Rename

I used to hate staring at the ceiling. It’s the only thing I see whenever I cloud myself with thoughts. “Lila dear, there’s someone Caleb is here again. He still won’t give up.” Sigh. I swear to God, boys f**k up and still have the guts to act hurt. “I don’t care. Call the police if you have to.” I said as I switched my position to the side. There, I saw our picture in a frame pn top of my side table. “Wait, on second thought. I think I’ll see him” I took our picture as I walked out of my room and stormed down the stairs. I looked through the window and I can see he’s sitting down his blue porsche in front of our gate. I loved that car, it had the same color with my eyes. “Hey dickhead!” I shouted as I got out of the door. “You can take this and fck off!” I threw our picture over the gate and hit his car with it. He tried to duck but he was too stupid because I know his prized car is more important. He even loved that car more than me. Or if he ever loved me. I didn’t wait for any more reaction as I got back inside my room. That felt good. The thing about me is that I don’t really care if you mess up. I know all men are the same. I had my Dad teach me that since I was little. He was a prime example of it. He got married with my Mom and had me. But he also slept with his secretary, his other staff and my some more women I didn’t know about. My Mom knew about it but she didn’t really care because she didn’t really loved him. It was only an arranged marriage by their parents. Now, here I am, alone in this big old house with only Aunt Jenjen with me. JenJen is my long time Nanny. She’s from the Philippines. She took care of me since I was fetus. I’m not kidding because she also took care of mu Mom when she was preggy with me. “Aunt Jenjen, tell me when Caleb is gone. I wanna go out.” “I actually think he drove off. He was worried about his car” she said “Of course he is” I said as I rolled my eyes. I went upstairs to get ready. I don’t really know where I’m going. I just know I need some fresh air after that. “Aunt Jenjen! Tara labas tayo” “Ay hindi pwede, busy ako” “Pleaseee” I said with my puppy dog eyes. “Ay ang batang eto oh. Sige saan naman tayo pupunta?” “Mall” i smiled She rolled her eyes. She already know what’s going to happen. “I’ll get the trolley” she said “Yayy you’re the best.” I hugged her and then off we go. I drove us to the mall my Dad partly owns. That’s the place where I rage in shopping. “Aunt Jenjen tell just pick some things you want. I’ll take care of it.” “Hay nako etong batang to talaga” she said as she strolled around. I know she also likes shopping. She just don’t show it. Every time i take her shopping I notice her eyes when she’s interested in a bag or a top. I went to the dress collection because I’ve been dying to buy some new sun dresses. Summer just started and I need new clothes to wear. I tried on some tank tops too. Maybe I’ll go to some place with beaches. As I roamed the store, I saw Aunt Jenjen by a stall selling some jewelry. “Oohh these are beautiful. I said when I say the pearls” “They are, Philippines is known for their pearls.” The sales lady said. I looked at the stall and there was a sign that said “LOVE THE PHILIPPINES” “The pearls would look nice on you” Aunt Jenjen took a pearl necklace and placed it on my neck. I am completely mesmerized because i never knew how beautiful pearls are on me. I only wore diamonds and gold my whole life. “Aunt Jenjen, I think I know where we’re going this summer” “Ha? Saan?” She looked at me with anticipation. I took my phone and booked 2 tickets. I showed Aunt Jenjen and she smiled with teary eyes. “We’re going to the Philippines?” I nodded my head and we jumped with happiness. It’s time to go back there. The Philippines, my birth country and out home land. Maybe connecting to our roots will refresh my mind. I remember how being in the Philippines felt. A mix of fresh breeze in the province and of course the pollution in Manila. “Where should we go first Aunt Jen? Wanna go to Cebu?” I asked Aunt Jen as she was busy packing our stuff. Well, my stuff. “Cebu can wait. You need to visit your Mom first.” She said seriously. Just the thought of visiting my Mom scares me. She knows I always break up with the men that I choose. Convincing her into not letting me in an arranged marriage is really hard. She gave me deadline and that time is nearing. I don’t wanna end up like her and Dad. The Flight Before everything went into shambles. I remember the first time I went to the Philippines. The plane landed late because the flight was delayed in New York. The flight attendant offered me something to drink but I declined. “You don’t look like a lady who declines a drink.” The man sitting beside me on the plane. “And you don’t look like a guy who wants to meddle with anybody’s business” I replied back. “Well aren’t you coy? I actually like meddling with—“ I didn’t hear the next words that came out of his mouth as I put on my headphones. What is the problem with people nowadays? Our plane landed smoothly. We just waited for our baggage and off we go. “You wouldn’t mind me touring you in the Philippines? It’s a beautiful place for a beautiful lady like you” a voice behind me said. Sigh. When do men stop being so flirty? “You know I can have you thrown in jail for harassment right?” I took my bag and was ready to face him when Oh God, this man was gorgeous. He has-defined features, a symmetrical face, with strong jawlines, piercing eyes, and a confident smile; he’s really tall and well-proportioned, with a strong yet athletic build, and a neat hairstyle that complements his overall look. He’s more perfect than Ken for Barbie. Maybe I can be his barbie? I rolled my eyes. Get it together. I just smirked at him and didn’t say a word. There are chances that I would stutter. “Oh saan ka ba nag punta kang bata ka? Nagpadala na yung Nanay mo ng kotse na susundo” Aunt “Sorry Auntie may istorbo kasi eh” I said and looked behind me and saw him raising his brows.