When I woke up in the morning, I stared at the ceiling for a while, trying to listen to any sounds from outside. It felt strange that they didn’t continue their fight last night.
Once I was sure they hadn’t resumed their argument, I went straight to the bathroom to wash my face and hide my puffy eyes.
I stepped out of my room and walked to the kitchen, where I saw Grandma preparing breakfast while Dad sat reading the newspaper. My stepmother was beside him, eating with her child.
"Come here, dear, and eat," Grandma called to me. I walked over and kissed her on the cheek. "Good morning, Grandma," I greeted her cheerfully.
"Oh, here comes the favorite grandchild," I heard my stepmother mutter, and I saw her roll her eyes.
"Celene," Dad scolded her.
"Why? Isn't true! That your daughter is the only one they consider as a grandchild!" My step mother says, rolling her eyes again.
"Don’t mind them dear, Come sit down, Your father has something to tell you," Grandma said softly.
"What is it, Dad? Grandma said you have something to tell me?" I asked while starting to get some food.
"Ah, yes, Yuella. Your Aunt Michelle and I talked, and we’ve decided that you’ll stay with her in Manila while you’re in college. Don’t worry, Mamang will be with you, and since you grew up there, I know you’ll be fine."
I paused, my hand freez ,as I was about to get some food. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed again. Ever since I was young, I rarely spent time with Dad, and now he was making decisions without even asking me what I wanted.I forced a small smile and nodded slightly at what Dad said.
"Cassie’s tuition is expensive, and your father can’t afford both. It’s a good thing your aunt is willing to take you in, or else, you might have had to stop studying," my stepmother said bitterly.
"Celene," Grandma and Dad said. But she simply stand and stormed out of the kitchen.
I bowed my head, trying to hide the tears starting to form in my eyes as I forced myself to eat breakfast.
"Don’t mind your Aunt Celene, Yuella. After you finish eating, go pack your things. You and Mamang will head to Manila tomorrow," Grandma said gently.
Dad stood up and grabbed his things. "Take care in Manila with Mamang, and don’t be a troublemaker, Yuella," he said before leaving the kitchen. Cassie followed shortly after, leaving just me and Grandma.
I couldn’t hold it in anymore, and I started crying as Grandma hugged me, gently rubbing my back and repeatedly kissing the top of my head.
"Don’t worry about them, my dear. I’ll always be here for you. Even if everyone else turns their back on you, I’ll never leave. I’m your ally in everything. Don’t ever think that no one loves you," Grandma said soothingly.
She sent me off to my room to start packing while she stayed in the kitchen to clean up. I sat on my bed, taking a moment to look around my room, the room that had witnessed all the pain I had endured. It had seen the days and nights when I wanted to give up, and the pillow that had soaked up all my tears.
I smiled softly as I caressed a picture of my Mom in a frame, the last item I packed in my bag.
By evening, I had finished packing everything I would bring and organized the things I would leave behind. I didn’t know when I’d be back. From what Dad said earlier, he want me to stay in Manila for a long time.
"Yuella?"
The door opened, and Grandma entered. "Dear, have you packed everything you need?"
"Yes, Grandma. Have you finished packing as well? Do you need help?"
"Don’t worry about me, dear. I’ve already packed my things too. Come now, lets have a dinner.
After dinner, I washed the dishes.
"Go rest now, dear. We’re leaving early tomorrow. Goodnight," Grandma said, kissing my forehead before heading to her room.
________________________________________________
:)
YOU ARE READING
Unwritten Destiny
RomanceA young woman with a single dream, a peaceful and happy life surrounded by the people she loves. Raised by her grandmother, who became both her guardian and guide, she lost her mother at a young age, and her father's absence felt just as profound. I...
