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.

"Yes, by the way, have you eaten yet? The length of your trip. You look tired. Rest first and I'll cook you some food," she said one after the other and went to the kitchen.

"I'll take a shower first. Thanks again, Mia. I will pay you back when I save up. I will pay for everything you give me," I said sincerely and dropped the bag on the seat.

"What are you talking about! It's nothing, no. You have helped me and Aunt Amelia a lot since I was a child. Almost every day you spend, you also share with my mother," she said while slicing an onion.

"Mama and I didn't help you either. Let's face life together, eh."

She smiled and looked up at me. "Don't just quit!"

I laughed and shook my head and went into the bathroom to take a shower. I feel sticky because of the long flight.

"When does your class start?" Mia asked while spooning rice.

"On August 12, why?" I asked in surprise because we go to the same university.

Speaking of the university. I almost lost my breath when I found out that the university was so big and vast. It is almost the size of a town in the province.

I also found out that the tuition fee is too high. I'm very grateful because I'm a scholar and my personal needs are the only ones I'm going to have problems with here in Manila. As much as possible, I will improve my studies even more because I also know that if my grades drop, they will cancel my scholarship.

"On August 14 for me. The university has announced that the entrance for each course will be different now," she said.

My mouth fell open slightly. That's why. And at the first entrance, I will be alone.

"Your course is law, right? Isn't that stressful? Because I saw earlier that you have to study too many thick books," she said curiously.

I nodded. I'm in my 2nd year of college and the law course is really difficult. There are too many books that need to be read and the cases are given one after the other. One of the reasons why I studied here in Manila. There is a lack of education in the province due to poverty.

She snorted and leaned back in her seat. "Tourism is really something for you. I feel you will be soaking up too much. Maybe you will be too stressed?"

I laughed and shrugged. "It's okay, I really dream of becoming a lawyer," I frowned secretly. Aside from studying in the law course, my problem is confidence. Sometimes I get nervous whenever I debate or speak in front of a lot of people.

"It's your choice. Don't stress too much about it, okay? That might be bad for your health.” I nodded and drank some water.

"Yes, by the way," I looked at her when she stood up and went to the living room. She opened the drawer and looked for something there.

"There!" she quickly came to me and presented me with the white box. "I bought that for you yesterday."

"What is that?"

"Open it, quick."

When I opened it, my eyes widened. I immediately covered it and gave it back to her trembling. "I-I can't accept that."

She looked at me curiously. "Why? That's really for you."

"I-I owe you a lot. I-I don't even want what I need, give me too."

She frowned and took the laptop again and presented it to me. "Alright naaaa! Accept it. You really need that for your studies. Especially if your course is law.”

"Mia," I couldn't hold back my tears. Annoying! Why is this girl like this? I feel like a burden to her.

"Here she is! 'Do not Cry. Accept it. Besides, I also prepared for it, no. The allowance given to me is also big so I bought it right away. I know you don't have money to buy yet and pasu is coming soon—" I couldn't stop hugging her.

I felt her hug me back and rub my back. "I love you so much, Mia. I'll see that it's all a debt of gratitude. I promise, I'll repay you."

She laughed softly. "I love you too, Athena."

I broke away from the hug and wiped my tears. "I'll make it up to you-"

"There you go again," she frowned. "I don't have all of this, eh. Besides, I wouldn't have been able to come here to Manila if you didn't help me review for the exam!"

I snorted, "You answered and not me."

“My God, Athena. Oh that's it. Let's not even think about that. Try the laptop," she said.

I drank water and came to her, opening the laptop she was holding. Even if she doesn't want to see my debt, I will still take it back from her.