Prologue
Prologue:
Feeling not at peace, Cam keeps walking back and forth. She takes a deep breath before deciding to try her luck again.
She is walking along the long hallway of their house right now feeling nervous, heading to her father's office for the nth time in a week. She is going to talk to him again with the same agenda she has in their previous discussions.
Her dad seems busy these past few days but luckily, her dad spares some of his time for his daughter even though he knows that he will just hear the same sentiments from her. He is hearing it over and over again.
Her dad welcomed her into his office. She did not waste any time and says it all. At first, they are having a fine conversation but the atmosphere changes eventually.
"Dad, please. My life is in here! Here in Manila." She exclaimed. She is starting to raise the tone of her voice at her father due to frustrations. It's been how many days since she's trying to talk to him. She wants them to understand her. "I am one of the students who excelled in our school. I couldn't just afford to lose track. You know that I worked hard for it, right? And my friends are also here, Hanna, Agatha, and Maxyne. If this is easy for you, then for me, it is not! So please dad, understand." Cam pleaded. Her voice is almost fading in her last few words.
She's now begging and it is very unusual of her to beg. What's on her mind right now is she will do everything just to stay.
She immediately wipes her tears as they started to run down her cheeks. Her hands were also trembling so she rub her palms with each other to calm it, to calm herself. She can feel her heart burning inside. She usually feels this when she's at her peak. Her emotions were also mixed up at this moment but she is hoping that her father will eventually give what she wants, to stay in Manila.
She opened up again the topic of living on an island for two years.
Just a week ago when her parents told them that, she immediately disagree with the idea. She tried to talk to her mom but it was no use so she decided to talk to her father instead.
"We've talked about this already Cam, many times as far as I could remember. And we are leaving next week. My decision is final and you can't do anything about it. So pack your things already and stop whining around," her father replied while his eyes were locked up in the papers he is currently reading. There's a lot of piled-up papers on his desk. He is trying to finish first his work before they will have their long trip to that place.
She's a bit hurt after hearing her father say that she's just whining around. She is not whining around but explaining her side.
"Yes dad, but I don't remember I did agree on it, that I will be going. How about my study? I only have two years before I enter college. You will transfer me to the nearest school there? It is not that easy to adjust in a new environment dad." She exclaimed. She is trying to explain herself again. She did it already, like countless times and nothing happened. But she's not giving up.
Well, that's what she thinks, not giving up. She does not want to leave her life where she at right now. She couldn't just live in a place she just heard.
"And I also don't remember asking for your approval, Camelle Arabella Montidalgo." This time, her father's eyes are on her. He places the papers that he is holding on the top of his table. Mr. Montidalgo already mentioned her name. It is an indication that he is losing his patience with his daughter. He stood up and walked straight towards his daughter.
"Two years Cam, only two years of living there, and after that, I'll let you decide whether you want to stay there or you will live your life here in Manila. Your grandparents are old enough for a long ride, they couldn't take it anymore. They want to spend their time with you and your siblings while they are still alive and have just enough energy to bond with you. Can't you give it to them? You are not the only one who has a life here. Your mom and I, we do have a life here. Our work is here and our business is here, the same with your brother. His career is in here and he won't be able to have appearances on television for two years. But he chose to sacrifice, can't you do the same?" Mr. Montidalgo explained while both of his hands were on top of her shoulders and leveling her daughter's height like he is assuring that Cam would understand every single word he uttered.
Cam closes her eyes, internalizing her father's words.
She heaved a sigh in defeat.
She eventually realized that her parents and her brother has a more valid reason to stay in Manila but they chose to sacrifice. She does not want to act rude and selfish for pushing her reasons anymore.
Cam is a smart girl. She easily understands but sometimes she is just that hardheaded and spoiled for pushing and getting what she wants. She grew up like that after all. She was spoiled and treated like a princess.
"Fine dad, but just for two years, and after that I will return here in Manila." And there, she gave it up. She loses.
Camelle Arabella Montidalgo accepts defeat for the first time.
