Chapter 2

She's sulking again, constantly staring at her cellphone. She's waiting for a message from Dylan, the man who shattered her heart. She can't fathom how he could deceive her. Two year age gap; he graduated earlier and is now working, while she's still studying.

They were just in their first year of college when the guy courted her. She really liked him, inspired by what she saw in pageants on TV. He was in his third year of college at the time, and wherever he was, she wanted to be there too.

Her contemplation was interrupted by her cellphone ringing. It was her friend, Coleen. She hadn't been attending classes for a week because she was secretly following Dylan. She missed her defense. Almost as if her friend could reach through the phone, she scolded and slapped her. Her friend was sent as an exchange student to Japan, and if Coleen could visit her, she probably would, giving her a piece of her mind.

She abandoned her studies and has no one else to talk to. For her, taking care of oneself seemed selfish. Perhaps, she should have just yielded to Dylan to prevent being left behind.

The pain of her first love, which once built dreams with him, has vanished. She can no longer fulfill the dream of having a white house with pet dogs.

Her parents learned about her situation and immediately traveled from the province. Witnessing how miserable her life had become, they couldn't stay silent.

"Maine, you can't let your life revolve around a man like this!" Her mother, furious, opened her fan and gestured angrily, "What if I didn't bring Ester? Who will clean up this mess?"

"Mommy, please don't scold our child," intervened her father.

"It's just as well if the teachings in the province are good enough; why go to Manila?" Her mother, seemingly unable to contain her frustration, continued. "Maine, I can't understand why you let your life turn out like this! What kind of decision is neglecting your education? Did you think your future depended on a man? That's not what I taught you!

And then, your first love, he left you. Did you think he was your entire world? So many dreams that might now go unfulfilled just because of your heart. You can't rely on one person for your entire future!

And the way you're handling things here, it's like you're leaving anyone and everyone here at home! You didn't think about your responsibilities. What kind of example are you setting for your sibling?

Don't be surprised that I'm angry, Maine! If you want to succeed, you need to change and correct your path. You can't just rely on others and wait for a miracle! You need discipline and determination to rise in life."

Maine feels not just the pain of her mother's angry words but also the ache of a past now being explained to her by her parents.

She's hurting as she struggles while her ex-boyfriend is happy. Each passing day makes her more miserable.

Her parents' unexpected visit signals a form of punishment. She's uncertain about their decision.

"Go stay with your grandma, right now!" her mother commands. Her grandma lives in a distant province with her uncle and his wife. Maine knows her only living grandma, so she's aware where her mother intends to discard her.

Her father remains silent, accustomed to her mother making decisions, with his support.

She helped Esther pack her things, no longer resisting her mother's wishes to avoid unnecessary conflict.

She glanced at herself and noticed the thinness of her body, a result of what happened with Dylan. Her father entered the room.

"Child, we're doing this for your own good. I've talked to your dean, you can come back once you've recovered," he assured her.

"Papa," she hugged him tightly, "why did he deceive me? I loved him, I was just protecting myself, is that wrong?"

"You did the right thing, my child. He's the one who can't understand you. That's why I support your mother in everything. Before we came here, she was crying non-stop, not wanting you to suffer like this."

"Sorry, Papa. Because of me, you've been inconvenienced."

"Your well-being is our priority. If it were just a simple sadness, I'd come alone, but for heartache, you need your mother's support. You know these words might sting, but she loves you."

She grew up with a disciplined mother; what she says at home is non-negotiable. Unlike her father, whom they could still persuade. She feels ashamed, labeled a failure.

Living with her grandmother on her mother's side will keep her far from her parents, and she doesn't know how long. Her education might be put on hold.

After packing, they left their condo together. She couldn't bid farewell to her friends, opting to message them later.

A vehicle awaited them below the condo building. She took a final look at her home of almost four years.

"I'll rise again and come back for you," she promised herself, then boarded the car