That Perfectly Imperfect Girl

OFFICIALLY BACK

Vhalaiya's POV

The blazing sun blinded my eyes the moment I step out of the plane. This feels nostalgic. Three years in states isn't a joke afterall.

I know that three years away is shorter compare to other people surrounding this area, like the Overseas Filipino Workers. However, even one year would make me feel homesick, how more if it's three years in the states?

I miss the weather and temperature that I grew up with, the places here that I went to escape, and the people I care about. I miss them in those three years. I am really excited to finally see them again.

I miss my family. I wonder if they'd miss me, too.

Anyway, I took out my phone to call the person who'll pick me up. It didn't take much long before she answered.

("I'm here. Look for a red car with a 077654 plate number,") said the other line before it hung up.

The hell? What a b*tch.

I went to the parking lot, lugged my suitcase, and looked for her car. Not too long before I found it.

Nice! A red porsche. I knocked in her window.

This bish! Not even kind enough to welcome me outside the car.

The window rolled down. "What took you so long?!"

I just rolled my eyes at Kiana and extended my hand.

"Trunk keys." I demanded.

She gave me the keys, so I went to the compartment and put my luggage there.

"Haven't eaten yet?" I asked her as I was sitting at the passenger seat.

"Hmm, ride all the way here immediately." She glared at me. "You could've given us a heads up that you're coming."

I gave her a loopsided smile. "Yeah, sorry about that. Though, I did give you a heads up."

"Oh, right! You did, at exactly 3 am, when you are already in the plane. 2 hours before landing." She said sarcastically.

I chuckled. "But we're even already, right? I mean, you were bitching on me earlier."

"Nope. We'll only get even if..." She grinned. "...you treat me."

"Fine. Now, drive."

She widely smiled and maneuvered the steering wheel.

It was quiet along the way. I can feel the tiredness filling up my body given that my flight was 20 hours long. Yet, I'm not sleepy. My eyes were focused at the scenery outside the window. Familiarizing myself with the place I left three years ago.

It's like nothing has changed. Now that I'm here, feels like I never really left at all. I can't believe that I was able to past those nerve-racking moments in three years.

I was feeling homesick in my first month there. I had a hard time adapting to the new culture, and meeting new people. It was scary and lonely, but it was my choice, so I have to stand by that. Fortunately, I was able to find friends, both foreign and compatriot. They made it so much better, so I started to get comfortable in that new nation.

But I'm not gonna lie, college is stressful. I thought high school was worst, but college had me almost giving up! What more facing the real world! I don't wanna imagine.

Suddenly, a hand wave in front of my face that woke me up from my reverie. "Yoohoo! Earth to Vhal?! We're here!"

"Oh! Yeah.. Uhmm..." I look at the surroundings outside the window. "...where are we?"

"This is where you'll treat me. Come on!" She answered before leaving the car.

I get off the car and followed her. It was somehow a secluded place. There was an arc nearby the parking lot. We walk passed by it. We didn't brought the car because as she said, it won't fit. And it's true. You definitely need to walk by feet because it was a shallow road. It took us a couple minutes before it leads to a... Wow, a vintage cafe!

It was surrounded by trees. You wouldn't see it from the parking lot. You need to delve deep in the woods to see this amazing treasure.

"How did you manage to find a place like this?" I asked in awe.

She gave me an 'I know right" look and just smuggly smiled at me. "You're going to love the insides more."

Kiana and I walked inside, and again, I was in awe. We found a cozy corner and made ourselves comfortable. Kiana asked for the menu while I gazed upon all over of the place.

I was really amazed with it. It is a fantasy botanical garden-inspired cafe that doubles as a reading haven, featuring bookshelves filled with novels, cozy reading nooks, and fairytaled-theme bookshelf. It is made of brick walls, grass floor, wood pillars, glass windows, and retractable roof. It can also accomodate many people by its size as it is spacious. It also has furnitures and decors that resonate with the cafe's concept, like various seating options, from cozy corners to communal wooden tables and unique design features, such as enchanting plants at the tables and roof, lanterns, and a fireplace. It has warm and earthy tones that influence the atmosphere inside the cafe. Lastly, looking at the menu, it offers magical-themed food and beverages.

"Seriously, the witch's heart?" I can't believe her!

"What? It's a really good drink. It is a combination of their homemade blackberry shimmery liqueur, apple brandy or apple vodka, and grenadine. Besides, it's purple."

"That's not what I'm trying to say. I mean, you're really going to drink a cocktail at 7 am? How about you stick to smoothies for now? It's too early for that."

She thought about what I said before nodding at me. "Fine." I smiled at her and mouthed the words, 'thank you.'

My gaze go back upon the menu I'm holding. "So what can you recommend here?" I asks her.

"I never tried anything else before other than the cocktails." I look at her in disbelief.

I can't believe that she brought me here without knowing how their food taste. And the names at the menu isn't helping as well. Ugh! This is such a disaster. She should be thankful that the place is amazing at least.

"Let's just order anything. It wouldn't be so bad. Their cocktails are amazing, I'm sure their coffees and smoothies as well." Kiana said before calling the waiter through the intercom.

Corners where you can't actually see the barista like our spot have an intercom for ordering. While the front plaza, as Kiana call it, has an order first, before sitting policy. Front plaza is the immediate place you'll see once you get in. That's where you'll see the barista and waiter around. Seats in the front plaza are much cheaper than cozy corners, which is couch with a table, and a curtain that sets it apart to make it private from the front plaza. They also have chill palace, which is apparently a private room with television, couches with pillows, and food service. And the most extravagant is the enchanted ballroom. Kiana doesn't know what it is but it is the most pricey.

"What can I help you, Ma'am?"

Oh, the waiter's here.

Kiana ordered first. "I would like to order a fairy godmother's berry blast. Is it made of different berries?"

"Yes, ma'am. It is made of juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, and sweet raspberries that comes together with a swirl of vanilla yogurt and a drizzle of honey."

"Okay, I'll get that." The waiter noted it before facing me and asking my order.

"I'll get three best seller meals and this fairy forest cocoa infusion."

"That's a great choice, ma'am. Fairy forest cocoa infusion is one of our best seller. It is made out of rich black tea mingles with velvety milk and the essence of chocolate, evoking the mystical allure of ancient woodlands and secret glades."

I just smiled there too stunned to speak. How magical is this place that even their waiters are speaking like there is really a magical place.

The waiter ask before leaving whether there is nothing more to add and both of us nodded. Kiana and I are both quiet for a while, fiddling in our phones until I decided to ask a question.

"So... How's the family?" She look at me.

"Still the same. Dad is still as workaholic as ever, while Mom is always there helping Dad. Taking care of him while also managing her businesses."

"Mom still works?"

"Mom loves her job so much. She said she'll die doing it."

I wistful smile escape my mouth. Guess, mom never change, huh?

"You said Dad still work?" I asked and she nodded. "Didn't you take over the company already 2 years ago?"

"Yes, but Dad still has been hands on. He wants to make sure that nothing goes wrong."

"You mean, he's scared that you'll waste everything he worked for?"

She laughed. "You still mad at Dad?" I rolled my eyes at her.

"You know what he did. Enough with Dad. How's Tiara and Lothur?"

"For Lothur, I don't know what he's been up to lately... Well, since then actually. For Tiara, she's coping up. Fortunately, Gid has always been there for her."

"Her fiance, right?" She nodded. "Good to know that he took his responsibility."

She approvingly smiled at me. "I like him for Tiara. He's a good guy."

Later on, the waiter came together with our orders. He carefully placed the foods on the table. He put a glowing hurricane glass in front of Kiana and a sling glass with faded smoke in front of me. What a piece of art! This is really an unbelievable place.

The waiter also placed three meals in our table and describe them one-by-one.

He lifted the cloche of the first one and said, "Beauty and the Beast's Beef Bourguignon Baguette."

He continued, "It is made of tender chunks of slow-cooked beef simmered in red wine sauce with pearl onions and mushrooms, served on a crusty baguette with a side of horseradish cream. A hearty and comforting meal fit for a tale as old as time. Next is..." He lifted another one's cloche. "Mermaid's Seafood Delight Sandwich. It is a freshly caught tuna salad mixed with crisp celery and tangy lemon dressing, served on a buttery croissant with lettuce and sliced cucumber. You will dive into the flavors of the sea with this enchanting sandwich fit for a mermaid. And lastly..." He lifted the cloche of the last one. "Cinderella's Pumpkin Patch Panini. It is made of roasted pumpkin slices nestled between layers of gooey melted cheese and artisanal sourdough bread, grilled to perfection. This comforting panini is a taste of autumn magic straight from Cinderella's pumpkin patch." The waiter smiled proudly after that.

Kiana clapped her hand. "This looks nice!"

"And savory, madam." The waiter added.

I I was astonished by this place once again. The crews service is fantastic and on-character. I'll probably come back here just to see this show once again. And looking upon the meals, I think this will become my favourite restaurant ever. "Thank you for your service." was all I said as I can't wait to indulge the foods.

"You're welcome, Madam. I'll take my leave now. Enjoy your food."

After the waiter leave, Kiana and I both became quiet again indulging different worlds with our orders. He wasn't lying, the food is very tasty. The taste will leave you asking for more and probably why Kiana loves it here. It is a good thing to start my reunion with the nation.

After we finish eating, we immediately paid the bills. Then, we took some pictures before leaving.

"Where do you want to go next?" Kiana asked after we got back to the car.

"Our house."

"We can't." She said casually.

"And why is that?" I asked annoyed. "Father's enemies are there. I just got their text." She answered nonchalantly.

"What?! Are they okay?" Worriedness filled me.

"Yeah... Dad says don't worry." She responded while typing in her phone.

"Thank, God." I sighed in relief.

"Let's get going." She suddenly said and started the car.

"Are we going to the house?" I asked curiously.

"No. Dad said that I should take you to my apartment instead."

Kiana drove the car to her apartment. We were both quiet along the way, probably, because we're both worried and anxious. Our mind is on our endangered family in the house. God, I really hope they're fine.

Moments later, we arrive at her apartment. It has a minimalist-themed decorations and paintings in the wall. Concrete flooring and white walls, very simple. It's large for a single-person apartment because it has three bedrooms. Feels like never been redecorated from the moment it was bought.

"Won't hurt decorating this." I put my shoes in her shoe rack at the side of the door.

"Oh, shut up, Vhal. I was too busy."

I yawned. "I'm so tired. I want to sleep."

She looked at me. "The last room is mine. Go sleep in one of the guest room. I'll wake you up at noon." I responded by giving her an 'okay' hand sign.

I went to one of the guest room upstairs... to the first door I'll see. I jump immediately in the bed and throw my sling bag aimlessly. Without a minute, I can feel myself dozing off and, the next thing I knew, I was waking up.

"Hmm..." I slightly opened my eyes. "What time is it?"

I searched for my phone, but I couldn't find it. Then, I remember that I threw my bag earlier with my phone inside. Could you be even dumber, Vhal?

I look for my bag. I rummage through everything I can ransack. A few minutes later, I found it under the bed. Seriously? I adjust myself to reach the bag. Ugh! A little bit more, come on! I extended my hand a bit more and... Finally! I got it. I search for my phone and look at the time.

5:05 PM!

Did I just sleep that much? Kianna said she'll wake me up for lunch. With the thought of it, I felt my stomach growl. I'm really starving.

I went downstairs to find Kiana but I didn't saw anyone. I searched through the whole apartment but there's no any other person than me. First, my bag, and now, Kiana. Why do I keep losing something or someone? Ugh! Where did she even go?

I was about to call her when someone open the front door. "Kiana!"

"What? Why are you shouting?" She was on fight mode because of my hysterical shout.

"Chill! No one rob us. I was just..." She look at me with a questioning look and I raised my eyebrow at her. "Where did you even go?"

"I took something from the car."

"Is that so?" I said in a low tone. "You didn't wake me for lunch."

"You seem so tired. I didn't have the heart to wake you up." Then, she smiled at me. "And to make up for it, let's go out."

I look at her in disbelief. "Again?"

"Oh, come on, Vhal."

"Fine. I'll just fix myself."

I hurriedly went to her bathroom. I wash my face and brush my teeth. I also put on some powder on my face and gloss on my lips for better complexion. I wore my shoes my again and followed Kiana to the car.

She drove the car to God knows where and I didn't bother asking her anymore. We're probably going to eat lunch somewhere. As long as it's as good as the previous cafe we went to, I'll love her more. I just gazed at the place outside the window along the drive. It was a long drive and I was getting sleepy until the roads started to look familiar. Wait, this is the road to our family's house.

I confusingly look at Kiana and to my surprise, she's looking at me too. "Yes, Vhal. Dad finally gave a go signal. Said it's okay now to bring you home." She warmly smiled at me.

My drowsiness immediately left my body the moment I heard the news. I'm so excited! After three years, finally! I am going to see them in-person... my family. I waited a long time for this moment. My mind pictured every possible reunion meet we could have but I never would imagine their... version.

As soon as Kiana and I went inside the front gate, we saw many extravagant cars parked in our parking lot. I've never saw the other car models before. Guess, Dad's new hobby is collecting cars. We continued walking and passed through our garden. I vaguely heard chatters and giggles on the way thru the gazebo, but I shrugged it off because some of our neighbors are having a party. Those could've come from them. Sooner, we made it in the gazebo and Kiana brought me to the backside of it.

"Vhal, I think I forgot my DLSR in the car. Could you just stay here for a bit?" She said anxiously while rummaging through her purse.

"You're leaving me here? Why don't I'll see you inside the house?"

"No, you can't!" She looked pale. "What's wrong?"

She heavily sighed before admitting. "They're going to surprise you inside. They asked me to capture it but I forgot my camera in the car. I'm such a failure!"

"Hey, it's fine. We could just get in---"

She cut me off. "They were really excited about the surprise." She look at me pleadingly.

"Fine. I'll pretend I didn't know anything and wait for you here. Just get back quickly." I gave up.

"Yes, ma'am! I'll be quick." And she left.

I waited a couple of hours while kicking pebbles, playing with the doorknob of the door beside me, and looking at the sky. I keep yawning as I'm getting sleepy. My tummy also keeps growling because I didn't have lunch and I'm starving. I stand there keeping my promise to Kiana but I can't wait anymore. I was about to follow her towards the direction she went to when the door open and someone grabbed me from behind.

I tried to escape when eventually that person loosen his grips around me. I faced him to know who it is and to my shock... "Kuya Lothur?!"

"Welcome back, Vhal. Come with me." He said and offer his hand to me.

I took it and he lead me somewhere. It was dark along the path at first until some lights started to show in one direction and slowly it got clearer to me...

"Please welcome my youngest daughter, Vhalaiya Krisette Zamora! She's officially back!"

My father hosted a welcome back party for me!