Rhian was born here in the Philippines but her parents decide to move to US in order for them to let their daughter to live longer. Due to her condition she has a lot of restrictions growing up.

 

She HCM or Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy wherein she is not allowed to get tired or to have extreme feelings. They tried to find ways to cure her disease but in will put Rhian’s life at risk and they don’t what to do it. So they just decide to be extra delicate to her up to the point of locking her inside the house. And the reason why is she under home schooling.

 

Her parents didn’t take the risk to let her go to a normal schooling system in case in might cause her to have attack when they are not around. Thus Rhian grow up having few friends and few experiences. Even though she live all her life in US, She was raised in a very Filipino environment and knows how to speak in Filipino fluently.

 

Until her mother and father decide to have a vacation.

“What do you think?” asked by Mrs. Howell

“If you want to but don’t you think if will be a risk for our daughter?” questioned by Mr. Howell

“She lived longer that we thought. She has been locked in this house for all her life. The only time she goes us is with us or with her friend” explained by Mrs.Howell

“I know but the environment in the Philippines is really different from here and I can’t leave my work here.”  Said by Mr. Howell

“So you mean if you can’t leave then we can’t go.” Questioned by Mrs. Howell

“No that’s not what I mean. Just that I could not take the risk of our daughter’s life in just one vacation” shouted by Mr. Howell

“So you’re saying that I cannot look after her if we are in the Philippines without you?” shouted by Mrs. Howell

“That’s not my point Clara. Come on you being too much again” said by Mr. Howell

 

Rhian who was on the other room heard that her parents has been shouting to each other decide to look what’s happening.

 

“Mom, Dad, are you guys fighting?”asked by Rhian as she enter the living room

“No were not sweetheart” said by her dad.

“Come here” invited by her mom

“then why are guys shouting to each other?” asked by Rhian

“Is just that your mom wants something that we disagree” said by her dad

“What is it mom?” asked by Rhian as she joins her parents

“I want us to have a vacation in Philippines sweetheart. it’s about time for you to experience another environment. You’ve been here for so long. I want you to experience more than this” explained by her mom

“But I disagree with her. I just don’t want to risk your condition for just a vacation.” Added by her dad

“But I will be fine with it though” said by Rhian

“What?” said by her parents

“I said I will be fine. I’ve always look forward visiting the Philippines and I always heard stories about how fun being there just thru my cousins. And I can take care of myself” said by Rhian

“But I will not be there with you” said by Mr. Howell

“You can just follow us right?” asked by Rhian

“I think so” said by Mr. Howell

“Then please allow us. I will be fine dad, Mom is going with me and you’re gonna follow.” Begged by Rhian to her father.

“Just one condition. You gonna promise to call me everyday okay?” Said by her dad.

“Of course.I might call you more than once” smiled by Rhian

“So guys are cool now? Right?” pointed to her parents as she was about to leave the room

“Yup. We’re good” said by her mom

“That’s good.I’ll be on the other room if you need me” smiled by Rhian as she leaves the older ones behind.

“So we’re cool right?” asked by Mr. Howell

“Thank you” said by Mrs. Howell

“It’s fine. I’ll just call my assistant to fix your papers and flight” said by Mr. Howell

“Oww By the way. Don’t book an accommodation for us. I can just contact Christy” said by Mrs. Howell

“Your bestfriend?” asked by Mr. Howell

“Yes, she said that if there comes a time that I am going back to the Philippines I should stay in her house” said by Mrs. Howell

“You sure? Will Rhian be fine there?” said by Mr. Howell

“Yes of course she knows Rhian’s condition” said by Mrs. Howell

“So that’s it I will just call my assistant” said by Mr. Howell

 

Meanwhile Rhian who was controlling herself not to be excited was in the other room calling her best friend who was in the Philippines right now for her vacation.

 

“Wooo.. Rhian calm down. Finally makaka punta ka na sa Pilipinas” ngiti ni Rhian habang kinakalma ang sarili at inaantay ang sagot ni Sheena

“Antagal” reklamo ni Rhian habang hindi sumasagot ang kaibigan.

 

*AFTER FEW MORE RINGS*

 

ON THE PHONE

Rhian: Finally. Sinagot mo din.

Sheena: Sorry, Sorry gabi kasi dito ngayon kakatapos ko lang maghilamos.

Rhian: well I have a good news sana sayo kaso ang tagal mo sumagot kaya di ko na lang sasabihin.

Sheena: hay nako. Ang mean mo dun.

Rhian: Ganun talaga. Pinag antay mo ko eh.

Sheena: Sabihin mo na please..

Rhian: Basta I promise mo na ililibre mo ko jan pagdating.

Sheena: Oo na sige, anu ba yun? WAIT ANU? Pagdating mo jan? Pagdating mo dito?

Rhian:HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Sheena: anu tatawanan mo lang ako? Pupunta ka ng Pilipinas?

Rhian: yup and Yup hahahahahaha

Sheena: OH MY GOD! Kailan? Paano? At Bakit?

Rhian: Di ko pa alam kung kailan basta soon and Kung bakit at paano jan natin pag usapan.

Sheena: Anu bayan?!?! Na excite naman ako. Sasabihin ko si Pau,Mike at TJ na dadating ka.

Rhian: Wag surprise nga eh. Balak ko sila isurprise

Sheena: Wow naman, kung ikaw nga bawal masurprise eh. Eh paano kung maexcite ka ng sobra pag nagkita mo sila at atakihin ka.

Rhian: grabe ka din eh no? sige na sabihin mo sila ah. Update na lang kita kung may date na at kung saan kami mag stay.

Sheena: Sige sige ooh paano bukas na lang late na dito eh.

Rhian: Sige good night jan. I’ll see you soon.

 

After the phone call. Wala ng mag-gawa si Rhian. Paano ba naman sunod –sunod na umuwi ng Pilipinas mga kaibigan nya nung nagsimula ang school break. Kaya naman wala syang maka hangout or maka sama kumain sa labas or mag roadtrip. Konti lang ang friends ni Rhian yung mga kapitbahay lang nila or yung anak ng officemate ng daddy nya na mga Pinoy din.Sila na yung mga nakalakihan ni Rhian na kaibigan at alam din nila ang limitations ni Rhian dahil sa condition nito.