Chapter 18

"See you tomorrow." He kissed my forehead and waved his hand.

I entered my grandparents’ house. Tonight is our family dinner, I saw my parents waiting for me. I kissed my grandparents cheeks and take my sit.

"Since we are all present. I want to officially start this dinner." My grandfather smiled.

"Anthony lead the prayer."

"Lord thank you for this wonderful day that you have given us. Thank you for all the blessings and forgive us for our sins. Thank you for the food, we love you. Amen." Kuya Anthony smiled.

"Amen."

"Congratulations Carylle, Yuri and Selena. We have a gift for you." My grandmother said as she gave us envelopes.

Maybe some money. I kept it in my pocket.

"I have a wonderful announcement but before that any of you who has special someone already? My grandfather asked.

Yuri and I both raised our hands. I saw Kzarina and Carylle giggled in excitement.

"Yuri first."

"I'm in a relationship with Ferry grandpa. She's a beautiful, kind, and hardworking woman. I bet you will like her." He smiled.

"I will, bring her here in our next family dinner." My grandfather smiled.

"And how about you Selena?"

I was about to stand up when Yuri signed me not to.

"I have something to say grandpa." Yuri smiled.

"What is it?" My grandfather asked confusedly.

"My parents and I talked about this a week ago and I decided to let you know."

"You are making me nervous, what is it?"

"I don't want to be a doctor." Yuri frowned.

Kzarina looked at me like she's asking me if I know something about it. I know that Yuri doesn't want to be a doctor but I didn't know he will tell our grandparents about this.

"Did I heard it wrong? What is it again Iho?" My grandfather smiled.

"I don't want to be a doctor." Yuri repeated.

"Even if you want it or not you will be one!" He shouted.

"Papa your health." My mother tried to calm him down.

"No, look at that. He is disrespectful! It's a law in our family. You know how strict I am in that matter. Caspgger what is this?"

"Papa he wants to be a lawyer, please respect what he wants." Tito Caspher said as he chew some meat.

"You are disrespectful! You're not a Santiago for nothing." My grandfather shouted.

Everyone in the table stop eating and looked at Yuri who is getting red. I badly want to calm him down.

"Lolo, I will switch to Yuri's position. I'll take med let him chose what he wants." I stood up.

"What's that Selena? You are being disrespectful too?!"

"You are being disrespectful grandpa. You can't force us to be something we don't want to be. It's so hard to pursue something you don't like. Imagine I pursuing medicine even if I really want to be a lawyer. I'll waste my time in there." Yuri said calmly.

"I don't have a grandchild who didn't know how to follow the law in this house."

"Papa calm down." Tito Caspher said.

"You don't want to be a doctor Yuri?" My grandfather smirked.

"Well, leave your cards here that I gave you. Leave your money that I gave. Leave everything! Choose! Our family or being a lawyer!" My grandfather shouted.

My knees is trembling because of his shout that is like a thunder. Yuri looked and me and smiled. No, omygosh, don't tell me he's going to surrender everything.

He dropped his wallet on the table. He dropped his air pods, his phone and the coins in his pocket. I saw him looked at his parents and mouthed "I'm sorry."

He looked at me and smiled.

"No Yuri, don't leave. Please don't." I whisper and cry.

"That is all I've got Lolo. I'm sorry to disappoint you but I rather be homeless today than to be miserable tomorrow." He smiled and walked away.

The tension didn't leave the table. I stood up and was about to go with Yuri when Kuya Anthony grabbed my hand and dragged me to my seat.

"We will find him ok? Don't cry, everything will fall into place." He whispered.

"From now on all of you are prohibited to see that boy. Whoever breaks my law will be miserable forever."

We started to eat even if we cannot because of what happened. I saw Carylle crying while eating. Yuri and Carylle are my closest cousin, even if I didn't show him how much I love him.

"Since Ciro's father died months ago they need our help." My grandfather said.

"We will helped them because Nicholas and I were friends."

"Don't tell me you are going to make that fix marriage something again papa." Tito Caspher said in a baritone.

"I will do what I want Caspher and you don't have any rights to provoke me."

"Selena and Kzarina I want you to informed Ciro Privino that he will marry one of you." My grandfather grinned.

My brother looked at me and smiled.

"This is your turn, I will suggest that it should be you."

"Tell Ciro Privino that he is going to marry Hazel Santiago."

That sentence lingers in my mind, like it's a broken piece that reminds me of everything, they are going to marry each other.

"Grandpa, it will be better if Ciro and Selena will be the one to marry each other. They are close so you will have no problem." Kzarina said trying to save me from pain.

"I agree Lolo, they look good together." Carylle said while looking at me.

"Hazel is too nave to marry. He can't even wash dishes." Kuya Tristan said and winked at me.

"I can, don't question Lolo's decision." Hazel smiled at my grandfather.

"That is why you are my favorite darling." My grandfather laughed.

I saw Kuya Anthony looking at me like I'm a broken thing that needed to be fixed. The dinner is over and I hurriedly ran outside, if Yuri is just here.

"Don't worry Selena we will do everything to stop the wedding." My mother hugged me.

I cried and cried until there is no tears falling from my eyes. My heart can't take the pain anymore. Yuri was nowhere to be found and I just found out that my home will be married to my cousin, what a nice day.

"Shh don't cry, I know Ciro will do something about this." Kuya Anthony hugged me.

From: Big brat Are you home already?

To: Big brat Can you pick me up here?

I asked my parents’ permission if I can just talk to Ciro and go home tomorrow. They agreed and went home.

I saw him walking towards me, the pain starts to rubbed my heart again. It's like a burning sensation that no one can cure.

"Hey why are you crying? What happened?" He asked worriedly.

I hugged him right, like this is our last hug. Our last minutes together, our last.

"Nothing I just missed you." I lied.

"But we just saw each other."

"Can we sleep in our tree house tonight?" I asked.

"Sure, stop crying. You are making me nervous." He said still hugging me.

"I don't want to lose you Ciro, I don't want to." I said while crying.

"You won't baby, you won't."