chapter 7

"Why are you guys packing so early?" mom asked while entering my room. It's the day after my graduation; we were all extremely excited that we all gathered in my room packing our clothes together

"You do know the flight is 3 weeks away, right?" dad said. he is with mom all this time mom laughs while looking at us

"Yes, but we all have nothing to do today mom so we might as well pack" Yassie answered while folding her clothes

"Alright, after that, go take a shower okay?" mom reminded us

"Of course, but mom, yassie is not even taking a bath so its fine” yael’s annoyance

"At least I’m just here inside the house, you? You always stinks because you play basketball all the time, ew. I retaliate as I throw a pillow at him

"Well, at least I always made the girls fall in love with me while playing basketball.” he said and thrown the pillow back at me

"Ew playboy, papa look!" I complained to papa

"There’s nothing we can do baby, we are born with a beautiful face and we can’t help the girls who chases us, he really inherited that from me.” dad said jokingly as mom punches him in the shoulders

"LUKE-" mom is ready to rant about what dad said when libbie interrupted

"What is playboy?" libbie asked, we all looked at each other, we forgot about libbie being with us the whole time

"You-" mom pointed at dad "should be the one explaining it to her right now since it seems like you’re expert about it" mom is slightly sulky based from her voice so yassie and I laughed

"Whaaatt?" papa questioned "it's not my fault that my son and I are good looking and the girls like that haha!" dad said while laughing at mom whose looking at him

"Go on, tell her what that means" she crossed her arms while looking at dad who is hysterically laughing, dad finally gathered himself and approached lib

"Lib, you will know what that means when you're at the right age" he explained

"But why-" lib started but dad immediately cut her off he knows that libbie is not going to stop asking

"Liberty, you will know what that means one day" he said sternly libbie stopped talking and just nodded dad patted her head and walked back to mom which still mad

"Oh stop looking at me like that, you know I was like young that time and that was yeaaars ago" dad explained seriously but mom did not bother to look at him

"You're the one that changed me" dad added and that made mom smile

"YIIIIEEEEEEEE" yael barged and we joined him on teasing them

"Stop that, continue what you’re doing” mom said while laughing "just go downstairs if you’re hungry, I will prepare some snacks downstairs, okay"

"Okay, mama" I replied to her while I proceeded to fold my clothes, mom walked downstairs as we continue putting our clothes inside our suitcase and boxes while listening to some music.

"OMG, I really can't believe that we're going to the Philippines after all these years" yassie stated while closing her neatly packed suitcase.

"I know. I never thought that dad is going to give us that." Now I'm starting to wonder why all of a sudden we are going home to the philippines?

"I know, it's random. Makes me wonder what is their reason. Maybe our business is doing pretty well here already. It's been a while since we've had business talks with them. Besides we don't even know how long we'll stay there." yassie replied we were wondering the same thing. Yassie and I's mind literally work the same and sometimes she's more wiser in making decisions than me

"Why don't you ask them?" yael said I thought about it for a second but I really think it's unnecessary

"Do I really have to question them? I mean, why do I have to ask them?" I asked yael genuinely curious what might be his reason

"I don't know, I think there's nothing wrong with it. So why not? Plus there's nothing wrong if we want to be involved in our business" yael explained and yeah I think he does have a point

"Right. I'm sure that dad would want us to be involved or atleast be aware of what's happening in business too. Maybe, he's just waiting for us to approach them. But that's just my opinion" yassie stated like she's 5 years older than her actual age

"Alright alright, you two have a point. And it will not hurt to ask him. I'll talk to him later" I said to them, they both nodded and continued what they were doing. This is one of the reasons why I love listening to my siblings' opinion, though I'm the eldest I know that I'm not always right and showing that I value their opinions makes them comfortable at being honest with me at all time

"I'm tired" libbie said while walking towards me

"Okay, you can take a nap in my bed" I said as I carried her and tucked her under the blanket. A few minutes, libbie's little snores filled the room while yael, yassie and I are packing and sharing some stories from our childhood.

After 3 hours

"I’m hungry already" suddenly yael said

"Me too" it’s been three hours of packing, since we're all looking through our closets, we made sure to separate the clothes we don’t use anymore for us to donate to some orphanage.

"Wake libbie up, yael. You know if we woke her up she will be hideous." I said while walking out of the room with yassie

"Okay, but stay there!" yael shouted at us

"Why?" yassie said

"I don't want you to eat everything without us so wait there while I’m waking libbie up" he explained, I just sighed and let him this man really loves food more than anything

"Baby sisterrr" he said as he moves the hair out of libbie's face "wake up, babyy" he said as he kisses her forehead

"No" libbie says as she throws the pillow beside her

"Baby, yael is hungry already" he says trying to put libbie in a sitting position but libbie just fell forward towards him and mumbled "no, libbie is still sleepy" in his chest if this was me or yassie im sure she is already mad at us

"C'mon I will teach you basketball after" he said and in just a snap libbie's whole being was awake, yael laughed and fixed her hair out of her face

"Do you promise?!" she asked and hugged yael like it's her dream come true

"Yes, baby. Let’s go outside so that ysa and yassie can eat too" he said as he finishes tying libbie's hair

We all went downstairs and started to tell stories while eating the croissant and pasta that mom prepared for us. After an hour, yael granted his promise to libbie, they went outside the house to the basketball court. I joined yassie at the living room to watch tv. While yassie is looking for something we should watch, suddenly she talked to me

"Ysa, what if we’re going to the Philippines for good? Is it okay to you? I just realized, there’s a lot of things here in Italy that we will left behind if ever." she says, her voice full of worry

"To be honest, I don't know. Let's not jump in conclusions. I know mom and dad they are not going to decide if it's unnecessary." I replied to though I don't know what to think of either

"I know Ysa but-" she started but I cut her off, I know she has a lot of questions that is difficult for me to answer

"I know you're worried about the things you will be leaving behind but we are not yet sure. Maybe it’s just vacation right? but later at night, I'm gonna try to ask them, okay? I tried just to make her stop worry, though I'm worried myself too

"Okay"

"Okay, let's watch a movie now" I said as I grabbed the remote and turned on netflix

After a few hours of watching netflix, mom went downstairs to the kitchen

"Where's yael? They are not done yet?" mom asked

"No mom. It’s been hours, they have been there for a very long time now" I said not removing my eyes from the tv

"It’s already late, we are about to eat our dinner" mom said while cooking our food

"Should I call them mom?" I asked while pausing the movie I could hear yassie sigh

"Yes please, for them to shower before we eat. Thank you, ysa" 

"Yassie, don’t play it yet, I will call yael outside for a minute" I ordered to yassie while getting up and went outside of our sliding door on the side of our house

I went outside going to the basketball court. I saw yael wiping libbie’s sweat. As I walk towards them libbie immediately saw me.

"Oh, come here look at me! I'm so good at basketball" Libbie said excitedly while dribbling the ball

"Of course baby, I’m the one who teaches you!" he said as he wiggled his eyebrows I just rolled my eyes at him

"Stop that, ciano my god" I said in annoyance, honestly, until now I don't know why there is a lot of girls having a crush on him

"Ate, stop calling me ciano, it’s not accurate on my looks" he said while fixing his wet hair from sweat

"Omg. Drink coffee for you to get nervous." I said to him and he just laughed "and I think that's enough for today. Let's go inside, you are sweaty already. Mom is calling you both." I informed them, yael grabbed libbie’s things, and I carry libbie then we all walked up to the house

"Go upstairs, rest for 5 minutes and take a bath then go downstairs immediately, we are going to prepare our dinner.” mom said and kisses libbie and yael's forehead

"Yes mom copy!!" yael said and carried libbie upstairs

"Be careful yael, you’re gonna drop your sister" I heard mama say as I walk back to yassie at the living room, she didn't play the movie which I'm glad

"Let’s continue watching" I said she nodded and set her phone down

After more hours, mom called us for dinner. We all went downstairs to the dining and sat on our respective seats.

"Omg my favorite creamy garlic chicken!!" yassie's eyes sparkled

We prayed first then we started eating. We were laughing and telling stories of us being embarrassed in our classes. Then, there was silence- a comfortable silence I could say, I thought this might be the opportunity to ask them

"Um mom, dad can I ask a question?" I hesitantly asked

"What is it baby?" mom replied

I don't know why I'm so hesitant to them, I don't know if asking them the reason is the best idea but then again as yassie said there's nothing wrong about asking right?

"Is something bothering you baby?" dad asked with a worried tone as he set his fork down to look at me-

"Actually dad, we just wanted to ask, are we staying to the Philippines for good?" yassie asked without a break in her mouth I snapped my head at her and looked at her in shock

I didn't know how to react to yassie then I turned to look at my parents and saw they looked at each other like they don’t want to say the reason. I know my parents, they are easy to predict. I have a feeling that their reason is really important why all of a sudden we are going home. We all sat and looked at them, waiting for them to answer

"We know you’re all thinking about our reason why, you all want this right?” dad finally asked

"Why dad? Are we going for good?" yael insisted, I snapped my head at him too

"Yes," mom said as she holds dad's hand. "We're planning to sayt it next week, but I guess it is right to say this early so that you will not be surprised." mom explained

"Really mom? We're going to live there??! " libbie asked as she squeals in happiness but yael, yassie and I are sat there complete in shock

"Yes baby. We built another branch of our wine business in the Philippines, which is for you. And while they are doing that, they are also building our house in Manila, it should've been a surprise but since you guys asked we'll tell you. It's close to finishing so some other time, we are going to talk about the design you want for your rooms.” mom explained

We all went silent after mom said that. I really want to go home in the Philippines but yassie is right, we have a lot to left behind here in Italy and I never thought of us staying for good. I think mom noticed that we are all silent

"It's in three weeks babies" she started "So you have two weeks to spend time with your friends but of course you have to know your curfews." she said while giving us a comforting smile

My emotions right now is super mixed. I feel happy and sad at the same time. For me goodbyes are the worst, how can you literally meet people, make memories with them then just end it all with a simple word? That's just insane. I've met a lot of real people in the long run while living here and now I have to say goodbye to them just like that. I can't help to be sad, and I can see from yassie and yael’s eyes.

After few minutes of silence, I decided to stand up and bring my plate on the sink then yassie followed. After that I kissed mom and dad's cheeks and went upstairs without saying anything and walk upstairs. I'm still in shock.

As I went inside my room, I showered and put my pjs on and went downstairs again to get some snacks for me if ever I will feel hungry. I lay down on my bed and I called my best friend Mika and we talked like we always do.

"Hey! What up! How are you?" Mika asked, I can see her smile that went off after seeing me

"I'm good" I answered while I tried to smile

"You sure? No you're not okay. Why did I even asked, but what's the matter?" mika’s concern

"I just feel anxious I don't know why but don't worry about me, I'm good" I said honestly to her, her eyes filled with more worry now

Mika and I talked till dawn. It's new for me because I have not yet reached the dawn. I only reached this late because I feel like I needed someone to talk to. We talked continuously until one of us falls asleep. I did not tell her yet, I think it’s right if I will tell mika in person with felicite and theo.

THE NEXT DAY

Mom woke us up because we have something to do regarding our departure. I stand up already even I feel sleepy and headed to the bathroom to fix myself and get dressed. I go downstairs to have my breakfast and I saw my siblings on the countertop eating their breakfast and I joined them.

"Good morning baby lib"

"Good morning ate! Come here eat your breakfast beside me!" she said as she hugs and smiles at me, honestly, libbie's smile can brighten up anyone's day

"Where's mom and dad?" I asked them

"I think they are preparing some papers in their room, mom prepared our breakfast though" yassie answered while eating mouthful of cereal

"Ate, you good about this?" yael asked sadness still evident in his voice

"Well I am sad. But we don't have any choice, yael. Whether we like it or not we are going home and I think it's the best for us to go in the Philippines. When you knew about it, you were so happy?" I replied to him even I'm sad and confused too

"I know, ate ysa. Yes I’m happy but, of course I don’t want to leave the things I started here. Especially my teammates and classmates I’m with for years"

"I know. Don't be sad. We all grew up here but we will get used to in the Philippines, and maybe we will fulfill our dreams there right? We should always be open to new beginnings and chances, right? And we are all together. Don’t be so dramatic, ciano." I explained to him making sure that yassie can hear

"Ateee!!" he exclaimed while I messed up his hair I just laughed at him then he slap my hand, I don't know if it's for the hair or because I called him ciano either way I love teasing him

"You guys ready?" dad asked suddenly

"We all have to prepare this week. Your medical, transfer papers and all but the other papers, your dad and I fixed it so that for the next two weeks spending time with your friends." mom explained. Though they both have secretaries at assistants that can manage this, they want us to learn simple essential things like this.

We sat down at the car, as usual dad drove us even though we have driver he loves to drive especially if we are complete. I sat in the middle because the aircon from the middle is strong; yassie was on my right with her earpods on and of course, libbie on yael's lap on my left.

This is going to be a loooong day.

Couple of hours later

We had 4 stops; each stop took us almost 2 hours since we have a lot of task including fixing libbie’s papers, which is a bit more intricate. We left the house at around 10 and it's almost 7 when we left our last stop which is in passport. We were all exhausted as we stepped in to the car, luckily there’s food stands outside the buildings that we went to that is why we didn’t feel and didn't have to deal with a hungry libbie.

During the car ride, Libbie was laying down on yael also on my lap while yassie is leaning against the window. I could feel exhaustion through my body and I let my head fall on yael's shoulder, I was expecting him to push me away but he just held my head with his other hand and let me sleep. He might be an idiot but he for sure is a gentleman.

"HEY WAKE UP!" he suddenly shouted right in my ear.

Yeah I take that "gEntlEmAn" back

"YOUR SALIVA IS DRIPPING! IT’S GROSS" he said while moving his shoulder away making me fall on the door of the car and hit my head

"OUCH!!!! CIANO!!!" I said wincing in pain I looked at him I could see him controlling his laughter and libbie laughing loudly on his lap

"Oops" he said sarcastically "You've been asleep for an hour ate ysa, we are near the house!" he explained through laughs

“Can’t wake me up properly?! HA?!" I shouted at him but he just kept laughing which makes me mad even more I could feel my blood boil-

"Stop that, we are home already. Go wake yassie up" I hear mom say I could feel her tiredness through her voice "Woke her properly" she added and I looked at yael

"'that’s-" I was about to tease yael but mama was not having it

"Ysa, stop that baby. Wake yassie up" she said looking at me through the rear mirror.

The car was parked and yael and libbie was leaving the car already. I kissed yassie's cheek, she immediately groaned

"Ew, ate ysa! You can wake me up without kissing me!" she said while wiping her face with her jacket

“You should be grateful that I woke you up and that I kissed you." I said, yassie doesn't like affection that much specially when you surprised her like that but I find her reactions really funny that's why I keep doing it

"Whatever" as she opens the door and walks out

As we got home, we all went straight to our rooms. I took a quick bath and sat on my bed waiting for my hair to dry. And I thought that I should tell my friends so that we can spend more time for few weeks. Without thinking about it that much, I texted Theo through our group chat that Felicitè graciously named "pazzi" which means crazy people in Italian.

Pazzi

Me: Hi guyssss! Can I have a little time?

Felicite replied so fast

Felicitè: hey! yes of course , what's up?

I laughed at them they really can't stop teasing me and theo even though it was yearsss ago, but I'm really gonna miss it. Especially them I’m going to miss them so much. I decided to pour out all my drama in life. So I shut my phone off and fell asleep.

The next day

I woke up and looked at the clock 7:23 whAAATTT why did I wake up so early?? I decided to stay in bed for few minutes and open my phone, I looked through my messages, there's a couple from mika and our group chat, I decided to look through the group chat first

Pazzi

11:34pm

Marie: Hello, jgh! What did I miss? 

I laughed while reading the messages, Theo loves teasing people but doesn't love being teased, but I mean who does? But I can't help but notice mika's tone in her messages, she knows me most and I know she knows something is up with me. I then realized that I have a message mika so I opened it

11:40pm

Mika: Hey? 

I was smiling while reading through the messages when I felt a tear slide down my cheek I'm so lucky to have these kind of people and it hit me, I'm just going to leave them just like that? Should I even say good bye to them? Or will I just disappear? All I know is I don't want to hurt them. I don't even know if I can look them in the eyes, is hanging out the best idea? Ugh! I don't know what to do!

I wiped my tears then went to bathroom, brushed my teeth and washed my face. I went downstairs and went to the kitchen for breakfast, everyone is asleep so I decided to eat alone at the sofa, I walk pass the pool and I saw dad drinking his coffee alone so I decided to join him.

"Hi pa" I said opening the glass sliding door

"Oh? You woke up so early" He says putting his phone down

"I don’t actually know why I woke up this early dad." I said while eating a mouthful of cereal

"You are going out with marie today, right?" Hay dad reminded it, how am I supposed to control my tears in front of him, but do I have to still go to that? How am I supposed to say that we only have 3 more weeks together? I think it's not too late to cancel-

"Ysabella??? Are you okay??" He said looking at me in worry; I did not realize that I was just staring somewhere with a spoon filled with cereal and milk in my hand

"Uh, yeah" I lied

"Tell me, what's up?" He said, voice full of worry

"I don't know" I honestly replied

"Don't know what?"

"I don't know if I should tell them I'm going home to the Philippines and never see them again, I don't know if I should hang out with them more because I don't want to get more attached, I don't know I don't know... I don't know what to do I don't-" I said rambling all my words, I can feel my tears falling on my cheeks

"Okay, calm down. Listen to me, okay?" he says calmly

"Saying good byes is part of our life; you don't have to be afraid of it. You guys have been friends for as long as I can remember and I know you have created a strong bond, a bond that only true friends have, if they're really your friends that bond will never break no matter how close or far you are. Think of it this way, you guys are already in college, all of you will open a new chapter in your lives, right? And your chapter is moving in the Philippines, it's their choice if they want to be in that chapter or be left on the previous one. No matter what, you have to keep reading. It's okay to be sad, but don't let it consume you and eat away your life and lose the people around you, okay?" he explains to me and he was right, I wipe my tears away- wait what? I was crying the whole time?

"Omygod I'm sorry-" I said wiping my tears away

"It's okay to cry, ysa. I know you're a strong young lady, even the strongest woman can cry too, baby." he says holding my hand with an encouraging smile

"You're going to be okay. You guys are gonna be okay." he declared and that assurance meant a lot to me, I felt relived after he said that completely and I finally smiled, we'll be okay.

"I'm sorry, should have said it to you guys sooner. What I had in mind is excited you my babies are excited. I didn't think through it that much. Now it’s hard for all of you.” he says full of regret

"It's okay, pa. If you said it sooner I wouldn't have enjoyed the last school days with them and I think that's a bigger lost." I replied to him, and it's true for sure that I can’t look at them straight especially marie without crying. "But I do wish you get us more involved in our business" he looked at me in shock, oh no am I interfering with our business and it caught him off guard-

"I've been waiting for one of you to say this to me" he says and I look at him in shock but he smiles and continues "I don’t want to insist our business to you and your siblings at the end of the day your dreams are much more important for me. And you requesting that means so much to me"

"Thank you, pa. I think I should let you know that even yassie is interested" and his smile widens wow making your parents happy with simple things like this is priceless

"Thank you. Let's talk some other time about this okay? You’re going right? Remember what I just told you earlier ysabella, okay?" he replies his smile still not leaving his face

"Thank you, pa. That really helped to clear my mind" I said to him, I looked at my phone and it's almost 9

"Pa, I’ll go take a bath. I’m going out with my friends. I think today is the day that I should tell them to have a few weeks together" I told him while standing from the chair

"Okay, I'll extend your curfew until 10 for now-" he said and I squealed with joy usually they only allows me at 8

"YES! THANK YOU DAD-"

"Hold on I’m not yet finished, you should bring kuya jack with you" kuya jack is our driver and I don't have any problem with it because he usually just stays in the car and parks near us for him to watch me and it doesn't bother me that much

"OKAY! That's fine with me! I'll go upstairs, I’m picking up Felicitè" I said running back inside the house, why do I feel like a little kid that granted her wish?

"Be careful!!" I hear that shout as I ran up the stairs I just shouted an "okay" back and went straight to the bath.

I took a 20minute shower and blow dry my hair. I don't like putting a lot of makeup, I feel really itchy and it annoys me so much so I just stick with a bit of lip tint and powder. Then, I picked up an outfit, hmmm... I feel like it's going to be hot out so I'm gonna wear this flowy dress with some sandals and a head band, I looked at myself in the mirror and I know there's something missing, I don’t have necklace! So I went at the very back of my walk in closet and got my jewelry box, I picked the necklace mom got me, it's a simple gold butterfly necklace and I think that completes my look.

I went to seat in my bed seeing it's 9:15 already, so I got my phone and texted them on the group chat

Pazzi

Me: morning guys!!! Please don’t forget about our hangout today hahaha

WAIT WHAT?? I just went to the garage and suddenly I have a bf???? Felicite is teasing me again, marie did believe her! felicite is insane. I immediately replied

Me: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT FELICITÈ 

I knew it, She’s been active I’m pretty sure she’s still choosing her outfit, we're not even close to her I just want her to be ready as soon as we get there. I shut my phone of and listened to music.

"Ma'am we are almost there at ma’am Felicitè" kuya jack said, suddenly, I didn’t even noticed that we are actually nearby felicite’s I was distracted about the scenery at my window.

"Kuya you don’t have to call me ma’am remember?" I reminded him, it makes me uncomfortable specially he is older than me

"I’m too shy ma’am, you’re still my boss nahihiya" he replied while scratching his head

"It doesn’t matter kuya, you’re still older than me." I explained to him

"Okay, I can’t do anything about it, if that’s what you want " he said smiling at me

"Thank you" I smiled back "I'll really miss the roads here, it's beautiful" I said while looking at the trees outside my window

"It’s true, ma'am-" he said corrected himself "Oh ysabella I meant" I laughed at him and he continued "in manila, all you can see is traffic and buildings”

"Really? I thought it's full of mango trees and also nipa hats then at the road is playground for the kids?" I asked genuinely curious because it's how mama and papa described it to us

"Oh, yah but at some other provinces, they don’t have that kind of roads nowadays. Maybe ma’am and sir grew up having those that is why that is story they told you

"Yeah, I’m pretty sure too. We are all excited about their stories but we don’t know the appearance of their childhood home." he nodded "But how did you know about the situation of the Philippines when you have been staying here for 12 years?” I asked

"I always talk to my wife at the Philippines; she always tells me what is happening in the Philippines. She is really excited because I will be going home to the Philippines with my work." he said and I could see his excitement through his eyes

"That's good! I want to meet your children and wife too" it's true, they seem nice and i don't know I want to hear their stories too

“Yes, I’m sure my children will also feel excited. They idolize you

"What? Why would they idolize me kuya?" I asked in shock, why would someone look up at me?

"They saw your pictures last time when you did modeling here in Italy." he said laughing, probably because of the expression on my face

"That is long time ago, I think I was just 9 or 8 at that time" that made me smile, that made me realize how much I loved modeling when I was little, I just stopped to focus on my studies, not gonna lie I kind of miss it specially the people I met there

"We’re here already" kuya jack said, I grabbed my phone and called Felicitè then I see a talk running figure running down the stairs, I opened my window

"Why are you running?" as soon as I said that, she tripped herself luckily she is not hurt

"Please don't die!!!" I shouted and she just continued running until she reaches the car, I opened the door and she hugged me her cologne filling up my nose

"Ew! Your perfume is really strong" I said while I wipe my nose ugh! Her perfume gives me a headache all the time

"Hi, nice to see you too!" She said sarcastically

"Sorry its really strong, Felicitè. What? You showered it all over your body?" I said haft joking

"Whatever, hi kuya jack!" she said enthusiastically

"Hi, ma'am! Put your seatbelt on so that we can go." he said and felicitè immediately fastened her seatbelt, I took my phone and sent a message to them

Pazzi

Me: hi guys I’m with felicitè already, we’re on our way to the cafe! 

Then I locked my phone and we asked kuya jack questions.

15minutes later (10:05)

"Aaannndd we're heeereee" felicitè declared as she stretches going out of the car

"Ma'am, I’m going to stay here at 2nd block, If you need anything just call me." kuya jack said before I leave the car

"You called me ma'am" he scratched his head "haha it's okay kuya, I'll call you. Thank you!" I said and he waved and went to the other side of the road

"Where are they?" felicitè said, we have the same question

"I thought theo is already here” I asked her and she shrugged so I took my phone out and called them through the group chat

"Hi, I'm here! I’ve been waiting for so long" I heard marie's voice coming from my back I turned around and hugged her

"Where's-" felicitè said

"Heya uglies!" theo says as he approaches us and shouldered felicitè

"Don't touch me" she said shrugging his arms off of her

"You’re so sensitive; you are actually pretty but you’re so sensitive." he teases felicitè

I turned around and walked a few steps away; I don’t understand what marie is trying to say through the phone

"Hello? Mika? Where are you? You’re the only one missing here" I walked further since felicitè is so loud

"I'm just parking, I'll be there immediately" and she ended the call and I walked back to them

"Hi marie" I said while hugging her she mumbled a miss you while I hugged her

"Hi theo" I said while hugging him too and as I release from the hug he says

"You look beautiful" sincerely and I smiled, theo is the sweetest he always gives us compliments though they always think there is malice when theo compliments me and before I could say anything

"YIE THE MOVES OF THEO GONZALEZ" felicitè suddenly shouted, I knew it felicitè having uncontrollable mouth

"Gosh, y'all are still teasing them huh?" mika says as she approaches me

"Hi!!" I exclaimed hugging her

"Are you okay?" She immediately says to my ear

"Uh, yes, yes I am okay" I replied to her releasing from the hug, why did I suddenly feel like I'm about to cry?

"Excuse me, why wouldn’t she be okay?" marie asked and they all looked at me, I don’t know how to answer them. Like should I tell them now? At the side walks?? Should-

"Nothing? Am I not allowed to ask if our friend is okay?" mika answered. Thank God!! She looked at me with knowing eyes; I looked down thinking how am I going to tell them, I should've thought of this before going here!

"Okay so are we really just gonna stand here under this sun? Ha?" felicitè complains

"Let’s go inside, I missed my fave coco shake here omygosh!" marie exclaimed as she pulls felicitè and mika

I looked at them and laughed, why do I feel like I miss them already? They're literally right in front of me? I hate this.

"Hey" A man voice suddenly says beside me I looked at him and it was theo? I thought he enter the café with marie

"Oh? I thought you're inside already"

"Well, why are you outside?"

"I was going to walk in psh!" and he laughed and we proceeded to walk together

"Are you really okay?" He asked in a very worried tone

"I don't know" honestly, I don't know.. after I talked to dad I thought I’m okay but seeing them I'm having mixed emotions

"Why?" he asks while opening the door for me

"Don't want to talk about it for now. Let's order" I said as we enter our favorite cafè since we were at 7th grade

"Okay, I understand. You can sit with them, I'll order for you" he says with a smile he knows my go to order here so I just decided to let him and because I don't want to argue knowing he will not allow me.

"Alright, thank you" I said as I proceeded to our favorite place which is near the road and you can see the beautiful street performers and children running around

"Omygosh, bella! You wouldn't believe what we just saw" marie says as soon as I sat down

"What is it?" I asked

"You remember the football player that has a crush on you since 8th grade?" she says, yeah I remember that guy I think? I remember getting so much hatred on social media from the girls in our school after he confessed to me I could say he was one of the "heartthrobs" in the campus, but I wasn't interested at him at all

"Yeah? And?" I asked trying not to show how uninterested I am

"He's right at your back!! Look!" she says whisper (yelling) to me, I didn't even turn to look at him

"Okay? What do you want me to do? I already said I don’t like him" I said to marie and she just frowned

"Tsk! Why do you not like him? He's kind, smart and hot? What else do you want?" felicitè asked

"Luh? Why are you guys frustrated? I don't like him, not my type. Did you guys forget the hate I received on twitter because of him?" I asked them; honestly they are more excited than I am every time someone confesses their feelings for me

"That's true, remember that kyla? haha! She really thinks that she can handle us" mika said, while theo is on his way back at us

"I know right! If she tried to drag ysa again, I will rip her hair off" felicitè answered, felicitè is the toughest among all of us but she is not war freak, she will just defend her friends no matter what it takes

"Who are you guys talking about?" theo said while giving me my strawberry and cream frappe and I whispered a "thankyou" to him

"There, they recall kyla again. Remember? The girl who says ysa is feeling beautiful on twitter?" mika explained way too detailed

"Haha! How could theo forget that? I’m glad you did not continue talking to her. But if ever, what would you say to her?” marie asked

"Of course I will tell her to leave ysa alone. It's not her choice if that big tummy football player will like-" he says before I slap his arm

"Shut up! He's behind you!" I said while they were all literally laughing and everyone is looking at us

"I don’t care, its true right?" theo said, I looked behind and I can see him staring at us with his girlfriend, I wish I could just disappear at this moment, I face palmed

“If those people came back at me!" I whispered to them

"Tell me when they messed you up" theo said in a serious manner

"Wow, look at theo being protective and shit" mika said and of course, they always give malice

"Oh shut up, I would do the same if that happened to you guys too" he says and they were all in awe

"Awww what a sweet boy!" felicitè said in a sarcastic way but we all know he's being serious

We sat there for hours and hours telling stories and teasing each other. Then I looked at the time it's 7 in the evening and I still do not tell them what I’m about to say. I sat quietly thinking of the ways I should tell them, should I just tell them directly? Should I tell them through a game? How about now? Should I tell them now??? Okay, I'll tell them now

"UHM" I started and all of them looked at me, my mind suddenly blacked out, okay I can't do it now

"Yes bella?" mika asked, I still haven't said anything for a couple of seconds now and they're looking at me suspiciously

"Are you ok-" felicitè asked but I cut her off

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom" I said and stood up, the bathroom is the safest place to think during times like this, I went inside the cubicle and locked it

So many thoughts in my mind, I feel like crying. I can't even imagine their faces when I tell them. Should I tell them through truth or dare? Should I even tell them? Yes ysa you should! Either way they are going to be said so might as well just be honest to them, then why am I just sitting here? I fixed and mentally prepare myself

"Okay, ysa. Tell them, directly. Just be honest to them" I whispered to myself

"HEY BELLA?! ARE YOU OKAY THERE???" mika shouted in front of the cubicle I was sat, how long have I been here????

"Yes??? I'm okay! Just having some stomach issues but I'm done!" I lied, I don't like lying or hiding something to them

"Okay" she replied a bit hesitant but I heard the bathroom door close

I walked out the cubicle and fixed myself. I walked out the bathroom and the four of them are looking at me

"What?" I asked them

"Girl, tell us now what the heck is happening?" felicitè asked, seriously and that caught me off guard I feel like crying again

"Are you sure you're alright?" theo added

"Are you gonna tell us?" marie jumped in too

"You've been acting a little off today and since our last call you seem like you're hiding something" mika  says as she takes my hand and looks at me straight in the eyes

"You can tell us anything baby" felicitè says as she looks at me with the most loving and caring eyes

"Nah, I don't think we should pressure her-" theo says but I stopped him before we lost this opportunity

"No. Okay. I really need to tell this to you guys" I said looking at them

"Go on" mika encourages

"Uhm 'yon" I started but don't know how to continue I could see their eyes slowly filling with worry

“What is it?" marie asked

"Uhm" and I told myself fuck it just tell them!

"Wearegoingtothephillipines" I said as quickly as possible

"Bella! What was that?? I don’t understand what you’re saying!" mika says in frustration and let's go of my hand, I looked at them and they just stared at me, okay ysa just tell them

I took a deep breath

"We're going to the Philippines" It feels so good to let it out my chest but I closed my eyes I don't want to see their reaction, then Mika hugged me I could feel tears filling my eyes

"Yes! I'm happy for you! That's your dream and it's finally coming true!!!" she shouted in my ears and I feel my heart fall to my stomach as I hear marie and felicitè cheer for me too

"Omg!! Finally I'm happy for you!!"

"Omygod I'm so excited for you I could cry!!"

I finally looked at them and see their happy faces drop as they see the tears in my eyes

"Aww! Are those tears of joy?" marie exclaimed

"No...." I whispered

"What? Why? This has been your dream since grade school!" felicitè asked VERY confused

"I.. I... I-" I said and closed my eyes hoping to control the tears from falling, theo lays his hand on my shoulder encouraging me

"Go on babe we're listening" mika whispers to me

"We're moving there. We're going there for good." I said and there it was the uncontrollable tears falling out of my eyes and soon enough I could hear mika sniff too

I gathered courage and lifted my head up to see marie and felicitè crying in front of me, my heart breaks to see them like this. I could feel mika hugging me while crying. I looked at theo who was sitting beside me who was staring at the floor. Seeing them cry in front of me really breaks my heart thinking when will I ever see them again. I lifted my head

"Don't worry guys, we have whole two weeks to bond. Please don't cry." I said as I wiped their tears out of their faces

Theo grabbed my hand and said "When? Why? How? Ysa? Why are just telling it to us now?" I could see how hurt he was

"I'm sorry, I just found out. Please, don't be sad, you guys are breaking my heart. We will spend the rest two weeks together we will not waste time" I encouraged them and still wiping their tears

"Bellaaaaa," mika shouted my name while crying inside the coffee shop everyone is literally staring at us at this point

"Shh, shh, guys. It's fine. Nothing will be lost. Don't cry, stop it." I stand up and hugged each one of them they also stand up and we group hugged in the middle of the cafe, after few minutes we all stopped crying and just sat there.

The next few hours was us talking about the things we should do in 2 weeks, going to the beach, museums, movies, theatres and just the things we do that we all have fun. The things that I will miss more than anything. I tried not to cry while we talked, because if I do I know they will cry too.

While talking, I decided to check my phone and oh lord! My parents already calling me. I saw 7 missed calls from mom 11 missed calls from dad and a ton more text messages from them and kuya jack. I saw kuya jack approaching us at the cafe

"Ma'am Ysa, excuse, your parents is asking if we are on our way home. kuya jack said

"Okay, I already texted them and I’m going out in a few." I said as I talked to my friends finally they stopped crying

"Guys, I know it's hard for all of us. As I said, we have two more weeks together. Don't think about me going to the Philippines. Let’s all think about our pjs that we are going to wear for our sleepover at the house." joking only marie and felicitè chuckled. We hugged again as I said goodbye to them

"I should get going." I said. I saw theo’s tears falling down his cheeks, I decided to approach him. "Theo, stop being so dramatic. I’m just going home." I said as I slap his shoulder. He pulled me into a tight hug to the point I couldn't even breathe

"Theo we are not even at the airport." I said as I hug him back and ruffled his hair, he slightly laughed and let go of me

"Bye, guys. Let's talk on our group chat about some of our plans for the rest of the weeks. Take care all of you. Drive safely." I said as I walk out of the door.

I can still see them from outside the café waving their hands and saying goodbye. I seem to see what will happen the day we leave.

This really breaks my heart. Seeing them cry endlessly in front of you. Thinking.. When will I see them in this place again? When will I hear the somewhat irritating voice of mika, the presence of felicitè and marie and the masculine scent of theo. I will surely miss all of our late night talks, our spontaneous night outs, our never ending laughters from teasing each other and us being adventurous human beings.

As I got home, the whole house was dark everyone is sleeping, I looked at the time and its pass everyone's bedtime. I walked up the stairs and saw dad walking towards me I'm expecting him to scold me but he just hugged me instead

"I'm sorry if im late dad I didn’t notice the time don’t scold at kuya jack-"

"Are you alright?" he asks  "Have you told them?"

"Yes. I did." I answered shortly as the flashbacks of their sad eyes comes in my head

"That's good. I'm proud of you; I know how hard this is for all of you what you just did." he says as he kisses my forehead "go to sleep my baby, I know you're tired."

"Okay, thank you pa. Good night." I said kissing his cheek and walking off to my room

I took a quick rinse in the shower and changed to my pjs. Before I went to bed I opened my phone and decided to send a message

Pazzi

Me: hey guys! I hope you're all home safely. Sorry if you guys got shocked about my announcement earlier >_<  Please stop thinking about the sad stuff! We'll all be okay, okay? I'm looking forward to our getaways. See you guys tomorrow! Don't forget to bring your swimming gears! Love you all and sleep tight!!

No one was online so I locked my phone and went to my bed. I looked back at what happened in the cafe, their faces, their eyes and their voices I can't help but think about the days when we just cried because we failed at class or lost a game in P.E, the times when all we could think about was just playing and completing our assignments, how I miss being a child. The child that doesn't care about anything and is not responsible for making big decisions that could affect everyone. But then, everyone has to grow, everyone will change and not everything will stay as it is and that's the reality some of us don't accept easily. Learn to stop longing for things you can't have and start appreciating the things you have, no matter how big, small, good or bad it is.