CHAPTER 3

Mikaya's POV

I'm leaving tomorrow because the ticket I booked online to the province has been approved. I took a private van because I had several suitcases with me. I will go to the province, to my grandmother's house on my mother's side, she is actually Mom's stepmom and no one in my family knows this. They won't even think that I went there since we never communicate with each other since we moved here to Manila. My grandmother and I were very close even though she and my Mom always had a misunderstanding before, but they said that children should not be involved in the quarrels of the elderly, which is why my grandmother and I are still on good terms until now.

The trip was more than six hours, because we boarded a boat and sailed for two hours at sea. Fortunately, the weather is good today, not too windy. I fell asleep during the trip and only realized that I was in my grandmother's house when the van driver woke me up.

After I paid the driver and thanked him, he left immediately. Carrying two large suitcases, I approached my grandmother's house. The security guard didn't want to let me in, maybe he didn't recognize me. That's why they waited for grandma to come down. She was so happy to see me.

"Oh it's that you my dear Mikaya?"

She assuredly said while looking at me.

"Yeah It's my grandma, Mikaya."

I answered while smiling at her and then I came closer and hugged her tightly. I really miss her. I haven't seen her in years, ever since I went to college.

"You're a grown lady now."

She greeted me while smiling.

Then she ordered some of her maids to help me with my suitcases.

When I entered my grandma’s house I felt like I was back in my childhood. Grandma's house still hasn't changed. It's still the same even though it's been a while, this house is still beautiful. From glassware and giant chandeliers. The appliances here is also updated. So it's not bad anymore. This house is even older than me.

"Come here girls."

Grandma called her maids. Then she introduced me to them.

"Mikaya, my only granddaughter. From now on Myrna, you will be the one who's in charge with her huh. Wherever she goes, you must be with her. Okay?"

She said to her maids.

"Yes ma'am."

They answered at the same time. Grandma’s maid seems to be kind. After my grandmother and I said hello, Aling Myrna took me to my room.

"Ma'am, I'm just outside. Just call me if you need anything."

"Aling Myrna don't worry I can handle it. Go ahead, thank you."

I answered her then she left.

As I was removing my things from the suitcase, I saw a pink pouch. I know it's not mine because I never buy anything in a color pink, I mean my favorite color is blue and white and it's impossible for me to buy a pink pouch. I also don't remember anyone giving this to me.

When I opened it, I saw a large amount of money. Who is it from? I saw a note on the side and I immediately read it.

Hi Mikaya, this is from me. I know you would reject it if I gave it to you personally. Just think of it as my birthday gift to my future niece. Always be careful bestie. I love you all very much.

-Love Bea Anne.

It's from Bea Anne. She was stubborn as always and I already told her that I have savings and that is enough to start a new life here in the province.

After I organized my things I opened my social media accounts and decided to delete all of my accounts. But before I completely deleted everything, I checked my messages first and there were many messages from Justine, from my brother and also from my Mom. I didn't replay any of them. I just want to start a new life. The life where no one will dictate what I should and shouldn't do and I can only do that if I cut the connection I have with them. I love my family and I will never forget them. I just want to prove that even if I make a mistake, I can still continue the things I started, that I can get up no matter how many times I fall.

After we finished eating dinner, my grandmother called me to her room. She asked me the reason why I suddenly came here to the province. Because she doesn't believe that I'm just here for vacation. I told her everything, my unexpected pregnancy which was the reason why my Dad kicked me out. Grandma was really sad to know everything.

"I'm sorry that you have to go through this Mikaya, don't worry hija I'm always here for you no matter what happens huh. Just focus on your baby and I will take care of everything. It's gonna be alright huh ."

I cried and hugged her. She's one of the most understanding people that I know. I'm relieved that she understands me unlike my parents who abandoned me when I needed them the most. I still thought they would be the first to understand my situation. But I can't blame them either. I was wrong and I know it. I know it's hard to accept what happened to me. Especially with parents like them.

The next day

My grandmother took me to the mall for a walk, she said I had to do it to avoid stress because stress is bad for the baby. We ate at a Korean restaurant then I bought a new cellphone. I created new social media accounts and I use just my nickname because I want a peaceful life.

Before we finally went home, I said goodbye to grandma for a while. I was walking to the women's comfort room when I bumped into a man. He immediately apologized and helped me pick up the bag I dropped. He seems familiar, I just can't quite remember where I saw him. I was about to enter the cubicle when I remembered that he was the man I stayed with at the hotel, so that’s the reason why he was familiar to me. Those brown eyes, I'm sure it's him. I immediately went out of the comfort room and looked for him but I couldn't find him. I walked for a while, hoping to see him. But how did he end up here in the province?