From the moment Brooke handed over that apron, everything moved fast. No more greasy shifts or eye rolls from rude customers—her life was changing, and this time, it was real.
First stop? Mama's house.
The three girls made their way through the familiar streets, but something about that day felt different. Like the air itself was whispering, this is it.
When they stepped into the tiny living room of the old family home, Brooke's mom was already sitting on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, looking serene. Her father sat beside her, his hands resting on his knees, as though he'd been expecting them.
"Hey, Mama," Brooke said softly, kneeling beside her.
"My baby," her mother smiled, her voice weak but warm. "You're glowing."
Brooke laughed tearfully. "It's stress. And maybe excitement."
"She told us everything," her father chimed in. "About Mr. Dominic. About the opportunity."
Shelly stepped forward, shifting awkwardly. "I'll be staying with them, Ma'am. I'll help out around the house, and we've got a new place in the city too. You won't be alone."
"Oh honey," her mother smiled at her like she was her own. "You're part of this family now. You girls all are."
Carolyn folded her arms, smirking. "And don't worry—I'll keep the bills paid. I'm managing the city shop now. That dusty old manager finally gave me something worth my mouth."
The girls laughed, and for a moment, it felt like home had stretched itself to fit all of them.
By Monday, Brooke's life had turned into a checklist. Final paperwork, last meetings with Mr. Dominic, fittings for travel clothes—he wasn't just putting her on a plane, he was presenting her to the world like his golden ticket.
And the apartment? Darling, it was luxurious. High windows, glossy marble floors, a kitchen straight out of a cooking show, and enough room for Shelly, Carolyn, their parents, and even a fat cat they found outside and named President Meow.
Everything was falling into place… until Cameroon showed up.
It was a Wednesday evening. The sun was slipping behind the skyline when the doorbell rang. Brooke opened it and froze. There he was. Tall, brooding, fine as ever—but something about his energy was off.
"You really leaving?" Cameroon asked, his voice low, almost bitter.
Brooke sighed. "I have to."
"That's not what I asked," he shot back.
"Don't do that," she said. "Don't guilt me now. Not after everything."
Carolyn, who had been in the kitchen pouring herself a drink, strutted in like a runway model with something to say. "Oh please," she scoffed, "He pops up now? After she gets a ticket out the mud? Where were you when we were wiping tables and crying behind fryers?"
Cameroon turned to her. "I'm not talking to you, Carolyn."
"You better start," she snapped. "Because you're not gonna sit here and make her feel bad for finally getting hers. She's flying first class while you're stuck on ego airlines."
Shelly peeped around the hallway, wide-eyed. "Not ego airlines," she whispered.
Brooke stepped between them, hands up. "Can we not do this here?"
Cameroon looked at her with all the sadness in the world. "I just… I thought we were building something. Together."
Brooke's eyes softened. "We were. But now I have to build me."
He didn't say anything else. Just gave her one last look, nodded, and walked away.
Flight day came like thunder on a quiet street.
It was a Friday. The city air was humid, thick with the scent of dawn and traffic. Brooke stepped out of the apartment like a whole CEO. Hair sleek, makeup soft but commanding, and a tailored cream pantsuit that hugged her figure like it was sewn by angels. She held her designer carry-on in one hand and her documents in the other.
Mr. Dominic was waiting outside in a black Cadillac Escalade, polished to the heavens. He stepped out and opened the door for her himself.
"You ready, Ms. Brooke?" he asked with a proud smile.
"I've never been readier," she replied.
Shelly and Carolyn followed her down, flanking her like loyal bridesmaids to a queen's departure.
"Text us when you land," Shelly said, trying not to cry.
"And don't forget us when you're in boardrooms and five-star hotels," Carolyn added, though her voice was cracking.
Brooke hugged them both tight. "I'm doing this for all of us. We're not just girls from a diner anymore. We're building something bigger."
Mr. Dominic gave them a respectful nod as they slid into the back seat.
The car rolled through the city slowly, like it knew this was a goodbye worth savoring.
At the airport, the girls stood at the glass wall, watching the plane roll in.
"She's really gone," Shelly whispered, wiping a tear.
Carolyn nodded, arm around her. "Gone for now. But when she comes back…"
"She's coming back a legend," they both said at once.
And up in the sky, Brooke stared out the window, her heart racing—not with fear, but fire.
Philippines, here I come.