Chapter 5
587 Words
To celebrate her success in becoming a participant in the competition, the three were taken by their feet on their favorite place, Pizza Casa. Claire was excited for her that she treated them with Hawaiian pizza. They also ordered pineapple juice and spaghetti meat balls which were Leonie's favorite.
"Claire, Bhea. Thanks for the treat and for everything. I only have one problem, where to find a laptop or desktop to write and send my story." Leonie seemed devastated for her only hope might be dumped forever.
"We already opened it up to Tita Charrie and she is willing to buy you one if you will be granted the access to the competition." explained Bhea before swallowing the last pizza on her plate.
"Hah? Where will she get the money? We don't have savings as Dad only gave few bucks for our allowance when they found out about my plan." Leonie was still remembering last night's conversation with her parents.
"She said she has savings and her home made pizza business is flourishing. Didn't you know that?" Claire added.
Leonie just nodded her head and took the sliced pizza on her plate, swallow a mouthful. She slowly chewed it while her mind was busy thinking of her soon to be big story. She'd been writing poems and short stories since she was in grades school. During that time, her favorite theme was about family, her family..... They had been happy when they were still together. Her parents were a symbol of love and understanding, but when an opportunity knocked on them, they left her and migrated to Australia. First her father, then her mother followed when her father felt homesick. She was left alone....to her Aunt who molded her to become strong no matter what.
Since then, most of her poems and stories were clouded with agony, regrets, solitude and heart break. She always ended them with a question of unhappy ending which most of the students in their school appreciated, but some asked questions on her, on why she had that good beginning and lonely ending. She didn't explain, all she did was hid everything in the center of her heart, bruised and calloused by the absence of her parents.
"Leonie, are you okay? We've almost finished the whole pizza but it seems you're not enjoying the taste, huh." Claire hit her lightly to her arm to get her attention.
Leonie got distracted, "Huh? I do love the pizza and everything. I just want some piece of quiet." Her voice was annoyed
"If that's what you want, then let's go home. I think we're all tired and need some piece of quiet." Bhea said harshly. She got irritated with the sound of her voice.
Claire signaled the waiter to get their chit and paid it with her allowance, then grabbed her bag. "Let's go, it's getting late." she murmured without looking at Leonie.
"Guys, wait. I'm sorry I become rude. I was just kind'a hopeless with my parents' decision. I'm sorry, okay. It's not you, it's them." She was looking at them with sincerity, her voice was pleading for their understanding.
True to her feelings, she stretched her hands and hugged the two girls who never left her in the midst of her problem. They were always there to support and encourage her. The two girls were teary eyed and shared with her grief.
"Com' on, let's forget about this. We need to go home coz girls it's 10 PM, my curfew." quipped Bhea.
The three vacated Pizza Casa, the only witnessed to their friendship, tantrums, and love for each other.
- Writer
