Along the Axis (Cebu Series #1)

Chapter 1

"Is this decision final, Isobel?"

Hindi ko napigilang umirap na naman sa hirit na aking mga magulang. We're already inside the elevator of my new home, well condo pala, but hindi pa rin nila ako tinatantanan!

"Dad, c'mon. I'm already old enough!" giit ko.

"I know." he sighed. "It's just that me and your mom are not yet ready to be away from you."

I shook my head and pouted, "Don't tell me you'll be changing your mind?" I questioned nervously as I looked at the both of them behind me.

"No, sweetie. Of course not." Mom smiled with full assurance.

Para akong nabunutan ng tinik sa sinabi ng aking Ina. I've been thinking about this too much at talagang buo na ang aking desisyon na mag-ibang syudad muna para matuto sa mga bagay-bagay.. mag-isa.

Hindi naman sa mayroon akong problema doon sa amin na kasama ang aking mga magulang ngunit ayaw ko na lamang mamuhay nang komportable lagi, nais kong maranasang magsikap para sa mga gusto ko sa buhay. I wanted to learn new things by my own.

"It's just our first time na mahiwalay ka sa amin ng matagal, Sob." she said with a sad tone.

I smiled slightly and hugged her jokingly, "Mom, i'm just one call away! I'll give you update naman." I assured her again. "Besides, Trail, Chance, and Iana will be here with me!" pagsambit ko sa mga ngalan ng aking mga pinsan na naninirahan dito upang mapagaan ang kaniyang pag-alala sa akin.

"I know you'll do good here, Anak."

"I trust you. It's just that i'll be missing you real hard." sambit niya muli.

Sasagot pa sana ako ngunit bumukas ang bukana ng elevator sa palapag kung saan nakalaan ang aking unit sa condominium na ito.

I let my parents guide me towards my unit. Hindi ko nga alam kung ano talaga ang mukha nito dahil nakita ko lamang ito sa mga litratong ipinapakita nila Mommy at hindi talaga sa personal. Kahit naman na ganito ay wala akong pangamba. I know how my parents are perfectionists when it comes to me!

Natigil sa paglalakad ang aking mga magulang at huminto sa tapat ng isang silid. Unit #15 B. So, I guess this is going to be where i'll spend my college years?

I witnessed on my peripheral vision how Mommy was waiting for my initial reaction.

"Sweet new home!" I exclaimed.

"Glad you liked it."

"My.." tawag ko sa kaniya.

Bahagya niyang inihalig ang kaniyang ulo at tumingin sa akin..

"You designed this? Didn't you?" it was more of a statement rather than a question.

She smiled and laughed slightly. "You figured it out that quickly huh." aniya. "I couldn't trust anyone else to design my daughter's college unit! Kung kaya ko edi bakit hindi diba?"

I walked towards her and gave her a slight hug. "Salamat, My. I really like everything about this place."

Hindi naman makaila na hindi ko mapansin na ang aking Ina ang nag interior nito dahil basang-basa niya naman kasi ang mga hilig ko.. mula sa ceiling at iba't ibang maliliit na details ay alam kong siya ang nagplano nito. She knows me too damn well!

"Magkano ho TF, Ma'am?" I kid as I let go of my side hug from her.

Nilingon niya ako at tinaasan ako ng kilay. "Don't bother asking. I'll ask you first," aniya.

"Could you afford my rate?"

"Ano, Isobel? Sagot.." Pabirong saad ni Daddy at tawang-tawa.

Damn! I really got her attitude.