where will destiny take us?

☆ 20 ☆

In the weeks before Dad's business trip, I made plans on how I'll be surviving without his help on my prep meals and his influence on tita Amelia's cooking.

I talked to Narda. She said yes when I asked her to help me prepare meals on the month Dad will be away. When she asked why, I just told him Dad is going on a business trip.

I never told my friends about my situation with Dad's family. I shouldn't let them meddle. Ako nalang ang nakikitira, I still have so much to say? That's so ungrateful. Kaya, as much as possible, ayokong magreklamo.

So, on this plan, kasama ang grocery shopping. It's supposed to be just me and Narda pero sumama sila Ethan, Carl and Mary. So, us five, walked around the grocery store with two different carts; one cart for the healthy things Narda and I need, and the other cart for the snack Ethan, Carl and Mary are boasting to us.

"I'm so excited na sa Sports Fest!" Mary squealed as she threw a bag of potato chips in their cart. "We're gonna be all-out supporting you, Val!"

I frowned, rolling my eyes. "Calm down, Mary. It's nothing big."

"Uhm, it's a big competition kaya," she said. "You'll be competing with fifteen other girls from different sports clubs. Right, Carl?"

"Yeah, and everyone will be watching," Carl agreed.

"Inaabangan kaya yearly 'yung pageant," Ethan added.

"You're not helping at all." I deadpanned them.

"Why don't you want to join ba?" Narda asked. "Wala ka namang gagawin kungdi humarap sa stage and act beautiful in your tennis apparel."

"I just..." I trailed. "Don't want it. It's stressful and irritating. It's also loud."

"Don't you want people admiring you?" Mary asked.

"Mary, attention comes naturally to me," I said confidently.

"We know," said Ethan. "Kaya nga perfect ka for the pageant."

"Yup," pagsang-ayon ni Carl. "Surely, matatapos mo na ang winstreak ng Swimming club."

I sighed, exasperated. "I hate this."

"Just smile when you're walking confidently on the stage." Mary held my cheeks, stretching my lips. "Walk like you always do kasi ang sassy mo naman lagi maglakad. And just pretend no one is taking pictures of you."

I rolled my eyes again. "Sure..." I sarcastically said.

We continued with our shopping. Going through another aisle, my phone suddenly rang from the pocket of my skirt. Taking it out, my brows met when Kai's name popped as the caller.