You Needed Me

Chapter 2 - First Day

First Monday of June, and the first day of school. I have been cooped up in this house for weeks due to our family drama. But today, I have no choice but to get up and go to school.

I am in my first year of college, taking up BS Psychology in SDA.

Saint Dominique Academy.

It's the most prestigious International school in the country where the very rich and famous are studying. The least amount of tuition fee here is 1.8 million pesos. I have done my studies here since nursery.

The educational program here is on par with known Ivy schools like Harvard, Oxford and others. If you finish high school in SDA, you can easily enroll to any schools in other country without having to go back to school there. Hindi kagaya ng ibang schools sa Pilipinas, na kailangan mo pang bumalik ng high school doon para lang matanggap sa college.

Before I learned of the truth, I told my father I wanted to take up Psychology, it always fascinates me, how different people, have different minds and behavior and I wish to learn so many things about it. And I also think, it's the most versatile degree once you work.

Being able to understand people's behavior, you can be a company HR, a teacher, a motivational speaker and even become a police or lawyer.

Being the only daughter who is expected to inherit the family's company, kinabahan ako na baka hindi nya ako payagan. That he will compel me to take up Business course. And, though it will make me sad, I decided that I will take whatever course he wants me to take, just to make him proud.

But he did not complain. He told me to take whatever course I want. Not even asking why I want to take the course. Without a hint of interest, he agreed immediately.

"Good morning." Almost everyone was in the garden waiting for breakfast to be serve.

Lumapit ako sa mommy ko, to kiss her good morning who was seating next to my grandmother. I hug my grandma, then my grandpa who is seating on the head of the table and seat next to him.

My father was seating on the other head of the table he was busy reading the news, seating next to him is his wife. A picture of a comedy.

Hindi na ako lumapit sa kanya. Masama pa rin ang loob ko sa kanya although I am civil. But now that I know the reason why he has always been cold to me, ayaw ko nang umasang magbabago pa ang treatment nya sa akin.

"Nervous for school, Baby?" Mommy asked. She's already dressed up ready to go to work today. My mother is a working woman. She is the CEO of La Sirène, one of the biggest entertainment agency in Asia. The company manages models and tv personalities. And the company has launched the brightest stars dahil na rin sa connection ng maternal family namin.

She belongs to the Toheyama clan. My maternal grandfather is French - Japanese, while my maternal grandmother is Filipina-Spanish. My parents were betrothed at the young age because of the promise made by my great great grandfathers. My Toheyama great grandfather and Casanova great grandfather serve during world war 2. My Casanova grandfather save my Toheyama grandfather, and he never forget that debt. As a promise, they decided that their children will be wed.

Unfortunately, their children were always of the same s*x, until my father and mother. My father was five years older than my mom. So when my mom was born they were immediately betrothed, and both family made sure to let them grow up together para di sila mahirapan, once they wed. And mommy has always seen herself as dad's wife. There was no other man in her life except for him. So kung nasaktan ako sa mga nalaman ko. I know, my mother was hurt tenfold. And the thought that I was not here when it all happened makes me hate my father more. If only children can choose parents.

"Not really. I am more excited to be back there and see my friends after being cooped up here." nakangiti kong sagot sa tanong nya.

"I serve na po namin ang breakfast." Silvia, the eldest sister announce. She came from the direction of the kitchen.

Simula ng umuwi ako, they always cook breakfast or dinner. As if telling the people in the house that they're good at it. I mean, I admit, they are good cook. Mommy and I grew up with maids, so we never really learn how to do household chores. What's the use of doing those things when we are paying people to do it.

"Hmm, these smells so good anak." puri ni daddy ng ilapag na nila with the help of the maids ang mga pagkain sa mesa.

Napabuntong hininga na lang ako nang makita ko ang mga pagkain.

Heavy breakfast.

Hindi sa nag-iinarte ako, but to much carbohydrates can kill our body. Hindi ba nila alam, na ang pinaka numero unong dahilan ng mga sakit sa Pilipinas ay dahil sa kanin?

"Anak, kumain ka na." Hindi ko napigilan ang pagngiti nang ilapag ni Nana ang platong may lamang whole grain toast. Greek yogurt with blue berries and tall glass of cucumber juice.

"I love you." Malambing kong sabi and threw her a kiss in the air. She did the same to my mommy. My grandparents, due to their old age is following a strict nutritious food, kaya hindi rin sila kumain ng inihanda ng mga kapatid ko.

I mean, they have been in this house for almost a month now, pero lagi pa rin silang nagluluto ng mga oily foods.

Napansin ko ang pag ismid ng asawa ni Dad. I can't call her my step-mother. Because I will never accept her as a mother, step or not. I don't even call her tita, kagaya ng unang pagpapakilala ni daddy. I just simply call her Selena if I have to address her, and if I can, I do not want to talk with her or address her at all.

Tiningnan ko naman siya ng diritso sa mata and raise and eyebrow towards her.

No matter what they say. I will face them shamelessly. Like mommy said, wala kaming pamilyang sinira.