Chasing Bliss

Chapter 8: The Call

"Why did you say yes?" Draevon asked raising his eyebrow. Amara, on the other hand, was standing in front of us with her hand holding her waist. Eyes closed while biting her lower lip. I can say that they're not satisfied with the way I responded and neither am I. If only I have the choice. I crossed my feet and reached for a pillow to hug. "It’s not as if I have a choice." I said before burying my face in the pillow. "You do have a choice." Amara furiously said before getting the pillow from my hands as she sat down her bed too joining both I and Draevon. "Mara, I don’t want to be the reason for mom and dad's argument." I stated looking directly in her eyes. "And, even if I did say no, it's still him in charge. No matter how much I fight for myself, he'd still win." Amara leaned in for a hug. "We're just worried for you." she said patting my back. "Thanks for worrying about me but, Dad's right. I'm all grown up." I said wearing a smile. "No matter how old you get, you're still my baby." she said with a warm tone and a sweet smile. We were having a great sister time when Draevon suddenly interrupted. "Aww. Look at my babies having a sweet baby talk." He said with his hands placed in his cheeks looking like a loving father watching his kids. He then smiled and hugged both me and Mara. With his cute acts, we can't help but giggle.

We spent some more minutes in Amara’s room talking about stuffs. Like what materials I need to prepare as a grade 9 student. We also searched some schools near us that offers excellent quality service. They said dad made his way in making my life as a student complicated so it's all fair if I demand a prestigious school. I was about to protest upon their idea but it doesn't sound so bad at all. So far, I have my interest set on Trinity University of Asia located at Quezon City or the Far Eastern University Roosevelt at Marikina. Trinity University of Asia has been ranked top 1 across NCR for over 3 years already so I bet the educational service is definitely something. Far Eastern University however, is a famous school with different branches across Luzon area. I'm sure I'd get a deal with anything I end up getting in. Merriam College doesn't sound that bad as well. Plus, their campus is really big.

"Finding a school is really boring." says Draevon with his arms raised while lying down. Amara giggled and agreed with him. "True that. You wouldn't believe how bored I am searching across the net to find my school of choice." she said while exiting the sites in her laptop. "How did you end up in Ateneo then?" Draevon asked as he sat down. "I just asked my friend where she chose to pursue her higher education and she said she's trying out for Ateneo." she answered calmly. "And you took their entrance exam?" Yes. I just took it online and I passed. "What about your friend?" I asked. "Unfortunately, she failed the test hehe." Mara answered with an awkward smile. "What about you?" Mara shot back the question Draev asked her. "Why enter University of Sto. Tomas?" "Sophie would pursue her medical course there." He answered before standing up to open the television. "You still together?" I asked. Sophie has been his girlfriend since he was 16. He's now 20. "Apparently, yes." Good for them! I've really been rooting for them since day 1. "When's she going to visit? I badly miss her." Mara asked. "I'm not sure. She's still at her grandma's place in America." "Oh I see. Tell her to come soonest when she arrives." Draev just sent her an okay sign before playing Your Name; an anime movie.

We were already in the middle of the movie when my phone rang. I looked to see the name but it's an unregistered number. I went to look at Draev and Mara as I raised my phone hoping either one of them knew who it belongs but they both gave me a shrug. "Answer it but turn the loud speaker on." Draev instructed me which I followed. "Hello. Who is this?" I asked after I pressed the loudspeaker button. There answered a voice of a woman. A voice I never wished to hear. That's when I realized, I shouldn't have answered the call.