7,107 islands (camren)

CHAPTER 1

A/N

Btw this is my first time writing a story. Though I may take pride on my creative side, I'm not quite sure about my grammar. Can anyone help me? Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy xxx

Jasmin's POV

"Hija! Gising na! Tanghali na! (My daughter! Wake up! It's noon already!)" my mom shouted.

I tried to open my eyes but I gave up right after catching a ray of light.

"'Pag hindi ka pa tumayo dyan... (If you don't lift your ass right now....)," I heard mom threatening me while probably holding her broom. I made an effort to move a bit, still trying to muster some strength since I feel like a jello.

"Ala-una na Jasmin. Anong oras ka na naman ba natulog? Imbis na makatulong ka dito sa bahay..... Gigising ka lang para kumain! (It's already one o'clock, Jasmin. What time did you decide to sleep again? Instead of you helping me here with the chores..... You just wake up when it's time to eat!)"

God, I hate mornings, I hate the sun, I hate my mom's annoying voice, I hate everything.

"Okay, okay ma, I'm awake now," I said to her while massaging my forehead. I'm going to have a headache with all this noise.

"Aba, pa-English English ka pa! Tumayo ka na dyan at tulungan mo ko sa mesa. (Oh, so now you're speaking in English! Stand up already and help me prepare the dining table.)"

Don't get me wrong, I love my mom, but at times like this I wanna pull her hair out. Why is it so damn hard to understand that I'm not a morning person? I don't whine about assigned chores, but shouting at this time of my day? Right after I wake up? What the heck?

And also, who cares if I speak in English. Can't I practice the language? Especially if I've been spending my nights talking to a foreigner, which I may or may not meet soon. Anyway, I conclude this is all Karla's fault. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be sleeping as late as 4AM. Then I won't wake up at 1PM. Then my mom wouldn't be barging in my room sounding like an ambulance and fire truck combined.

No, kidding, I like Karla. She's the only one who can understand me right now. I guess I'll blame time zones then.

"JASMIN!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Jesus Christ, mother. Stop shouting!

After fixing my bed and myself altogether, I went to the dining table where my younger siblings are already seated. Mom prepared the table without my help. I waited for her to scold me again but nothing came. She just instructed us to start eating.

Awwww. I love my mom. I know I'll be washing the dishes later though.

We all indulged in our lunch cooked by my mother. She cooks really well. And because of that, we, me and my siblings, just ate in silence, savoring every flavor.

I have two brothers and one sister. I'm the oldest, 20 years old, followed by the two boys, 18 and 14 years old. That makes my sister the youngest and we call her bunso, 11 years old.

Wondering where my dad is? He's working abroad. You know. Typical story. We all know that. Next.

Lol sorry. I just hate introducing this part me. People usually ask more questions and I don't like sharing my life. I prefer listening to others. That's it.

I miss Karla.

Anyway, fine, so my dad works at the USA. No biggie. He's an engineer there, civil specifically. Probably handling construction of a high rise tower. We only see him every other year so to prioritize funding other important needs than flight tickets. I can say we live an average life. Not so rich, not so poor. We don't have maids because my mom doesn't want to. But I do know our family is really thrifty, probably saving for our future and big investments.