Craving Your Touch

CHAPTER 1

"Are you sure you're going to study in Manila?" I snorted because I couldn't count the number of times Mom asked that question.

"Yes, ma'am. Mia told me that it would be easier for me to study in Manila because most of those who study there are able to make ends meet, right?" Mia is my friend here in the province who chose to study in Manila because of the difficulty of life in the province.

And because I was lucky, I passed the examination for a famous university in Manila. I had great hope to improve my studies to get ahead in life.

All my life, Mom and I were the only ones together. My mother told me that my father is dead because he had a heart attack when she was pregnant with me. When I once asked about my dad, she suddenly cried loudly so I didn't ask her again.

Mom has done a lot for me. I want to make up for supporting and educating me even though our lives are very difficult. I want her life to be comfortable.

My nose grew longer when I heard Mom's deep sigh. I closed the bag of clothes I was going to take to Manila and hugged Mom tenderly.

"Mom, you know I want to give you an abundant life, so I'm moving there," I said and snuggled closer to her.

"I understand. But I'm worried that something might happen to you," she said and stroked my hair.

"Nothing will happen to me, Mom. Besides, Mia and I are together."

I felt her bend down to look at me. So I looked up at her smiling. She laughed softly and kissed my forehead.

"My God, you are young. You always astound me with your beauty," she shook her head and laughed.

I giggled. "I belong to you."

"Okay, isn't your flight at two in the afternoon? It's better, Athena," I winced secretly. Just now she didn't want to let me go but it seems like she's pushing me away all of a sudden.

I nodded and took my bag to put it away. "I'm leaving, ma'am. I love you so much," I said smiling and kissed her on the forehead.

She smiled but there was sadness in her eyes. "Be careful, Athena. I love you too."

I forced a smile and waved her out the door. There is a part of me that is sad because my whole life my mother and I have been together. I'm not used to not being with her in everything.

"Are you leaving, Thena?" I stopped when I saw Aling Neila who had just finished cleaning their yard.

I nodded. "Yes, take care of Mom, huh? I'm leaving," I smiled and waved away.

I walked and ran to get to the terminal because I might be late for the bus departure. It is necessary to leave as early as possible so that there is no hassle in traveling.

Torture, especially at night.

Soon I was waiting at the terminal. I took a deep breath from exhaustion. I arrived just in time because the bus was still full.

I bowed and went inside. I immediately went straight to the end next to the window.

"Is it full?" the conductor turned to us and looked around. "Let's go!"

I wrapped my arm around my bag and looked out the window. The bus is starting to move. I was a little nervous and couldn't stop thinking about what my life would be like in Manila.

"Athena!"

Mia ran to me and hugged me tightly. "I missed you so much."

I smiled and hugged back. "I miss you too."

She pulled away and looked me over. She snorted, "What is that? Even though you just came from a flight, you are still very beautiful. Where's the justice?!"

I laughed softly while looking at her. During the two years that we didn't see each other, Mia got even better. Her smooth, brown skin shines every time the sun is out. She also grew taller. She could be a model because she is so beautiful.

"This is your room here. Alas! I'm sorry because it's a little small," she said while pointing to every part of the apartment she's renting here in Manila.

"Okay, that's okay for me. I'm the only one here, eh. Thank you so much!" I smiled and she hugged me tightly.