I Met My Stepmother

Chapter 1

It was the middle of May, the beginning of summer vacation, the month that every student is waiting for. Most people will go to the nearest beach to enjoy the sun, some will go overseas and have an ultimate siesta, some will just sleep all day, and some will bury themselves inside a book. But this vacation is different from the others that I had, it will forever change my life.

One night of May, my dad asked our (me and my brother) permission for him to marry again, it's kinda weird, I know. But I saw my dad happy these past few months and I think I saw the old him when mom was still alive. What is my right to take away that glorious moment from him? I'm an obedient daughter and I want a new iPhone. (hehe...bribery is the key)

Anyway, to cut the story short, my father re-marry. My stepmother's name is Leah Mercedes. She lives in the province of Laguna, in the peaceful and quiet town of Biñan. Now, I live in the Philippines and I was born and raised in Manila, the capital city of this tiny country. I'm a city girl, I've never been in farms, old houses, or rice fields. This is a big leap for me because dad said we're gonna move and live there. Okay, he can get the iPhone back. Seriously, this will be the most boring summer ever! Vacation in the province is so overrated. But that's just the beginning of my worries, I will be living with a new mother.

The first day on a new home is quite normal than I've imagined. My stepmother was as normal as any other mother should be (I always thought so). When she saw me, this Leah kissed and hugged me as if I'm her real daughter. I didn't resist but my brother successfully showed his true self. The house was old and according to my stepmother, it has been the house of the Mercedes family for four generations. (scary 0___0) As I entered the antique house, I saw a tall, handsome, young fellow standing to greet us all. He has a cheerful face showing a smile with deep cute dimples. My stepmother introduced him as our stepbrother. His name was Lyle. He shook hands with us and a 'mano' for my father. I was a bit shocked because dad and Leah never told us about him. Umm. I never knew that I have a gorgeous stepbrother. I should have never let dad marry Leah. (sigh) And why didn't I saw him at the wedding? Strange. Lyle toured us to the rest of the house. He said that he didn't came to the wedding because he had some important things to do. (geez..what is more important than your mother's wedding?) But I can totally understand him, I don't like Leah maybe he doesn't like my dad. The house was mostly made of wood, even the flooring. After the front door, the living room (sala) will greet you, the sofa was made of wood and it had an old radio and television beside it. At the right side was a door leading to the dining room and kitchen. The left side was the stairs leading to the second floor. The sound of our footsteps were overpowering the whole house as we walked through the stairs. A dark hallway approached us, the first door was dad and Leah's room, next was (as Lyle said) Chester's room (my brother). And quickly enough when my brother heard that it's his room, he hurriedly ran inside and shut the door right at our noses.  Lyle was a bit surprised but I'm used to it. Chester is a generation of youth which is now called "EMO" (emotionally retarded). Anyway, it was followed by Lyle's room then, as I expected, my room. Lyle opened the room and for the first time in my sixteen years on earth, saw a nineteenth century style room. It made me remember of the Spanish colonizing the Philippines. Totally eerie. I want my old room in Manila! Give it all back!!!

Lyle snapped his fingers.

"Like it?" he asked.

"Of course." I lied. He smiled and shut the door.

I wanted to cry but we have decided and it's better this way besides I have a mother now.

The first few days were a mess. I had a little trouble adopting to the environment. I had sleepless nights. I wish I was like Chester, who just stayed in his room all day. He is easily adjusted, listens to his iPod, and eats all day long. Drives me crazy.

I also miss my boyfriend, Grant de Guzman, we always call each other but lately he is ignoring my calls. I tried to make poems to divert my worries away. I was working on my fifth poem when I heard footsteps coming from the hallway. The footsteps were heavy like something is dragging it. Chester immediately came into my mind, he's always sleep walking.