The Secret Admirer

Get To Know Sofia

Hello. I am Sofia Santos. 22. I don't like saying this but, I'm rich. My parents gave birth to me rich. My mom is a social worker in Hong Kong living with her parents (my grandparents), while my dad is a nurse in America living with his two brothers (my uncles). Even though they're abroad, they still manage to take care of my brother and I. I live in Makati with my 16 year old brother, Michael, or Mikey for short. We are basically the same because well, we don't like being rich. Why, you ask?
Well, it started about 10 years back when we were kids. It was the time my parents left to work abroad. Michael and I were sent to our auntie's house all the way in Baguio. She became poor after her husband died. She shut everyone out and sat in her room all day, not doing anything, and because of that, Mikey and I did things on our own around the house. We had to go to school, we cooked, cleaned, and much more. That's when we realized that we weren't destined to be rich. Especially me. I was older so I understand a lot more than Michael. I learned that success is not earned by money, but it earned my hard work and dedication. After 5 years, my auntie insisted to send us back to Makati because we were ready to live on our own. But, we weren't excited. We have three maids back at home and Mikey and I are used to doing things on our own. But, we'll see where the wind will take us.
- 3 YEARS LATER -
Our mom called for the first time in ages today.
"Hello, ma?" I answered in tears.
"Anak? How are you? How's your brother?"
"We're okay ma. How about you ma? How are you in Hong Kong?"
"I'm okay anak. Listen, I got a raise a few days ago and I want to send you and Mikey to a private school.
I was left speechless.
I'm not used to private things, even though I'm rich. Rich people can go to public schools, right?
Let's see what Mikey had to say.
"Mikey! Mom is calling."
"Hello, ma? I miss you ma!"
"Miss you too anak. Listen, I want you and your ate to attend a private school now that you're have adjusted back. What do you say?"
He looked at me.
(whispers) "Ate, I don't want to go to a private school!"
"Sorry ma. Ate and I want to go to regular school. It's what we're used to."
"It's okay, anak. I understand. Only the best for my children. Son, I have to go now, Bye. I love you and your ate."
"Bye ma."
School starts soon and I'm all ready. We're ready. Mikey is going to high school and I'm going to college. I hope I meet the right friends. I want them to like me for me. Not because of all the green paper I carry around. I also hope I meet my one true love.