New Life

"Such a nice beginning to restart my life.

I've come a long way, that's for sure.

I am now 1 step away from taking over my family's company, just a little bit more..."

Berkeley, California. The University of California.

Graduating with the highest distinction, "Roxanne Ellie Alfonso" her hands were shaking with tremors as her name was called on stage. Her heart was pounding loudly, making her breathe in difficulty. The most thrilling experience throughout her college life, she stood full of courage and spirit as she delivered a speech made with effort and anxiety.

"... I am proudly standing here on this very special day to all of us, nervous and excited, trying my best to commence a speech that would hopefully motivate everyone here today as we continue our path towards each of our ambitions... "Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them" it was this quote that saved me from the empty void I was imprisoned. No matter who we are, no matter what challenges life gives us. Nothing will be ever enough for us to confine ourselves in solitude and hopelessness..."

And as the conclusion of the ceremony, after several speeches from her classmates to school staff and guests. She felt nothing like an empty shell from the seashore. Of course, it was one of the happy times in her life. But since all of her efforts finally met her goal, the feelings were not as she expected they would be. Even so, she still tried to make her best impression on her friends.

She threw her hands up high with the mortarboard hat in her hands. She tried to send her hat as high as she could to celebrate her graduation. A big round of applause to the alumni of the University of California!

Although she was years late compare to her high school friends, it was better than having no degree at all.

Now everything is going according to her plan, there is no reason to be pessimistic and pathetic anymore. Her life changed and so does she. This is a fresh start after all of those troublesome battles in the past. Ellie feels more confident than she ever was.

The day after her graduation was also her last day in California. She spent her whole day hanging out with her friends trying to make the best out of it. All of them will be missed, of course.

Now on her final day, her college friends went to the airport with her to bid their final goodbye.

Reminiscing the roller coaster of emotions during her experience in college life, all the laughter she shared with them, the crying sessions, mental breakdowns every day and night, the anxieties during some school presentations, and many more things she couldn't even count on her fingers. Everything was worth the wait.

Tears couldn't be kept inside their eyes, it was like a broken faucet that was too late to fix. The last hugs they gave her, every warmth of their embraces she would surely miss. It couldn't be more heartbreaking— well, it's not like they wouldn't see each other again. But it would take years before they reunited because she knows she is not the only one that would get busy reaching for the dreams they once shared.

Ellie waved her final goodbye before she continued her steps towards the inside of the airport. Although it was kind of depressing to be apart from her 'friends', she couldn't feel more excited about her reunion with her family.

She wiped her tears from her cheeks and let out some deep breaths.

Her journey towards her goal is now one step closer, and nothing will ever stop her from now on.

****

Manila, Philippines.

After exiting the aircraft she immediately felt the sudden temperature change. She had to stop for a moment to remove her hoodie jacket. She wore a casual outfit because she knew well about the hot climate in the Philippines.

A white slouchy tank top inside a grey hoodie jacket and blue high-waisted jeans. She paired it with black sunglasses and a black ball cap.

Her, since childhood, best friend was waiting outside the airport holding a banner that says "Welcome Back Accla!". The lady went into a hysterical mode as she saw Ellie's presence approaching her. Olivia shamelessly screamed and jumped while proudly holding her banner. Ellie wanted to change her path to hide the fact that they know each other and that she was the person Olivia was waiting for.

Fortunately, her family's van was also waiting for her just behind Olivia. She laid her head low and walked directly inside the van. Olivia was confused and disappointed with what Ellie had just done to her that moment. She welcomed her with warmth and excitement and yet she decided to ignore her.

Ellie removed her hat and glasses to fix her things. While Olivia outside was still astonished by Ellie's continuous rudeness towards her. "How dare this spoiled brat!" she stepped inside the van to smack Ellie's head.

The smack made a crispy slap sound and it was so loud that the driver felt a little concerned about Ellie. "Olivia?! What the fuck was that?" she asked while holding the back of her head to soothe the pain.

"How dare you ignore me?! I made this awesome banner for you and you ignored me!!" this girl has gone crazier than she was a while ago. She won't stop nagging and screaming inside the van that other people couldn't help but stare at because of their curiosity.

But Ellie knows her too well and was almost acclimated to her friend's anger management issue. What's a better counter to an angry sweet-tooth lady than a bar of chocolate? And it was not just any chocolate; it was Olivia's favorite chocolate specially made for her. Ellie ordered a bar of customized chocolate from Olivia's favorite candy shop in NYC. It was meant to be a gift on her upcoming birthday but she had no choice but to shut down the foul mouth of her friend before it got any worse.

Olivia was instantly awed silent after seeing the special gift from her friend. Just a moment ago she was constantly nagging and screaming at Ellie. It was very contrary to how her eyes glimmered in amazement like a little kid. Her face was quite a beauty that displays innocent and lightness.

This girl does have an unusual personality, nevertheless, Ellie seemed to be quite comfortable around her. Their friendship wouldn't last that very long if the spoiled-brat Ellie wasn't favorable with her attitude.

But if you were to ask her about what made their relationship stronger than anyone else's, their answer will be almost identical.

"She is someone I can always count on, a very loyal and honest person". A fact that everyone can't deny, we all want to have someone we can rely upon and trust without having any worries. And that is exactly what made them stronger together despite their both fierce attitudes.

"Heeeyy, if you told me earlier then I wouldn't have smacked the shit out of you!" Ellie rolled her eyes and continued fixing her things. Olivia pouted, even though they both hate any type of physical affection she still gave her a bear-like and tight hug. "Ew, when did you even learn how to hug?" Ellie sarcastically teased her while trying to push herself from Olivia's suffocating embrace.

Their love language was unusual, unlike the other people. The only way they can express their affection for each other without being 'cheesy' or 'corny' was through violence and harsh treatment. It's not like they're truly a kind of people with a wicked personality, they are more than what meets the eye.

They are currently headed to Tagaytay where Ellie's father's ancestral home is. The Hacienda de Alfonso was built in 1920 by Don Alfonso for her wife, Donya Theresa.

The mansion was built on top of a mountain offering a beautiful and scenic view of the city. The temperature was also much cooler than in the other areas.

Ellie was heartily welcomed by her family. It was not emotional at all, even though it has been 6 years since they have last seen each other in person. Everyone was full of smiles and laughter, a cheerful atmosphere surrounded their home. They also prepared a feast for Ellie, and that was the opportunity she had to share her experience with them.

Olivia was no stranger to the Alfonso family, she has been accepted as Ellie's soul sibling since they were in their childhood years.

Olivia was one of the children of Ellie's family lawyer, Mr. Oliver Mateo. The Mateo family was invited to the welcome home feast for Ellie since Ellie has also been part of their family. The connections between the two families will never get severed as long as Ellie and Olivia stay together.

But unlike Ellie, Olivia wasn't an only child. She had an older a younger brother. Her older brother, Simon, was only a year older than the both of them. While her younger brother, Daniel, was 15 younger than them. He was like Ellie's second soul-sibling. Despite Oliver's request to stop her from spoiling Daniel, he wasn't able to do anything about it. And now Daniel is a mix of Olivia's short-temper personality and Ellie's spoiled attitude.

Simon on the other hand never had a close relationship with Ellie. He set his ambition to serve the Alfonso family someday like his father. His temper was rather cold and distant, he's an extremely introverted type of person. Whenever Ellie tries or had to communicate with him, there was always an awkward ambiance between them. Neither did efforts to erase that feeling.

The feast ended with a signature dessert made by Ellie's grandmother and mom.

The men and women soon separated after the delightful dinner. Men went on the patio and shared a new bottle of whiskey Ellie's grandfather wanted to show off. Simon didn't want to join them but her father demanded and he had no choice. Daniel joined them and his naughty father let him shot a few amounts of whiskey.

While the women were in the living room changing gossip and laughter.

It was midnight when both parties decided to end their chats. Ellie's father, Antonio, insisted for the Mateo family stay until tomorrow. Perhaps, he was worried about the time. Besides, the mansion has enough room to occupy 5 more people.

Most of them were already exhausted, but Ellie was still jet-lagged from California. After moments of rolling and moving on her bed, she decided to get a cup of milk to somehow help her sleep.

While she was waiting for her milk to heat up, she saw Simon outside on their patio. She was curious what he was up to at that hour. "What are you doing?" Simon slightly flinched from his surprise. "I can't sleep... what about you?" Ellie was somewhat surprised by his question, For 20 years they have known each other and that was the first time Simon has asked something about her. "Same" was a very short and plain answer and yet she hoped for his reply.

But the cold boy didn't hesitate to stay quiet. All the same, it was still awkward between them. Maybe she still has to be thankful he somehow improved his communication skills.

"You know this was the first time you asked me about myself," she asked in trance and instantly regret it after she finished her question. But she had no choice anymore but to just wait for his answer.

"I'll be asking you more questions once you inherit the company and I become your lawyer" well- that wasn't the answer she was waiting for. Although it didn't meet her satisfaction, she didn't bother to pester him anymore.

She gave him a last glance before she went back to get her milk.

If you would look at Simon's face, it would be difficult to tell that he actually regrets his answer to her words. Who could have blamed him though? Every time he looks at her, he was always lost for words.