Teared Masks (Madrigal Series #3) On-Going

TM #20

Achieve

"Congrats to us guys! Picture tayo dali! I love our medals ang cute!" Aesha was all smiles when we finished receiving our awards for this school year.

Nahawa ako sa lapad nang ngiti niya kaya hindi ko maiwasang ngumisi habang tinatanaw ang aking mga kaibigan na masayang kumukuha nang litrato nang isa't-isa.

I bit my lowerlip and glanced at the medal hanging on my neck.

I know this is petty but seeing this on me makes me teary-eyed. Parang pinapaalala nang medalyang ito ang lahat nang masasaya at masasakit na ala-ala na naranasan ko ngayong taon. Lahat nang sakripisyo, luha at pawis na nagpapaalalang pinaghirapan ko ang lahat nang 'to at karapat-dapat lamang na makatanggap at masuot ko ito ngayong araw.

I am so happy that Dad made it on time, he was the one who put the medal on me and I feel pleased when I saw his eyes glistening with mixed emotions. I know that he is proud of me. Mom, I hope you're proud of me too.

"Hoy Laurean Belle, group picture dali! Huwag kang magmukmok diyan! Hindi bagay sayo!" Erudite shouted and gestured her hands. Umirap ako at lumapit sa kanila upang makunan kami nang litrato ni Tita Beth, Aesha's Mom.

"One, two, three say cheese!" Bumusangot ako sa mga oras na yon dahil pinahiran ako ni Eru nang cupcake icing sa mukha na hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling. Aesha, Liana and Rari were both laughing while looking at my face covered with the chocolate icing.

Napangiti na lamang ako kalaunan nang makita ko ang malapad na ngiti nina Tita Beth, Tita Celine, at Tita Clare. Liana's Mom, Tita Ellie was also looking at us. She's not smiling but I can see on her eyes that she's happy and proud. Ang mga Tatay naman namin ay kapwa lamang nakangisi habang may kung anong pinag-uusapan.

"Girls, sama daw kayo sa outing namin sa Fierro Beach sabi ni mader? Free lahat even the fare. Sa SUV na lang daw namin kayo sumakay." Aesha spoke out of nowhere. Napaisip ako, magandang ideya nga na sumama sa kanila dahil summer na din naman at minsan lang 'to. We deserve to chill duh!

The other girls agreed except Liana.

"How about you Lians? Sama na please!" Aesha pleaded while pouting. Ngumiwi ako at pabirong pinitik ang bibig niya.

"Ang pangit mo, tumigil ka!"

She then rolled her eyes at me. "Ikaw huwag ka na lang sumama, inaaway mo ako eh!"

"Sure, no probs." I pretended to be cold and showed them na wala akong pake kahit hindi ako kasama.

Dahil do'n ay nagkagulo na silang apat. Panay reklamo sina Eru na sumama daw ako at si Aesha ay todo hingi naman nang tawad kaya natawa ako at napailing.

"Ayaw mo daw sumama Lau? Magluluto pa naman ako nang Buttered Shrimp!" Si Tita Beth na ginawa pang pain ang paborito kong pagkain.

Aesha nudged my shoulder. "Sama ka na kasi! Sarap pa naman nang Buttered Shrimp ni Mommy."

"Oo na sasama na nga, si Tita talaga palibhasa alam kung paano ako kunin eh!" Pabiro akong umirap. Tita Beth playfully pinched my waist and went back to her business with Tita Clare and the others.

"Hoy ikaw Liana, minsan lang to!" Rari shouted.

"I'll ask my parents first. Alam niyo naman..." Liana chuckled. Aesha nodded at her.

"Sure, puwede namang ako na ang magpapaalam sa kanila for you eh." She suggested, namilog ang mga mata ni Liana at tumango nang mabilis. Knowing Aesha's charm, I know that Liana would be there tomorrow.

"Sige magpapaalam muna din ako kay Dad, mukhang good mood ngayon eh." Tumawa ako.

"Naman! Paalala, don't bother to bring foods na because it's on us! I know na kuripot ako pero babawi ako ngayon." Nagsitawanan kami sa sinabi ni Aesha.