The Decision-7

They call him the 'devil De La Vega.'

"We love you. I will go visit you sometimes. I'll check on the place you're staying at," he added smugly. I scoffed.

"Oh, you don't have to do that, dear brother! I know you have more important things to do," I gave him a sweet smile, trying to act cool, but looks like he was not buying it.

"Oh, not at all, dear sis!" he smirked pompously. Seriously, he needs to get a girl and start dating.

After his failed relationship with that Greek girl, he never dates anyone, anymore.

Oh, God!

I rolled my eyes. Thank goodness I will be out very soon. If not, I would end up a spinster.

Well, who am I kidding, I could get away?

"Yes, Antonio." I caved in, trying to hold the urge of rolling my eyes.

It's becoming my habit.

As soon as Antonio stepped back, Emme with his playful grin stood in front of me.

"Don't give us that look, sweet little sis." Emmanuel's eyes were filled with mirth.

His eyes smiling, amused at my expense, and pulled me in and gave me a tight hug, too. "Don't you fret," he teased, "we just love to see you, and to make sure you're always safe."

"I'm not! And I can pretty take care of myself," I spat sulkily.

He let out a soft chuckle. "Your reaction says it all!" he pointed out as he pulled himself away, and let one hand rest on my shoulders.

I felt even shorter when he does that.

"Not you too," I grumbled, glaring at him.

I like him better than the other two.

He's the coolest, but at this moment, I think I'm taking it back.

"Just saying our last piece. We will rarely see you after," he snickered.

His last statement made me smile broadly.

"Anyway, take care. We'll come to see you. You think you can get away?" he whispered teasingly, all smiling broadly as he pulled himself away from me.

The smile withered promptly.

He looks serious, and I sighed inwardly in defeat.

"Yes, yes," I replied briefly. No room for argument. I wouldn't wanna ruin this chance to be finally free.

Our family's driver, Carlito, had all my luggage waiting at the front door.

My father didn't protest at all with my moving to New York.

Somehow, he trusted me. Although he looked a bit worried, he didn't say anything at all.

He thought it would be nice for me to learn and experience a different life. I have no idea what prompts him to agree to my plan, but I'm relieved.

My mom was another story. She was the one who opposed at the idea of working abroad.

With a lot of persuasion on my part, she agreed, but only for a year.

I had to compromise, hoping will be forgotten in the long run.

"Señorita Ali, Lucy is waiting for you outside. I got all your luggage in their SUV," Carlito announced smilingly.

"Thank you, Lito," I smiled gratefully.

He is just like a brother to me.

He is almost as tall as me.

Tan skin, with a body that ripped with muscles due to all the lifting, a very hardworking and good-looking fellow, with fake blonde hair. A cute boyish face.

"I wish you good luck, señorita," he smiled, but I could see the sadness in his eyes, the same look Ria gave me when I bid goodbye to her, and the rest of the helpers in the mansion.

"Oh, thank you, Carlito. I'm gonna miss you all," I said, giving the grand foyer another brief glance before walking to the door.

As soon as I got out of the door, all my family was behind me.

I saw Lucy climbing out of the SUV.

"Hurry, Ali!" she squeals, bouncing towards us.

She gave my family hugs and then dragged me to the car.

So much energy, I must say.

I took one last look at my family, who were all standing on the porch all bearing a sad look.

My heart sunk as I waved goodbye. I got in the back seat of the car and settled beside Lucy.

I felt the moisture build-up under my eyelids as reality sets in.