Waited (Pampanga series #1)

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

"Inaasahan ng Papa mo na ikaw ang mag-speech sa Moving Up ninyo." marahang sinabi ni Mama sa akin.

Hindi ako nagsalita. As days go by, the hollow and disappointment in my heart slowly invade me. I feel like my head is going to explode with so many thoughts running in my mind. Pakiramdam ko mababaliw na ako sa dami ng mga naiisip na problema.

I never experienced being in this situation. I even didn't think that I'd experience this. I was so comfortable with my life. With my consistent grades and rankings, my life and my mind at peace, I never thought that everything will be gone in a span of almost one year.

Hindi ko alam kung ano, paano, at saan nagsimula ang lahat. Wala rin naman akong masisisi dito bukod sa sarili ko. It was all my fault alone, and it was me alone who caused my own downfall.

"Don't be pressured, Gwen. Kung ako lang, hindi kita pupwersahin but your father was also an achiever when we were young. I don't like his decisions about you, to be honest. I just want you to do your best."

Tumingin ako sa kanya. She smiled warmly then reached her hand out to touch my hair.

"I'm sorry you are being forced to do the things that we want. Ang papa mo, gusto kang manguna sa lahat at ako naman, gusto kong manalo ka sa mga pageant."

All my life I never complained about my parents. They love us so much, me and Bryan, and provided everything we need so the only way I can reciprocate their sacrifices is by following them.

I wanted to be the best child so I didn't think about being pressured by them because I also want to do the things that they want me to.

"Kung nahihirapan ka at ayaw mong gawin ang mga gusto naming ipagawa sa'yo, it is okay to tell us about it. You are our child and we will understand what you want."

Ngumiti ako. My heart warms that my mother tells me this.

"I will do everything to make you proud, Mama."

Ngumiti rin si Mama. Hinila niya ako para sa isang mainit na yakap. As always, no other hugs will beat a mother's warm hug. It always feels home.

"I am always proud of you, anak. We are always thankful for having you as our daughter. I want you to be happy..."

Pumikit ako at pinakiramdaman ang yakap niya. I felt my eyes burn with overflowing warmth from my mother.

Ilang sandali kaming magkayakap nang makarinig ng katok sa pintuan ng kwarto ko. Dumungaw si Bryan at kumunot ang noo nang makita ang ayos namin ni Mama.

"You are hugging without me?" sumimangot siya bago tumingin sa akin. "Nandito si Ate Kim."

Humiwalay na si Mama sa akin. Tumawa siya sabay tayo at lumapit kay Bryan para siya naman ang yakapin nito. Bryan scoffed but laughed.

"Si Kim lang?" tanong ko kay Bryan.

"Oo, siya lang."

"Maghahanda ako ng pagkain ninyo." Mama quietly excused herself.

Bry smirked at me. "Bakit? Hinahanap mo si Kuya Jake?"

Umirap ako. Hindi naman makakapunta si Jake dito kasi nandito si Papa. And I don't think he'll come after attending the party last night. Sinabi ni Bryan sa akin na pinagkaguluhan daw si Jake kagabi dahil sa pang-aasar sa kanya kay Angel.

I bet they all had fun.

"Sige, susunod na ako." malamig kong sabi.

Lumabas ako ng kwarto pagkatapos ng ilang sandali. Kumunot ang noo ni Kim sa akin nang makita ako. Nasa terrace siya ng bahay. Nadaanan ko pa si Papa sa sala na nagtaas ng kilay sa akin, siguro iniisip na lalabas ako dahil pumunta si Kim.