Chapter 3: I Believe I Can Fly

          Miana is reading a book while waiting for her friend to show up. She is unwinding for couple of days now. Making her days’ worth it before deciding on what to do next. It is been quite an hour past, but there is no Gracel who showed up until she decided to call her.

“Mianaaaaaa, wait for me, okay? I am stuck in traffic right now”

“Well, I just checked upon you because you’re not texting or doing anything to inform me tho”

“Sorry girl, I’m stuck and already hitting my nerve with this kind of traffic here in Manila. Tsk”

“Oh, well it’s not a new thing to hear in Manila. Just text me if you are near so I can order before you came”

“Aye, aye. Sureeee”

            She continues what she is reading. Aside from the thoughts in her mind, she can’t think of something positive about the sudden change of things in her life. Confused and don’t know what to think, she looks outside the window and makes herself lost in her thoughts.

                I close my eyes, then I drift away, into the magic night I softly say.

                                                A silent prayer, like dreamers do,

                                     then I fall asleep to dream my dreams of you.

                                                           -Roy Orbison

            One day, I woke up and saw my apartment with expensive things. Things that I never imagined that I can get. I’m still young but I have lots of money and lots of dreams too. Other than that, I have lots of problems; my family thinks that I experiencing a good life now because I’m in the city and earning enough money. But they didn’t know I’m saving money for them. I spend less so that I can save more, sometimes I’m not eating three times a day just to cope up to the money they want me to give them. It’s hard to live by yourself, but if it’s for my family, I will do everything for them. That’s what I promised my Papa. I hope that he’s with me right now. Comforting me with his hugs and taking away my worries by buying me ice cream. Oh wow, the good ol’ days for me. I missed him so much. This is too much for me to bear. Lord, help me. Ease this feeling, please.

            Hour already passed when Gracel came. She saw Miana staring outside and make a scene entrance. She walks like one of Victoria’s Secret models and starts music that made the whole café shock. Miana looks annoyed when Gracel saw her.

“Yo!”

“Girl, you’re so loud”

“I make a scene so you can be out of your thoughts. Funny, right?”

“What a kind of embarrassment you are?”

            Gracel laughs at the reaction of Miana like it’s been ages since she didn’t get the chance to tease her like that. They get out of the café to go somewhere.

Present time: Ayala Triangle Gardens

            They walked until they get a nice spot and a food stall nearby with fresh air because of the trees and plants that surround them.

“Girl, I missed you so much”

“Me too”

“So, how’s your life here? Are you good?”

“Yeah, somehow. I cope up now with all the things Manila is teaching me”

“So, what should be our topic now? It’s been a long time that you got something like this after college”

“Yeah, thank you for supporting me all the way, Gracel. All the things that I accomplished? It’s for you also. Thank you for believing me when no one else was. Thank you and I know thank you is not enough”

“Girl, we’re sisters. I know everything you did for you to become successful as you are right now. Those things I gave you is just a piece; I didn’t help you that much. So, stop thanking me as you owe me more”

“If you are not with me, I don’t know if I can do all of that”

“You’re the one who does everything for your dreams this is it”

“Speaking of dreams, I will ask you something.”

“Oh, you sound so determined. Your aura became fierce. Omg, is this a big break?”

           

BACKSTORY:

“Are you sure about that?”

“Ma, I’m sure. Manila has a good-paying job compared to the jobs here”

“How can you tell? Just stay here so I can have a helping hand”

“Ma, how can I sustain everything if I stay here? You don’t have a big money for my siblings to continue their studies. I need to go after college, so you won’t be stressing your life anymore”

“How about me? Your siblings are still small. How can I raise them without help?”

“Ma, you still have our relatives on your side. I can tell them to look after you while I’m away. You shouldn’t be worrying that much. Selena knows how to do some things, rely on her, teach her. Not just with me, I feel all the pressure because I am the eldest and Papa is not even here. I need to earn money for our daily expenses and the studies of my siblings”

            Ugh, she doesn’t even know what I will sacrifice just to give them everything they need. I will do everything to give them the life they deserve and continue what my Papa wants to give them; a better life, a happy life, a bountiful harvest, and overflowing blessings. Even I saw it as my biggest challenge, I will try my luck after all. I can do this.

***

“What?! Like the United States of America?!!!”

“Shhhhh. Calm yourself. Don’t be so loud”

“Ow, I’m sorry, been carried away with my emotions”

“So, should I pursue my dream there? I’m thinking twice, actually. I don’t think I fit there”

“Oh? How so? You’re so good. You’re smart. You can be everything they want you to be. You’ve come to this far girl. Don’t you ever back down now just because you’re doubting yourself? Will your company chooses you if you’re not qualified? I thought not. Go for your dream girl. Money is way easy there”

“Yeah, you’re absolutely right with that. I worked hard so I can be what I am now. And I can save more money from there”

“Yes, for that. Go for it. This is your one-time chance, grab it while you can. This is your dream, right? What makes you think twice?

“Y’know, Mama and sibs in Bicol. I’ll be miles away from them”

“And so? You’re worrying so much about people who don’t even believe in you. Stop that, mind your own. Build your empire together with the people who really believe in you”

“You’re right. Why will I doubt myself even though I’m in this position now? Thanks, Gracey, I needed this. The words from a trusted and a believer. Thank you always, Sissy”

“You’re welcome. I’m always with you and I’m proud of everything you achieved. Do not doubt yourself, you’re overqualified for everything remember that”

           

            They eat from a Japanese restaurant nearby and talk more about their lives. From the moment they separate ways with each other. Even went to karaoke to sing their hearts out longing for more girls’ dates. The day ends when they don’t have energy to stood up. A beautiful day indeed.

            More unwinding days with us, Gracey. Oyasumi.