My First Love

Chapter One

Life isn't easy. There are so many ups and downs. Pwedeng masaya ka ngayon at mamaya malungkot na. We really can't predict what life may throw at us.

I am Ma. Isabelle Dizon Ortega, belle for short. My mom, Iza Ortega, works in Canada as a doctor and my dad, Franco Ortego, has his own company. They separated since I was in high school. Minsan na lang ako umuuwi sa bahay, I live alone in my condo in Taguig. Alone but not lonely.

"Have you been thinking about my offer?" my mom asked for the nth time.

Ugh. She wants me to be with her in Canada and work there. Sana siya na lang ang umuwi dito mahirap kaya ang mag adjust. New place, new culture, new environment, and new people.

"I'm still young, mom. And nandito yung buhay ko." I answered while spraying perfume to my whole body.

"Young? You're already 21, Isabelle! How many times do I have to tell that this a big help for your career?" she answered dramatically.

I don't know what has gotten into my mom lately that she's always bugging me to work there and be with her. I get it that she misses me and I miss her too but she always visits here and we always skype each other.

"Let's talk again tomorrow, mom. Gotta go! Bye, I love you!" I quickly said and ended the video call.

I am going to the party of my friend somewhere in Parañaque. Eat, sleep, work, rave, repeat. I work as a freelance photographer even my dad hates what I'm doing. That's my life here in Manila. I just can't give it up briskly.

I can't imagine leaving the life I'm living right now just for Canada. Sure that my mom is there but it's not that easy. All my closest friends and cousins are here. This place is my comfort zone.

"Loosen up, Belle! Don't do this to my party!" Kali said while giving me a drink.

Kali is my best friend since college. She's one of those people who influenced me to alcoholic drinks and go clubbing. Before and after exams we used to celebrate and go to most exclusive bars and pubs in Manila and I always end up dragging her ass to my condo because of being so drunk.

"I'm not here to get myself drunk, Kal. I'm here to think." I answered her bago ko nilagok ang tequila sa kamay ko.

"Dito ka pa talaga mag iisip? Sa lugar na 'to? Ang bright mo talaga!" gigil niyang sabi sa akin.

I laughed at her. We're opposite. She likes to mingle and meet new people while I'm not. I'm not shy I just really want a small circle of friends. I know a lot of people in this society but I don't consider them as my friends. Less friends, less bullshits in life.

"Whatever, Kali. Just go there and dance!" sabi ko habang tinuturo ang mga taong nag sasayaw sa gitna ng bar.

"Okay. Ciao!" maarte niyang saad bago ako tinalikuran.

Mabuti at nilubayan niya na ako. Hindi ako makapag-isip ng dahil sa bunganga niya.
Mom is really persuading me to be with her. Everytime we video call, all I hear was her nagging. I'm just afraid to leave my life here.

This is where I was born. This is where I grew up. This is where I learned so many things. This is where I made so many happy and sad memories. This is where I became wise. It's just so hard to let this life go.

"Belle? It's nice to see you here! Are you alone?" I turned to see who it was and to my surprise it's my friend from high school!

He gestured for a hug and I went closer to hug him.

"It's nice too see you too, Raffy! Ang tagal na iyong last natin na kita. I'm with Kali, she's busy dancing with our other friends. Ako na muna nag bantay ng couch." I happily said after hugging him.

"I see." and he paused for a while and continues "My, my, look at you, Belle. Who would have thought magiging ganito ka na sexy ngayon?" he said while examining my whole body.

I am just wearing a simple black tube top, a maong bell pants, white sneakers, earrings and necklace.

"I go to gym regularly, Raf. Wag mo nga akong bulahin." I said while blushing slightly.

"Aysus! Nahiya ka pa talaga sa akin!" sabi niya sabay kurot sa gilid ko. Yes. Raffy is gay. "Dito lang pala tayo magkikita. It's been what since I last saw you? One year?" dagdag niya.

"Oo nga eh. What can we expect? Busy ka na ngayon eh." sabi ko sabay tawa.

"Alam mo pwede kita kunin para e model iyong mga gawa kong damit, I have a fashion show coming. Iyon lang naman ay kung payag ka na ngayon." he said feeling hopeful.

I rejected him twice before when I'm still in college. I'm not confident to walk using high heels and being watched by so many pair of eyes.

"Alam mo naman na hindi ako para diyan, Raf. I'm sorry." I apologetically said.

"Ano ka ba! Alam ko naman na ayaw mo eh. Tinry ko lang ulet baka ngayon iba na desisyon mo. Bruha ka talaga! Sayang ang mukha at height mo." nanghihinayang niyang sabi. "O siya, sige, ma una na muna ako at may naghihintay na papables sa table ko eh. See you around, Belle!" he said and kissed me in the cheek before leaving.

"See you!" I shouted kahit alam ko naman na hindi niya ako maririnig dahil sa lakas nang ingay ng bar.

I stood up at naisipang hanapin ang kaibigan para makapagpaalam na. I think I've had enough drink for tonight and I need to clear my mind up for my decision.