Chapter 3: Yesterday

Yesterday...

The usual deafening silence is on, it's always like this when we are all together.

The awkwardness inside this car is killing me. I look at the rear mirror and noticed my step-dad Jorge glancing at me, he looks like he has something to say but he can't even start a single word so he decided to just turn on the radio.

My mom is also sitting in front of Jorge in the driver's seat. She seems bothered about something I don't know. Her face turned into a frown when our eyes met. I have no idea what's going on but I'm saving it for later drama, and how can we even talk inside this car that can be awarded as the most awkward car ever existed.

Trina is sitting between me and my sister Eliz. I can literally hear her heavy breathing right now.

The song on the radio at least lessens the awkwardness.

I decided to just peek outside the window to see the place before I leave tomorrow. I can't help but reminisce all of the saddest and happiest moments I have felt in this place.

My eyes landed on the bench that I usually sit on whenever I just want to be alone. It's a dirty white and old bench that will give you comfort, and it feels like it's telling you that everything will be fine. I hope I will find a place in Denmark that will give me comfort too.

I will definitely miss this long street where I've been strolling on for years, those green plants and flowers peeking outside of the old lady's house are indeed satisfying. I wonder if she ever finds out that I picked one flower each night.

I giggled.

I move a bit so I can look at the left side where I can see the large and beautiful house that has bright lights every night. It's like a moon, this house can light up the whole street. It's glowing.

This house has a special value in my heart, and I will definitely cry if this house will ever be tarnished.

This is the house where I always sneaked out whenever I feel suffocated at home.

I remember I was 14 when Eliz and her dad first came into my life, those are the times when I wish I had a happy family and a perfect one.

So I always run into that house just to peek inside and see how a real family lives like.

I spent hours there watching them be the happiest family ever.

I can still picture them out eating and laughing together. It's an image of a happy family that I wish I had whenever I came home.

Trina suddenly holds my hand so I turned my eyes to her, her eyes look really sad while looking at me. I know that she understands how I'm feeling right now looking at that house. Trina is 7 years older than me but she's the only best friend I have here in New Jersey. She never has a family, Trina was raised in an orphanage but when she turned 12, she decided to leave and raised herself.

She might not look like a decent girl, but she is. I guess this is why my parents don't like her because they assume that Trina will influence all of the bad things to me just because she wears short skirts and dresses.

I admit that there are some situations that Trina's mouth that needs to be sealed.

But she's a great person, and most importantly she is there when someone isn't for me.

"We're here," Jorge said before climbing out of the car.

I once again look at my mom, and her eyes are also into me. We need to talk, but not right now. I'm starving and I need to fuel myself so I will have the energy to pack my things later.

"Crystal, go change first while we are setting up the table," said Mom.

"I'll go with her." Trina goes straight to my room as soon as she finishes running her one finger on the icing of the cake.

"I knew there will be a cake, that's why I'm here," she said while throwing herself on the bed.

"I thought you're here because you're worried about me," I answered in disbelief. She laughs really hard that she can literally die if it continues for another 5 seconds.

She holds her chest to point herself. "I do...?"

I just laugh.

She's just making fun of me.

I go change into the dress that Mom and Jorge gave to me early this morning, I also decided to apply some makeup because I feel like I have to.

"Indeed, I'm here because I know there will be a cake, it only came out whenever you're celebrating something special and you know you can't blame me, no one buys me a cake. Even you don't buy me a cake." She took a long pause before she continued "But I am also here for you Crystal, I'm aware of how you don't like the feeling of being with them."

I was about to turn around and look at her but the only thing I saw was the closing door.

"I know you are..." I answered softly that only I can hear.

This will be my last dinner at this table with my family, so I better behave right and try not to start an argument or else, my mood will be ruined. Eliz is sitting in front of me so I can barely even eat because I feel so uncomfortable with her.

Unlike Trina who is sitting beside me eating as this will also be her last day in New Jersey.

"Crystal..." I saw this coming, mom holds my hand before she shifted her eyes to Jorge.

"If it's not something good, could you please not tell me? only because I need to at least be happy going to Denmark." I said before I shifted my attention to what's on my plate, I can sense that whatever they will tell me is something that I won't love to hear.

I saw in the corner of my eye that mom and Jorge looked at each other again as if debating on who would tell me.

Even on my last day here, it seems like I'm still going to have a problem. And worse, I might bring it to Denmark.

I sighed.

"Speaking of you going to Denmark, we decided that uh..." Mom said that annoys me.

People really need to stop speaking and not finishing their words, like seriously. It's the most annoying thing.

"That... why don't you go there with Eliz? Besides she's also planning to have a vacation there, it will also be a perfect time for the both of you to spend time together." Jorge tried to smile at me.

"He's joking, right?" I let out an awkward laugh waiting for anyone to say that all of this is not true.

"Mom?" She turned her eyes away.

"This is all settled honey, both of you will go to Denmark," Jorge told me looking directly in the eyes.

I can't do anything but to let out a deep sighed.

This can't be happening, how am I supposed to stay with my step-sister? I can barely even eat in front of her.

______

After dinner, I saw my mom in the kitchen sink washing the plates we've used. This could be the perfect time to confront her.

"I can't believe you let all of this happened, Mom." She didn't turn to face me even when I know she heard me. "You know I've been dreaming of going to Denmark ever since I was a little, and now that I can finally have a chance to at least step one of my foot on that dream, you have already plans of ruining it?!" I raised my voice a little, the anger that I am feeling right now made me forget that she's still my mother.

I have done tons of part-time jobs just to save up money for this moment. I sacrificed a lot.

"Crystal, come on its only just 3 days, why can't you just give this family a chance?" She now turned to look me directly in the eye hoping that I will change my mind.

Right. Only 3 days, that's what they know.

"This family will never have a chance Mom. Because in the first place, it is all messed up." I said before I left her.

Little did they know that when I step even just a single foot in that country, there is no turning back. I will do everything to live and stay there.

I didn't tell my Mom because I know that she won't let me go.

I don't know what comes to their minds to send Eliz with me even if they are aware that we're not a better mixture of each other.

Nevertheless, tomorrow will be my most awaited flight. So instead of arguing with my mom and thinking about how to live peacefully with my sister. I better start packing my stuff.

Everything that happened today will then be ignored because tomorrow will be my day.

I convincingly talked to myself while entering the bedroom with all smiles on my face.

I'm in the middle of packing when Trina called me that she's outside, maybe she forgot something or whatever.

I opened the door and I was shocked to see Trina holding her luggage.

"I'm going to Denmark with you." she instantly said before embracing me.

"Uh... why so sudden?"

I can't believe what I just heard.

I know she's been preparing to live with her boyfriend after I go and fly to Denmark. So why did she abruptly wants to come with me?

"You know Trina if this is about me going with Eliz. I'm totally fine, I can handle it myself. Hmm?" I hold onto her shoulders while looking directly at her eyes.

She's about to cry.

"You don't actually have to come and protect me against her. I know you have a lot of plans with Rafael and you should be doing it by now. I will be fine, Trina." I guarantee her that everything is okay.

"Rafael and I... just broke up." she glanced at me sadly before she picked up her luggage and walk swiftly inside my room, left me hanging.

"Does all of this, really have to happen before I leave?"