Ysa's POV
Well, for a fourth year Nursing student life is tough. Everything was going hectic for the preperations for a 6 month OJT in St. Theresa Medical Center in Washington D.C.
Lahat sila ay excited, of course! Working in the States will definitely give them a credit, sa Pilipinas kapag may experience ka abroad, walang tanong-tanong, ikaw ang bida.
My glasses created beads of sweat and fog due to perspiration. Kasalukayan akong nasa library ng University para mag-check at mag proofread ng research paper namin. I decided to sit and take a break in the university's wide field where there is an open area and fresh air to breathe.
---
"Remember me, Ysa. I will marry you."
I can feel Kuya Gab's heavily breathing even though we are inches apart. His color light blue eyes are sparkling. I can't help but to feel frightened at the same time happy.
"this might sound very stupid, but I will make sure I'll make you the happiest girl in the world. You will never be alone again. I promise."
---
Bata pa 'ko noon, pero hindi ko mai-deny na naramdaman ko ang tamis ng unang pag-ibig. Years have passed, I'm sure na nakalimutan niya na ang mga pangako niyang binitawan sa isang iyaking 10 year old na bata.
Ako?
I don't know?
But I can't help to hope na sana maalala niya ako. I tried to forget him, pero isa siya sa mga taong nagpakita kung gaano maging masaya despite of my family's lack of affection.
"Ysabella! Yoo-hoo!"
Amanda gave me a questionable and tired look. "Saan ka nagpupunta? I searched the whole library's corner but you're not there!" She sighed and wiped her sweaty forehead.
"Sorry, I just felt I need to breathe."
Tumayo na ako at kinuha ang mga libro na hiniram ko sa Library. We need to finish our paired research paper before graduation.
"God, Ysa! Tara na nga at tapusin na natin 'yang proofreading nang makapag-yosi na'ko! I am getting stressed af." Amanda threw a look on me and laughed.
"Bawal mag-yosi sa bahay, gaga."
And we decided to go at my place to cram all the paperworks we have to finish before the week ends.
•••
Semester ended quickly.
Amanda and I got qualified to fly abroad and experience the medical field in a well known hospital in Washington. I know! Nakakaloka, hindi namin inaakala na magkakaroon kami ng chance magtrabaho sa states.
Mom knew that I got qualified but really never happy. Mom and Dad would like me to takeover our Travel and Tours & Food Business, wherein I never felt the call to handle it.
"Nothing against with your pre-medical course, anak" Dad started. We are in the dining hall of the mansion, "But we like you to be the heiress of our business."
"Dad, desidido na ako maging doctor. Aren't you guys happy for me? I am doing the thing I love. Alam ko na alam niyo na dito ako masaya, right Mom?" I looked at her almost pleading.
I don't want to be like my parents.
"Look, Ysabella, I understand. Pero ikaw nalang ang magha-handle ng kumpanya natin." I dropped my fork and knife,
Ayoko sa lahat ng debate kung saan hindi ako mananalo. They never thought of me and just care about their business. Bakit parang lahat ng gusto ko, hindi nila maunawaan?
"We will let you go to the States, Your Dad and I have to attend a business event there. We decided to broaden our cruise ships to U.S and Mrs. McKnight offered us partnership."
The last name really does sounds familiar.
"McKnight?" Tanong ko na parang wala sa sarili. Dad looked at me and smiled: "Oo hija, remember Mrs. Jennifer McKnight with his son Gabriel?"
"Y-yes.. I do remember them"
"Jennifer's son is a C.O.O now of their Travel business. Gusto ka nilang makita, so you better come, sweetie."
I felt cold and nervous and sweaty.
"I almost forgot.." pahabol pa ni Daddy. "Jennifer likes you to be Gabriel's wedded wife. And we said yes."
Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig sa narinig ko mula sa bibig ni Dad. What!?
Me! And Kuya Gab!?
That's bullshit! My parents used me to broaden their business in the world market. The part of this reality sucks, really.
But...
A feeling of adrenaline straight in my veins knowing that I will see him, I definitely would like to, but not in this situation.
After goddamn 9 years, can he still recall me?
Before I knew it, I've lost my conscience because of the anger I had with my parents and anxious to see Gab, my first love, and the one I still love until now.
BINABASA MO ANG
Girl In Glasses
Teen Fiction"One summer, a young girl and a boy in early teens swore they will get married when they grow up in front of a beautiful garden, with baby's breath bouquet and a pair of smiles full of promise and admiration." --- Isa nalang alaala para kay Ysabella...
