The Landlord

one - apartment rules

"Aya, are you ready?" My cousin, Raegan, asked me rigidly. I roamed my eyes through my vast space which will be a storage room in awhile. Raegan was already carrying one of my bags, ready to bring it downstairs. This will be my first time leaving our hometown and there's no denying that I am submerged by everything. I tightened my grip as I hold my luggage. This is one thing that I am really scared of....growing up.

"Can you give me a little more time?" I pleaded.

"I've already given you enough time. Buckle up, girl. Just visit during your school breaks." She told me which gave me a small amount of relief. I glanced at my room one more time before stepping out. Raegan escorted me downstairs. My attention was caught by our picture frames that I will surely miss when I'm away.

"Don't you dare cry. Not a single tear, please!" Raegan says, and then she playfully roll her eyes.

I chuckled softly, "I won't!"

My Uncle Chow unfolded from the door when Rae opened it. He was just standing in there, waiting for us. Staring at him, it makes me more scared of leaving. Uncle Chow is my only guardian. He's the one who carried my father's responsibilities when he passed away. He gave me the world as he promised. I can see him smiling, but there is also an evidence on his face that he's upset. My Uncle's fear was my 20th birthday. He knew that I'll leave as soon as I turn 20. But I am already 23 and I'm still in my senior year because school has not been good to me. As much as I look negative about me leaving, I am not. My fear is growing up yet I am longing for this day to come. I want to enhance my capabilities and traverse my mental capacity. These are my weaknesses because eversince I was little, I was not given a chance to control it. I want liberty and independence. I want to know my real self ny discovering it on my own and I know that leaving Jericho is the only solution for that.

"Aliyah, my little potato." He spread his arms then I quickly ran onto him to receive his embrace. "I cannot accept that this moment has come. Please be safe and call us anytime when you need us, okay?" I felt his tears dropping in my collar. I tightened my grip on him.

We were both startled when we started hearing sobs. It was from Raegan.

Uncle Chow widened his arms for Rae to be able to snuggle in. "We will miss you, Aya!"

I forced a smile, "Don't you dare cry. Not a single tear!" I mimicked her voice which made us laugh.

"You're a grown woman now, my dear."

"I guess I am."

"We should get going. I told the landlord that we're on our way in a few."

We started to carry my bags and luggages inside the car. I gave Raegan a one last hug as I bid my goodbye. I went inside the car and I gave a glimpse at our home. This was the first achievement that my father has accomplished when he was working as a journalist. I couldn't even look at it that long because it hurts me. I looked away and realization hit me that Uncle Chow was already inside the car.

"You good?" He asked worriedly and I just nodded in response.

He started the engine and we went off. I never imagined studying away from them and living my life alone. I am still in my junior year taking Communication studies. I really want to continue what my father started. I was supposed to have my life on my own when I was 18, but Uncle Chow said he knew it wasn't the right timing until it went this far. I just really want to start on my own without any fear of what's about to come. I've been shifting courses until I have fully decided that I want to follow my father's path.

"Let's talk about the rules." He said to cut the silence after an hour.

My jaw dropped unbelievably, "Rules? I thought we talked about—"