3 is an Odd Number

Chapter 10: The ticket

SAMANTHA

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After the mass and dinner

"Mom, what's this?" I took it out from the kitchen drawer and flashed the plane ticket in front of her face. She studied it for a while before answering.

"Why that's a plane ticket." she tried to act all amused.

"Well yeah it's a plane ticket but why do I have one? When were you going to tell me about this huh?" I started to complain.

Okay, I know it's bad to shout at your mom about simple things such as a piece of paper but this is a big deal to me.

"What? Did you just plan on sending me away?"

"No. I was going to tell you today pero naunahan mo ko."

I don't even know what to think anymore. I feel so angry...no. Not angry, that's an understatement. I feel betrayed. How could she hide this from me? Maybe she wants me out of her life for good, is that it? But I've been a good child, why would she send me away?

"Okay. Considering we just got home from church. I'd let this pass, but can you tell me every detail in the morning?" I said, para tapos ang usapan at para hindi na kami mag-away...

"Sure. If you insist." malungkot na sagot ni Mama. I nodded reproachfully and made my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

I went to my room and changed into my comfy pajamas, slumped back on my bed and drifted off to sleep. Luckily, no dream came within my sleep. That means, no drama, no nightmare, no nothing. Just me, myself and my lovely bed.

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When I woke up, it was Summer Vacation. The day of my flight to California. Yeah. What did Mama say to me? 'I love you that is why I'm doing this. You'll have a better life in America.' Oh, I cried about it alright, because she said it like I was never coming back at all. Or was it just her that's being so dramatic and overly protective? I said 'But it won't be better without you.'

As I drag my suitcase to the automatic doors of the airport, I turned around and waved my last goodbyes to everyone present---Jerome, Francis, Mom, Chelsea Mae, Nigel, and the driver.

"Pasalubong ko ha. CHOCOLATES!" Francis shouted.

"Balik ka ng buo." sabi ni Jerome.

"Bye ate Sam! Take care." Nigel and Chelsea said in chorus.

"I'm going to miss you." hinatid ako ni Mama hanggang sa pinto.

"I'll be back at the end of summer Ma. Don't try to miss me too much okay?" she nodded.

"Pakabait ka dun ha."

"Opo Ma."

"Love you." she said as she kissed my forehead.

"Love you too Ma." I kissed her cheek. "I'll be back before you know it."

"Take care."

"Stop na Ma. You're making me cry." I said as I entered the automatic slide doors.

"Bye."

"Bye."

"This is it. There's no turning back now. Its now or never." I whispered to myself, the doors closing behind me. I checked-in all my baggage and waited for two hours more before boarding.

Somehow, I'm excited, this opportunity is once in a lifetime. Like who would be so lucky to pick up a plane to California from sonewhere on the street? I just hope I can live well with my grandmother. I do hope she treats me well cause if not, I'm taking the first flight back home.