girls wild.
" I arrived late last night and mom and dad told me you were out. I had to cancel our trip since Sam couldn't come with me".
"Is she alright?". I then assured him that Sam was fine and that she just had some family issues to take care of that's why I went home earlier than planned. Bran then gave me a big hug that left me almost breathless and I had to playfully punch him so that he'll let me go. Bran and I have always been so close because it was just the two of us. We were always partners in crime and it really broke his heart when I decided to leave for Cebu but he understood that I had to do it. Even though he was here in Manila and I was in Cebu, we communicated every day and sometimes video chat to catch up.
Bran then introduced me to his visitors which were his band mates - John, Rex and his best friend, Chris. All of them were nice but there was something in this Chris guy that intrigues me. He was the only one who held out his hand to shake mine and he kept on staring at me and when I caught him, he smiled. I had to excuse myself from them so that I could prepare some food before going out.
The kitchen looked different and good thing Manang Irene was there to help me with my food. She was so glad to have me back because she was basically the one who raised me and Bran since both of our parents were busy with work.
While I was busy preparing the pancakes, I noticed that somebody was behind me and when I turned around, I saw one of my brother's friends. I slightly jumped and he tried to apologize for scaring me but I told him that it was okay. He then held out his hand again and said, "I'm Chris by the way". " I know coz you told me earlier." I shook his hand while smiling. And once again, when our hands touched, I felt something and I tried to ignore it. I think he felt it too coz he smiled at me. I asked him if he needs something and he told me that he wants to help me prepare the food. I politely refused but he told me that they were already finishing up so I let him be and told him to prepare the drinks instead. He then told me that he'd be happy to help me and there's no where else he'd rather be than here with me. I didn't respond because honestly, I didn't know what to say. I mean he was so hot and I don't know… I think I felt something when I shook his hand earlier. I dismissed the thought and continued making pancakes and when we were done, we brought the food into the living room.
When Bran tasted the pancakes, he told me that they were delicious and that my cooking has been one of the things that he missed about me. I then told him that he has to get used to it because I am staying for good. He was so glad to have me back and warned me that I will be seeing more of his band mates every day since they have to practice for their recital. He also told me that Chris is basically living with us. That last information actually made me happy because it would mean that I would be seeing him every day. I then told Bran that I had to prepare because I will be going to the mall today to meet Ella for some catching up and asked him if he could drive me there but he told me that he was actually waiting for Lyanna's call (his long distance girlfriend) and suggested that Chris take me instead. I tried to refuse and told him that I don't want to keep him from his plans today but he insisted because he also happens to plan to go to the mall today to buy something. So I agreed and told him that I'll be down in a few minutes.
I secretly felt so happy that Chris will be the one driving me to the mall so that we could spend some time together. I know its too early to tell but I think I already have a secret crush on him. I then prepared my outfit and stuff and silently prayed that today's going to be a good day.