Ciara's POV
We're enjoying breakfast with my parents in the Dining Room early in the morning. I got up early since we have a performance at ten a.m., and I am looking forward to it.
I'm also pleased since, contrary to my expectations, my parents now have more time for me. "Sweetie, do you want us to go on a trip this vacation? Or do you have any plans?" mom asked as we ate.

"Yes, mom," I replied, nodding. "My friends and I had planned a pleasant holiday at the Buenavista, Brett Swimming Pool."
"How about after your get-together with your friends? We're thinking of going visit your grandparents in Surigao City," dad says, interrupting the talk.
"Good idea, dad! Besides, I've been wishing to spend time with both of you, and this will undoubtedly be the first time in my life," I added, my eagerness palpable.
"We're sorry that we've lost time for you for over a decade, sweetheart," mom whispered tenderly, looking straight into my eyes.
"It's okay, mom and dad," I said with a smile, "past is past, and the most important thing right now is that you've made an effort to make amends for me. As long as I can see you and spend time with you, it's worth it."
"Oh, finish and hurry up," mom replied, "I don't want you to be late for school, since you said you're going to have a performance," she added, "and don't forget to take a video for us."

"Yes, dear, we'd like to see how good you are at singing and playing instruments!"
I was amused by both of them and chuckled at them. "Don't worry. I won't forget about it!" 
After finishing my meal, I brushed my teeth, gathered my belongings, and exited the house. Once I opened the gate, I spotted my boyfriend, Shan, and Faith, who will surely watch my performance.
"Hey, babe. I love you," Shan said as he went closer and offered me a beautiful flower. I couldn't help but giggle, and Faith's eyes are rolling with amusement.

"What's up with Faith's expression?" I joked, and Shan just laughed at her.
"She's simply jealous since she doesn't have a lucky and attractive lover like me," I can see her glaring at him, which we find amusing. "Don't worry, I'll find you one."
She simply muttered, "whatever," and hopped into the backseat. Shan took my hands in his and guided me to my seat. Shan drove to school, and we were there within twenty minutes.
Because there aren't many students at the school, I was able to easily identify my bandmates. "Hey, where are the others?" I asked hastily as I approached.
Gwen, one of the guitarists, smiled and said, "Hey. Yeah, Jay was here a while ago, but he'll be here soon. The others are on their way." He also smiled and greeted Shan, "Hey there, Shan!"
He simply nodded and sat down with Faith in one of the waiting sheds. I sat by his side and just talked while waiting for the others. 
The others, as well as the twins, arrived soon after. We went to the Theater Room as soon as Jay arrived. I set up the Roland Juno-DS keyboard that I'm using today.
"All right, that's it," Jay said, "and we'll just aim to practice the song one last time at exactly eight o'clock." I looked at my watch and saw that it was only 7:25 a.m. I looked over to where my buddies were seated and saw Shan smiling at me with a pleasant smile on his face.
I'm smitten by his lovely grin and stunning eyes. I haven't noticed I am looking like an idiot smiling so wide that Josh, the drummer, noticed it and began to tease me, "What a wonderful smile on your face, Ciara. Shan's powers and the power of love."
"Oh, Josh, shut up," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
When Jay heard Josh say, he entered the conversation, "Love, love, love. Til when could I find my one true love?" he burst out laughing.
"What about, Jubilee? You don't like her?"
"I love her," he said, displaying a smile. "The problem is, she's in love with my friend, so I can't have her," he added.
"That's awful," I said, "but don't worry. I'm sure you'll find somebody worthy." As soon as we're done setting up, I went down the stage to seat sat next to my cute boyfriend. It's still early though, we'll practice the song up at eight o'clock.
"Hey, who are you texting to?" I ask as I notice Shan glancing at his phone and texting something.
"Nothing," he said as he kissed my cheek. "It's just our group chat at our section."
"Oh, right, but where are they? Are they going to be watching?"
"Of course they'll watch," Patricia interrupted, "Kyle's on the ramp for the Ambassador of Goodwill and needs a ton of support."
"Really?" I asked immediately, "I'm sure you'll be one of his favorite and most ardent supporters in the entire school."
"Heck, no!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening and glaring at me. "He crushed my heart, so he has no place for me," she continued, crossing her elbows.
"Whatever you say, Patty," I said, turning to the person next to her to see Patrick looking serious and engrossed in his phone. I leaned on Shan's shoulders and was excited to spill the good news, "You know what, babe? My folks and I will go on a trip to Surigao."
"Is that so? Wow, that's excellent news, babe!" he exclaimed, his face flushed with surprise and as if he couldn't believe it.
"I know right. I can't believe it, either. I thought I was dreaming the other day, but it turns out that it's reality. They love me, too," I nodded, unable to conceal my joy and excitement.
"I'm glad you and your parents are doing well now. I remember when we used to hang out at home and you were all alone and lonely because your parents had left you all alone again," he remarked.
"Yeah, I'm still on the verge of giving up on my own family," I murmured, "but I realized that I shouldn't give up on what I want. I believe everything has a purpose and it will come true."
"What's your next dream, babe? I mean, now that your dream has come true."
I was thinking, but there was only one thing I was certain of. "My dream? Well, it is to graduate with honors, to have a perfect job, and, of course, to have a family together."
He only smiled, clearly enthralled by what I was saying. Glenn, one of my bandmates, yelled, "Ciara! Come and let's do some sound checking!" I rushed up to the stage and kissed Shan on the cheek. I tested the piano and found it to be in wonderful working order.