Chapter 5

Lara via

Happy New Year!" The exuberant shout resonated from the man, reaching my ears even amidst the cacophony of celebratory sounds. A broad smile naturally stretched across my face as the night sky erupted with an array of dazzling colors, each burst of fireworks contributing to the enchanting spectacle. What a wonderful comfort it was to witness this breathtaking display!

"Feliz Año Nuevo!"

"Feliz Año Nuevo," I responded warmly to Grandma, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her cheek. The Puerta del Sol in Madrid served as our backdrop for this joyous occasion—a bustling Central Square known for attracting thousands of people every New Year's Eve. Beneath the iconic clock, the square transformed into a colossal shared party, with people from all walks of life coming together to welcome the arrival of the new year. The jubilant shouts of the crowd harmonized with the crescendo of fireworks, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

"Happy New Year, Princess!" My brothers greeted me in unison, their presence adding to the festive spirit of the night. Despite their roots being firmly planted in the Philippines, they had chosen to join the celebration in Madrid, united with the family in marking this special occasion. Their decision emphasized the significance of shared festivities, transcending geographical distances for the sake of familial bonds and the excitement of ushering in a new beginning.

Happy New Year, older brothers!" I greeted them with enthusiasm, receiving a single hug and a tender kiss on the forehead from each of them. A warm smile lingered on my face as I made my way over to our parents to extend my New Year's wishes to them.

Seated at the table surrounded by the entire clan, I couldn't shake the feeling of incompleteness. An emptiness gnawed at me, making the festive atmosphere feel somewhat hollow.

"Can you please smile, Via? Even just for now, let's be happy," my Aunt Matilda, an American like myself, gently urged, breaking through my contemplative mood. The question of why we found ourselves in Spain lingered in my mind, adding to the sense of disconnection.

"I'm sorry, I'm spacing out," I mumbled, hearing a heavy sigh from my brother Logan. I glanced at him and forced a fake smile, masking the deeper turmoil beneath the surface. The holidays always brought with them a bittersweet reminder of my unanswered questions about Kuya Logan's life. Was he happy? Did he find someone new? The image of him with another woman lingered in my thoughts, causing my heart to ache.

Back in the Philippines, our Christmas and New Year celebrations were marked by the presence of my older brother's friends, especially someone special. We used to make wishes as the countdown concluded – him watching the fireworks, and me watching him. However, a sudden shift occurred, and he started avoiding me. It took me a while to admit it, but I realized I had developed feelings for him. The pain of unrequited love stung, especially when he only saw me as a sister. I persisted in my love, even from a distance, grappling with the hurt of avoiding someone I cared deeply for.

"She's happy, so be happy too," my brother Logan's words echoed in my ears. I understood the sentiment; I knew that she could find happiness without me. The realization weighed on me, and I acknowledged that I was replaceable, easily forgotten.

"You can also find your prince charming at the right time."

"Stop it, brother Logan. The last time I checked, you hated fairytales." I scoffed at the notion of fairytales. In reality, there were no Prince Charmings, no guaranteed happy endings – just messy, unpredictable lives.

"Broken, you're just bitter right away!"

"Whatever, bro!" Graduation was only a few months away, and I couldn't wait to be independent. The prospect of living on my own excited me. I was determined not to rely on my family, confident that I could work and stand on my own feet.

"Are you still planning to go to the Philippines, Princess?"

"Yes, brother Logan. I love the Philippines. After I graduate, I will go back. I want to prove myself, not to him, but to my family. I've been away for three years. When I become an architect, I'll build my own house if I have to."

"Your being independent, huh?"

"Of course. I know you don't want to talk about him, but we both laughed and enjoyed the relentless fireworks illuminating the sky, casting a glow over our conversation.

As the New Year unfolded, I continued my routine, watering the plants. Suddenly, Grandma's loud cry interrupted the peaceful moment.

"Lara!" I dropped the watering can, rushing to Grandma's side. "What happened, Grandma? Why are you crying?" Concern etched my face as I examined her.

"I'm fine, my dear! Oh, my brothers and sisters!"

"Grandma, the older brothers are good. They didn't disobey you," I reassured her. The grammar improved, and the conversation extended, creating a meaningful exchange between family members.

They just scared me," I reassured Grandma, taking her hand and gently massaging it to comfort her.

"In just a few months, you'll graduate. What's your plan? I want to know," Grandma inquired, prompting me to release a deep sigh as I continued the soothing massage.

"I'm going back to the Philippines, Grandma, if I become an architect, if I can," I hesitated, expecting a scolding for my uncertainty. However, Grandma surprised me by playfully slapping my hand, and I nodded in response.

"Stop being pessimistic! I know you can do it! I believe in you, so believe in yourself too!" Grandma's encouraging words were accompanied by a gentle stroke on my shoulder. I cherished these moments with Grandma; I felt a special closeness to her. She often admitted that I was her 'favorite grandson,' although my cousins weren't jealous because they knew Grandma cared for all of them. It puzzled me why I was her favorite, considering I was the most 'hardheaded' grandchild. Yet, Grandma's love remained unconditional.

"Yes, Grandma! I'll do my best!" I withdrew my hand, resuming the massage to convey my determination.

"How about your love life, then?" Grandma's unexpected question wiped the grin off my face. The conversation took a turn, and I braced myself to discuss a topic that brought about mixed emotions.

"I don't know, Grandma," I sighed, the uncertainty of my emotions for him lingering in my voice.

"Do you still love him?" Grandma's question hung in the air, and I couldn't bring myself to admit the tangled feelings that swirled within me. "I don't know, Grandma. I just know it's hard to forget."

"Lara, don't confine yourself to someone you don't love and can't fight for. You are a beautiful and amazing woman, Lara Via. I'm proud of you, but you're not getting any younger," Grandma's words took a familiar turn, always circling back to the same topic whenever we talked.

"Grandma, we've talked about this before. I don't know, and I'm not ready yet," I responded, trying to fend off the inevitable lecture that followed.

"When are you going to be ready, for Pete's sake, Lara Via! You want to grow old? Spread our beautiful race!" Grandma's tone turned serious, and while her words were comically blunt, the underlying message carried weight.

"Grandma, I'm still young for that. There's a right time for everything," I argued, defending my stance on the matter.

"Blablablabla! You always say that, tsk! Be mature, hija! We're living in the 21st century! I want to see you carrying your own children," Grandma's frustration was evident, her attempts to set me up on dates always ending in chaos and ruin.

"Grandma, I'm just not ready. Every time is the right time if you make a move. Don't wait for the right moment because it won't come if you just wait," she emphasized, her words hitting me like a stone. It was a wake-up call, making me ponder when I would truly be ready and how long I would keep waiting. He had already found happiness, so perhaps it was time for me to seek my own. I let out a heavy sigh, grappling with the realization that maybe Grandma had a point.

"Alright Grandma, set me up for a date then"

I feel so nervous as I get off the car, Grandma smile widely and I smile at it. You can't find Senior Cetizen cause she always like, just like how the 'millenial' act. She also the one who drove me here. It gently lowered the glass and gave me a sweet smile.

"Goodluck my grand daugther!" I waited for Grandma's car to leave before I entered the huge restaurant that my grandmother brought to me. He said that the boy is a doctor, kind, gorgeous, and sizzling hot etc. That was how Grandma describe him. I slowly brought my eyes off I could easily find him cause he was wearing a unique polo shirt.

"A-ah hi!" I don't know what I should act in front of him. Should I be casual or be formal? I don't know actually!

"Hmmm hello there" he pulled me out of the chair. I can say his a gentleman, he smile and me so it came out with a wonderful two dimple. I prefer cute than gorgeous. I can see how his triceps and moves when he gets the menu. His also has a attractive veins! Definitely! Grandma was right his sizzling hot doctor.

Amid the clatter of dishes and the ambient hum of the diner, I found myself absorbed in observing Drake, the man who had unwittingly slipped away during our meal. Strangely, there was no sense of longing or missing him; instead, a peculiar comfort lingered in the air, an ease that came with our shared presence.

Our conversation unfolded effortlessly, unveiling numerous similarities and shared interests that stitched the fabric of our time together. Laughter, fueled by Drake's infectious sense of humor, became the soundtrack of our connection. His recounting of a failed attempt at setting up a date, where he comically portrayed himself as a gay man, elicited genuine amusement from me.

"Did you really do that? Pfffft," I couldn't help but chuckle, finding his comedic anecdotes delightfully entertaining. Our laughter resonated through the diner, attracting inquisitive glances from onlookers. Yet, in our little bubble of shared humor, their scrutiny went unnoticed, a testament to the unique connection we were forging.

"You're the only one I've agreed to, actually."

"You only agree with me, I swear!" Our simultaneous declarations ignited another round of laughter, and the diner seemed to transform into a haven of shared mirth. The world outside faded away as we reveled in the joy we found in each other's company.

As our time together neared its end, Drake's parting words hung in the air like a promise. "So, till next time... hmm, Lara Via."

"Till next time, Drake," I uttered those words, a quiet determination enveloping me like a gentle embrace. In that moment, I silently vowed to invest every effort into nurturing the budding connection between us, recognizing the potential for a new beginning that lay ahead.

Yet, amidst the optimism, a subtle undercurrent of sorrow tugged at my heart. The awareness that this might truly be a farewell lingered, casting a bittersweet hue over the otherwise promising moment. As my thoughts wove through the fabric of time, they inevitably drifted back to the past, revealing a quiet admission within me.

For the last time, I love you, Cole Aiden. The words resonated within the chambers of my heart, a poignant acknowledgment of a love that once was. It hurt, acknowledging this, but I understood that it was time to let go. The echoes of this unspoken farewell reverberated through the corridors of my emotions, intertwining with the laughter and newfound connection forged in the company of Drake.

With each step forward, I carried the weight of a past love, now transformed into memories and lessons. The road ahead, though uncertain, held the promise of new experiences and perhaps, a chance at healing. As I navigated this emotional landscape, I couldn't help but marvel at the complexity of the human heart and its capacity to embrace change. In the quiet aftermath of goodbyes, a glimmer of hope flickered, reminding me that every ending carried the seeds of a fresh beginning"