I layed down on my bed from too much exhaustion. A while ago we were at the National Gymnasium in Tokyo City, it was our last match so we can go to the nationals. Though, we lost. It was so sad that we lost, seeing my teammates get upset made my heart ache.

But I know, even we didn't won they still did their best. Our practice, efforts, training, and all was worth it.

When I was about to doze off, I heard someone knocked on my door that made my whole spirit awake again. I slowly sat on my bed and rubbed my eye.

"Who is it?" I aksed.

"It's dad. Come downstairs, dinner is ready." He said.

"Okay."

I stood up from my bed and did a little stretch before heading to my bathroom. I wanted to take a shower before going downstairs, I didn't want to smell like sweat. Pagkatapos ko magsuot ng pajamas, tinabi ko na lahat ng gamit ko para wala na 'kong gagawin mamaya.

After I ate a spoonful of my food, I reached the pitcher and poured some water inside my glass. When I took a quick glimpse of my parents, the atmosphere they're giving was weird.. Mukhang malalim mga iniisip nila.

After I drank my water, I spoke. "Are you guys okay?"

Then they both looked at me.

"Of course anak," My mom answered.

Hm. Alright then. After I gave her a small nod, I continued eating my food.

"Maxene, do you want to go back?"

My gaze went to my dad. Huh? What does he mean if I want to go back? I furrowed both of my eyebrows as I swallowed my food.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"We.. I mean, you will go back to the Philippines."

My eyes widened after hearing what he said. Is he serious? That, I'm going back to the Philippines? So I'm able to meet Caleb again? That took me off guard, it made me stare at my dad for a few minutes.

"So?" My dad spoke again.

"Really?" I got back into my senses.

"Yes. You're going to go and graduate college there, if you want though—"

"I would love to!" I exclaimed in joy.

They both gave a small laugh to my reaction. I mean, who wouldn't be get excited after hearing what you wanted since the start is going to happen?!

"We're going to enroll you in Luxemburg University. That's the university you want to go since you were little right?" Mom asked.

I nodded.

"I guess you'll be able to take care of yourself on your own.." My dad said, but he was doubting. "But, I'm still worried that something might happen to you like 9 years ago." He added.

Now it made me think. My dad was really overprotective with me, kaya noong nalaman niya 'yung aksidente na nangyari sa amin ni Caleb, he wanted to fly immediately in the Philippines.

"Oh honey don't you worry." My mom held Dad's shoulder. "I'm still in contact with Alyza. We talked last night and she told me that her daughter Althea will also go to Luxemburg in college."

Thea?! Its been decades since I last saw her! If I can still remember, the last time we saw each other is when we were still kids. Me, her, and Caleb were a trio back then, pero kailangan nila lumipat ng bahay noon kaya hindi ko na siya nakita ulit. I was happy that Mom still has communication with Tita Alyza.

"Oh? That's great then." My dad smiled. "We can ask Alyza if Althea can share a condo with Maxene. So Maxene can have someone to be with." He said and my mom nodded.

After that, we started talking about me going back to the Philippines, possible things that might happen as soon as I enter college, the department I will take, the condo me and Thea will stay, and a lot more. While I was laughing about something, my mom spoke.

"Anak, I heard Caleb already woke up."

My heart just skipped a beat. It suddenly made my mind go blank. From just laughing a while ago, I started getting emotional.

"Really?" My voice broked.

"Yes. Really." My mom replied.

I was so relieved that he already woke up! I just hope that he still remembers me. If not, then I'll try my best to make him remember me! I was so happy, really, really happy. It's been years na wala ako sa tabi niya.

While I was thinking about what I want to do as soon as I arrive in the Philippines, I saw my dad wrapped his left arm to my mom's shoulders. I gasped sarcastically.

"Pda!! Pda!!" I pointed out making them both laugh.

Four months had passed, our graduation came. Just like back in elementary, it was so hard for me to get seperated from my teammates and friends, especially Suzuki. She was always there to keep me company.

"Do you really need to go?" Suzuki's hug got tighter.

"Yes, because I need to." I replied, also hugging her tightly.

"I'll miss you so much!" She pinched my cheeks while dramatically whining.

We both laughed, until I bid her another goodbye and my teammates. I treasured all the moments I experienced here deep inside my heart. After we took pictures my juniors started crying again! That's why I also ended up crying. Someday I'll come back here in Japan and visit them!

While I was packing my things inside my luggage, I can't stop thinking about the things that I want to do as soon as I arrive there. I can't wait to tell Caleb all of what I experienced here! But.. I don't know where Caleb is right now. I don't have any communication with him. I just sighed and thought about the department I'll get.

Speaking of the department I will get, since I was a kid I loved music. Music is one of the things I love along side volleyball. Maybe that 'love' on music flows through our bloodline, because when both of my parents are still in their teens they were part time musicians!

Sinabi nila sa 'kin noon na, hilig din nila ang musika. That was the reason why my dad owns an instrument company, he didn't want to abandon what he loves, so he looked for a way on how to continue his music career.

I was passionate about taking the music department! That's why I told my parents that I'll take that department, and they agreed. They were always supportive about me doing what I love.

The next morning was the schedule of my flight. It was so nerve-wracking because it's my first time riding a plane alone! Before giving the flight attendant my ticket, I gave my parents a tight hug and kissed them on the cheek.

"Take care okay? Call us if you already arrived." My mom smiled, so as my dad.

As I went to the entrance, I turned around and gave them a wave. "Thank you! I love you guys so much!"

They both waved back. My dad suddenly got emotional that it made me giggle. I gave them another final wave before entering the passage heading inside the plane.

Natulog tsaka kumain lang ako buong flight. It took atleast four hours before arriving in the Philippines. When I went to the Terminal Building after getting my luggage and others bag, I saw Thea. The moment our eyes met she ran to me and hugged me so tight.

"Huy! Long time no see!" She said.

"Long time no see. I missed you!" I hugged her back dropping my bags.

"Tara na,"

"Are you with someone?" I asked her as she released the hug.

"Ah! Kasama ko sila Mama tsaka si kuya." She replied as she carried one of my hand carried bags.

"Really? It's been a while since I last saw them also." I said.

"Yeah, tara na! Nasa labas sila ngayon, tsaka sa bahay ka na muna raw tutuloy." She stated.

"Ako na magbubuhat niyan," A man suddenly approached us.

"Oh? Kung kailan aalis na kami ngayon ka lang dadating. Bagal-bagal mo kasi! Nasan pala si Mama?" Thea spoke.

The man rolled his eyes. "Nasa labas, may kausap siya sa cellphone." Then his gaze went to me. It's Thea's brother! Kuya Theo. He looked more mature and professional now. I mean, the last time I saw him is when he was still in highschool I think.

"Maxene! Welcome back," He chuckled.

"Thank you." I smiled.

Si Kuya Theo na ang nag-asikaso sa mga gamit ko, kaya nauna na kami ni Thea sa labas para makipagkita sa Mama niya. After her Mom greeted me we headed straight to their car and drove to a restaurant to eat dinner.

"Kamusta ka naman Maxene?"

My attention went to Tita Alyza who was eating her food.

"I've been good po." I said as I ate a spoonful of my food.

"Are you okay na ba?" She sounded concerned. "About what happened to you and.. Caleb." She carefully asked.

"I'm kinda okay na po. Japan helped me heal." I gave her an assuring smile.

Nag-stay ako sa bahay nila Thea hanggang naging okay na yung requirements para sa condo namin. Their house is a bit far away from Luxemburg that's why Thea also needs a condo.

We moved to the condo two months before our class starts. Doon na muna kami nag-stay ni Thea para masanay kami. Tita Alyza and my parents helped us arrange things like furniture, equipment, electricity, water, and more things that we need for our condo. The condo has two bedrooms with their own bathroom and a minimalist walk-in closet, a kitchen, and a living room.

"Thea! Let's go! The movie will start in ten minutes! Please remember that we're commuting!" I shouted from the door.

"Ito na! Wag naman masyadong rush 'teh!" She said laughing as she went out of her room.

"It's already 2:50 pm, you know the movie starts at 3 right?" I crossed my arms on my chest.

"Oo na! Tara na." She laughed again, hugging my arm. "Grumpy mo lagi."

I just gave a sigh, as we walked out of our condo and locked the door. Me and Thea are always like this everytime we go out, ang bagal-bagal niya palagi kumilos. I think she doesn't care about the time. I mean she's such a carefree woman, what do you expect.

Another month had passed, the day has finally came. Our first day as college students in Luxemburg University. I was sweating buckets because I'm finally a student in my dream school.

"Kabado? Chill lang, baka mamaya makita mo na Caleb," Thea laughed after we got off the jeep.

"Stop, okay?" I glared at her. "And why? Does he go here?" I asked her.

"Hindi ko alam, basta may kaibigan ako na sa Luxem nag-highschool tapos may crush daw siya na volleyball player. 'Caleb' daw pangngalan." She shrugged.

"Do you still have communication with them?"

We stopped walking when we arrive at the gate. Humarap siya sa 'kin tsaka pinagisipan niya muna talaga. Then she shookt her head.

"Nawala yung old phone ni mama kaya wala."

I have no words. I facepalmed from disappointment, I really thought that they have a serious reason. My gaze went to Thea and gestured her that we should go inside campus. I still can't believe about their reason why they don't have any communication with Caleb's family anymore.

When we went inside campus, the university was big. As in super big! The entrance was kinda like a mini park, there's a big fountain infront of the main building, and you can see the other buildings by department.

"Goodluck! Baka mawala ka!" Thea giggled while waving me a goodbye.

I just rolled my eyes and laughed while waving her a goodbye also. I found the building of the music department immediately, kaya hindi na 'ko namroblema. There were a lot of people.

I went to the table near the door of the building, to get my ID. They said that the seniors give freshmen ID's on their first day to verify that you're a student from this department. The senior gave me an ID and I wore it.

I entered the building. The inside was just like a normal looking building, though it's air-conditioned. When I found my room and was about to enter, I accidentally bumped on someone.

"Sorry." I said as I distanced myself from the person.

No one answered. I looked up and saw who I bumped on to. It was a man, and he was tall, really tall. He got black-raiven hair and yellow eyes, he also has piercings. I was about to go inside because he wasn't answering, but he blocked my way using his arm and body.

"Can you please excuse me?" I asked again, but he didn't moved. He's getting on my nerves, lalo't mayroon ako ngayon!

"Sorry for being rude, but can you get out of my way?" I snapped. It made him smirk.

"Hey beautiful, chill out and don't be like that infront of a guy. I'm Kai Mark Andrew Adler from the music department. Yes, I'm one of the hot cuties here." He then held my chin, slowly raising it.

"My friends call me Andrew, but you? You can call me hubby."