Break Fresh Ground

3: GODDESS

As Friday dawned, we eagerly set out to finally lay eyes on our new abode. We had made the decision to move our belongings together, so as to avoid any future complications. We eagerly counted down the hours until Monday, when we would officially begin our new chapter in our very own apartment.

As I checked my inbox, a message caught my eye-our schedule, sent straight from the President of the University himself. I couldn't help but wonder what strings my dad had pulled to make this happen. While part of me felt guilty for receiving special treatment, another part couldn't help but be in awe of my father's influence. I knew it wasn't fair to others and I abhorred the idea of using connections, but my Dad always had a way of getting what he wanted, even when it came to keeping me in line.

I really wanted to get in line para mag-enroll. Iyong ako mismo ang mag-aasikaso sa enrollment ko. Kahit masungitan na ng registrar, kahit pumila ng mahaba basta ako ang gagawa. Panira kasi iyong tatay ko na iyon. Mahirap din namang magsabi sa kaniya kasi may kasalanan akong nagawa.

The apartment was big for us three. After entering the door, living room will be the one to greet you. Mabilis mo ring masisilayan ang open-type kitchen and dining area na nasa west part ng apartment. The furniture was complete. Iyong mga gamit na lang namin sa school ang maidadagdag.

Merong isang pinto sa south-west part ng apartment, isa sa mga kwarto iyon. Then there are another three more doors sa east side. After we checked it, naguguluhan kaming nagtinginan.

As we sat in silence, a sudden beep broke the stillness, signaling that someone outside had entered the correct password, given to us by my Mamila. We held our breath as we waited for the mystery person to make their entrance. The anticipation was palpable, each of us wondering who it could be, and what their arrival would bring. The sound of the door creaking open sent shivers down our spine, as we prepared ourselves for whatever was to come next.

"Uhm...H-hi?" She said, her voice trembling with uncertainty. As she stepped into the room, we couldn't help but be struck by her beauty. Her honey-hued skin was the perfect complement to her petite frame, standing at a height that matched my own. Her hair was neatly tucked behind her ears, framing her face in a way that was both elegant and effortless. She carried with her a suitcase on her left side, a backpack slung over her shoulder, and a duffel bag perched atop her suitcase.

Paris was the first to greet her with a warm and welcoming smile. "Hi! I'm Paris. Paris Lavender Yañez," she said, extending her hand for a handshake.

I raised my eyebrow in surprise, as Paris usually doesn't like to be the first one to initiate contact.

"Come in first before I introduce myself," France said softly, gesturing for her to enter. Her voice was gentle, yet there was a hint of a command in it. Biglang bumait ah.

The woman gracefully placed her bags on the sofa and turned to face us with a warm smile. "I'm Caroline Ivy Serrano," she said, introducing herself with a hint of formality. Her name rolled off her tongue like a melody, and we couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue as we took in her every detail.

"France Victoria Ozdemir," France introduced herself with a warm smile, gracefully kissing both of Caroline's cheeks.

"Scarlett Storm Carvajal," I chimed in, smiling genuinely at her.

Ivy remained silent, her gaze flickering between the three of us. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and her eyes sparkled with a hint of wonder, as if she couldn't quite believe the warm welcome she had received.

"Nagpipintas da met." She whispered.

"What was that?" Paris inquired; her forehead crinkled with confusion as she struggled to understand the unfamiliar language that Ivy had used.