INAL: CHAPTER 3

PHILIPPINES 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

10 AM

JOY

A huge smile grew in my lips as I got out of the taxi, after my mum and dad. Finally, we arrived in the Philippines, and here now, we are carrying our things with is going inside the house. Our new house. Let's call it, a mansion. It is a two-story structure with around seven bedrooms, a massive kitchen, two swimming pools for adults and kids, etc. 

When we have already settled our things inside, mum cooks us for lunch and some slice of fruits for snacks. 

After we ate, mum and dad gave me an envelope. I don't what's inside on it so I open it. 

"Really??" My eyes widened and my mouth parted as I saw what's written on the paper I was holding. It says here about my new school. I'm going to study here. 

"Of course, honey. Actually, before we, your dad, decided to go back to the Philippines, we already looked for a university for you to go to. Also, we already talked to the principal and by tomorrow you can report in class." Mom says with a giant smile on his lips while holding daddy's hand. They both happy with this and so am I. 

"Ah thank you so much, mum, dad. I really appreciate it. But..."

"But? What's wrong honey?" Dad asks in concern. 

"It is okay with you guys for me to stay in a dorm? I mean, this university is quite far away from our home." I say, shrugging my shoulder. It's written on the description of this university that students should stay in the dorm during school weeks and can go home only during weekends. 

Just like in my school in America they didn't allow me to stay in our dorm even if I forced them. 

Yes, that's all I want, to become a dependent person. I want to stand with my own feet, doing something and making decisions on my own, yet, because of my conditions, they are not allowing me to go somewhere alone. 

"Yes, we are, allowing you now, honey," Mom says softly. "Yeah before, we are stopping you from being a dependent person. But now, we trust you. Fully. " She added. 

"That's right, honey. Do anything you want. Mum and Dad are just right here, supporting you all throughout." Dad added and smile. 

"You guys are the best. I love you." I smile in satisfaction, stood up, walk towards their direction, and hugs them.

"And we love you too, honey." They both said in chorus, hugging me back.

I'm much more now excited for tomorrow.

But, all of a sudden. I remember Kevin. Where can I find him?

The night has come. After I ate dinner with my family, I go to my room to rest because tomorrow is about to go to my new school. I'm excited! 

I was about to close my eyes, but then, Kevin's face had landed into my mind. Actually, throughout our flight, I can't stop thinking of how and where I would find him.

I take a deep sigh while I am glancing into the ceiling, lifted up my wrist and I watched the bracelet that had Kevin made for me when we were together in the orphanage.

-- FLASHBACK -- 

"I'm finished!" Kevin yelled in happiness with both of his hands are lifted up. "Joy, are you done?" He asks me, peeking upon what I am doing. 

We are now making bracelets for one another. This is bracelet is serves as our promise to each other that we will be friends until the end. 

"Uh-Uhm. I'm almost done!" I respond happily when I finished the bracelet I was making for him. 

I face him with my giant smile. "It's pretty? Isn't it?" I ask brightly as I showed him the results. 

"Of course. Come on, put that on me and I'll put this on you too." He says excitedly. 

"Sure." Then, we put in on each other. 

"Joy, if the day comes when we will be adopted separately, don't you dare to forget me, huh?"

"Of course. Why would I forget you? We are best friends, right? And best friends never forget each other. You too, Kevin. Promise me that you will forget me. That you will always remember me. That's all I want. Just promise me. If you will going to leave before me, promise me that you will come back here for me. Okay?"

"Of course. I will. I will come back to you, Joy."

"Promise??" 

"Promise!"

---

"Lady marry said tomorrow your parents will go to pick you up. Are you ready?" I say with a trace of sadness in my voice yet, I didn't make it sounds obvious. I didn't want him to think, I would be sad I in his leaving, because this is our dreams. To have parents who will take care of us. 

We are here in a treehouse now, right behind the orphanage building. This is the place where we often hang out. 

"Are you sad?" He asks me concern. 

I smile widely. "What are you saying? Of course, I'm not--" I didn't be able to continue my sentence because he hugs me. 

"Just because you're not crying, doesn't mean you're not sad. Just like how smiling, doesn't mean you're happy. Joy, I will never forget our laughs, our jokes, our smiles, our conversation, our memories, our tears, even our friendships we shared with each other."

-- END OF FLASHBACK --

Tears welled up in my eyes as I recalled the times when Kevin and I were still together.

'I'm sad, and a little bit upset right now, Kev.' I mumble in my mind and scoffs. 'Why didn't you come to me? Why didn't you come? Why didn't you show up?'

I thought promises must be fulfilled.

But then, promises are meant to be broken. 

I wanted to change that statement. Because, promises shouldn't be meant to be broken, since its an obligation of everyone that they should be fulfilled. 

"Right! If you can't keep your promise to me, then I will keep my promise to you. Wait for me, I will find you. I will go to you." I say in a whisper before I finally close my eyes to sleep. 

The next morning. All of my things are already packed up also my self. It's my first day of school and I can't control myself but to feel excited. 

I took my suitcase, get out of the room, and went downstairs. There, as usual, mum and dad approached me and give me a kiss on my cheeks. They always do that ever since when were in America, and I love that feeling. I'm so lucky with them. 

I walk through the kitchen with mum and dad took my suitcase to place it in the car. 

"My honey looks like ready huh," Mum says with her big smile as she packs a lunch for me. She looks so cute on her apron. 

"Of course mum, as always," I replied taking a sip of hot chocolate that Dad has prepared for me. How do I know? Well, he always did it ever since. 

"Good honey. So, everything is set? Don't you have anything else left?" Mum asks me. 

"Hmm. I think, none." I shake my head, unsure. I don't know what to bring and not to bring. 

"Uh-huh? Are you sure?" Mum raised her brows to me. 

I shake my head and smile sweetly. 

"Its okay, darling. I can drive anything whatever she will leave behind." Dad interrupted and mum just nodded. 

"Okay, come on. You might be late." Mum signaled. 

"Alright." I take a bite of bread before I stood up and followed them outside. 

"Honey, don't forget to call us when you need something okay? And I put your medicine on your couch, its places in your lunch bag. Also, I listed all the instructions on time should you take it. Okay? Don't forget about that, remember its important. Forget anything you want to forget, not take your medicine." Mummy relentlessly reminded me as we are getting inside the car.

"Yeah right. I will mum. Don't worry. I will keep that in mind." 

"Good honey. I'm relieved now." She sighs in relief and fastens her seatbelt.

Before dad, starts the engine he turns his back to look at me. 

"Joy, honey, you are the most wonderful girl in the world and our most precious treasure. You are smart, beautiful, talented, and kind. I know you can do well in school. I love you, honey." Dad sweet words flutter my heart and mum's sweet smile makes me become stronger. 

Now, I can stand alone because they showed me so much support. 

"I love you too dad, mum," I replied, and after our sweet little conversation dad had started the engine and drove away. 

The car has stopped when we already reach the gate of my new school. We step out of the car bringing my suitcase beside me. My eyes landed in the whole image of this school building. Not quite different from my school in America. This building is huge and it is five-story structures. And above, is engraved the name of this school. 

"Southville International School," I mumble. 

"Get inside now honey. Good luck on your first day." Mum interrupted my thoughts. 

"Yes, mum. I will. Thank you, guys. I love you." I say and I give them a kiss on the cheeks before I left their place. 

While I am walking through the gate of SIS along with the students who are also schooling here, I can't help to feel a bit nervous but excited. I breathe deeply and trying to make myself calm. 

When I finally reach inside of SIS, the wide quadrangle immediately showed up to me and on its right, the students queued as if they were having a ceremony? I don't know, it seems like. Yeah. 

Could it be... Flag ceremony? 

"Are you new here?" 

I was startled when a girl had spoken beside me. 

A girl with her big glasses on and her shoulder hair level. 

"Yes. I'm a transfer student." I replied. 

"A transfer? Then, I bet you don't have any friends here. So let us be friends." She offers her hands to me while smiling politely. 

"Sure!" I beam. "I'm Joy," I say and accept her hand. 

"I'm Yassi." 

We do shake hands. 

Great! Seems my first day is going well now. 

Yassi had invited me to join the ceremony before we can enter the building. When the flag ceremony has ended she also introduced me to her two friends, Frey at Sammy. 

"Really? Did you come from America? Whoah, I envy you, Joy. Did you know that I also dream of going and studying there? But sad to say, my mum didn't want to. She thinks that maybe if I will study there, I will going to act like a hypocritical student. Hmm! She's overreacting, right? Look at you. You look so innocent." Frey honestly said and followed by pouting, after I told them where the school I came from. 

Currently, after we passed by Miss Star's office. Here we are now walking, heading to their dorm. Good thing there's one bed vacant in their room so, Miss. Star, the dorm keeper here in SIS, put me with them.

"Some students there are formal and some are not. Right? Or am I wrong?" Yassi ask me. 

I internally shake my head honestly. "How can I say this? Hmm but yeah. You guys are thinking wrong. Actually, I have friends there and they are really awesome!"

"Argh. Maybe mum has lie to me. Ah! I'm jealous." Frey shrugs her shoulder. 

"Me too, but since we have now Joy who just came from America, I don't have to feel jealous now. Being with Joy makes me feel studying in Harvard." Sammy chuckles. 

I just laugh. "Come on guys, don't be like that. I'm not American."

"Bringing the atmosphere of America makes us feel that you're American." Sammy giggled. 

We just kept talking while walking, and at the same time, they shared funny stories to me that made me laugh out loud. 

But suddenly, I lost my laugh as my eyes fell on a tall guy who put his gear in the locker. I didn't have the chance to see his face because the locker door is blocking it, but I'm pretty sure that's it is Kevin. I saw the bracelet on his right wrist. The longevity bracelet that I made for him. 

"Kevin?" I uttered and found myself walking towards his direction. 

"Oh-- Joy, where are you going???" I heard Sammy's voice and I just ignore her. 

My eyes are only focused on Kevin. And a huge smile grew on my lips as he closes the door of his locker. I saw his face. 

I'm right. It's him. Its Kevin. It is my best friend.

He starts to take a walk away, so I have to run while calling his name.

"Wait up! Kevin! Kevin!" When I reached him, I quickly gave him a hug from behind.

"Kevin! I finally found you Kev--" I didn't be able to continue my sentence when in a quick flash I found myself lying on the floor. 

He pushed me.

"Joy!!!" Frey's, Sammy's, and Yassi's voice coming towards me. 

Students that are passing by start talking indistinctly. 

"Joy! Are you okay?" ask them in chorus concernedly but ignore their question.

My eyes are on Kevin. He looks at me, his face is wrapped with anger. 

Why did he...

"Don't you dare touch me, again! Shit!" Kevin shouted at me angrily, turning his back at me and walk away. 

My mouth hanged in what he did. I felt like my body is numb, I can't move. It froze in shock I felt, even my eyes cannot blink. I'm in a state of shock. 

'Didn't he recognizes me? No way.'

--