"How are you feeling?" my grandmother Flores asked as we sat down to eat at our table. I smiled at her and swallowed the bread I was eating.

"I'm perfectly fine, grandma. Just busy with schoolwork, though," I replied.

"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. I could sense the bitterness in my words.

"I wish you could decide now, Jane. You know I can't take care of you anymore because I'm aging." She laughed as she said that, but sadness was evident in her eyes.

"Grandma, don't say that." I went to her side and hugged her. It was my way of endlessly thanking her for being with me over the past few years.

"You know they can easily find you, Jane," she warned, her tone serious.

"Yes, grandma. My parents are wealthy, and they will find me. I'm just careful about hiding from them," I replied, finishing my food. I heard my grandma sigh at my response, but I pushed the thought aside. I hugged her once more and said my goodbyes before heading to school.

I had been living with my grandmother since I was 14. She wasn't my biological grandmother; she had been my nanny

since I was a baby. She had been there for me and devoted time to me, something my own family never did. I no longer wanted to be with my family. I felt like I was just a servant to them, always following their orders. Those thoughts had been present since I was younger. Being with them meant having no freedom, and I didn't want that. They didn't even care if I was away from them. Their business was all that mattered to them. Only business.

Grandma Flores was like a mother to me. She used to serve our family, but unfortunately, she couldn't work anymore. Now, at 64 years old, she could only rely on Tita Gisselle, who was still with us.

I was grateful that she treated me as her own daughter. Being with her felt like having a family, something I never felt with my biological relatives.

I arrived at our university, Clifford University, just in time. It was one of the prestigious schools in the Philippines, offering a wide range of courses and scholarships for those, like me, who couldn't afford the tuition.

I didn't know if my parents were aware that I was studying there. They didn't need me, though. They would just waste their time trying to find me. It had been two years since I left them. I let out a sigh at that thought.

"Jane," someone called, and I immediately turned around. It was Fiella De Guzman, our class president, accompanied by Ms. Santos.

"Good morning, Ms. Santos, Fiella," we greeted each other with smiles as they approached me. Ms. Santos was our fourth-year teacher—strict but kind.

"Go to my office before your class ends, okay?" she requested.

"What for, Miss?" I inquired.

"The reviewers for the MTAP are printed, and you'll meet your partners," she explained. I nodded in understanding.

"Yes, Miss."

"Okay, I'll go ahead." Fiella smiled at me before following our instructor.

I didn't want to make friends with anyone. I found it uncomfortable. I was used to my old friends who had betrayed and backstabbed me. I'd rather be alone and single than be part of a group and married.

I made my way to the designated room. As usual, some chairs were not arranged, and the room was filled with noise. Some classmates were chatting, while others were busy completing their assignments.

I headed to my chair next to the window and put on my earphones.

I was a loner, someone who wanted to be independent and help my grandmother. I just wanted to finish my studies and graduate with the degree I desired. That was my life goal. I didn't want to be pressured by my parents, who wanted me to study Business Administration so I could assist with their company. I didn't need that. I could make a living on my own.

Time passed, and our class began. We had a few discussions and plenty of presentations. It was our final year as junior high school students. Some people claimed that this was the toughest year for junior high school students, but to me, it wasn't. Last year was much harder.

Perhaps college life would be more stressful. I observed college students who seemed extremely serious. However, when they were in high school, their main goal was to pass their subjects and graduate.

I wanted to pursue a Nursing course. Something inside me told me that was the profession I desired. I wanted to help sick people. Ever since I was a child, I had admired nurses checking up on patients and taking vital signs. I would watch videos of medical procedures and operating rooms where nurses calmly assisted doctors. That's when I started dreaming of becoming a nurse. I wanted to pursue that dream.

I made my way to Ms. Santos' office to collect the reviewers for the MTAP competition. I didn't really want to participate in this event or competition, but the teachers convinced me. I couldn't refuse them.

I knocked on the door three times before entering. Inside, I saw two other students—a girl wearing glasses and a guy in a basketball team jersey, presumably a varsity player. They were sitting on the sofa next to the teacher's desk. I assumed we were in the same group.

"Ms. Valdez, you're here," our teacher acknowledged.

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

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

"Hi!" the girl greeted me with a wave of her hand. The guy next to her smiled at me.

I smiled back at them, but deep down, I couldn't easily trust people anymore. I didn't even know how to approach them.

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

The printed copies were thick. I thought I would start studying them tonight.

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

"Thank you, ma'am," we said in unison. I left the office first, carrying the reviewers. I organized my things inside my bag and was about to turn around when I noticed Ms. Perez, one of my MTAP partners, standing in front of me with a smile.

"Chelsea Rea Perez, by the way." She extended her hand while maintaining her smile.

"Jane Samantha Valdez." I shook her hand and quickly withdrew mine.

"I hope we can get along," she murmured. "By the way, the guy earlier is my best friend, Clifford Duke Rodriguez." I simply nodded.

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

She seemed nice, maybe even an exception. I hoped we could get along too.