Drunk on Emotions

Chapter Three - Haven

IN the days that followed, Mama Heidy and I decided that I would continue my studies this semester. We went to my old school to retrieve my credentials. Due to the accident, I was unable to participate in the graduation march, but fortunately, I had already passed all my courses beforehand. If this were not the case, I might have failed grade 12 and would not have been able to graduate.

Mama enrolled me at a prestigious university, which is well-known for producing top-performing students in licensure exams. I never thought I would have the opportunity to study here.

I would have liked to attend the same school as Maria and Rita, but unfortunately, their schools are no longer accepting new students. Ideally, I would prefer to enroll in a state university to avoid paying tuition fees, but unfortunately, those universities are not within reach.

On the first day of school, I was completely lost and confused. It took me several weeks to adjust, and during that time, I felt quite isolated. Thankfully, Kuya Caloy has been helping me by giving me a ride to school and making sure that I don't get caught up in any negative peer pressure or bad influence from some of my classmates.

As I sat down next to a woman named Courtney, her striking beauty immediately caught my attention. Her smooth skin was flawless, and her face was adorned with charming dimples on each cheek. Her eyebrows were less thick, and her nose was petite and elegant.

As we settled down, Courtney turned towards me and said, "I noticed you're always aloof. What's your name again?" I smiled, extending my hand to her.

"Zeina, uh... You can call me Zee," I replied while nervously handing my hand. Courtney giggled at my formal introduction and shook my hand.

"You're so formal!" she exclaimed, amused. I smiled shyly and looked ahead.

"Are you having lunch with someone? Just join our group!" she offered.

I hesitated for a moment, glancing at her.

"Oh, are you with someone?" she asked.

I shook my head. "I'm going to eat outside. Uh, I'm going to meet someone. But..."

"Next time, come with us! You know Jen, right?" she said, mentioning our classmate in the minor subject.

I nodded, recognizing the name. "Promise! You won't be out of place!" she added, flashing me a wink.

Before I could respond, the professor suddenly entered the room, and we all fell silent and took our seats.

After the class, I left the university and met Mama at a nearby mall. She had asked me to have lunch with her as she was meeting someone in the city later.

As I took a leisurely sip from my glass of refreshing, cool water, Mama's gaze fell upon me, her eyes studying me intently.

"Is your class all right today?" I nodded in response, letting her know that everything was okay.

"That's good to hear, Zee," she said, smiling at me. "I know your major is a bit difficult, but I have faith that you can do it."

She released her grip on the spoon and reached over to gently caress my cheek. Her touch made me feel loved and supported.

"You can do it," she continued, her tone full of enthusiasm. "You got this!"

As she said this, she playfully squeezed my cheek, causing me to giggle.

It's a bit tough for me to make new friends because I have trust issues with everyone I meet. One day, a classmate noticed me again and I was surprised.

"You're always hiding after class, aren't you? It's hard to find you," she said.

I was behind the school having lunch as I felt shy in the cafeteria. I feel like there's a huge gap between me and the other students. They are elite students. That's why they are here. I am just someone who doesn't belong here.

"Let's go! Flor saw a Korean restaurant on the other corner. I will introduce you to them too!" she said, dragging me away from my hiding spot even though I wanted to refuse.

"Have you tried it yet?" Courtney asked me in shock as we sat at a Korean restaurant with her group of friends.

I nodded shyly as Flor elbowed her slightly. Adjusting her eyeglasses, she glanced at me and explained, "Just open the chopstick slowly so you don't break it. Hold the bottom of the chopstick between your index and thumb fingers. Then, at the top, move it up and down like a lever. This will help you grab, grip, and move the food into your mouth."

I quickly nodded and followed her instructions, but the meat fell to the floor, and they all laughed. My cheeks warmed up, but I laughed too.

Cindy was still laughing and she showed me how to properly use chopsticks. Lyn did the same and showed me how to properly put the meat on the lettuce. They talked about different things. To ensure that I don't regret my decision to come here, I will eat slowly while listening to them.

Courtney held onto my arm with a firm grip, her eyes bright with excitement. "Next time, let's have samgyupsal again!" she exclaimed. "No buts! The options are only yes or yes!"

I couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. "Alright, next time," I replied with a smile.

As I spent more time with them, I couldn't help but feel grateful for their kindness and hospitality. With each passing day, I found myself growing more fond of their company and appreciating their genuine manners towards me.

As I boarded the car, I couldn't help but feel a little lost in thought. The sight of happy elementary school children being picked up by their parents made me think about my siblings.

I missed them terribly. They are still so young and innocent, and I wish I could be there for them. Although I have tried to locate them several times, I haven't been successful yet.

Running away from my Uncle, I forgot to bring my old cellphone, which had Mama's friend's contact details that I left with my siblings. It has been months since I last spoke to them, and it breaks my heart. Even on my way home, I couldn't stop thinking about them.

As I washed the dishes, I sensed the presence of Rita and Maria approaching me. Mama must have noticed my distress during dinner, which was why she kept glancing at me. Looking up, I saw Rita and Maria looking at me with concern.

"Are you okay?" Rita asked, noticing my puffy eyes.

With a forced smile, I replied, "I'm fine."

"We're here if you need someone to talk to," Maria added in a comforting tone.

I looked at them both and felt a sudden urge to open up.

"To be honest, I'm missing my siblings," I said, my voice quivering slightly.

"Ah! You have siblings! Girls?" asked Rita. I nodded, my mind transporting me back to my hometown where my two little sisters still lived.

"Well...I can understand how you feel," Rita said empathetically. "Do you mind telling us about them?"

"Yes," I replied, the nostalgia in my voice becoming apparent. "Amari is about fifteen, and Tali is only thirteen."

"Oh...they are still young," Maria said, her voice filled with sympathy.

I smiled bitterly, feeling a pang of guilt for not being with my sisters. I wonder what their life is like now without me.

The memories of my childhood still linger in my mind, vivid and unforgettable. I recall the thrill of running away from my parents, who would chase me with all their might, until they caught me and held me close, showering me with kisses on my cheek. Sometimes, they would even smear mud on our faces, which always made me laugh. We would often pluck jungle flame flowers from my mother's garden and suck the sweet nectar from them or put rose mallow flowers in our ears and strut around like models.

I miss my parents terribly.

I long for their warm embrace whenever I'm scared of a thunderstorm or when a cockroach takes flight. I yearn for their delicious cooking, their unwavering affection, and their comforting presence.

I also remember the mango tree in our backyard, where I would climb and spend hours lounging among the branches, picking the ripest fruits to savor. It was my safe haven, where I would retreat whenever I got scolded by my mother.

My life was a tranquil and blissful existence, one that I deeply miss. But, in an unexpected tragedy, everything changed, and...life would never be the same again.