Presque Vu [Phenomena Series #3]

Chapter 22

Chapter 22:

My college graduation came, and even though I told mom not to come home anymore, she still insist. Now, we're smiling in front of the photographer after I received that diploma I worked hard for four years.

I looked at Mom and she's smiling happily while looking directly at the camera lens. The way she holds my hand makes me feel that she really love me and she's proud of me and what I have become.

After that, we went down the stage and came back to our seats.

"Ang daming g-um-raduate," Mom said.

Tumango ako at inakbayan si Mommy. "Yes. Si Terrence din kaso nasa kabilang wing ang department nila."

Tumango si Mom. "Invite your friends to our house later. Nagpaluto ako sa Tita mo."

"Okay," I smiled at her. "Subukan ko kung makakapunta si Terrence. Baka may celebration din sila."

We watched as other students went to the stage to get their diploma. When it was Terrence's turn, I stood up and clapped my hands. Narinig ko rin ang palakpakan ng mga kaibigan namin sa visitor's area, dahilan para tumawa nang tumawa si Terrence sa stage, katabi ang Daddy.

Nang matapos ang graduation, lumapit kami ni Mommy sa kinalulugaran ng mga kaibigan ko. Kasama nila Connor at Jin, na may fifth year ang course, si Grace, Belle, at s'yempre, ang girlfriend ko.

"Congrats!!!" malawak ang ngiting sabi ni Lily sa akin bago iniyakap ang dalawang braso ko at hinalikan ako nang paulit-ulit. "Proud na proud ako sa 'yo!"

I chuckled as I pulled her back to me and planted a kiss on her lips. "I can't wait for your graduation too, babe."

"Tang ina, sasakit sa mata amputa," rinig kong sabi ni Connor na dahilan ng pagtawa ni Jin at Grace.

Nakita ko sila Terrence na may sariling mundo rin kasama si Belle. Kaya naman pala ang bitter nitong si Connor. Bakit kasi hindi na lang balikan si Grace, eh ayaw na nga siyang balikan ni Savvy.

Sabagay, kapag nagmahal ka nga naman.

Lumapit isa-isa ang mga kaibigan ko kay Mommy. Hindi nila alam na umuwi si Mommy dahil wala pa kaming sinabihan. Hangga't maaari, iniiwas naming kumalat ang balita na nakauwi na nga siya dahil 'yung kakilala kong senador, palagi siyang kinukulit kapag nandito at sinasabing mahal niya siya.

After all the things he have done to her, he has the audacity to call that love?

Connor drove us all to our home while Terrence and Belle went to his home with his family. Wala naman daw big celebration sa bahay nila kaya matapos niya raw mag-stay do'n for few hours, susunod na siya sa bahay ni Mom.

Nang makarating kami sa bahay at makapasok sa loob, nandoon ang ibang mga kamag-anak ni Mom at ilang mga pinsan ko. May tarpaulin sa loob na may graduation picture ko at congratulatory message. Nagpaputok pa ng poppers.

Damn, Mom prepared this for a short period of time? Kagabi lang siya dumating, ah? And it's only almost 9:00 p.m. They must've kept it a secret from me because there's a lot of foods and gifts that are prepared for me.

"Congrats, Kuya!"

"Congrats, 'tol, Ald!"

"Congrats! Magkaka-lawyer na kami!"

Nakipag-yakap at nakipag-beso ako sa mga tita, tito at mga pinsan ko habang nagpapasalamat sa kanila. We decided to eat since it's already almost 9:00 p.m. Everyone were happy chatting and catching up. I can't believe that my relatives really came all the way here from Laguna. It's not that long of a travel but I never went to them when they are celebrating their milestone. I suddenly feel guilty for that.