A Love Gone Bad

I couldn't contain my excitement. Today is the day I leave my comfort zone, my home, and this country. I will miss my friends, the places that have been a part of my upbringing, and the routines I used to cherish. Most of all, I will miss Mom and Dad. I know I'll feel lonely, especially missing Mom's lovingly prepared dishes and late-night documentary sessions with Dad, where we'd brainstorm and discuss fascinating topics. But this is a necessary step, a new chapter in my life's journey, and it's time for me to take off, leaving them behind. I have to do this, and I must be strong and determined. I need to believe that I can succeed abroad and achieve my goals. I won't be a little girl forever; I need to stand on my own feet, and that starts now. I'm Lily Romero, 21 years old, a recent graduate from one of the country's prestigious universities. My ambition is to pursue my post-graduate studies abroad. I believe in my abilities, proven by graduating from the top of my class. My dedication has earned me a scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley, for its Business Administration Master's in Financial Engineering program. I am ready to persevere overseas, supported by the love and encouragement of my family and friends. "I don't want to see you all bones and skin after the semester, alright, Honey? Behave yourself and always remember everything your father and I taught you. Be mindful of your actions, confident, and respectful of people's feelings. Do everything with elegance and grace. And most importantly, always pray and ask God to guide your steps," my Mom advised. "Of course, Mom! It's all in here," I said, tapping my head. "Can I go now? Dad's waiting downstairs, and it's Thursday; we might get caught in traffic on the way to the airport." "Bye, Mom! I'll miss you terribly. Call me! Don’t be too busy while I'm gone... You have all the time in the world to cuddle with Dad without me interrupting!" I hugged and kissed her. What will California be like for me? I'm excited and nervous. The Romeros are an average family; my parents couldn't afford to send me to an expensive school abroad. That's why I worked hard in college and aced my interviews to get a recommendation. Luckily, I landed a post-graduate scholarship at UC Berkeley, the world's No. 1 public university and the fourth-best overall in the U.S. I consider myself incredibly fortunate and will not waste this opportunity. "Bye, Dad! Take care of yourself. I'll call you when I meet Louie. Maybe I'll come back to a little brother or sister," I joked, knowing it was impossible. "You silly girl! I wish we could give you that, so we'd have a baby to entertain us since you and your brother are all grown up," he teased back. "Don't cry, Dad! It's just a few years, and you can visit me. I'll send tickets and pocket money! I love you, Daddy. Your little girl has to go now. Mwah!" I hugged him tightly, knowing it would be a while before I could do this again. “Drive safely, Dad.” And with that, I went inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport. This isn't my first time traveling abroad; it's my seventh. The last time was for my cousin's wedding in New York City, but I wasn't alone then—I had my big brother Louie with me. Speaking of Louie, he’s in New York, working as a senior architect at the renowned Triarch, Inc. He’s my hero, second only to Dad. He lives with his Latina girlfriend, Olivia. I'm grateful that he’s taking the time to fetch me at San Francisco International Airport and paid for my accommodation at the Queen Anne Hotel for a week so we can bond. I'm also looking forward to the treats he promised. I'm a well-pampered sister. While on the plane, thoughts of these things calmed my nerves and lulled me to sleep. After a twelve-and-a-half-hour flight, I finally arrived at San Francisco International Airport. As usual, it was one of the busiest airports in the world, teeming with people on business, leisure, or both. Despite the long flight, I felt refreshed, having had a good sleep on the plane. I was supposed to meet Louie at the Museum of Modern Art, a spot near the designated meeting point in the airport lobby area. While waiting and taking in my surroundings, my eyes landed on an impressive figure with his back facing me. He stood out among the crowd with his towering height and well-built physique, suggesting he worked out regularly. His jet-black hair hinted at an Asian heritage. Curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself hoping he would turn around so I could catch a glimpse of his face. As if sensing my gaze, he shifted and began to turn in my direction. Panic set in, and I quickly looked down, pretending to check something on my shoe. "Lily!" I recognized the voice immediately and looked up to see my all-smiling, handsome brother Louie walking towards me. I forgot all about the intriguing stranger and raised my arms excitedly, waiting for a big hug from Louie. "How are you? How was your flight? You look stunning, even better than the last time I saw you in person two years ago. My God, I missed my little doll," Louie said, pulling me into a tight embrace. "I missed you too, Louie, more than you know. FaceTime doesn't do justice; I still miss you a lot," I replied. Louie took charge of my luggage—six pieces in total, filled mostly with gifts from our parents for Louie, Olivia, and their friends. "Most of these are for you and Olivia. I didn’t bring many of my own things because I know you’ll buy what I need. Thank you in advance for spoiling your little sister before I move to Aunt Monica and Jasper's house," I said, beaming with happiness at seeing Louie again. I was looking forward to our siblings' time. As we made our way to the Queen Anne Hotel, which would be my accommodation for the week, I couldn't help but admire the scenic beauty of San Francisco. It was easy to see why it was called "Everybody's Favorite City." During the short ride, I took in the views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, capturing some on my phone. I marveled at the buildings housing theaters and opera houses, and, of course, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. While on the road, my mind wandered to what my life would be like in California, particularly at my relatives' house after a week with Louie. I was equally unsure about my university life at Berkeley. "I'm not a snob, so I hope to make a few good friends to keep me company during my school years. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy our sibling bonding and catch up on everything FaceTime missed," I thought aloud. "What’s our itinerary today, Lou?" I asked my brother. "Since you might still have some jet lag, I’ll drop you off at the hotel first to settle in. Rest for a while and freshen up. I'll pick you up around 5:30 pm for dinner. Your seven days with me will be productive, doll, don’t worry," Louie replied. "OMG, I can’t wait! When will I see Olivia? I have so much to ask her. I know she’s familiar with UC Berkeley. I need an orientation because Eliza will be busy and probably won't have time to show me around." Eliza is our cousin, the only child of Aunt Monica and Uncle Jasper. Aunt Monica is our father's youngest and closest sister. There are four siblings in the family, all doctors. My father's siblings all live in the USA, but he preferred staying in the Philippines, believing the upbringing there was better. "Olivia will join us on your third day here. She’s currently involved in a construction project on the outskirts and will be back tomorrow night. She’s excited to see you and keeps asking if you’ve arrived. She even planned activities for our time together and noted all the dos and don'ts for UC Berkeley," Louie explained. "Really? She even wrote them down? Olivia is amazing, Bro. I can’t wait for you two to get married. Don’t forget, I’ll be the maid of honor!" The thought of their wedding filled my heart with joy. Our parents had been nagging Louie about it, eager for the wedding bells soon. "We're waiting for her project to finish before starting wedding preparations. Since you'll be here for a couple of years, you'll help with the planning. Make sure you stay on top of your schoolwork, so the wedding doesn’t interfere with your studies," Louie said. After fifteen minutes, we arrived at the front entrance of the Queen Anne Hotel. A bellman helped carry two of my bags while Louie parked the car. I waited for him in the lobby, and we had an early lunch before he left for an appointment. "Okay, doll, I’ll see you later. We’re going to a nice place for dinner, so get ready and dress up! See you at 5:30," Louie said. "Alright, see you later, Big Bro. Drive safely," I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. I followed the bellman to my room, eager to lay down and rest for a while. The chilly weather and the historical charm of the Queen Anne Hotel made me feel cozy. The hotel, with its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, depicted timeless romance with its intricate style everywhere. "Here's your room, Miss," the bellman said, placing my luggage inside. "Complimentary breakfast is served until 10:00 am, and afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Parlor and Library. If you prefer staying, you can call the front desk for room service. Is there anything else you need?" "Nothing more, thank you for your help," I replied, giving him a tip. Once alone, I freshened up and unpacked some essentials. I took a moment to appreciate the room's decor before collapsing onto the bed. I thought about my parents and friends back home, already missing them. But I knew this journey was necessary for my growth.