As We Drift Away

Prologue

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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"Ma, yes, I'm here," I answered my mom who's very concerned right now.

["Anak naman, bakit 'di mo sinabi? We could have fetched you. Sinong susundo sa'yo ngayon? Your Kuyas aren't here,"] She said.

"It's fine, Ma. I'll just book an uber."

She sighed, ["Fine, take care."] She then ended the call.

It's been 5 years since I left the Philippines to study in Canada. I became really busy with my studies that I couldn't afford to visit Philippines, not even during holidays, due to the lack of time. It was sad and lonely, but my mom was there with me but she decided to go home 2 years ago so I was left in Canada alone.

I removed my blazer, it's hot as hell. I might pass out while waiting for my uber. It says that it's 10 minutes away so I decided to check my messages first. I laughed when I saw Alexa's message.

Alexa:

Tita just called me! You arrived na pala and didn't even bother messaging me! Btw, tita's mad because I didn't tell her that you're coming home!

Alexa is my bestfriend in Canada. She's fun to be with and I vibe with her.

Alexa:

Amaris Chandra! Don't you dare leave me on read!

Chandra:

Calm down, Alex! Ako na bahala kay mommy!

Alexa:

Dapat lang! How was your flight?

Chandra:

It's fine, let's FaceTime na lang later, my uber's here! Byee ttyl!

My uber arrived, he helped me to place my luggage inside the car's trunk. I went inside the passenger's seat and scrolled through my phone. It's so traffic, what's new Manila? I received an email from one of my highschool classmates regarding the batch reunion.

I placed my phone down and thought of the upcoming batch reunion. I'm not sure if I'll join since I might go home in our province.

When I arrived home, mom immediately hugged me. I hugged her back. "Chandra, anak" She kissed my forehead.

"Bakit 'di ka nagsabi? How was your flight?" she asked.

We headed to the living room, umupo kami sa couch, "The flight's fine, Ma. Biglaan po kasi, I wanted to go home since it's been 5 years." I explained.

She smiled, "You must have missed the Philippines. Are you hungry? I cooked some of your favorites."

I smiled and nodded. Mom ate with me. We had our kwentos and nagtanong siya tungkol sa studies ko. After taking my pre-med, I took a break before proceeding to med school. It's hard pero kakayanin.

Pagkatapos kumain, dumiretso na ako sa kwarto ko para mag-shower and did my skincare routine. The long ass flight made my skin a bit dry. Tinawagan ko si Alexa kasi 'di matigil ang pag message niya.

"My gosh, Chandra! Bakit 'di ka man lang mag-reply! I thought something happened to you, I swear I'll sue your uber driver!" she said in a very concerned tone.