3rd Person’s POV

[Sae Young Academy of Arts…February 16, 20XX]

Class just ended and Anika hated the fact that during second semester, their schedule was changed. Now, she doesn’t have anyone to go with. She used to have last period with Lei.

When she walked out of the classroom, she was shocked to see a familiar face. It was her older brother. This was the first time they saw each other for years, ever since she went to South Korea. He stayed in the Philippines because his work is there.

“Kuya, anong ginagawa mo dito?” [Translation: Brother, what are you doing here?]

“Pinapauwi ka na ni mama, Anika. You’ve been stubborn for far too long, so she ordered me to come get you instead.” [Translation: Mom is making you come home, Anika.]

“She’s the stubborn one here, how many times do I have to repeat myself to her that my dream is right here?” Anika clenched her fist in anger. Her mom really doesn’t care, huh?

“Look, sumama ka nalang umuwi sakin ngayon para wala ng gulo pa.” [Translation: Look, just go home with me right now so there will be no more trouble.] “Please, Anika?”

“Anong sinabi ni mama sayo, kuya?” [Translation: What did mom told you, brother?]

“Sabi niya na kapag hindi kita inuwi, babawiin niya ang pagiging lawyer ko sa ating law firm.” [Translation: Mom said that if I don’t take you home, she’ll take my position as a lawyer in our law firm] “I would have said no, but my fiancee is pregnant. So, I had to.”

“Ate Dianne is pregnant?” Anika’s brother is already engaged to a beautiful girl named Dianne Santos in the Philippines and she couldn’t believe that they’re going to have a baby.

“Yeah, that’s why I need to keep my job now. You understand it, right?”

“Ofcourse, I do. But I can’t just leave my dreams behind because of this, kuya.”

“Don’t do it because of me, do it for your soon to be nephew or niece. Please, Anika?”

The girl contemplated. This is a tough decision. She wanted to help her brother, but she can’t leave her group. Is this how Chase felt when she had to choose before? This is really hard…

“Kailangan ko bang tumira don?” [Translation: Do I have to stay there?]

“Mom didn’t said anything about that, she only told me to fetch you here.”

“Fine. I’ll come home with you but I’m coming back here as soon as possible.”

“Ofcourse, ofcourse. I’ll even help you get back here in South Korea, just come back home with me so mom wouldn’t take my job away.” Anika nodded, so he smiled. “Thank you…”

“Don’t mention it, let’s just go. The sooner, the better.”

“Right. Well, there’s a last flight right now. We can still catch it.”

“I’m not bringing anything cause I’m coming back here, so come on.”

They headed to the airport immediately and Anika followed her brother until they boarded up in a plane. It was a private plane, Anika noticed, and they were the only passenger.

“Ang kuya mo lang pala ang makakapagpauwi sayo, ha?” Anika’s eyes widened, it was her mother. [Translation: So your brother is the only one that can make you come home, huh?]

“M-Ma…” [Translation: M-Mom…] “What are you doing here? Right now?”

“I need to make sure that your brother would actually bring you home, ofcourse.”

“Why are you like this, mom?” Anika’s brother interrupted. “Does dad know about this?”

“Your father doesn’t make the best decision, I need to decide for you. And mother knows best.” but at this moment, Anika felt that her mother wasn’t being a mother to them.

“I’m not going back with you, mom. I’m getting down from this plane, whatever you say.”

“I dare you to try.” Anika stood up from her seat and opened the door, but it wouldn’t.

“Let me out of here, mom. I’m going back to the dorm right now. Open up…”

“Just listen to me for once, Anika. I’m doing what’s best for you, why can’t you see that?” Mrs. Choi went to sat down in one of the seat. “Sit down, we’re going home now.”

“MA! BUKSAN MO ANG PINTO!” [Translation: Mom, open the door!]

“The plane is starting its engine, Anika. Take a seat right now.”

Anika didn’t stopped forcing the door open, even letting her brother help. But it was a waste of strength cause the door wouldn’t budge at all. So, she could only accept her fate.

“I hate you for this, mom.”

“I know, you’ve always hated me.”

“No, I don’t. But right now, I do. I hate you so much…” Anika clenched her fist as she watch the plane flew away from South Korea, away from her home, and away from her group.

Mrs. Choi just stared at her daughter, hurt from what she had said but there’s nothing she can do when getting Anika home is more important than anything else. Their family business is on the line and her hobby of singing would be the reason of their business’ downfall.

“I’m sorry, Anika. This is the only way…”

========================================================================