Chapter 40 - The Choice

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — SYRRA — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Ahh… 8 am… Another day of summer… I got down the stairs for a good breakfast. My week just keeps on getting better…

"You were sound asleep, sis. Wanna share what you did at the Megaplex?" Jenna was curious about our 2nd experience. She appeared to be back from her summer job.

"Well, we had a lot of fun! We went ice skating, for starters!" I began sharing what happened yesterday.

"Could that explain the wounds on your arm? You got careless, sis… Tsk tsk…" I nearly choked on my food as she asked about my arm. Oops… She noticed…

"My bad… I'll be careful next time… But skating around the rink was fun! Serra kept hanging onto the penguin, I think she made a new friend!" I giggled and found that moment cute.

"She's a unique individual, alright~ Hey, why don't you invite her and Renn to my moving up party later? I finally decided that it will be today. At 1 pm." I was surprised. I stood up and slammed the table with my hands.

"I thought you were keeping that to this family only!" She literally just broke what she said a few months ago:

*("When I have my moving up party this summer, I will invite the WHOLE FAMILY only!")*

"Change of plans, it turns out inviting people close to me makes my moving up party much more meaningful. I was wrong about what I said months ago." I sighed. Of course… She's such a rulebreaker…

"Well, I'll ask them about it later. I need to pick the appropriate clothes for it." I went to my wardrobe and looked for a fitting outfit for the party.

White bell sleeves from attending a wedding last week…

No.

Blue blazer dress uniform while defending a research proposal that Serra wore days ago…

Not enough elegance.

Brown Empire Dress…

Too plain…

So many clothes, yet I don't even know which one is fitting for the moving up party!

"(I'm lost on what to pick…)"

I'll be here for HOURS! I need help on what to wear…

"Sis! I need help on what to wear!" I consulted Jenna, shouting from my room.

"Let me take care of it…" She then went to check my wardrobe for a fitting attire. My sister isn't one for fashion, but I don't want to leave a bad impression at the party.

"Hmm… Oh! This looks good."

She pulled out an elegant purple dress. It's the dress my mother gifted me when she visited the house 3 weeks ago. It's an off-shoulder dress with a design that shouts: "Lavender!"

"But Jenna… I don't want to reveal so much skin." I acted like I'm covering my chest with my arms. I don't feel confident about my own body, so I tend to always pick the dresses that cover a lot.

"Step out of your comfort zone, Syrra… The dresses you pick either don't fit or look too plain. It's okay to show some skin, as long as you maintain your personality. You're not like that Feliciana girl who just ruined her dignity." I felt defeated as I put my arms down. She has a point… I already have so many dresses, I might as well make use of them.

ALSO DID SHE JUST COMPARED ME TO THAT SAD EXCUSE OF A HUMAN BEING?!

"YOU DIDN'T NEED ME TO COMPARE WITH THIS WITCH!" She giggled. Early in the morning and she is already toying with me?!

She's seriously quite the character.

"But… I suppose I'll give it a shot." I turned around and just went with what my sister chose. It will take me a while to get used to the dress.

"Great, now run along to Serra and Renn to invite them to my moving up party!" I quickly then rushed to Renn's house to invite them over.

As I arrived, I knocked on the door.

"Renn! Serra! I need to tell you something!" I waited for a bit, then I was greeted by Serra.

"Oh, Syrra. What's up?" She asked. I also noticed that her hair changed. She went from black hair to now purple.

"Hey... Did you dye your hair?" I pointed at her hair.

"No... It was naturally that way..." I'm shocked.

"You look great with purple hair!" I complimented her with a very satisfied smile on my face.

"Oh... Really... By the way, what brings you here?" She asked.

"Oh, yeah! was planning to invite you and Renn over for Jenna's moving up party!" I told her about the party.

"Ah… I don't mind going." She answered me straight. I jumped happily, seeing as she accepted my invitation.

"Alright! What about Renn?" I looked around the house for Renn, it's strange how he isn't popping out.

"Oh, he isn't here today." I was shocked. Huh? He isn't here?!

"Where did he go?" I asked.

"He went to the family mansion. His family wanted to settle with him about something." Another straight answer from her. And I groaned, disappointed to hear that. Damn… Bad timing. I was so keen on inviting him…

"Well, maybe next time then. By the way, the party will start at 1 pm. I'll see you then!" I tapped my wrist as if actually wearing a watch, telling her the time the party will start.

"Alright, keep me updated." She went back inside and shut the door, and I quickly went back to my house.

"I'm back!" I entered happily.

"Did you invite them?" Jenna asked while cleaning the dishes.

"Well, I only invited Serra. Renn is busy for the meantime… So she will show up at the party soon." I shut the door behind me as I was slightly sad answering her question, expecting her to be slightly disappointed by my answer.

And I was right. She sighed upon hearing that.

"Well… Can't be helped. You should get ready. I booked a majestic place for us, and we should get there by 10:30 am to start preparing." She showed me her phone that showed our venue a beautiful wide hall. It was also very far from our house, but it's close to Shining Pearl Beach. Damn, she's quick on booking!

"Alright!" I quickly went to the bathroom to prepare myself for the party.

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2 hours and several minutes later…

We are now at the venue. I'm currently helping my sister prepare for the party with the decorations and other stuff. I have to admit, this purple dress really makes me feel like those popular girls I read in those love stories.

I'm honestly flattering myself right now…

"You look great."

I turned to see Serra in a tuxedo. On one hand it felt odd that a girl is wearing a tuxedo that's normally for men. On the other… It felt odd that it actually fits her even more than wearing a dress.

"Whoa, so do you! I remember you picked this during our shopping spree!" I was amazed at how she managed to find one that suited her.

"It's just for today..." She said as she adjusted her tie. For someone as short as her, I can't believe she has a way hotter body than I am…

I HATE HOW FLAT I LOOK! I NEED A HOT BODY WITH BIG HONKERS JUST LIKE HERS!

"Wow… How do you get a body this nice…" I groaned, feeling envious of how she looked. I REALLY wanted it...

"Uhhh… Are you okay?" I quickly got shocked as she tilted her head, confused to what I just said...

OH NO, I SPOKE MY THOUGHTS OUT LOUD!

"AHH!! DON'T MIND ME! AHAHAHAHAHA! I'LL JUST GO AND HELP WITH THE PARTY!" I turned away from her, sitting down to cover my embarrassed face.

WHAT WAS THAT?! I ENDED UP SAYING SERRA'S HOT RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER! SHE CAN NEVER SEE ME THE SAME WAY EVER AGAIN!

"Let me help." She then proceeded to help with the decorations of the table.

Things are going smoothly. And by smoothly, I mean GOING ALL OVER THE PLACE WITH MY EMBARRASSED FACE!

Ehem.

Anyway, we managed to finish setting up at 12:50 pm.

And the guests arrived. It was Jenna's classmates along with their families, followed by mom, who was stunning in a floral dress. The guests all sat down on their respective chairs, except mom, who approached me with a smile.

"Lucky that I was permitted to come here to celebrate." She greeted me with a warm kiss. It was nice seeing her again…

"Mom…" I gently hugged her.

"My little scholar girl… You've changed so much." She hugged me back while caressing my hair.

"Heehee~ I've worked so much for it!" I let go of her and twirled, feeling proud. It's all thanks to my one and only role model, Renn.

Mom noticed Serra, who appears to be watching our interaction from afar. Serra quickly looked away, but it was already too late. She got noticed.

"Is this your friend?" She pointed at her and I nodded.

"This is Serra Myers! A very special friend of mine from another school!" I introduced her and gestured for her to come over here.

Serra noticed and slowly made her way towards me.

"Hello…" She said, shyly.

"Oh my~ Aren't you just looking fabulous in a ravishing tuxedo like this! Pleasure to meet one of my daughter's friends!" She bowed to her.

"You too..." Serra bowed back to her.

"Does she not talk much? She reminds me of your father back then…" I looked at Serra and made a realization. My mom's right. Serra and my dad are people of a few words.

But the similarities end there. Dad isn't the man he used to be anymore. He got drunk and lazy almost all the time. That got him in such a state in the ICU, until 3 weeks ago his heart rate monitor suddenly went flat.

Rest in peace, dad...

While Serra isn't the girl she used to be anymore, she slightly gained confidence in herself. I like that about her. Much like Renn, I can see a bright future in her life. Though, when it comes to new people, she tends to be very shy.

"Enough about dad… Jenna's still preparing in her space, do you want to visit her?" I asked my mom.

"It'll be nice to see how she's doing. Lead the way, my dear." I led the way out of the venue through the backstage and went to a room where my sister is preparing herself.

I knocked.

"Jenna, the guests are here! And mom wants to see you!" She should be almost done by now.

"Come in!" I opened the door and I saw her wearing a pretty, elegant, sky blue dress. One of the staff helped her in applying make-up.

Mom followed in and was happy to see her.

"Nice to see you finally taking your college, dear…" My mom was amazed to see her.

"Glad you could visit, mom. I think you may have met one of Syrra's friends a while back?" Jenna asked.

"Yes. Although, I don't see Alrose. Is he anywhere?" Oh, she was looking for Renn as well when she arrived.

"Syrra told me he is busy taking care of something. He won't arrive today, sadly." I wonder what Renn is taking care of. Surely it can't be something big… It's summer.

"How unfortunate… I never got the chance to see him in person." Much like me and my sister, she got disappointed not seeing him... Maybe next time, mom...

"There is a lot I want to say to you, mom… Syrra, I need a moment." She gestured for me to leave, needing private time to chat with her

"Sure!" I quickly left to give them some time to chat. I happily walked back to the venue.

On the way there, I got a voicemail from someone. It's from Serra? Why would she suddenly send me this instead of confronting me directly?

Well, I decided to play it.

"Looks like things will be busy tomorrow… *sigh*"

Is that Renn… I can hear he's clearing out... Clothes?

"This has honestly been very difficult for me to get my head over, but I made my choice."

Choice? What choice? I was confused because I had no idea what was unfolding here.

"I'm really glad Serra and Syrra had your fun at the Megaplex yesterday. Syrra even said she wanted to have fun again here next time."

I covered my mouth, flabbergasted as I continued listening. Renn… Where is this going?

"I… Don't know when that next time will be. I don't have that much time left. Heh..."

The recording ended here. What the hell…

I quickly began looking for Serra. There she was, backstage. I immediately tapped her shoulder and showed her the voicemail, furious.

"Explain." I moved the phone closer to her face, wanting more explanation from her.

"A lot happened yesterday under your nose." As always, she was blunt about her answer.

"What do you mean, a lot... Like what?" I was getting tearful, putting my phone down and gripping it tight. I don't want to be involved in riddles again. Serra... Get to the point, please.

"He's been recommended to study abroad.." I was shocked. What Serra just said echoed in my mind.

"Recommended to study abroad." And in that moment, tears started rolling down my face, slightly ruining my make up.

He didn't even say goodbye… I was in tears… Renn, why...

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME EARLIER?! YOU MEAN TO TELL ME I COULD HAVE SAID GOODBYE TO HIM YESTERDAY?!" I couldn't take it and just shouted at her face. I couldn't believe these two… More specifically, Renn… Why did he keep this a secret from me… Serra felt her frustration rise.

"Because he hated saying goodbyes." I then saw her tearing up slightly as I was surprised.

"He didn't want us to focus on him. I even considered how stupid it was!" She then started crying.

"Tell me everything... Right from the start..." I demanded her to tell me.

"... You're not going to like it... But okay..." She then told me what happened, it was all yesterday.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — RENN — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

*Last Night…*

"I'd take this chance and study in a new environment. This is my one chance to grow."

I looked at Serra, with a serious look on my face. My choice has been finalized. I decided to call Sir C and get this over with.

"I have a feeling you made your choice?" He knew why I called.

"When am I leaving?" I asked the question, making my choice obvious.

"Good timing. I decided to book a flight tomorrow at 2 pm. You should inform your family about this. Prepare your things and we'll be off soon." So it's all happening this quickly.

"Thank you, sir. I'll take note of this." I hung up.

She slowly turned away from me. Is she upset about me, or is it something else? I have no idea.

"So, you're going to leave for Canada... When will the plane leave?" She immediately asked for the time of the flight.

"2 pm, tomorrow." I answered.

"Already, huh… Head over to your family mansion tonight. I'll watch over the house while you're gone." Trusting Serra with the house… She's alright being alone in the house for a while, at least she can do the things she likes in there.

"I plan to do just that…" I smiled.

"Are you going to say goodbye to Syrra?" My eyes widened... Syrra… I forgot about her.

"I don't want to say goodbye… It's honestly going to be painful for me. Saying goodbye is the last thing I wanted to do. I am coming back, but it's going to be a long while." I looked at the sky, taking a deep breath and trying not to cry.

"Well… I don't want you to have any more regrets, so I'll help you pack up right now." I turned to Serra.

"No, I don't want to trouble you. I'll do the packing on my own." I went closer to her and patted her shoulder from behind.

"And…" She then slowly turned to me, and for the first time in months...

I finally saw her genuine smile.

"Take care of yourself, brother… Promise to come back for us, okay?" I was stunned seeing her smile.

That in turn, made me more confident about tonight, clenching my fists closed and moved my fist to my heart in boy scout fashion.

"I will. That's a promise." I stood up. Serra also stood up, leading the way.

It's time for me to prepare… I'm satisfied with my time here, America...

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — SYRRA — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

After hearing all that and looking at Serra crying now... I can't be mad anymore... It's my first time seeing her become so emotional, especially for a person. She's met a lot of people in her life, and they just come and go. Meanwhile Renn became one of her brothers that really stayed in her heart. He gave her the pieces in her heart that were missing over her times with her ex-family...

So she recorded Renn while packing, and was contemplating on sending them to me until the last moment.

"I hated that I have to say goodbye on that cursed day… " She was crying so much, I hugged her and tried to comfort her.

"No. I don't blame you, this has been a very difficult time for us..." I also was still crying, now feeling bad for her. Their bond surely is so strong, that my tears stopped for a moment as I let go of her.

I then looked at my phone. 2 pm?

Right now it's 1:10 pm.

"We can still make it." I was then confident we could catch him in time before the plane leaves for good.

"So that's what's really going on..."

Jenna and my mom were listening in.

"Can the entertainment portion of the party go first, dear? I'll have to take these two to the airport real quick." My mom looked at Jenna, determined to take us to the airport right now as she took her car keys out of her pocket.

"It shall be done!" Jenna proceeded to the lobby, and my mom guided us out through the backstage and went to her car.

Serra and I hopped in immediately and mom quickly stepped on it for us to make it to the airport. I sure hope that we can make it.

Please… I have to say goodbye to him...

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — RENN — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Right now, I'm in the line boarding my flight. Sir C is right in front of me, accompanying me since it's my first time actually boarding a plane.

"Everything's here… Hoo boy, am I nervous…" I don't normally get nervous, but there's a first time for everything. I looked at my hand and watched it shake from the nervousness I had.

"It'll be a flight to remember. Cherish it." Sir C's comforting voice helps me calm down every time. I looked forward as the flight attendant was walking to her position.

I have come this far, the time for turning around has passed. A new life with new friends is waiting for me on the other side.

The line is now moving for me to board the flight. It's time.

"Please present your flight tickets and passports, the flight is about to take off soon."

One by one, each of us is getting our things examined.

Slowly but surely, I was about to board the flight.

"RENN! WAIT!"

As I handed over my ticket and passport, I turned to...

Syrra and Serra?! What are they doing here?!

And more importantly, how did Syrra know that I was going to leave?!

"Why have you come here?!" I'm surprised they even showed up just as I was about to board.

"COME HERE!" They wanted me to come but I'm disrupting the line.

I looked at Sir C as he smiled at me.

"Go ahead." He gestured for me to go to them and stood by the entrance, waiting for me and letting others pass. I went to Syrra and Serra.

They really rushed here, huh…

I stopped in front of them, slightly panting for air.

"Renn Alrose… You're really leaving now to study in Canada, huh? Good for you." Syrra sounds happy, and at the same time agitated.

"Sorry…" Her face right now is scary, I can feel like she could end me anytime. I backed away slightly but she took a step forward to not lose me.

"An apology isn't going to change the fact you hid this from me. And the fact I had to wipe my make-up off my face." She then went awfully close to me. Well, I was expecting this. I closed my eyes and braced for a slap on the face.

But then she hugged me.

"But just stay there for a moment and I'll forgive you. I'm happy that you got recommended to Canada… I hope you have a fun time there." This was a pleasant surprise. I hugged her back.

"Oh, and by the way…" She let me go and stepped aside to make way Serra.

"Do you have anything to say, Serra?" Serra was feeling down and walked forward as Syrra asked. Deep down she must have been feeling sad to see me go.

"I'm scared… I don't want you to go… I'm scared that things will end up back to the way they were before you came… I don't want to lose the person that has given me another opportunity in life..." She was in tears telling me how she really felt.

In a way, I blame her for not telling me sooner. But I did make my choice.

"I may leave you personally, but you've grown to be the person I imagined you'd be. You're choosing what makes you satisfied. I want you to continue that path. Syrra and my family will keep an eye on things moving forward. As much as I want to stay, I really need room for growth. That's why I made the choice." I stepped closer and wiped her tears.

"Thank you… Thank you so much… I'll do my best, brother… I'll be working just as hard as you one day... I'm rooting for you..." I can see her newfound confidence shine out of her. And I'll continue to work hard for her.

"This is going to be a new era for us." New era… Hmmm… Yeah… You're right, Syrra… I like the sound of that.

"All of us." I confidently stated.

"All of us!/All of us." Syrra pulled Serra to a group hug and we stood there feeling cozy with one another.

"Plane's going to fly any moment! I can't stay here forever, Alrose!"

My time is running out.

"Well, time's up… I'll surely miss you both. I'll see you both again, I promise." I crossed my heart and hoped to die if I didn't maintain that promise.

"Drop dead if you don't come back, you muppet. See you in a few years." Serra smiled at me.

"Share to us the full Canadian experience! See you!" Syrra waved happily.

No matter where we go, our bond remains strong.

"Goodbye... Take care of yourselves..." I turned and waved to them as I finally boarded the airplane. I can see Syrra slightly went from happy to sad as she watched me go. Serra was the same, hugging Syrra as they both cried their hearts out. I continued walking back to board the plane, taking deep breaths as I held back my tears.

Sir C accompanied me to my seat next to the window.

"Attention, everyone. This is your captain speaking, we are now about to take flight. Fasten your seatbelts, passengers."

Sir C helped me buckle my seatbelt. And then I looked out the window as the plane finally took off.

I'm officially off the American land… I took a sigh of relief and smiled slightly. I felt no regrets.

"You know, Alrose… You're lucky." I looked at Sir C.

"How so?" I asked.

"You made so many memories with them. I could see it when they rushed here for you. The depressed girl, Serra… I met her back at the stadium and she never smiled. She has changed significantly because of you." Sir C stated, and I smiled.

"Seeing her smile for the first time made me feel like she's matured. Bringing her to my family when she got kicked out has renewed her spirit. It had nothing to do with me." I watched the skies as I answered with my hand clenched on my chest. Everything was up to her, not me.

"Nothing to do with you? Come on! I know you did something..." He proudly persisted in believing she got better because of me.

"It's really all on her. I didn't influence her at all. She wanted to be a hard worker like me when she was already working so hard during my lowest." I sighed, leaning my head more towards the window.

"In the end, who is she doing all that hard work for? Take a guess." I slightly turned my head to Sir C, wanting me to guess the answer.

"Herself?" I answered. Sir C sighed in disappointment.

"She's working hard for you. She's wise in her own right. If I am not wrong, she's the one who made you go into the stadium to solve your own problems." I was very surprised. Huh? He knew?!

"How did you know that?" Now I'm VERY curious.

"Syrra is on a wheelchair, so it couldn't have been her. That foreigner and Lisa had no idea where you live. Process of elimination." I was stunned by his process. Goddamn, he really used that process to know that part.

"Teachers like you sure are unmatched, Sir C." I happily sighed and chuckled as I sat down properly on my seat. I'm honestly amazed.

"The point is, you made such an impact in their life… Now they are going to walk on their chosen path with your impact supporting them to achieve their dreams." I looked down on thought, fiddling my thumbs... Impact…

I only am smart because I work hard, so I know I impacted people to study harder. But to think people would think of me more than just that…

"I'm very happy to hear that…" My heart was flooding with happiness to the point I began crying.

Syrra, thank you for sticking with me for almost 4 years… You've been the one friend who's been happy to stick by my side. You're also the most reliable friend who never gave up on me. You were struggling so much because of your poor status. You wanted to work so hard because you couldn't think what was going to happen if everything fell apart. Now, here you are. You're now working so hard... You even got a scholarship on your hands. You've matured so much. I'm really proud of you...

Serra, you've been through a lot. You've experienced many harsh things. And yet, you still stand tall. You really gave life a 2nd chance. And I'm very proud to be someone seeing how far you have gotten. From the beginning, I already had a feeling your future was very bright. I never stopped believing in you. And in turn, you've helped me get up from the time I gave up on myself. How could I ever thank you enough…

*("I'll be working just as hard as you one day... I'm rooting for you...)*

Remembering her inspired line truly touched me.

I wiped my tears and felt confident about my new destination. I'll hope that good things come my way

As I explore more in my life…

The life that defined me who I am today.

"(Look out, Canada… Here comes Renn Alrose!)"

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