JUVENILE DELINQUENT

"I always told you, Yssa. Don’t be too rebellious; you always give me a headache. I can’t handle you anymore. You’re going to stay at your aunt’s house," he said, completely exhausted, as he removed his necktie. He walked away while fiddling with his phone, and after a moment, he was already talking to someone. "Hello," was the last thing I heard before he stepped out of Mom’s room and went to the veranda. I lay down on their bed, my hands resting on my stomach, and my feet still touching the floor. Dad talks as if he’s so exhausted because of me, like he’s about to disown me or something... Well, who wouldn’t get a headache dealing with someone as stubborn as you? Ugh! Annoying! "Aisshh!" I ruffled my hair in frustration after talking to myself. After a few minutes of staring blankly at the ceiling, my gaze landed on my father. "Okay, okay. Thanks, sister. Bye." "It’s settled. You’re going to stay at your aunt’s house. I’ll transfer you there. She said there’s a school nearby, so pack your things. I’ll book your ticket now, and your flight is tomorrow," he said in rapid succession, not even giving me a chance to speak. I was just about to open my mouth when he cut me off again. "You can’t argue with me. You made a deal with us." "Ugh! Who’s the aunt I’m going to stay with?" I asked, but as soon as he answered, I felt like I went deaf. My eyes widened, my face turned pale, and I swallowed hard. He’s really sending me there?! I thought they were just sending me to Sydney, Australia. But no—THEY’RE SENDING ME TO THE PHILIPPINES?! What the heck! It would’ve been fine if Aunt Cecil lived in Manila, but no, she and her family live in the province! Heck, I feel like crying right now. There’s barely any signal there—I know because the last time we visited, we had to go to the city just to make a call or go online. I hope they have more cell towers now so I can still keep in touch with my friends here. "Dad, can’t I stay with Aunt Carmen instead? I promise I’ll behave," I weakly pleaded, rubbing my palms together in front of him, hoping he’d have mercy on me, even though I knew it was useless. "No, Yssa Bella. That’s final," he said firmly before walking out of the room. I really want to cry, but if I do, I’ll lose my cool! Never! I just sat on the floor in silence, feeling defeated. By the afternoon, I had finished packing my things, with some help from my nanny. Now, we were in the living room, having a conversation as a family. "Just be a good girl this time, Yssa," my older brother, Kilua, said with a sigh. "Yes, sister. I think you’ll finally be a good girl this time. So take care—and kick their asses off," Luigi said with a smirk as he casually sipped his juice. I frowned, unsure whether he was encouraging me to behave or to cause more trouble. "Just enjoy your life there, me amore," my grandfather said while reading his favorite newly released book. I pouted, realizing I wouldn’t be able to read the next part of that book. Sometimes, I’d borrow Grandpa’s favorite books after he finished them. We always waited for the latest releases together, but now I won’t be able to keep up anymore since I’m leaving. I frowned again. I don’t want to buy that book myself—I prefer reading the copies Grandpa has already read. I don’t know why, but it always feels magical and special when I read books that came from him. Maybe I’m just weird. "My dear Yssa Bella, be good to your Aunt Cecil, okay? We won’t be around to take care of you like we do here. Always remember, life will be different once you step into your aunt’s house. Be responsible, Yssa. You made a deal with us," Mom said before hugging me. I let her hug me since I knew she would miss me. My family and I had an agreement, and I knew I had gone too far with my mischief. I pushed Dad to his limits, got kicked out of school again, and now, I was being sent away. "You know, Ate, I’m happy," said my youngest sibling, Ilac. "Why?" I asked. "Because now I don’t have to share my gummy bears and Dutch Mill with you," he answered innocently. This little brat! Ugh! This cute little pest! Even though I was annoyed by his answer, I just pinched his cheek, and soon, our whole family was laughing together. We had an early dinner before they took me to the airport. I waved at them and said my goodbyes. The flight took several hours, and we finally landed at NAIA. As I walked through the airport, I glanced around, but my attention was quickly caught when I heard my name. "Yssa! My dear niece!" Aunt Cecil shouted, holding up a sign that said, "Welcome to the Philippines, Yssa Bella Frost." Seriously, Auntie? Tsk. I walked up to them and hugged them all, one by one. Aunt Cecil was there with her kids and her husband, who would be driving us to their province. During the car ride, we caught up with each other, making up for the years we hadn’t seen one another. It was fun, but after a while, exhaustion took over, and I fell asleep. I woke up when I felt someone shaking my shoulder. "Niece, we’re here. Follow your cousins inside—they already brought your things in," Aunt Cecil said. "Okay, Auntie," I replied before stepping out of the car and follow them. Bluishyy💙🍀