The Unwanted

"Jane, how are you feeling right now?"

That's the first thing my grandmother Flores asked me as we started eating in front of our table. I smiled at her and swallowed first the bread that I'm eating.

"I'm perfectly fine grandma, just busy with the school work though," I answered.

" Are you sure you don't want to go back to your real family, Jane? It's been two years."

" I don't want to, grandma," I said, sighing. Bitterness can be felt as I said that.

"I wish, you can decide now Jane. You know that I can't take care of you anymore because I'm aging," she laughed as she told me that, but I can feel the sadness evident on her eyes.

"Grandma, don't say that." I went to her side and hug her. This is my only way to thank her endlessly for being with me for the past few years.

"You knew that they can easily find you, Jane," she warned, seriousness can be heard as she spoke.

" Yes, grandma. Eventhough my parents are rich as hell, they will never find me. I'm careful on hiding from them," I said as I finished my food. I heard grandma sigh on my remark but I shoved it away. I just hug her and bid my goodbye for I'll go to school now.

I've been living with my grandmother since I was 14. She's not my real grandma. She's my nanny since I was a baby. She's been with me and give time to me that my family never gave. I don't want to be with my family anymore. I feel like I was just a slave to them, following their orders. In a young self of mine, I've been thinking this way. Following them means no freedom to me. And I don't want that. They don't even care if I'm away to them. What's important to them is their business. Only business.

Yaya o Lola Flores is like a mother to me. She served to our family back then but unfortunately, she's not capable of doing the choirs anymore as she is 64 old now and only Tita Gisselle is with us.

And I'm grateful that she treated me as her real daughter. Being with her feels like a family that I didn't feel to my real ones.

I arrived just in time at our school. Our university, Clifford University, is one of the prestigious school in the Philippines. They have complete courses and a scholars that like me can't afford that.

I didn't know if my parents knew that I am studying here. They don't need me though. They will just waste their time to find nor search for me. It's been 2 years since I am away to them. I just sighed with that thought.

"Jane." Someone called that I instantly looked behind. I saw Fiella De Guzman, our class president with Ms. Santos.

"Good morning, Ms. Santos, Fiella." I greeted while smiling as Fiella and Ms. Santos approached me. Ms. Santos is our 4th year teacher. Strict but nice.

"Go to my office before your class ends, okay?" She said.

"For what, Miss?" I asked.

"The reviewers for the MTAP are printed. And also, you will meet your partners." I just nodded as she explained it.

" Yes miss."

"Okay, I'll go ahead." Fiella just smiled at me before she follow behind our instructor.

I don't want to be friends with anyone. I find them uncomfortable. I'm so used to my old friends who happened to betrayed and backstabbed me. I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married.

I went to my designated room. As usual, some of the chairs are not arranged and it's always noisy in here. Some of my classmates were chatting and some are finishing their assignments.

I just went to my chair beside the windows and put on my earpod.

I'm a loner person who wants to be independent and help my grandmother. I just want to finish my studies and graduate with a degree that I want to have. That's my goal in life. I don't want to be pressured by my own parents who want me to take Business Ads so that I can help with their company. I don't need that. I can live on my own.

Time passed by, and our class started. Few discussions and a lot of reporting. It's on our last year as a junior high school students. Some tell us that this is the hardest year of a junior high school student. As for me, it's not. Last year is way more harder than this year though.

Maybe, college life is more stressful. I can see college students that are very serious, when in fact in their high school life, their mindset is just to pass those subjects and to graduate.

I want to take Nursing course. Something tells me that I want that profession. I want to help people who are sick. When I was a kid, I usually admire nurses checking up and reading vital signs of their patients. I also watch videos about medicine and in operating room where nurses are assisting doctors. They're very calm and that's when I start to dream of being a nurse. I want to pursue that dream.

I went to Ms. Santos' office to get the reviewers for the MTAP competition. I really don't want to participate to this kind of event or competition, but it's the teachers who make me agreed to this. I just can't reject them.

I knocked three times on the door before opening it. I saw two other students, a girl with her glasses and a varsity player, I guess, 'cause he's wearing a jersey shirt of the basketball team of Clifford University. They were sitting on the sofa right beside the teacher's desk. I think, we're in same batch.

"Ms. Valdez, you're here." Our teacher said.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," I greeted.

" You're just in time," our instructor stated. " Meet your partners, Ms. Perez and Mr. Rodriguez."

"Hi!" The girl greeted and even waved her right to me. The guy beside her just smiled at me.

I just smiled back at them. Eventhough they seem nice and sincere, I can't easily trust people nowadays. I don't even know how to approach them.

"These are your reviewers. Maybe, after this week, we'll start reviewing. Don't worry though, I will excuse the three of you to your classes." Ms. Santos said as she assured us with a smile.

The printed copies are thick. I think I will start this night.

"Okay, that's all. You may go."

"Thank you, ma'am." We said in unison. I went outside first, carrying my reviewers. I arranged my things first inside my bag and was about to turned around when I saw Ms. Perez, one of my partners in MTAP, in front of me, smiling.

"Chelsea Rea Perez, by the way." She extended her hand while still plastered a smile.

"Jane Samantha Valdez." I accepted her with a shake hands and immediately take away my hand to her.

"I wish, we can get along," she muttered. " By the way, that guy earlier is my best friend, Clifford Duke Rodriguez." I simply nodded to her.

" Okay, see you tomorrow."I waved a goodbye to her as she went outside the school campus.

She's nice though. Maybe, she's an exemption. I wish I can get along with her too.

It's already 5 in the afternoon and I stopped when I saw Aling Dahlia's halo-halo stand. She's nice yet now a widow. I don't know where her children could be 'cause I didn't saw them.

"Hija, what do you want?" She asked as she saw me take a sit.

"Just like the old one," I asked, smiling. "Add more milk, please." She went back to her stall, chuckling as she heard my request. I am a regular customer here and she's always entertaining me.

I chose to check my bag to look for my things while waiting for the order to come. I just stopped when someone bumped me that causes my things to fall.

"What th-"

"Sorry, miss." I immediately look to the person who did it. I was stunned by the looks of this guy infront of me.

He is white with pointed nose, thick brow, chiseled jaw and a red small lips just like a woman. By the looks of him, I think we're the same age. I notice the blue eyes that stared back at me. He looks like an American.

"Miss?"

"Jane. Here's your order." That's when I came back to my reverie. I looked to Aling Dahlia who's looking at the both of us.

" T-thank you." I didn't mind the stares of this stranger guy. It's so uncomfortable. I just paid my order with a twenty peso bill.

I just ate the halo-halo I bought. I still feel the presence of the guy earlier but I didn't mind about him. What's important to me is to finish my food and go home.

"Miss, sorry for earlier. I hope you don't mind." I looked at my side to see the stranger guy looking at me while holding a phone.

"It's fine," I mumbled. I finished my food and get up when he suddenly grabbed my arm. I almost lost my balance but he immediately hold my waist. I stood up and removed his hand.

"What do you need?" I asked, slightly annoyed.

"Can I get your number?" He handed me hos phone. " Jane?"

My lips slightly parted at what he just said. He's... he's... I can't identify. Shocked will be evident on my face as I looked at him. "What?"

"I wan-"he stopped midway to what he's saying when a car pulled over a meter away from us.

"James! Come here." It was a man with a tux, coming his way towards our direction. He looks like a bodyguard to me.

"Romulo, what are you doing here?"

So James is his name.

"Sir Waltridge wants you to come with me," he calmly said. He didn't even think about what he will say. He just casually told that to this stranger guy.

"I want to eat here. Can you wait?"

"No, James. He's furious right now." I didn't mind what the guy said and just went my way to our home. I even heard him called my name but I didn't even turn around to face him. I don't want to trust anyone. He's completely a stranger.

He has the guts to ask my number yet he still have a bodyguard?

What a jerk!

***

I saw Aunt Gisselle in the living room when I got home. She was talking to a man whose face I did not recognize. It is darker and a bit older, maybe mid-40s, but it can be noticed that he is handsome in his youth. He's familiar to me and it was as if I had seen his face but I couldn't remember. I just realized that he was looking at my direction.

"Who's that girl?"I heard the man asked my Aunt.

My nephew, Sir," she said, smiling. I know she has to hide my true identity because I don't want my real parents to find me.

"Oh, what a beautiful lady."I just smiled to the both of them before I went upstairs. I didn't saw grandma.

I took a bath first before going to grandma's room. When I got there, I noticed she was deeply asleep. I just kissed her forehead and went out. I just heard the moving car maneuvered and didn't saw the man already.

"Who's that, Aunt Gisselle?" I asked as I went downstairs.

"He's my boss," she casually answered.

"Why did he came here?"

"I'm being asked to do something because his family is going to America. He just instructed me what I needed to do." I nodded at what she said.

"Ah, why did he come to you voluntarily if he could just order it to someone else?"

"Because Sir Wal was living here when he's still poor. And one more thing, he went for something personal and it was not just that," she answered again and then stood up. " Eat up, Jane. I'll just go out."

"Sure, Aunt Gisselle. Thank you for the food."

Aunt Gisselle works as a secretary in a liquor company. The things we needed and buy came from her because her salary is good. She never had a boyfriend even though she has the looks. I don't know why. She's very nice and treated me like a real nephew and a sister.

When I finished eating, I immediately went up to my room to do my assignments.

I am currently studying when I was distracted by a pop-up message. I forgot to turn off the data. I first looked at who it is and it was not my friend. I still opened it.

James Von Waltridge

:Hi! Is this Jane from the halo-halo stand earlier?

I frowned. James? Wait... Couldn't he the stranger guy earlier? I just thought of replying.

Jane Valdez

:Why?

James Von Waltridge

:Can you add me?

What the?

Jane Valdez

:Are you serious? Earlier, you want to ask for my number, and now, I will add you?

He took a long time to reply. I turned off my phone and finished my assignments. I also arranged my belongings for tomorrow before going to bed.

It's already 9:40 pm. For me it's still too early at this time. Sometimes, I just read and mostly on facebook and watch EXO and NCT videos because I don't easily fall asleep and my insomnia always attacks. I always drink milk but it still doesn't work.

I justudt scrolled on my messenger when I noticed the man I had chatted with earlier.

James Von Waltridge

:Sorry, but I can't understand what you're saying.

Seen

Jane Valdez

:Okay, SML.

I just watched videos for drowsiness. What I just did some streaming in YouTube when someone popped up on chat head again and I accidentally clicked it.

James Von Waltridge

: Goodnight, Miss. See you when I see you.

I don't want to see you, Mr. Jerk!

I am currently in Ma'am Santos' office to review our MTAP. It's a bit of a hassle because after this week, the competition will take place. It's scary sometimes but if there are lessons that we review come out, maybe we have a chance to get into the Division Level.

I am with Chelsea and Clifford. Our seats are far away but the two seem to never stop teasing each other. If I hadn't been here maybe they would have shouted all day long.

"Shut up, Cliff," Chelsea said, annoyed. Her forehead was already furrowed because Clifford had been annoying her.

"Ms. Pretty Nerd," he teased with a smirk.

"At least, my crush praised me," Chelsea replied that make Clifford silent. I chuckled at his reaction.

The door of the office opened so I glanced at it. A woman suddenly peeked out who I think was the same age as ours.

"Cheska." Chelsea approached the woman named Cheska. She's my classmate. Though we're really not that close.

"Hello, did I disturb you?" She asked, smiling. She diverted her gaze and looked at me. "Hi, Jane."

"Hi." I greeted. She knows me? I expected not because I never saw her talking to me.

"Come on, Cheska." Clifford invited her but Cheska just shook her head. I just packed my things for I can go home. Ma'am doesn't let us in our classes this morning until this afternoon because of the reviewers needed.

"No thanks. I'll just pass something to Ma'am Santos."

I notice that someone stopped in front of me. I looked at it and saw Cheska smiling at me.

"Jane, we're group mates in our English subject reporting," she said.

" Ah, I thought, we're excuse?"

" The other members don't want to report tomorrow, and I'm afraid that I can't make it just by myself. So... I need a help."

"They're also the one who bought the materials so, I can't say no to them." she smiled with hope as she looked at me. I just nodded and smile back at her. She smiled widely to my response.

"Thank you," she mumbled. "I will send to you the details for our report."

"Okay, no problem," I slightly smiled to eased the awkwardness.

She's grade-concious, I must say. She can balance her studies and social life. She's one of the popular students here. She left while a smile plastered on her face.

"Cheska's really beautiful," Clifford commented thst made us looked at him.

" And we're lucky to have a friend like her," Chelsea seconded. " I can't understand why Zaine won't confess. We knew what's he's feelings for Cheska."

" Zaine has his tactics."

" Yeah?"

" Wait and see." Clifford glanced at Chelsea while smirking. " Jane." I looked at them when they called me.

"Do you want to come?" Chelsea asked while Clifford's waiting for my answer.

" No, thanks. I'm full." I declined.

" Sure?"

" Yes," I smiled to her. They both go outside to eat while I'm roaming here on my own. Paintings were surrounding this place. It's pleasing on the eyes and one of those painting has a mosaic design that's one of my favorite. It gives chills to me as I looked at these.

I stopped when I notice something that caught my attention. It's a picture of a man on his early-50's. It was aligned with the other school officials. He's wearing a tuxedo and no emotions can be seen on his face. The door suddenly swang open and Ms. Santos entered the room.

"Jane, where's your other partners?" She asked as she takes her seat.

" They're in the canteen ma'am."

"Okay."

She's been busy finding some things on her drawer. I want to asked her to what's the man in the picture, being in one of the school officials.

"Ah, ma'am. Can I asked a question?" She looked at my direction when she heard me.

"Go ahead," she muttered.

"Is that man, one of the officials of this school?" I pointed the picture with the man I'm talking about.

"That's Mr. Joaquin Valdez. He's one of the shareholders of this school." I was stunned as what my teacher said.

One of the shareholders?

" I thought you knew him because you have both the same surname."

I know him. He's my dad.

" No, I d-don't know him." I just went silent the whole time as my teacher told me about that information. Does he know that I'm studying here? I bet, he knew. I'm in Davao right now and they're in Manila.

Our teacher dismissed us early. She knows that we need to refresh our minds for the upcoming competition. It's perfectly fine for me because I didn't finish yet my reviewers and answer sheets.

I passed Aling Dahlia stall again but did not approach her. I even saw the guy who bumped me and ask for my number yesterday.

I just shook my head. Why am I thinking of that man? Obviously he did not grow up here. I walk my way to school and when I get home. It's not far though. Just about seven minutes walk. And one more thing, I can still exercise just by walking

I bought a slice bread and peanut butter at the bakery I passed by. This is Grandma's favorite and it is always our snack. Maybe Aunt Gisselle hasn't come home yet. No one is with grandma right now.

When I arrived at our small house, I saw a fancy car parked opposite the house. Who's car is this? Is this Tita's boss?

I entered and saw a man sitting behind me while he's talking with grandma. I don't know but my heartbeat rapidly beat that it's normal.

"Jane, you're already here," said grandma. Only then did the man in the suit look at me seriously.

"Dad..."

"My daughter, I've been looking for you." he said in a serious voice. "I think, you have enough time to enjoy your simple life now."

How did he find me?

"I want to stay with grandma, dad. Please, don't do this to me." I was nervous about what he might do if I didn't agree to go home with him. My hands are trembling and my lips as well. I saw that he's checking me out.

"Your mother wants to see you, Jane." I was stunned by what it said. It's really impossible for her to care fo me. They never need me.

"I don't want to go, Dad." I answer seriously. "I don't want to be a daughter you want me to be. I want to pursue my dream."

"You can't do that, Jane. You're a Valdez and a heiress." Dad stood up while I'm slowly walking backwards, away from him.

"You can't do that, Jane. You're a Valdez and a heiress." He sighed as he saw how frightened I am. "Come with me."

"No, dad." I refused. "Please, give me some time."

Dad stared at me. The seriousness in his eyes was evident, as if he was deep in thought and eventually he sighed while staring at me as if I am a prey.

"Fine. After you graduate, I will come back here and take you."

" Bu-"

"No buts, my daughter." He approached me and gave me a kiss on the forehead. Now he just did it to me. Since our business grew, they have been busy and there is no time for me and my siblings to be with us.

"I'm sorry, my baby." I suddenly hugged him. For a moment I hugged my daddy again.

"Thank you dad." I released from the hug. He looked at me and smiled slightly.

"Okay, I'll go. Take care of her, Flores." Grandma just nodded, that's hes cue to leave.

I just sat down because of what happened as I felt my knees trembling. Dad already knows where I am. He gave me time to stay in my simple life. I don't know what will happen next. Is it good for me or bad?

I felt Grandma Flores approached me. She just gave me a smile and hugged me. I hugged hee back while there was a heavy burden on my heart.

"Your father just wants you to be safe, Jane. I'm sorry if I told him that."

"You were the one to tell him?" I let go of her embrace. I don't know how I will feel because of what I found out. At an early age, I was separated from my family because I wanted to be free from them. I want to get out of their control over me. I feel like I was just a puppet to them, so I was so scared when I saw Dad.

"He knew your situation from the first day you lost. He knew where you are. No parent can let their child, hija. Even if they are far from you and do not show that they are worried, I know they are. "

"Why is that, grandma? They weren't like that to us before. They don't control their own child in what they want to do."

"Parents are different when it comes to love, Jane. Maybe your parents show different things, but inwardly, always remember they love you." She explained. "So, after the time you Dad gave to you, come back home. I know they missed you." I just nodded at what she said.

Maybe, I need my parents too. This simple life is short-lived and I have to face my real life.