Gone with the Wind (Upper East Side Two)

Prologue

00 – Kid

Due to the sudden change in my life, we left New York to go to the Philippines. It was heartbreaking, but I know it's for the best.

Growing up, I hated my father. He's the reason why we became like this. He's the reason why we're suffering.

Mommy worked hard to earn money and to secure my future. I remember every time my Mom will go home tired at dahil bata pa ako ay wala akong magawa para matulungan siya. Kahit nag-iisa lang si Mommy na tumataguyod sa akin ay nakaya niya.

That was when I knew Zoey. We were classmates since elementary. But later on, we became best friends.

I once saw her Mommy and Daddy, and I can't help but feel sad. She has a complete family while I'm not. But it didn't come between us. She knew about my past and stayed beside me.

I also met his Kuya Zach. He's three years older than me. He's also very fun to be with. He's like a brother I never had.

Then there his other brother, I never met him. He's Zavi Alexander. Six years ahead of me. I only saw his pictures, and I can tell that he's a very cold guy—a ruthless and authoritative one.

But something has drawn me to him. I didn't know that this little attention I gave to him will grow fonder.

I didn't notice that every time I hear his name, I can't help myself to smile. And Zoey knew my affection for his bother.

Years had passed. I never knew entering senior high school will make me feel uneasy.

Maybe it will be more challenging than we had when we were in juniors and perhaps a little easier than college. But I will do my very best to strive hard for me to help Mommy.

I want her to stop working and I'll be the one to take care of her. Kulang na lang ay hilain ko na ang bawat araw para mas mapabilis at makatapos na ako.

Para hindi na ako nangangamba tuwing nagtatrabaho si Mommy para lang matustusan ang pangangailangan namin.

Standing inside the campus, I felt my phone vibrated. I got it from my pocket to see who's calling. It's Zoey.

"Thalia, where are you?" I heard her say on the other line.

"I'm inside the campus," I replied.

"Okay. Wait for me."

"Sure, Zoey."

"Guess who's with me?" I almost imagine her grinning.

"Who?" I asked.

"Someone you're very excited to see."

Then Zavi flashed in my mind.

"Zavi?" It's almost inaudible.

"You're right. I'll just wait for Kuya Zavi here in the parking lot. Pupuntahan niya kasi si Kuya Zach dahil may aasikasuhin sila sa kompanya. Pero ang mas masaya ay...." pambitin niya habang sobrang laki ang ngiti niya sa akin. "para makita mo na rin siya for the first time." Tili niya.

Hearing his name, I don't know, but I just felt my heart beats fast. It will be my first time seeing him. He is known for being a cold and ruthless person.

No one dares to go against him because he can just drag you down in one snap of his fingers. I shivered at that thought.

Oh my gosh! I will see him in a while. I can't contain my excitement, but I'm also nervous at the same time.

Lagi ko rin kasing nakikita ang pictures niya sa bahay nila tuwing ako pumupunta doon.

I never met him because he's studying abroad and when he goes home, I can't go to their house even I wanted it so bad.