Between Us and Our Past

PROLOUGE

I'm walking towards the exit gate of the airport now with my lambskin light beige flap bag from Chanel on my arm that my tita Julia got me as a goodluck gift for my new life here in the Philippines. My parents want me to come back and just continue studying here, I'm not even sure what their plans are but all I know is I am the rightful heiress of the Diaz Empire.

A man walked over to me and approached manang Espiranza. He took my baggage from her, so I think he's my family driver. Sumunod ako sa kanila papunta sa van na siyang naghihintay sa parking, he opened the door for me.

"Dapat pala ay nag-palit kana sa loob, Phoebe, grabe ang init dito sa Pinas!" reklamo ni manang Espiranza, she's the person who has taken care of me since I was young, even before I was sent to the States to study.

I looked at myself wearing a white long sleeve shirt, denim pants and a cardigan.

"It's not that hot manang, I think it's your body who's having a hard time adapting to the tropical weather."

We arrived at home by dinner. I wasn't shocked to see my whole family waiting for me. My grandpa, and grandma is here with my uncle John whom I heard builds and owns a university which is famous for having smart students

"Phoebe!" I forgot to mention my cousins,

"Saint and Santon, 'wag niyo muna guluhin, pag pahingahin niyo muna!" I heard manang Espiranza. They both ignored her and hugged me with smiles on their faces, showing the deep dimples on both sides of their mouth.

"Nakapag isip ka na ba kung saan ka mag s-senior high?" tanong ni Saint. I shrugged.

"Isn't it too early to think about that? Summer palang, chill." nilagpasan ko si siya at dumiretso na sa loob.

Nag bless ako sa lolo at lola ko, next to my uncle and hugged my parents. They are all sitting at our 12 seater dining table. I excused myself for a minute to change and freshen up. Pag pasok sa kwarto ay nagpalit ako ng damit, I'm wearing a white sweet scallop pleated dress. I still don't have an idea why they want me back, I love living my life overseas. Everything is normal, everything is fine.

I don't really mind not having my parents around me, I am independent, and I know they know that. So, this must have something to do with the properties I will be inheriting from my grandparents. That must be it.

Naupo ako sa dining room kasama ang buong pamilya, parang dati pa rin, negosyo pa rin ang pinag uusapan.

"Phoebe, I think it'll be better if you're going to the same university as mine, doon mababantayan kita." naningkit ang mata ko sa narinig mula kay Saint.

"What? I'm 17 already, don't speak as if I'm still a baby."

"With that age, you're still is." sulsol naman ni Santon.

Saint and Santon are identical twins, you can just tell who is Saint and who is Santon by their hairstyle. Saint's hair is undercut while Santon's modern shag. I rolled my eyes.

"Bakit? Saan ba kayo nag aaral?" tanong ko.

"Edi sa university ni Dad, why waste money studying in the other university?" ani Saint.

"Hija, I think that's a good idea na doon ka 'rin mag-aral. Saint and Santon will surely keep an eye on you."

I looked at my father in disbelief. Seriously, what is this? They want me back just so they can imprison me? Napakamot nalang ako sa ulo.

"We're not running out of money, right?" natawa ang Lolo sa sinabi ko. My uncle chuckled too. My cheeks heated.

"Phoebe, apo, of course we're not running out of money. I just think this is the perfect timing for me to observe all of you. Kahit na ikaw ang nag iisang babae sa pamilya, I want to give Saint and Santon a chance to be the inheritor of my properties."