Taming Mr. Arrogant

Chapter One

Tina's POV

Packing_ that was what I was doing right now in my bedroom with two large suitcases on both of my sides. As I did, I thought of what New York looked like. Probably, there would be tall buildings, busy streets and massive running vehicles. I knew that New York was said to be the busiest city in the world, but I still wanted to go there. It had always been my dream.

When I was in my teenage years, I even joked with my parents that I would run away from them and go to New York which was such a ridiculous idea. You couldn't blame me; I really wanted to go there. But soon I realized that I have to finish my studies first and save money so that I could go there. And now, I knew that this dream would finally come true.

My flight would be tomorrow and just by thinking about it, I already missed my Mama and Papa, my siblings_ Cheri, Ron, Leo and Chard, my friends and relatives.

I prayed to God to keep my family healthy, happy and safe even if when I would be far away from them. I prayed that no matter what happen, we would stay in contact with each other.

Staring into space, I didn't notice I was crying until a lone tear rolled down my cheek.

Gosh. Don't be such an emotional wreck.

You're stronger than you thought and you know it.

So stop crying.

Sniffling, I wiped my tears away and continued packing.

I can do this. I just have to be strong.

***

Cheri's POV

I just arrived at home from school. I was a bit tired because we did a lot of activities. Actually, it was always like that, but I still wore a smile on my face. People would say me and my sister was very different. She was always the serious one and I have been always the carefree and bubbly girl. It was a fact though. My sister really took things on her own seriously.

Opening the door, I shouted, "I'm home!" That was when I heard a loud crash from the kitchen. I immediately went there to check what it was but before I could make it there, the kitchen door burst open... And there came my furious Mama with bubbles on her palms, probably washing the dishes. I smiled sheepishly at her when she started scolding me.

"How many times did I tell you to do that again? You frightened me. Look what happened. I accidentally broke the plate I was holding."

"I'm sorry, Ma."

"Don't do that again."

"I promise I won't do that again."

"Good."

With that, she went back to the kitchen and continued washing the dishes.

Mother...

I went upstairs to my bedroom. As I walked along the hallway, I noticed that my sister's bedroom door was slightly open. I silently walked towards her room and leaned on the door frame. I peaked inside and what I saw broke my heart.

There she was. My sister was packing. I continued to stare at her as she did. After a while, she just stopped and stared into space. I heard her sniffle quietly and I didn't notice that I was crying too.

I would miss her. I forgot that her flight to New York would already be tomorrow. It had always been her dream. Since we were kids, we shared secrets; we talked about our dreams and ambition in life.

I remembered when I was in the 7th grade and she was in 9th grade, their English teacher let them write an essay about their dreams and ambition in life. It only took her an hour on their English class to finish her composition.

I asked for a sheet paper from her on that night on the same day, she said to just get one from her folder.

My sister was popular in our school because she was so active and participative when it comes to academic and extracurricular activities.

She joined in every club and school contests like Schools Press Conferences, Math Challenges, World History Quizzes, etc. She even joined in singing contests. And on that time when she joined too many school contests and extracurricular activities, travel here and travel there, I got worried because she might ruin her academic performance. But fortunately, she knew how to balance them. She was wise and intelligent but she didn't like to admit that to herself.

I opened her folder just came face to face with what looked like a draft. I picked it up together with the sheet of paper and went to my room.

Once I was in my room, I began reading the drafted composition.

"My Ambition in Life"

.......

That was long. Three long bond paper to be exact. It looked like she really stated all her dreams, wishes and ambition in life. To become an Accountant, a Singer, a professional writer, to construct a band with the five of us_ the siblings, to travel around the world, to meet her Hollywood celebrity idols and most of all, to live and work in New York. That was what her dreams were and I supported her even if it would hurt both of us and our family in the process.

In that draft she also stated her principle in life,

"Do what you know is right, even if it's difficult. No matter what other people might say, be who you are as a person."

I was so proud of her. I was so proud of my one and only big sister.

As I sat on my bed, there was only one thought in my mind......

I am going to miss my sister.

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Tina's POV

Rrriiiiinnnggg!!!!!! Rrriiiiinnnggg!!!!!!

I woke up to the annoying sound of my alarm clock. I groaned as I slowly opened my eyes and squinted as the sunlight shone through my curtains.

I lazily got up and walked towards my bathroom. I took a bath and brushed my teeth. I walked into my closet, and picked a blue tight jeans and a peach sweater. After I got dressed, I wore my brown ankle boots and walked downstairs for breakfast.

I entered the kitchen and I was greeted by my family.

"Good morning."

"Good morning. What is for breakfast?"

"I cooked your favorite fried rice, sunny side up eggs, bacon and sausages." Cheri answered.

My face lit up at the smell of my favorite food for breakfast. “Thank you, Sis.”

"And I already prepared your milk." Ron said.

I was surprised when he told me that. I mean, it was such a long time since he did that. Maybe, because we would not be seeing each other for a long time. I understand though. Ron was not always with us because of his job as a Police Officer. I was even proud and happy for him because he got promoted as S/Supt.

"Thanks, Ron."

"You're welcome."

"So, let's eat." Mama announced.

We all got seated in our seats and let Papa led the prayer before we eat.

As we ate, Leo suddenly spoke. Leo was the eldest child among the five of us and he was a machinist. He owned a big automobile shop in the city.

"We will go with you to the airport." Leo said.

"Okay."

After we finished our breakfast, I went back upstairs to my room. I grabbed my two large suitcases and picked up my purse. I walked out of my bedroom and was surprised to see Chard facing me from the doorway.

“Hey.”

"I'll help you with those." Chard said, nodding towards the two large suitcases on my hands.

"Thank you."

He did not say anything. He just grabbed the suitcases and walked downstairs.

I took a last look at my light blue-painted bedroom. I would definitely miss this room.

I have to deal with this.

Taking a deep breath, I locked my room and walk downstairs.

Leo was already there, leaning on his SUV and waiting for me.

"Where are the others?" I asked Leo.

"They are already in there." He answered, pointing to his SUV.

I just nodded and he opened the door of the passenger seat for me. I thanked him and took my seat. Leo walked around his SUV and got ready in the driver's seat.

"Is everybody ready?" Leo asked.

We all answered yes.

The ride to the airport was full of silence, a comfortable one. Nobody dared to speak and start a conversation until we made it to the airport. We all went out of the car and Chard handed me my suitcases.

I looked at my wrist watch. It's 8:00 a.m. I still had an hour before my flight.

We all walked to the Departure and my family stayed with me there waiting until my flight. As we stayed there, Cheri was strangely quiet. I meant, she was bubbly as usual.

So I took a seat next to her and asked, "Sis, are you okay?"

She just smiled weakly in response. I know there was something that was bothering her. I sighed and put an arm around her shoulder.

"Hindi naman ako mawawala forever eh. Babalik din naman ako, promise." ("I won't be gone forever, you know. I promise I'll come back.")

"I know."

I smiled and hugged her tight.

"I'll miss you, Sis."

"I'll miss you too, Ate." She said as she hugged me back.

We broke apart and I felt five pairs of eyes staring at us. Mama, Papa and my three brothers were staring quietly at us.

I was just about to say something when it was announced that the 9:00 a.m. flight of Philippine Airlines (Manila- New York) would be ready in a few minutes. I stood up and so with them.

I just couldn't take it so I broke down. I let my tears fall freely. I just stood there crying in front of my family. They quickly moved towards me and we shared a big group hug.

"Mag-iingat ka palagi ha." ("Take care always.") My Papa said.

I just nodded at him, not trusting my voice.

"Take care of yourself. Don’t stress yourself out. Eat on time. Sleep early and-" My Mama didn't get to finish her last sentence because I hugged her tightly. We both cried as we embraced each other.

"I know." I told her. "I'll take care of myself, Ma."

We broke apart and I hugged Papa who was crying again. Then I went to my brothers who also had tears in their eyes and hugged them.

Gone their manliness.

"I'll miss you all." I told them.

"We'll miss you too." They said simultaneously as they hugged me back.

I broke our group hug and quickly hugged my sister again. I would definitely miss my one and only sister. We both cried in our embrace.

I broke the hug and told her in a serious tone. "Be good."

She just nodded at me in response.

With that, I grabbed my suitcases and faced them. "Bye."

"Take care." They all reminded me. "We love you."

I smiled weakly at them. "I love you all too." With one last glance, I walked towards the waiting airplane.

Once I made it to my seat in the airplane, I silently cried. I cried because I would be alone in New York. I hoped I could meet new friends there. I cried because I just left my family, friends, relatives and my loved ones behind. And I cried because I was already missing them.

Amidst loneliness, Sheena, my best friend popped into my mind.

How is she?

I hope she was happy there in Paris with her boyfriend. I heard they were getting married soon. She had always wanted to go there in France. We were like sisters and we never kept secrets to each other.

As I cried, I fell into a deep slumber with one thought that lingered in my mind...

"I'm finally going to New York."