Casa Blanca

"Rou, we are leaving in a minute. Get ready." my Mom yelled through the kitchen.

"Okay!" I shouted back.

As if I have another choice. We are going to my mother's hometown. It is far from civilization with no internet connection, malls, clubs, and fancy restaurants. How am I supposed to live that kind of life? My Dad said that I can enjoy myself in the town's amazing surroundings and tourist spots. He is also proud saying that it's some kind of featured place on TV commercials. But I don't care! My life is in this city. I spent all of my days in parties and street fighting with my friend.

"What's with the grumpy face, sweetheart?" my father asked.

"You just want me gone," I said.

I heard them sighed and breathe in together. Then, they sit down on both of my sides.

"No, sweetie. We just want you to experience the same feelings that I and your Dad shared when we live there a long time ago." my mother said slowly. She's making sure that I can hear and understand all of her words.

"I will bet my one bank account if we are not telling you the truth. I swear, if it's not about our job, we are probably there, having our farm and not in this noisy big city." Dad said lightly tapping my shoulder.

What's wrong here in West Preconia? This is the little Las Vegas with a little taste of Barcelona. The combination of lights, music, games, and fights with a high-class vibe is the best. But, that bank account is better than anything. Dad has three accounts in different banks. Of course, it has a lot of money. Who doesn't like that thin, rectangular-shaped paper with a head? No one.

"Can I have the account as a farewell gift, Dad?" I asked.

He chuckled. "After a few months, when you come back here and you regret going to Casa Blanca, I will give it on you."

I turned to Mom. "How about you, Mom?"

She smiled. "I will buy you a new car."

Now I'm happy and willing to go there. This is more I like it. I am very sure that I will regret agreeing to go there after a couple of months. What's good about living in a forest, anyway?

Just like my mother said, we left after a minute. They insisted that I can't drive on my own in my car because the old town is far and they didn't want me to be tired. They will accompany me to the village then, left after I settle in. My grandparents are getting older so, they decided to bring me there. I love my Papu and Mamu so, half of me is excited and mad at the same time. I am looking forward to seeing my cousin too. We just met thrice when she went here in the city with my grandparents way back in the past holidays. Every Christmas and New Year, they will go to our house to spend time and vacation with us. So, we can be whole and happy. But, when Papu was diagnosed with a urinary infection, they failed on visiting us.

"I will say, go the Crescent Moon Falls first. It can blow your mind away, sweetheart." Dad said while driving.

"CM Falls is best at night, sweetie. Your Dad proposed to me there. He even asked my parent's help in planning the surprise. Ohh, Reevan, I missed our childhood days." Mom tuned in dreamily.

I was in the backseat. We are now exiting West Preconia. Ohh, geez. I'm gonna miss this place.

"Noted," I said boldly.

"After that, go hiking on Mt. Fubu. The view of the sunset and sunrise is amazing." my father added, reminiscing their past.

And their love story throwback begins. Mom is now emotional telling how Dad struggled to win her precious heart. Then, Dad is getting proud of himself for not giving up. A sweet and genuine smile escaped my lips. I know that my parents love each other so bad. I am one of those lucky girls who has an almost perfect life. I have loving and supportive parents, a complete and happy family, and everything I wanted. I am beyond blessed and gifted.

When they said that the journey to their hometown is far, I'm not expecting it to be this long. We are on the road for almost three and a half hours now and we are not there yet. What is that, some kind of a tribe or something? I'm worried about my butt. What if it got flatten because of me, sitting here in the backseat for f*ck*ng three hours? Poor two little humps of mine. It's one of my assets!

Because of too much boredom on a long road, I did not notice that I fell asleep. I just woke up because of my Mom, pinching my cheeks. I give her my death glare but she just chuckled at me.

"We're here, sweetie." Mom said.

I looked outside the window to saw trees. Yes, a lot of trees on both sides of the road. We are literally in the forest. Great. How am I suppose to live and enjoy the rest of my vacation here? I wish, Tarzan is here so, I can be his Jane.

"Welcome to Casa Blanca, sweetheart," Dad said.

An old stone welcome arc approached us at a distance. It is covered with moss and vines with a lot of tiny flowers in different colors. Then a small bridge with a clean and clear river running below. And as we drove slowly towards it, the water of the river is glimmering through the sun rays. I can saw rocks and small fishes swimming under it. Honestly, I'm amazed. I never saw an actual river or whatsoever nature product in my entire life. But, we have man-made falls and beaches there on West Preconia. Well, not as beautiful as this.

We already passed on the small bridge and a long road started again. Seriously, how long is our journey? I thought we are already here.

"You will love Casa Blanca, sweetie." my mother said.

I wish too, Mom.

A few minutes later and the group of tall trees ended. I can now saw the small group of houses scattered along the way. Every home has a wide front yard with a couple of trees. They truly love nature, aye? And far from the city, there is a long gap between every house. As we continued, many kinds of two-story buildings comes into view. Then, there are different establishments and stores too. But, not as enormous as the city, though.

"Ohh, my, gee. I miss this place, Reevan!" Mom exclaimed.

"Me too, honey. Soon, we can file a leave of absence in the company." Dad responded.

"I can't wait!" my mother said cheerfully.

I wish I have that happiness too.

My parents said that we have a farm of grapes here. Dad helped my grandparents to re-build and grow the forgotten piece of land of our ancestors. Because of that, the old wine factory of Papu awakened. Now, we are the number 1 supplier of wine here in the town. And they said that someday, they will export our products to the local industry and in the city.

I found the old town, plain and boring. All of the establishments and stores here are cheap and small. They have cafes and coffee shops instead of five-star restaurants. They're into sports and a lot of farming too. I can say that this whole town depends on and uses the advantages and benefits of the nature around them. From the structures of all the houses that are made of fine woods to their living which is farming and animals, and the way they act. A life far from what I want.

After a few minutes, we finally stopped in front of a two-story house. It is huge and beautiful. Shrubs and well-trimmed plants are all over the house that is used as its fence too. Bermuda grass is well scattered on the yard with a little stoned floor in the middle as a pathway. This is wonderful. I feel like I'm in some kind of time in the past.

"Is that you, princess?" said by a man's voice.

I know that voice. I hurriedly opened the car's door and jumped down to see Papu and Mamu coming. They are charming as always.

"Ohh, my Rougehan Marou Ubay!" my grandmother exclaimed. "You are so beautiful."

I know, right. "Mamu, Papu, I miss you both." I said smiling.

Then, they pulled me into a hug. The love of grandparents are amazingly good, isn't it? It feels like you're in a soft bed or a cloud, floating in the sky. It has this weird sensation that I can't explain. It feels like home.

"Come on in. I preferred something for you, all." Mamu motioned us to go inside the house.

I never expected it to be more wonderful here on the inside. All of the furniture and designs are antique. It feels like, I go back in time, way back on my grandparent's childhood days.

We went straight to the kitchen. And aside from my room, this is the second part of the house that I like, the kitchen. I love cooking. The sweet aroma of the food and the complicated ingredients are a perfect combination of excitement for me. I even watched a live cooking show and sometimes copying their step-by-step procedures. I know that I'm far beyond anything but, having my bakery or pastry shop is one of my biggest dreams. Being a model is at the top of my list.

"Wow, Mom this is great!" my mother exclaimed.

"Yes. And because we know that after a minute, you- two are going to leave so, we preferred a take out food for the both of you." Mamu placed the two plastic tubs on the table. It contains a different variety of sweet glutinous rice cakes.

"You're the best, Mom." Dad chimed in.

Then, Papu joined us at the table. "Come, on. Let's sit down and eat."

The glutinous rice cakes are Mamu's specialty. It is the combination of sticky rice, coconut milk, sugar, and her secret ingredients. She said that that food recipe came from our ancestors. And I can't wait to pass it in me. I always want to try different kinds and techniques in baking and cooking.

After the delicious snack, it's time for my parents to leave. They need to return to West Preconia because of their job. Their boss is somewhat rude and strict. Every small mistake is a big deal that can lead them to expulsion. That's why I want them to resign from that company.

"Please, take care of my Rou, Mom, Dad." my mother asked.

We are here in the yard. Suddenly, I feel like I'm on the bridge of crying. Mom is so emotional. I can't help but be sad too. This is the first time that I'm going to be far away from them for a long time. I'm an only child so, I grew up living and wanting all I desired. They spoiled me so much.

Mom looked at me. There's a hint of sadness on her face. And her eyes are a whirlwind of emotions "Take care of yourself, sweetie. I'm going to call you every day. And if anything bad happens, please, inform us." she said.

I nodded. "Yes, Mom."

Then, Dad turned on me. He is eyeing me intently with a frown. "Try to fit in here, sweetheart. Casa Blanca is our hometown heritage and we want you to be part of it. Promise us that you will be a good and mature girl. Can you do that for us, baby?"

I can feel his love in every word he said. He wants me to assure them that I can be fine even if they're not here. I can feel tears slowly forming on the edge of my eyes. Please, don't make me cry.

"I- I promise, Da- Dad." I stuttered.

A sweet smile formed on their lips. That's the assurance that they're waiting for. Dad pulled me into a hug and Mom joined in. I'm gonna miss them.

Ohh, goodness, how can I live without them?