Chapter 1

MARIA

I was finally having a great life here in Malibu, California. A boyfriend, friend (I guess), and all the fancy things I can buy with just one swipe. Then, shit happened.

"What?!" I exclaimed. Maybe shouted but hell it made me furious.

"Don't you shout at me. You're disrespecting me with that tone. We're going to the Philippines whether you like it or not." My mom said. My jaw dropped as I saw her packing her kitchen utensils.

I saw my dad also clearing the center table and getting his briefcase from the living room sofa.

"Are we going on a vacation mom?" My little sister asked. She was scrunching her nose while watching my mom packed her things.

"No, we are going to live there. Now baby pack your things and tomorrow at dawn we leave. Thanks to the Ella's mother she told me that they'll be happy to send us to the airport."

Oh yeah, I forgot about Ella. She was my best friend since our freshmen year in highschool. She had that sarcastic voice and mean undertone to her. She was the perfect best friend, but everything changed when my boyfriend Oz came in the picture.

Speaking of the devil, I have to call him and tell him that I'm leaving. Might as well break up with him for good. I didn't want to sound harsh but it was for his own good.

After packing my things and cleaning my room, I decided to call Oz and meet him at the Diner. Maybe tell him about me leaving this place for good.

It was like three years when I took up the test to emigrate to the Philippines. I was like fifteen at that time and I swore that I had  never thought that me and my family would pass the test. The test was just a joke, for me though.

I told Oz to meet me at the diner near the beach. It was our usual stop to hang out after school. Make out on the beach and swim. As I waited, I reminisce on the good things here in California. The beach, the food and the people that I have met. Now, I have to move on and try to be nice in a new state and in a new country. I wish I could've stayed longer in America and enjoy my freedom.

While gazing through the wide glass window. I saw Oz get out of his Black Lamborghini, his slick blond hair was freaking gleaming from the afternoon rays of the sun. It was always hot in the East Coast, most of us can wear a bikini while running errands here.

He took off his shades and placed his hands inside the pockets of his board shorts. He was wearing this ombre pink tank top with a denim jacket on top of it. Over all, he was the epitome of a guy that girls are down to get with it. Well, except me of course.

He walked towards where I was sitting. He sat down and kissed me on the lips. Most girls would go fuckin' crazy about this shit but for me, it felt just normal.

He sat beside me and hooked his right arm around my shoulders. "So glad you called. I was going to tell you that I was offered to race at..."

I never really listened to what he was talking about. I just studied him, the way he's talking and his own cool self.

He had these blue deep-sea eyes, his proud nose and small lips. His hair was a little bit dishelved, but it don't matter to him since he was perfect in any angle and form. His built was like those models on high fashion magazines like Vogue, he was a hunk alright. But I had a feeling that this is not going to end good for him.

"Ri?" I snapped back, I see Oz staring at me confused. I just smiled at him and placed my right palm at his right cheek.

He closed his eyes, trying to feel the warmth of my palms. Then he held my hand with his, brought it to his lips.

Even though I don't have mutual feelings for this guy, I still care for him. When I act up like a brat and all, he'd always be there to calm me down and let me get a breather. We were much like siblings than lovers. It was confusing to me at first yet all the kisses and cuddles from him gave a sign that I should be serious.

"Oz, I'm moving." I soon broke the silence. He looked at me intently and smiled cockily. He though I was messing around. But this time, I had all eyes on him to know I was serious.

"Where?" He asked. He leaned his forehead to mine, trying to break the intense eye contact.

"Somewhere far," I answered.

"Is that somewhere far in order for me not to see you?"

I looked down, trying not to make more eye contact with him. My family knows about him yet they disapprove. I wasn't surprised but I kept the relationship going.

"No." I simply answered.

He leaned back, cussing silently in front of me. 

"Well that sucks. Did your parents wanted you to move far away? Was it because they don't want me near you again?" I was taken back by his choice of questions. I let out a deep sigh and simply answered his question.

"No, actually they wanted the whole family to move out."

I saw the disappointment in his eyes, and that made me sad to see him like this. But he needs to know the truth since I owe him a lot. 

"I'm still up to it. Long distance is a challenge. But still, I can handle."

I see him smile a bit. He really does love me, dearly. But, I don't feel the same towards him. Why? Because I said yes out of impulse that is why.

"No! We need to break up Oz." He was taken back by what I said. I wanted to clearly explain to him that I don't want to continue. But it's so hard for me to do it.

"Break up? No way Ri." He answered back.

"I don't want us to continue. I just need to clear things up in my mind. Just for me to start fresh out there!" I spatted.

"Why would you want to clear your mind when its clear that we're happy with just being with each other!" He said. I sounded selfish for putting him up for my own satisfaction. I really do need to clear up my own mind.

"Please make this as a chance for you to yourself, Oz. There are billions of girls that are wanting to meet and reach out to you. Don't—"

"Are you hearing yourself right now? I want us to last Ri. I'm freaking in love with you, and this is the response I get?"

I faced at the window trying to compose myself. I can't get too mad at him. I was guilty for once because I said 'Yes' to his stupid 'can you be my girlfriend' question. I felt like it wasn't right for me to play with his own feelings.

I turned away, trying to not make  eye contact since I cannot find a proper way of making him understand just once. I want him to know that life will never be easy once he starts with the long distance relationship. And then on I'll be called a great actress for being faithful and loyal to her long distance boyfriend.

I turned back to Oz which now has a questioning look.

"Oz please understand. I'm still seventeen and you're twenty two. You have to set up a strong foundation in your life right now. Yes, I'm very happy that you had a profession in race car driving. But I still need to get my shit together. My family has been through a lot. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, but this is the only thing that I could offer to you."

I faced him with courage, longing for him to understand what I'm implying.

"Oz, I know you're mad. But please if you could just be open about this matter. It maybe not as what you like to be, but that's the only thing I could do. Maybe this could benefit us in the near future and we would both be happy."

I've had my ups and downs in life. Oz know these shits I've been dealing with. Drama was fucking poison to me. It drains out my life and makes me wanna burst out crying at the school's comfort room. But Oz, he's always trying his best to help me get through. And I'm happy to have been alive because of him.

"I know." He finally said.

"You do?"

"But I promise you when you come back, I'll come back to you Maria Sierra Johnson."

I smiled and gave him a hug. I was happy, for some reason it made my cheeks heat up. I faced him, "Thank you."

As the night came, I thought of going home. Mom might scold me for being late again for the nth time. She knew I was with Oz, and my witch sister was the one who broadcasts the news to my mom. How fucking supportive of her.

As I got out of Oz' car, he gave a quick peck on my lips and forehead. "Remember that Johnson." I nodded at him and smiled.

I heard someone calling my name, I glanced at my back and saw my dad with a smug on his face. He cleared his throat and wanted me to come inside the house.

I pranced my way towards him when suddenly he said, "Ri, that guy is nothing but trouble."

"Yeah." I answered and hugged him as he closed the door behind us.

"For sure nakauwi ka ng maaga dahil sa pesteng driver na yan." Mom's voice echoed the entire house.

We were in the living room, dad and mom decided to talk with me because of my "Out-Of-Control Temper".

"Anak, Nag-alala kami ng papa mo. Maybe you'd end up like those kids who got pregnant early." She said. I just nodded at her and told her what happened earlier. I maybe a brat but I have been really honest with my parents.

"And of course my dear mom I am not like those young moms. Though I'd be a hot mom if ever," I saw my mom roll her eyes when I said it. My dad's face went from pale to red all of a sudden. I smiled at him and just assured him that I will not do that.

"Jusmeyo kang bata ka, sana naman ay naligpit mo na ang mga gamit mo?" She asked and I nodded. Sometimes I don't get it why does she even want to move. She had a stable job in the Law Firm, good friends and a well placed home.

I got out of the living room and went straight up the stairs. But before I could go inside my room, I told them, "So is the meeting adjourned? We need to be very early tomorrow and I need some beauty rest."

My mom and dad nodded at me. I started walking to my room to prepare to go to sleep. The day was freaking tiring that I couldn't even sink the things happened earlier.

But it was nothing. Then I fell on my bed and slept like a hibernating bear.