Sa Gitna ng Pagitan

Kabanata 1

Kabanata 1

Umaga bago ang moving up ceremony ay kumain kami ng breakfast bilang isang pamilya. My parents are both dentists in Doha, Qatar. And often, they would go to to different dental missions all over the globe. Kaya naman bata pa lamang ako ay alis-balik na sila ng bansa, at kalaunan ay nasanay na ako sa ganoong sistema.

Whenever they leave, I know that they will come back. But I also know that when they come back, it is never to stay.

And I understand, kasi tulad ko, they desire to serve the greater community.

That's why I'm grateful for occasions like this, because this is one of the few and fleeting moments where we could be together as a family.

"Nique, want some berries?" Ani Sheikh, my older brother. Nakaupo siya sa kanang tabi ko across our dad, while across me is my mom.

Nginitian ko siya bago tumango.

My brother, Qairus Sheikh, was born in Doha, hence, the name. Apat na taon ang agwat naming dalawa. Sa Qatar din siya nagsimula mag-aral. Noong nag-junior high siya ay bumalik siya ng bansa upang sa Masley Mount magaral ngunit sa kalagitnaan ng kanyang senior highschool ay bumalik siya ng Qatar.

"Nique, anak, alam mo bang 'yang si Sheikh ay dito na mag-aaral? He'll stay here with you." Sabi ni Dad.

Gulat ako napatingin saglit kay Dad at agad naman ako bumaling kay Kuya Sheikh.

"Really, kuya?" ngiting-ngiti kong tanong sa kanya.

"Hmm.." ngumuso siya habang nag-iisip kunwari. "Yes, love. Surprised?" nagtaas siya ng kilay habang nakangisi.

"That's so great, Kuya!" hinilig ko ang aking ulo sa balikat niya at naramdaman ko naman ang marahan niyang halik sa ulo ko.

Parang nalusaw ang puso ko sa tuwa. My heart warms with the thought of my brother staying for good here with me.

"Best graduation gift ever..." marahan kong sambit. Natawa naman silang tatlo. Naramdaman ko naman ang mainit na braso ni Kuya Sheikh na marahang inaalu ako.

Hindi ko pinalampas ang ngiti nina Mommy. Kahit hindi kami laging magkasama, genuine moments like this make up for all those times I've felt alone.. or taken for granted.. or both..

"Cheers to all the people who has loved us so much to bring us all here—to the proud parents and family.. to our unwavering teachers and staff.. friends.. and of course, to my dearest Batch 2012 Student Council!"

"Wooh! SC 2012 represent!" sigaw ni Ivy mula sa kanyang kinauupuan na tinawanan ng audience. Hinanap ko siya mula sa pulpito ngunit masyadong maraming tao kaya 'di ko na sinubukan.

"And also, cheers to us, Batch 2012! Some of you may leave Masley Mount High, but to those who will stay.. may we all share our failures, victories, and everything in between with one another, as we embark this journey together. This has been Dominique Faith V. Altoveros, your MMH-SSC Vice President, Batch 2012 JHS Valedictorian, bidding all of us a job well done. May we continue to serve the nation with a humble heart. Congratualions, and see you out there, graduates!"

Yumanig ang auditorium sa lakas ng palakpak ng tao. Halos maestatwa naman ako sa pulpito sa tuwa, kaba, excitement, at kung anu-ano pang emosyon. The joy that I'm feeling is incomparable. I only do what I do out of passion and love for others, and these awards and recognition are just bonuses.