Falling Unexpectedly (Ongoing)

Chapter 29

"...To my friends that went with me through this wonderful journey, you will always be the best part of me. May we reach our dreams together, even through thick and thin." Pagkatapos noon ay bumaba si Nixx sa stage at isa-isang niyakap ang mga kaibigan niya.

It was their graduation day and Nixx was the valedictorian. Muntik nang maging salutatorian si Ignis kung hindi lang nakalamang ng 0.3 iyong isa nilang schoolmate.

Pagkatapos ng graduation ay nagkaniya-kaniya silang punta sa mga magulang nila. Nang makarating si Ignis sa ama niya, itinaas niya ang kamao para magfist bump. Natatawang pinagbunggo ni Ignacio ang kamao nila at niyakap nang mahigpit ang anak niya.

"I'm so proud of you. I'll always be." Madamdaming sabi nito na parang naiiyak na.

Tinawanan siya ni Ignis. "You're such a cry baby– I mean, a cry daddy."

Tinawanan siya ni Ignacio at ginulo ang buhok nito atsaka pinaharap sa kaniya.

"Wherever your Mom is, I know she's proud." A sad smile crept to his Dad's face.

Nagbaba ng tingin si Ignis at pinaglaruan ang maliit na bato na nasa paa niya. He's trying to control his emotions.

"I miss her." But his emotion was stronger, it made a tear fall from his eye.

Ignacio hugged his son and caressed his back. "I know, son. We both do."

Hikbi lang ang sinagot ni Ignis dito at umiyak habang nakayakap sa ama niya.

"If only I could," Ignacio just sighed like he couldn't put his thoughts into words.

"Your friends are coming this way. I bet you don't want to see them that you're crying." Ignacio chuckled.

Kumalas sa pagkakayakap si Ignis. Pinunasan niya ang mga luha niya at sumi-singhot-singhot pa. Hinarap niya ang mga ito nang may magandang ngiti.

"Happy graduation!" Sigaw ni Ignis at nag-group hug sila.

Matapos magbatian ay may napansin si Ignis na kulang. "Where's Nero?"

"With his parents. I think he's being toasted there." Sagot ni Cass na may pag-aalala sa boses.

And Ignacio who heard it went on his way to find them.

"You better get higher grades in college, Nero. Palalagpasin ko muna ito pero sa college ay hindi na pwede ang ganiyan." Ani ng ama ni Nero.

"Y-yes, Pa." Nagbaba siya ng tingin. "I'm sorry to disappoint you."

"You should be." Sambit ni Roel at parang may tumarak sa puso ni Nero nang marinig niya ito.

That was my best. Though I'm aware that my best wasn't good enough. Academics is just not my field to play on. I'm having a hard time. And I just need their support... That's all I needed.

"Tumigil ka na nga, Roel!" Asik sa kaniya ni Nelia. "Mauna ka na roon sa kotse at doon ka na lang mag-intay."

Tumalikod si Roel sa kanila at naglakad na palabas ng school na parang wala lang talaga sa kaniya ang mga sinabi nito.

Nelia cupped his face and made Nero look at her. "I love you and I'm proud of you no matter what. Don't mind your Papa, okay? Maybe he's just worried about your future. But for me, you don't need to worry about your future and just go with the flow."

Good thing I have Mama.

Nero smiled at her then hugged her tight. "I love you, Ma. You don't know how grateful I am to God for giving me such an amazing woman."

Nelia kissed his cheek. "I'm also grateful, anak. He gave me a son like you and I could never ask for more."

Nero just embraced her mother's warmth and it made him at peace. He was home. Again. His first home that he would never abandon.