He Was My First Love

It was hot Friday afternoon and all 10th graders are holding Military classes with tickler and 3 inches guava stick put between their chin and upper chest sitting straight and writing the military codes. Their commandant is very strict and other officers are walking straightly in every classroom checking the lines, attendance, uniform, haircut, etc. 1 o'clock passed and everyone was call to form a line the school field. Snappy actions and salutations are made. 2300 all cadets were given 10 minutes water and call of nature break. During Military Training, all cadets are not allowed to talk with the officers, it happens that Loi is one of the top military officers in the school and..... Vhia: I'm so exhausted! how about you Riza? (while sitting and massaging her legs) Riza: Very much! maybe I need to go to the bathroom! (running away) Vhia: (sighing) Where can I get some water here. (walking in the hallway while taking her coins from her pocket and all of it fell in the ground) Haist!!! (having different facial expressions while picking up all the coins) Loi: (standing in the corner, watching Vhia's doing and kep smiling in secret while holding a water. slowly walking towards Vhia and help her pick the coins) Hi! what happened? (asking while smiling) Vhia: (frowning and sighing) can't you just help picking? I need to go to the canteen right now. I'm very thirsty and I only have few minutes left. (looking sad nada worried) Loi: (giving the water bottle to Vhia) Why don't you take this? so that you drink directly and there's no need to buy in the canteen anymore. Vhia: No. it's okay. I'm fine. (slowly standing up and walking so fast towards the canteen) Loi: you only have 5 minutes left, you need to take a line there! (pointing the long line in the canteen) Vhia: Haist! (sighing and looking the coins in her palm. thinking how hard it was to earn those coins by doing her classmates' peojcts ans assignments. she grab the water bottle and ) okay! thank you, but I will pay you in return. Loi: No.no.no. It's fine. I have my spare here. (looking at Vhia's shoes, he bend his knee and tied the shoe laces) Vhia: (Shock and getting flustered. she pause drinking the water while looking at Loi) Loi: (watching his watch. nodding. stand up straightly and change his voice tone into loud and monotonous one) Drink all your water now! and go directly to your platoon! Vhia: (trembled and confused talking with herself) what happen to him? Sir! Yes Sir! (giving her salute to Officer Loi and runs faster towards her platoon). Platoon Leader: Give your five claps to Miss Vhia Fidel! She has very nice knot in her shoelaces! (the platoon group clap loudly. Vhia, stood straight with her hands on her side. Vhia: (taking all her patience and grip her hands tightly and just nod slowly and smiled her platoon leader.) Platoon Leader: Why agee you smiling Miss Vhia? are you happy to see me? Vhia: (she knew that the are not allowed to answer. She turn her facial expression into blunt one). Platoon Leader knew and saw Loi and Vhia, she's now just teasing them secretly. ***Platoon Leader's name is Glenda - Vhia's classmate and friend of Loi. Loi: (as the 3rd highest rank in the school military , he roamed around and checked every platoon. While slowly marching, his way led to Vhia's platoon) Platoon Leader: Halt! (while making her salute, her platoon salute as well) Loi: (went at the front of the platoon and carry over the salute) Hands on the side! Make sure that next Friday, you will come to school early) understood?!" 3rd Platoon Group: Sir! Yes Sir! Loi: Halt! 3rd Platoon: (the group gave their salute together with their platoon leader). AFTER CLASS... Vhia was silently walking towards the school gate, she was really confused the whole day. Then she remember, she wasn't able to attend the holy mass early this morning. She sigh while holding her backpack. She decided to got to the church which beside the school only. She went through inside the church and made a sign of the cross. She choose to seat in front of the altar and seriously staring at the crucifix. ... She thought, it was tiring and confusing day. but what made her feel more heavy is that thinking on going home expecting that there is no enough food at home. Then she kneel down and pray. Vhia: Oh God. I am very tired today, yet I am now happy seeing you again. Can you spare me more strength (closing her eyes). and you know what G!, a lot of things happened today, I know you saw it. don't confuse me okay? what matters me most now is, is there any food at home right now? what my mama and papa is cooking? (sighing).... then, she slowly seated back and stay for a while staring at the altar. thinking the moments during the military training. She shake heed head and slap her face and talked to herself. "Are you insane Vhia? compose yourself. nothing is wrong today. go get back yourself again" she stood up and went out the church and she suddenly stop with shock in her face. Vhia bumped Loi and she almost fell when Loi catches her.....they stared with each other and.... Vhia: ahem! (fastly stand up and fix herself). oh, I'm sorry..(rattled) Loi: you look so serious while walking. you're not even looking on the way. are you fine? (asking with concern) Vhia: ah. ah. ahem, Yeah! Im'm fine. It's just that I didn't notice the time. I need to go home. (attempted to walk away) Loi held her hands and Vhia look back..... Loi: (handed a coin purse to Vhia's hands) I think it's yours... Vhia: staring blankly in his face and to her ghands....."Oh yes! this is mine! why you have it?" Loi: You left that in the school clinic. so I kept it. Vhia grab the coin purse abruptly and said "thank you". Vhia: I need to go. It's very late now. Thanks again. Loi: yeah sure. you're welcome. Vhia walk fatly towards the bus stop and what a coincidence, a bus came so she went up and seated whit a very long sign..... she look at the views seriously and a music played: .... (Katherine Mcphee song entitled: Terrified)...... Vhia laid her head on the bus window and humming....... Loi, went to their car while their driver is waiting....he seated inside and took a sigh.. Driver: I saw it Loi. what was that? (smirking and smiling) Loi: Don't start with me man! (look disappointed and tired too...he took his earphones and listen to music).... music playing (Katherine Mcphee song entitled: Terrified)..... and Loi closed his eyes going home. AT VHIA'S HOME: Vhia: Mom! I'm home! Mom: Oh, you're here now. what took you so long? Vhia: I got exhausted from the military training so I decided to go to church for some relaxation. Ian: (Vhia's little brother) seriously? church? oh, c'mon! Vhia: Can you just stop?! you're not helping (hitting Ian's head) Ian: I was just joking. Ouch! Mom: Stop the both of you. Vhia, why don't you change your clothes and drink lots of water right after. Vhia: Thanks mom. (throwing pillow to her brother) When Vhia went to her room, she got her coin bank to add another coins, but she couldn't find it in her cabinet. Vhia: Mom! mom! Mom: (running towards her room) Vhia! why are you shouting? Vhia: My coin bank is gone. where is it?! Mom: I haven't seen anything there. (roaming and checking around) Ian: (walking towards them) I saw Rhean get it. (Rhean is their eldest sister) Vhia: What?!!! Ian: Yeah! I saw her this morning before she went out. Vhia: (didn't say anything and cried) Mom: are your really sure Ian? Ian: yes mom! why should I lie? Mom: (husshing Vhia) stop crying. I will talk to your father later about this. Vhia: no mom! (crying) just don't tell dad. he mighr get mad to Rhean. Mom: that' s what's suppose to happen. Ian: yeah, you right mom! Mom: could you please stop saying anything Ian. you're adding up fuel to the fire. Ian: okay mom. sorry. (giving a peace sign) Mom: we better tell dad Vhia, so that we will know what to do. VHIA DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING. INSTEAD, SHE CRIED HARDER AND RAN TOWARDS HER ROOM Her dad arrive just on time. Dad: I'm here! what's wrong with your faces? huh? Ian: Rhean stole Vhia's coin bank and now, she's crying in her room. Dad: (confused) Mom? what's the problem? MOM EPXLAINED EVERYTHING TO DAD AND HE COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT RHEAN CAN DO IT TO VHIA. Dad: I guess there is someone who needs to learn a lesson. Mom: Just be patient dad. hold you grip. we don't know why Rhean did that. let's just wait for her and let her explain. Dad: pain in the head! (walking towards their bedroom) VHIA CONTINUED TO CRY IN HER ROOM. WHEN SHE OPEN THE WINDOW, SHE SAW A TAXI DROP SOMEONE OUTSIDE THEIR GATE. SHE RUB HER EYES TO SEE CLEARLY WHO ARRIVED IN THEIR HOME. SHE WA SHOCK SEEING HER AUNT WALKING GLAMOUROUSLY. BUT, IT DIDN'T CHANGE HER MIND TO GO OUT FROM HER ROOM. SHE STAYED IN HER ROOM UNTIL..... Aunt Tessa: Heeeeeeeeeelllllllllloooooooooo!!!!!! is anybody home!!!!!!!!?????? (opening the door with full of surprises. She is wearing red dress with beach hat and sun glasses. though it's already evening, she still wear it. She's wearing spackling heels with huge bag and shoulder bag) where is my favorite niece Vhia?!!!! (checking every room in the house) Oh! there you are my darling! halala! halala! halala! why you look so pale? and sad adan why there tears on your eyes? Vhia: it's nothing auntie. why are you here? Aunt Tessa: Is that what you're gonna ask me? i have just arrive and I am so tired Vhia. (while lying down in bed) but before that, I brought something for all of you. come on! go outside this room! AUNT TESSA IS THEIR DAD'S SISTER. SHE STAYED IN THEIR FAMILY FOR MANY YEARS. BUT SHE DECIDED TO GO TAIWAN AS A FACTORY WORKER. SHE IS AN EDUCATION GRADUATE BUT HAS NO LICENSE TO TEACH. FOR HER, IT'S BEEN VERY LONG OVERDUE. SO SHE DECIDED TO GO ABROAD TO FIND SOME LUCK! Dad: Why are you home suddenly? (looking at his sister) Ian: Auntie! where is my goodie? is there any chocolates? Mom: Ian! behave. could you just prepare the plates? we will have dinner now. Ian: (scratching his head) okay. okay. okay.... Aunt Tessa: Well, brother, I need to rest as well. it's very tiring there and I haven't found my "The One"! Dad: (frowning his face and shaking his head) just answer seriously..... Aunt Tessa: I'm serious. Why won't you believe me? huh? hayyyy! as for now, I am preparing myself for David Tom! Mom: who's that? Aunt Tessa: (grabbing her phone in the bag and let Mom see it. after scrolling his phone) See that?! it's very yummy and hunky! ahahahhaha ( devil laugh) Dad: You're really stubborn Tessa (nodding) MEANWHILE..... Ian: Vhia! open the door! (knocking) Vhia: Leave me alone! Ian: Mom! Dad! Vhia won't listen! Mom: Table is set. let's eat now. (walking directly to Vhia's room) Vhia?.... come out now. dinner is ready.... (slowly knocking the door) Vhia: I'm full mom. Mom: Okay.... but if you're hungry later, just eat okay? Vhia: okay mom.... Aunt Tessa: What's the food for this evening? (getting a chair) Dad: Okay. let's eat. dig in Tessa! Aunt Tessa: Brother? are you sure you wanna eat that food? Mom: looking at Tessa and her husband. Dad: look, id you don'tlike our food, you can now get out of my house now! (grabbing Tessa's arm) Mom: Dad! stop it! Ian: Dad! Tessa: brother, I was just telling the truth. let's be honest here! is that the only food you can feed to your family? Sissy? are you happy cooking those food all the time for your children? you're the queen in this home, why you are letting brother to feed you this kind of food? I mean, there is nothign wrong with okra and steamed fish.... but everyday.... everyday your children are telling me about your food and other stuff. Brother?! aren't you tired of this living? Mom: Tessa.... Aunt Tessa: No! Sis! you have a right! brother, just take off your pride and go home.... Dad: stop it! Aunt Tessa: and why? what will happen to all of you here? you're so selfish. because of your pride, your children can't go to school with more allowance and more dresses. look at Ian! he is a young boy , but look at him, are you not concern if he's happy or not in his old bag, shoes and all? look at Vhia! she's growing up, and do other stuff from her classmates just to easrn extra money. Vhia: Aunt Tessa! ( standing outside her room) enough! Aunt Tessa: Look at your eldest daughter, what is happening to her? RHEAN, THE ELDEST SISTER OFVHIA REBELLED FROM HER FAMILY. VERY MATERIALISTIC AND VAIN. SHE ALWAYS WANTED TO HAVE EVRYTHING. BECAUSE SHE KNOWS THAT HER FATHER'S FAMILY IS RICH. BUT SHE HAS SOFT SPOT WHEN IT COMES TO HER MOTHER. SHE CARE FOR HER SIBLINGS BUT SHE'S NOT SHOWY OF HER FEELINGS. SHE JUST WANTED TO HAVE A FULL ATTENTION AND PRESENT HERSELF FIERCELY. Dad: alright! it's my fault! but, Vhia, what was your aunt telling about? Vhia: (stunned and didn't say anything) Mom: is it true Vhia?... Vhia: Mom.... Dad: (nodding) Vhia: it's just my way of helping myself dad. so that I wont bother you and mom for my allowance and expenses for school. I'm.okay and I'm fine mom and dad.....( head bowing) Dad: but it's still not right Vhia. it's my responsibility to provide your needs and give what's best for you and this family. Vhia: sorry dad... Aunt Tessa: you see brother? Vhia is still young but has a sense of responsibility. anyways, let us all stop this drama. enough with this crying and over reacting. why not let's just change the mood? how about that sister? Mom: Yeah. you're right Tessa. the table is already set and waiting for us. Aunt Tessa: oh no! no! no! no! we will not eat here. Ian! go change your clothes ajd Vhia wear a nice dress. Sister, darling please wear some make- up! Mom: but hoe about the food? Aunt Tessa: we can reheat that abd by tomorrow we'll eat it in the morning. ( holding mom's shoulder) Dad: I'll just wait here. ( crossing his arms) Aunt Tessa: come on brother! don't ruin the night because of your .... oh never mind! come on! VHIA, IAN, MOM AND DAD CHANGE THEIR CLOTHES. AUNT TESSA TREAT THEM IN A FANCY RESTAURANT. THEY ATE A PLEASANT DINNER. THEY LAUGH. THEY MAKE JOKES. THEY ENJOYED THE NIGHT LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. WHILE WALKING GOING HOME.... THEY SAW RHEAN WITH A YOUNG MAN SITTING IN HIS MOTORCYCLE. THEY BOTH LAUGH AND KISS. Ian: Rhean! Rhean: (looking to the group of people coming towards them- she crossed her arms and rolles her eyes while chewing her bubble gum) Aunt Tessa: Oh! Rhean... darling... and who is this young boy here? so cute and handsome. ahhahaha (pinching the boy's cheeks) Dad: Tessa! stop it! what are you doing here Rhean? and you youg boy, why are you here? ( raising his voice) Rhean: as if you really care dad. (rolling her eyes) Vhia: Rhean! Rhean: oh! hi there my little sister! the hero of the family! the good daughter! the perfect lady! don't intrude here. Vhia: why not? are you afraid that your boyfriend will know that you stole my coinbank just to buy your vains?! Rhean: oh really? 'm afraid? hahahahah look at you! he knows it little sister. we already used in a motel (chuckles) right baby? boy: (smiled with a teasing voice) yes baby! Vhia: you really have no nerves! ( s***k her sister with her sling bag) Rhean: Oh! so is that what you want?! huh! ( grabbing Vhia's hair) MOM AND AUNT TESSA HOLD THEM BOTH WHILE IAN GAVE A SHARPED EYE TO THE BOY: Dad: enough! stop it the both of you! Rhean, go home now. Vhia! go! you younh boy! ( pointing his finger) This is my first and last warning. Stop seeingy daughter! and go away! boy: huh! ( run off) as if I care! Dad: Haist! WHILE THEY ARE ALL AT HOME, RHEAN LOCK HER ROOM. VHIA KNOCK LOUDLY. VHIA: Rhean open the door! give me back money! Mom: (slow voice) Vhia.... just let her for the moment. why not we go to the salà now. Vhia: but mom..... Mom: I'll talk to your sister..... Rhean?... (slowly knocking the door) can you open the door? Rhean: what are you gonna say? stay away mom! Ian: Look at that dad! Rhean is so stubborn! hardheaded! VHIA WENT TO HER ROOM AND WROTE A SHORT POEM.... DAYS ARE BAD. SOME DAYS ARE REAL. SOME DAYS ARE NOT GOOD. MOST OF THE DAYS ARE NOT LIKE THE OTHER DAY. TODAY....I'M LOST WITH FEELINGS. I'M EXHAUSTED, DRAINED AND TUMBLED. BUT HERE I AM, WRITING.... WRITING AND THINKING WHAT LIES AHEAD OF ME? TOMORROW WILL COME. SILHOUETTE OF PAIN WILL VANISH. SHADOWS OF AGONY WILL LOST. HERE I AM TODAY, ALONG WITH PAIN AD AGONY... DAYS WILL COME AND THY WILL COUNT. DAYS WILL BE FILLED WITH MANY ENCOUNTERS. DAYS WILL NEVER BE DULL FOR..... FOR REGRETS ARE NOT WELCOME IN DAYS.... VHIA LOOK AT HER MIRROR AFTER SHE WROTE THE POEM.... SHE GAVE A DEEP SIGH. NO MORE TEARS ARE COMING OUT FROM EYES. "MONEY?" SHE THOUGHT.... "IT WILL NEVER BOTHER ME. I WILL RECKONA ND STAND AGAIN!" SHE CLOSE HER DIARY AND CHANGE INTO PAJAMAS. SHE WHISTLE LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. THEN SHE WENT TO THE KITCHEN HUMMING "Someday.. hmmmmm...hmmmmmm....hmmmmmm..." (SOMEDAY WE'LL KNOW BY NEW RADICALS) AND THEN SHE SINGS...."SOMEDAY WE'LL KNOW IF LOVE CAN MOVE A MOUNTAIN! SOMEDAY WILL KNOW WHY THE SKY IS BLUE! SOMEDAY WILL KNOW, WHY I WASN'T MEAN FOR YOU! YEAH. YEAH. YEAH. YEAH!...... (SINGING WILL RAISING HER HAND DRINK A GLASS OF WATER) VHIA IS JUST A SIMPLE TEENAGER, OVER THE YEARS, SHE CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY ALL THE TIME. SHE MAKE HARD THINGS INTO SIMPLE ONE. SHE DOESN'T LIKE COMPLICATED THINGS. IF THERE ARE BAD DAYS COMING, SHE ALWWAS TRY TO THINK GOOD THOUGTS AND SING A SONG. JUST LIKE OTHER TEENAGERS, VHIA IS ALSO HOLDING HER TEMPER FOR ALL THE BAD THINGS SHE ENCOUNTER. WITH HER SISTER RHEAN, THOUGH SHE HATE THE IDEA THAT HER MONEY WAS STOLEN BY RHEAN, AT THE END OF THE DAY, SHE'S STILL HER SISTER. PART OF OF HER IS TEARING UP BUT SHE COULD'T DO ANYTHING ELSE... SHE LOVE HER MOM AND DAD AND SHE RESPECT BOTH OF THEM. THAT'S WHY, ALL OF THE PAIN AND AGONY SHE'S HAVING, SHE CHOSE TO HIDE IT WITH HERSELF. SHE CHOSE TO SEE BRIGHTER LIFE THAN BEING SAD. SHE ALWAYS CHOOSE AND LOVE AND FORGIVENESS...... ================================== ====================================== ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE NIGHT, LOI IS HAVING A FINE DINNER WITH HIS FAMILY. THEIR HOUSE IS VERY HUGE THAT IT COULD CATER HUNDREDS OF FAMILY. NEVERTHELESS, LOI IS LIVING UNDER HIS FATHER'S NAME... LUIS ANDREWS. THE POLITICIAN MAGNATE AND THE STATE 'S CONGRESSMAN FOR NORTHPOINT STATE DISTRICT I. HIS WIFE, LOI'S MOTHER IS CATHERINE ANDREWS - A GUIDANCE COUNSELOR IN A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY. LOI HAS 3 BROTHERS( MARCUS, CHAD & RESTY) AND HE IS THE ELDEST AMONG TEH FOUR OFFSPRING. HIS FATHER IS STRICT AND ALWAYS LOOK FOR PERFECTION. ON DINNER..... Luis: Loi! any update on your school? Loi: (slowly slicing the T- bone steak) "ahm yes dad. everything is fine and we are now busy for school activities. also our academic examinations is scheduled next week. Catherine: that's nice to hear Loi. Luis: you work hard and study hard Loi, you know I mean... by the way, where is Marcus? your brother? Loi: I guess he's on his band practice dad. Luis: band again?! call him Catherine! CATHERINE IMMEDIATELY CALLED THEIR SON MARCUS. NO ANSWER WERE HEARD FOR MORE THAN THREE TIMES OF CALL. SUDDENLY.... Marcus: Hey guys! Wazzup! (directly went to his chair and slice the meat) oh! this is so good! who made this? mom?! MARCUS ARRIVED AT HOME WITH SO BOASTFUL APPEARANCE. FOR LOI, MARCUS ARE THEIR ALTER EGO AMONG THE BROTHERS. HE IS THE ONLY SON WHO COULD GIVE HEADACHE TO THEIR FATHER. Luis: (looking at Marcus) dinner is done! everybody go to your room! EVERYONE STOOD UP. EVEN THE MAIDS CAREFULLY DISH OUT THE PLATES. BUT.... Marcus: oh! wait! mom?! Loi, Chad, Resty! are you done eating? huh! (smirks) Luis: Now! (ponting the stairs. his jaw is getting hard as he is clenching his teeth. He furiously stared at Marcus) How dare you eat a dinner with us without prior notice! Marcus: oh! is this a home or a house of the congresssman? this is not your office dad? why you're so full of rants? relax.... chill.... hahahahaha Luis: (holding the wine glass, tightly and throw it on the floor and slowly getting up and went near his son and then he grab Marcus' polo) are you not going to change?! huh! you have no respect for everyone here! Marcus: as if you deserve it! (looking at hos father's eyes and clenching his teeth) LUIS LIFT HIS FIST AND TRIED TO GIVE A PUNCH TO HIS SON BUT LOI CAME AND STOP HIS DA'D'S HANDS. HE HELD HIS FATHERS ARM TIGHTLY. AND..... Loi: stop it dad! enough! Catherine: (exclaim with great shock and crying!) stop it! stop Luis! please let go of Marcus.... Marcus just ask forgiveness from your dad.....please son.... Marcus: huh! to this man? (pointing his finger to his father) I'll only as forgiveness if he will do so to you mom! (walked out) Loi: Marcus! Catherine: what do you mean Marcus? (looking at Marcus and Luis) Luis? LOI WENT TO MARCUS AND TALKED TO HER BROTHER SERIOUSLY. LOI KNOW WHAT MARCUS MEANT ABOUT ASKING FORGIVENESS. BOTH OF THEM CAUGHT THEIR DAD HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THE WOMAN WHI IS ALSO A CONGRESSWOMAN IN THEIR STATE BUT IN DISTRICT II. THEY WERE WALKING ALONG THE CORNER OF NORTHPOINT SPORTS ARENA WHEN THEY SAW FAMILIAR FACES IN THE CAR PARK. BOTH THEM ARE SHOCKED AS THEY LOOK THE MAN AND WOMAN NEAR. IT WAS THEIR FATHER. HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH A WOMAN. MARCUS WENT RIGHT AWAY AND ABOUT TO PUNCH HIS DAD WHEN LOI CAUGHT HIS ARM. BOTH THEIR FATHER AND CONGRESSWOMAN DAISY BELLA STARTLED. MARCUS WAS SO ANGRY THAT HE COULDN'T TAKE HIS FATHER'S BETRAYAL TO THEIR MOTHER, TO THEIR FAMILY. CONGRESSWOMAN DAISY DIRECTLY ENTER INTO HER CAR AND WENT OFF. THE THREE OF THEM LOOKING AT EACH LEFT WITH DIFFERENT EMOTIONS. Catherine: what do you mean by your son Luis? Luis: he was asking me for another car. I can't give it to him. so hardheaded! (walked out and went to their office room) Catherine: (sighs....thinking seriously... she have lots of thoughts coming in and out) ====================================================================================== Loi: Marcus. Marcus: what? don't you have anything to say? huh? Loi? Loi: are you thinking? this is not the right time to spill all of those things bro! Marcus: then when? when Mom will find out that we are keeping secrets from her? when mom will be having another heart attacked?! Loi: That's what I really mean Marcus! we know that mom is not in good condition. you will just make her feel all the pain and let her suffer. then what will happen? do you think she will accept all of those things? she will never endure the pain alone Marcus. she will not. Marcus: (grasping his face with his two hands) I am just tired of this Loi. pretending all the time. I just felt sorry for mom... Loi: I understand Marcus. let's just take our time. we'll find perfect time when we can open it to mom. and for now, let's just keep this away from Chad too. THEY DON'T KNOW THAT THEIR MOM IS JUST LISTENING OUTSIDE THEIR ROOM. CATHERINE BURST INTO TEARS AND WENT DIRECTLY TO THEIR GARDEN. SHE SOBS QUIETLY. .... THE NIGHT IS DARK AND COLD. LOI STARING AT THE STARS AND THE MOON. HE THOUGHT A LOT OF THINGS AND SIGH DEEPLY WITH HANDS ON HIS POCKETS. (LOI IS A KIND SON, BROTHER AND FRIEND. HE INTEND KEEP EVERYTHING IN HIS SELF NAD ANALYZE THINGS OIT BEFORE MAKINHG DECISIONS. AS THE ELDEST IN THE SIBLINGS, HE CANNOT DO ANYHTING BY ANY MISTAKE AS HIS TWO BROTHERS ARE LOOKING UP TO HIM. SAME WAY WITH HIS PARENTS. ESPECIALLY HIS DAD. HIS DAD SETS HIM TO BE THE NEXT CONGRESSMAN IN THE FUTURE. BUT MOST OF ALL, HE DOESN'T WANT TO FAIL FOR HIS MOM. HE WANT TO DO EVERYTHING FOR HIS MOM) SAME WAY, VHIA WAS LOOKING AT THE STARS AND THE MOON. SHE WAS COUNTING BACK AND FORTH BUT SHE CAN'T COUNT THEM ALL. SHE WAS FEELING COLD BECAUSE OF THE BREEZE OF THE AIR, AND THEN SHE THOUGHT A LOT OF THINGS. SHE KNEW THAT RHEAN TOOK ALL HER MONEY BUT WHAT SHE COULD DO? IT'S JUST A MONEY. SHE WILL NEVER CHANGE IT FOR HER SISTER. MONEY CAN BE REPLACED ANYTIME. BUT HER SISTER, NOT. SHE BETTER KEEP HER DISAPPOINTMENTS. (LOI IS A QUIET ONE TEENAGER. SHE ONLY HAD FEW FRIENDS. SHE SELECT PEOPLE TO BE WITH WHO ARE SIMPLE LIKE HER. THOUGH SHE'S QUIET, SHE ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT SHE CAN SPEAK CONFIDENTLY WHAT INSIDE HER. SHE'S HONEST AND SMART) THE NIGHT IS SO LONG..... ALOT OF THINGS HAPPENED TO THE BOTH THEM. LOI AND VHIA HAD DIFFERENT STRUGGLES ON THAT DAY, BUT THY REMAIN GOOD SON AND DAUGHTER. THE NEXT DAY..... AT LOI' S HOME: Catherine: breakfast is ready boys! (acting like nothing happened. she prepared food and packlunches for her thress sons) Luis: is there anything for me hon? (trying to be sweet...he is about to kiss her cheeks but Catherine refuses.... he wondered) Chad: wow! that's a lot of food mom! Loi: you're look excited Chad! Chad: ofcourse brother. I love whenever we share meal. we are all complete! MARCUS WEN TO THE TABLE WITH NO WORDS. HE KISSED HER MOM AND TAP HIS BROTHERS BUT HE NEVER GAVE A SINGLE LOOK TOO HIS FATHER. Catherine: Marcus, why don't you eat this one? pork briskette. your favorite! (haned two slices to Marcus' plate) how about this fish fillet? ofcourse to my handsome big son, Loi! and to my little dinosaur, Chad! you have your fried chicken! Chad:you're really so good mom! Dad is so lucky to have you. we are all lucky having you as our mom! LUIS, MARCUS AND LOI LOOKING AT EACH OTHER QUEITLY. WHILE CATHERINE SMILE SWEETLY TO HER SON. Catherine: eat up boys! the car is waiting. okay? and she sat finely on her chair. by the way! boys! I e- mailed my resignation letter to the school. Mom is jobless now and can focus to the three of you. and of course, I can visit your dad everyday. how's that Luis? LUIS WAS SHOCKED THAT HE WAS ABOUT TO CHOKE HIS FOOD. AND MARCUS SMIRKS WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE. LOI, WAS LOOKING AT HIS MOM WITH A SMILE TOO. Luis: yes it's fine hon. we can have more time eveyrday with the kids and ofcourse we can also have our time together. Catehrine: I can bring you food everyday now hon. (smiling sarcastically) AT VHIA'S HOME: THEY WERE ALL HAVING THEIR BREAKFAST EXCEPT FOR RHEAN WHO IS STILL IN HER ROOM, SLEEPING. THEY CHIT-CHAT AND LAUGH. Dad: okay let's go everyone! It's time for work and school! Ian: Okay dad! bye mom! Vhia: mom, we'll go ahead! how about you Aunt Tessa? Aunt Tessa: I'll just stay here the whole day and watch TV. I'm so tired and stressed yesterday. how about that Sissy? Mom: okay bye kids! ah me? oh well, I will just watch TV too. hahahahah AT SCHOOL... LOI WAS TEH ASSIGNED SCOUT TO POST WITH THE SCHOOL GUARD. LOI HANDLE ONE PATROL GROUP TO CHECK THE UNIFORM, ID'S AD ATTENDANCE OF THE STUDENTS. IT IS THEIR PROGRAM OF HELPING THE SECURTY GUARDS LESSEN THEIR BURDEN OF LATE COMERS EVERYDAY. VHIA ENTERS THE GATE NAD CHECKED BY LOI'S BEST FRIEND, HENRY. Henry: Hi Vhia! Good morning! let me check your bag first. Vhia: sure! ( smiled) Loi: Oh! hi Vhia! good morning! Vhia: good morning too Loi. (zipping her bag and about to go) Loi: how are you? Henry: (with teasing look to Loi) what? how are you? are you that close Loi? hahahahaha Loi: just asking. Vhia: (smiled) we'll I'm fine. thanks Henry for checking. I'll go ahaead. Henry: it seems that Vhia is only talking to me. hahahha Loi: huh! (nodding with a smile) you so terrible Henry. Henry: wooh! I know you Loi. (whsipering to Loi) You like her? Loi: (rolled his eyes) stop it Henry! your so rediculous! Henry: I was just joking! hahaah you're so seious bro! hahahahha Loi: (just nodded) Let's go now. Scouts! halt! raise your hand and salute! halt! hand on the side! Now, let us all go back to our classrooms for morning convocation preparation! form a single line! Scout Patrol Group: Sir! Yes Sir! Loi: We'll go ahead SG Dong. SG Dong: okay Loi. Thanks for today. you can now go back to your rooms. Henry: you're welcome Dong! hahahaha Loi: (s***k Henry's back and smiled) see you around SG Bong! THE THREE OF THEM SALUTES HAPPILY.