The Choice I Made

CHAPTER VI: Twisted

April 18, 2008

"Congratulations, Sammy!" Robert ran towards me and enveloped me into a big hug. "That was a great race. You made Jones tighten his seatbelt there." Tony Jones, who was just a rookie last year, is hailed as this year's Ferrari Challenge champion. I landed for the bronze cup but it's not disappointing. I'll definitely work harder to win next year.

"Where's Mom and Dad?"

"Your Dad left earlier because the board of directors called for an emergency meeting. Your Mom's here," Robert said while tilting his head from side to side looking for Mom.

"I'm here, sweetheart! Oh, I'm so proud of you," Mom said in an almost squeaky voice. Her eyes are sparkling with excitement.

Mom is still blabbing about the race when I remembered something so I pulled her to the side.

"What is it Samantha?"

"Um, can I go to Vancouver today?"

"What?" Mom sounded like she just heard me say that I'm pregnant. "What will you do there?"

"Well, I called Aunt Carol before the race and she doesn't seem to be okay. I figured that both you and Dad are busy and Shane's finals are this week so I'm volunteering to check on her."

"Does she sound really sick?" Mom narrowed her eyes at me and I just nodded.

Aunt Carol isn't really that sick. She told me that she caught a cold that's why her voice sounds raspy. The truth is I'm going to Vancouver for Kevin. He's asking me to make our relationship official. I already have an answer but I don't want to say it over the phone or through e-mail. I want to tell him in person.

"Okay then. I'll just tell your Dad but just for one day, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am!" I raised my hand for a salute in a way that soldiers do in the movies. I can't contain my happiness and excitement.

Mom offered to drive me to the airport before she goes to the office. She's talking about something about the weather but I can't care less. My thoughts are already in Vancouver.

As soon as she dropped me, she headed back to her office so I'm on my own now and I'm enjoying every part of it. I love the feeling of being independent.

I was checking in when my phone rang.

"Sam, where are you? I'm on my way to pick you up. Let's have lunch together," Shane said in an excited voice.

"Didn't Mom tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"I'm going to Vancouver. Aunt Carol is sick," my voice faltered on the last sentence.

"Is she?" he uttered in a mocking voice as if he's holding back his laughter. "I just got off the phone with Auntie and, yeah, she caught a cold but it isn't to the extent of needing family members."

"Um---" I want to come up with another lie but nothing's coming to my head.

"It's Kevin, isn't it?"

"Yes," I answered closing my eyes as if I was talking to Shane in person. "Oppa please don't tell Mom and Dad. Please? Promise me?"

"Okay, fine. But this would be the last. Next time you meet him, you have to ask for permission from us. Understand?"

"Yes, yes," then my flight was being announced so I bade Shane goodbye.

Surprisingly, the ten hours flight wasn't exhausting. Probably because I'm too excited to mind the tiredness my body is feeling.