Where I Belong

Kabanata 20

Alone

I was in my third year when Mom died in a car accident, the same kind of accident that had taken Dad's life. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, a painful echo of the past. The burden of arranging and paying for her burial fell solely on me.

Nanay Cecil and Ate Sunny offered to stay with me, even without payment, but I insisted it would be unfair for them to work without compensation. Reluctantly, I sent them back to their hometown.

"Tandaan mo, pag kailangan mo ng tulong, tumawag ka lang ah," ang huling salitang narinig ko kay Nanay Cecil bago sila umalis.

The house that had once been my home was sold to cover expenses, leaving me with no choice but to rent a small apartment.

The money from our savings quickly decreases, forcing me to stop school and find part-time jobs to make ends meet. The transition was difficult, but I didn't have the luxury of time to dwell on my loss. I needed to survive

For two years, I juggled multiple jobs, saving every penny I could. The days were long and exhausting, but I kept pushing forward, driven by the hope that I could one day return to school. That hope became a reality when I finally had enough savings to enroll again.

Returning to school was both a relief and a challenge. Mas matanda ako kaysa sa aking mga ka-klase and had missed out on two years of education, ngunit determinado akong makabawi.

Nights were spent working, leaving me with little time for rest, ngunit nag-tiyaga ako, knowing that education was my ticket to a better future.

It was hard being an irregular student and being older than my classmates, kaya't naging mahirap para sa akin ang magkaroon ng mga kaibigan.

The age gap made it difficult to connect with them on a personal level, and my irregular schedule meant I couldn't participate in many of the activities that fostered friendships.

Despite the loneliness, I focused on my studies, knowing that this was the only way to achieve my goals. I poured myself into my coursework, often staying late in the library to catch up on assignments and prepare for exams.

Graduation day arrived, a bittersweet milestone. As I walked across the stage, receiving my diploma, a wave of emotions washed over me.

Relief, accomplishment, and a deep sense of loss all blend together. I had finally achieved my goal, but the memory of my parents, who should have been there to witness my achievement, was bittersweet.

"Ms. Hartley? Please come inside the office," the assistant told me, her voice a mix of formality and friendliness. I nodded, my heart pounding with anticipation. I had been searching for a job for months, and this was my first interview.

As I entered the office, I was greeted by a man facing outside who I assumed was the CEO. "Good morning, sir," I greeted him politely.

"Have a seat," he replied, without turning around.

I was about to take a seat when he turned around,

"Kuya Andre?!!!"  I echoed, equally astonished.

"Brea?!!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise.