I remember it quite clearly, the first time I got that call. The sun was blazing down my skin while the ice in my drink was slowly melting. Mother was all over the place, greeting and dancing with the visitors. She was too occupied to wonder if I really wanted to stay at this party. At first, I ignored the call, Another scam, I thought. I was too used to getting prank calls, especially from my friends. "Your reactions are too funny." Jason always says and I'd just decline the calls. This time, this unknown number was too annoying to ignore.

"Hello? Who is this?" I sighed through the phone. "Jason if this is you, I swear to God I'll-" A man's voice interrupts me before I could finish my sentence. "Good Morning, may I speak to Laury Quezon?" his deep voice speared through the speaker. "Yes, this is Laury." I agreed, "May I ask who this is?" I patiently waited for his answer. It took him a moment to gather his words, then after a deep inhale he says, "This is Attorney Vincent Ramoz, I'm here to inform you about your grandmother, Lola Victoria Quezon." A coldness ran down my spine as if I knew he wasn't calling me for good news.

That name he spoke of, was forbidden in our household. The name of my grandmother who I barely knew and yet here it is, that name I have not heard of in years, spoken right before me. "Hello, Ms. Quezon?" He asks, "Yes, I'm still here." I reassured him. We spoke for a moment and arranged a meeting for tonight to speak about her will. Will, huh? You don't get to hear that all the time, I thought as I gave him our home address.

    The time ran faster than most days. My worries for this meeting were clear on my face because even the maids asked if I was okay. Maybe I am sick. Maybe I'm just nervous about what I have done, ask HER lawyer to speak to my mother who despises her more than she already despises me. A stab to my own mother's pride and yet, I stand here quietly, waiting for death to come when she finds out.

TO BE CONTINUED…