Chapter 7

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When I got home, I was greeted by Auntie and Grandma happily . I went up to them and gave them respect by putting their hands to my forehead. "Oh, you're back just in time because dinner is ready," Auntie said cheerfully.

"How was your day, dear? Did you have fun?" Grandma asked as I came closer to her. I smiled awkwardly and glanced at Kuya Drix for help. But Kuya was busy looking at his phone.

I gave Kuya a sharp look as he tried to hide his laughter. "Yes, Grandma. It was a new experience, but it was fun," i replied while thinking back on what had happened earlier.

"Grandma, Auntie, I'll just go change my clothes," I said. They both nodded and went to the kitchen to set the table.

As soon as Grandma left, Kuya suddenly ran upstairs to his room, and I ran after him. Kuya promised to help me keep what happened earlier a secret from Grandma, but he acted like he didn’t know anything. I knew he felt guilty, which is why he quickly went to his room.

After changing clothes, I couldn’t help but think about Dad in Laguna. Even though we weren’t that close, I still worried about him. I just hoped that he and Mom would stop fighting because even if Dad didn’t say it, I knew he was tired of their relationship.

I went downstairs to have dinner with Grandma and Auntie. I ate quietly since I was tired from walking around earlier, so I didn’t join in their conversation. They seemed to notice because after we finished eating, Auntie told me I could go up to my room and rest.

When I got to my room, I lay down on my bed, staring at the ceiling and thinking about what I should do next.

I can't deny that I was scared. I had left the place I grew up in, and now I was about to face a new chapter of my life in a place I wasn’t used to. I was afraid to try and make mistakes, but I kept telling myself to stay strong for Grandma and Dad. It’s hard, but I know I can get through this challenge if I stay determined and to trust myself.

As I closed my eyes, I prayed for forgiveness, wisdom, and guidance, hoping I could make it through and that I’d be guided through this new phase of my life.

The next day, I woke up late, around noon, so I quickly got up and took a shower. I also arranged my things in my new room.

It was past one o’clock when I finished, so I went downstairs to eat. When I entered the kitchen, I saw Grandma and Auntie preparing skewers of barbecue and other items.

"Good afternoon, Auntie, Grandma," I greeted them as they happily talked while preparing the skewers. "I’m glad you’re awake. Come eat while we get things ready for later," Auntie said.

I quickly ate and helped them prepare the food for selling. I found out that Grandma wanted to set up a small barbecue stand in front of Auntie’s house because she didn’t like being idle. Auntie happily agreed, so here we were, getting ready for the small business.

Auntie said it was fine to sell here even though it was a subdivision because a lot of people passed by since we were close to the park.

By three o’clock, we had everything ready and were just waiting for customers. I saw a few people walking by, but since the sun was still out, there weren’t many of them.

"Tita Michelle!" called a girl who looked about my age. "My mom wants to buy ten pieces of lumpia and ten pieces of shanghai," she said happily.

"Oh, it’s you, Lyn. Just wait a moment, I’ll prepare it for you. By the way, Marilyn, this is my niece Yuella. Yuella, this is Marilyn, my friend’s daughter," Auntie introduced us before leaving.

"Hi, Yuella, right?" Marilyn greeted me with a smile.

"Yes, nice to meet you, Marilyn."

"Nice to meet you too, Yuella. Where are you from? Don’t get me wrong, it’s just that I haven’t seen you around before."

"We’re from Laguna, Grandma and I just moved here yesterday."

"Let me guess, you’re going to college here?"

"Yes," I said, smiling.

"Nice! Where will you study?"

"At UP Manila. How about you?"

Marilyn suddenly squealed, "OMG! I’m also going to UP Manila!"

"Accountancy?" we both shouted at the same time, pointing at each other. We burst out laughing.

"Oh my gosh! I’m so glad I followed my mom’s order. I wouldn’t have met you otherwise. When are you going to school to enroll?" Marilyn asked, telling me to call her Lyn because Marilyn was too long.

"Maybe next week. How about you?"

"Let’s go together next week! I can’t wait to introduce you to my other friends. I’m sure you’ll like them. By the way, would you like to come with me later? There’s a game at the court nearby."

"Sure! I’ll just ask Grandma’s permission," I said.

"Great, I’ll come pick you up later," Lyn said after getting the food she bought from Auntie.

"It’s nice that you and Marilyn got along well," Auntie said.

"Yes, Auntie. She’s fun to talk to. By the way, Auntie, can I ask permission to watch the game later with Marilyn?" I asked.

Auntie nodded and said I could go with Marilyn.

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:)

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