Potential To Be Strong

Chapter 22: Moving

Being back in Canada hasn't made me any happier. I don't like being in my home so I spend most of my time with Yuzuru. I'll hang out with my mother every once and awhile but I don't stay in the house for long. I told my mother she should sell the house and get an apartment for her and Mateo. I want to get an apartment for myself. That way, if Yuzuru wants to hang out, we could do it at my place instead of his. He doesn't like being at his place when his mom is home either. He wants to be rebelliousness and hang out with me when it's late, even though he'll have practice in the morning. I've been saving so much money since I began working for Yuzuru. Coach Brian signs my checks and I can't believe he pays me the amount he does. I would work for free if I didn't need to support my education. Being able to spend so much time with Yuzuru is worth all the money in the world.

"Yuzuru," I say sternly as I try to leave his bed at 9 pm. He has his arms locked around my waist and won't let go.

"But I don't want you to leave." Yuzuru complains as he buries his head into my stomach.

"You have practice at 6 and I need to get home."

"You'll be at practice anyways. You can stay the night."

"That's not gonna happen. I will see you in the morning, Yuzu."

I manage to slip out of Yuzuru's arms. He sits up on his bed and pouts. I laugh at his expression as I put on my jacket. I lean over and kiss his pouted lips. Yuzuru quickly grabs my waist and digs his face into my stomach. He loves placing his head on my stomach. He says it comforts him. I pat his head as I try to pull away from him.

"Let go, Yuzu, before I call for your mom," I tell him. That causes him to let go of my waist.

"Please don't call my mother," Yuzuru pleads childishly. "She can be scary sometimes."

"All mothers are scary, Yuzu. Now I'm going to go home and you will go to sleep. You have practice early tomorrow morning. I'll see you there."

"Fine, but I will walk you out."

We leave his room quietly as his mother is asleep already. Yuzuru walks me out of his apartment and to my car. I don't use it often, but my father got it for me during my travels as a gift for my most recent birthday. It feels weird to use it as it's a gift from my dad and I don't want to associate with him anymore.

As I come up to my house, I see that the porch light is still on. My mother always leaves it on so I can see the door when I come home late. I smile at the gesture as I open the door. I place my keys on the family key hook. I notice a few boxes at the door. I walk into the kitchen where my mother and little brother are sitting at the kitchen table enjoying a bowl of ube ice cream. My brother perks up at seeing my arrival.

"Ate, ate! Come have ice cream with us," Mateo beckons happily. "Nanay has something she wants to tell you."

"Anak, let your ate relax for a second. She just got home," my mother chides him lightly. She turns to me. "I do have something to tell you."

I set my bag on the floor and take a seat next to Mateo. "Does this have something to do with the boxes by the door?" I ask, taking Mateo's spoon and getting a bite of the large bowl they are sharing.

"Yes. I've decided that we don't need this house anymore if it's going to be just your brother and I."

"What about me?"

"Well, I think you should get your own apartment. I'm sure you don't want to live with your mom forever."

"So you did listen to me."

"Of course I did, anak. I talked about it with your father too since he did help pay for this house. He said he was okay with selling the house. We're going to move into an apartment as soon as we can. You can look for a place as well. I'm sure you would like to be closer to school or to work."

"That sounds great, Nanay. I'm glad you made this decision. I think this is for the best."

"I hope this will make you happy too. I know you will make responsible decisions."

My mother kisses me on the top of my head and sends me off to my room. I grab my laptop out of my backpack and immediately look at local apartments. I would love to live between my school and the Cricket club. I can't wait to tell Yuzuru about this. I'm sure he'll be happy to have a place to get away to that isn't the club.

After searching for two hours, I decided to put my laptop away. I've already found a couple of apartment complexes that fit my criteria and fit with the budget I gave myself. Since I travel for work, I don't need anything fancy. I only really need a one bedroom/one bathroom apartment. Since I have some time before Yuzuru will have to travel again, I'll definitely look at some places in person. I could even bring Yuzuru along when he isn't busy.

I can't believe this is happening. I'll be able have my own place. I didn't mind living with my family, but I know I can live on my own and support myself as an adult. Things weren't looking so good before I came home, but now things are looking up. I'm so excited for what's to come. Things should only go up from here.