Embers From Within (Casa Fuego Series #6)

Chapter 4

I'm Sorry

It was in my second year of college that I realized my passion for philanthropy, just like my mother. Lumaki akong sumasama sa kanya sa mga charities niya at iba pang programa. But then, I didn't consider it before because I know my grandfather will be against the idea.

I didn't consider shifting, too, because I wouldn't have a face to show to my family. Minsan ko nang binuksan ang usaping ito kay Lola, at kung siya ang tatanungin, ayos lang sa kaniya. She said there was no shame in it. It will be Lolo that is a lot harder to convince. So Lola suggested that I can just finish my course right now. After all, I can still follow my mother's footsteps with any degree.

I agreed. Tama nga naman iyon. Wala namang kurso o degree ang hahadlang kung gusto kong gumaya kay Mama at Tita Agatha. After all, they are both business majors but they still pioneered programs and foundations. Aside from that, I just thought that following my family's sphere will be a good front as a Hermedilla socialite.

Tama iyon. Pero hindi naging madali.

College itself was hard enough. Mas lalong humirap dahil hindi ako natural na magaling sa business, hindi katulad ng mga pinsan ko. It is the Hermedilla's sphere but I don't feel like I'm cut out for it. I struggled a lot and I couldn't ask for help because it is shameful. I am a Hermedilla. Kaya bakit hindi ako magaling dito? At paano ako hihingi ng tulong?

Nonetheless, I tried to make the most out of my college life. My classmates took a while before they started talking to me because apparently, my surname intimidates them. Only a few knows my family, perhaps it was because my family lives a low profile, but I still feel as if there's an invisible barrier between me and the others.

Gusto kong makipagkaibigan. Emeraude is my best friend but she's in a different course. I crave for friends because all my life, I was homeschooled. Kaya sinikap kong makasundo ang mga blockmates ko.

"It's my birthday brunch this weekend! You guys can come!" I said bubbly to Carylle and Belle.

Their eyes widened in awe. They are the closest to friends that I can consider because they are my seatmates. I grinned at their reaction.

"P-Pupunta kami sa Casa Fuego? Hala, nakakahiya naman! May party yata kayo!" si Carylle.

"Oo nga! Mga bigating tao yata ang dadalo sa birthday mo kaya nakakahiya talaga!"

"No! Walang party! We'll just have brunch in the backyard because I have dinner with my family. It's just my bestfriend and my other friends who will come! You guys are welcome there! It's not nakakahiya!"

I clasped my hands convincing them. Mamaya iimbitahan ko rin ang buo kong klase.

"P-Paano kami pupunta sa Casa Fuego?"

"Arkila na lang tayo ng tricycle! Hindi ba nakakahiya kung naka tricycle lang kami papunta roon?"

"Ba't nakakahiya? It's not nakakahiya! Or better yet, ipapasundo ko na lang kayo sa family driver namin! Sa gabi pa darating ang family ko!"

After a few minutes of persuasion, they both nodded in agreement. I giggled and stood up to announce my invitation to the whole class.

"You guys can come to my birthday brunch this weekend! No need to worry about the transpo, I'll have our driver pick you guys up! I hope you will come!" I smiled.

Their reactions were diverse. Naghiyawan ang mga kaklase ko. Ang iba, nagyukuan.

"Uy! Sa Casa Fuego ba 'yan, Therese?!"

"Yes! Yes!" I giggled.

Umingay ang buong klase.

"Bigatin, tol!"