Embers From Within (Casa Fuego Series #6)

Chapter 18

Mixed Signals

"Warmest felicitations to you, Miss Hermedilla..." the president of the school smiled and offered a hand.

Nakangiti ko iyong tinanggap at nakipagkamayan sa kanya. Bumaling siya kay Mama at saka naglahad ng kamay na tinanggap agad ni Mama. Our grades were released today so Mama dropped all her appointments to accompany me to school. I was confident that I'd have good grades this year but the news exceeded what I initially expected.

Titig na titig ako sa nakasulat sa papel. It was a congratulatory letter stating that I am a candidate for Magna Cum Laude. At last, the heavens granted me the reciprocity of all the hard work I've poured over the years. Achievements are not new to my family, but for me, it is.

"Thank you, President. And thank you for your time meeting us privately," Mama smiled.

"No problem, Miss Hermedilla. I actually insisted to receive you in my good office instead of her designated classroom. Maraming tao roon kaya minabuti kong dito na lang kayo idirekta."

"While it could have been perfectly fine with me if I went to her classroom instead, thank you, nonetheless."

Hawak ni Mama ang aking likod habang naglalakad kami palabas ng opisina ng President ng school. Hindi puwede ang sasakyan sa banda rito dahil alaga ang damo pero dahil narito si Mama, pinahintulutan ang sasakyan namin. Pinagbuksan kami ni Manong ng pinto at pumasok na agad sa loob.

Nakatitig pa rin ako sa papel. Mama was smiling as she watched me read the letter for the third time now, still in awe that I managed to pull my grades this high after stumbling on my first years.

Mama gently held my hand, making me turn to her.

"I'm very proud of you, darling. I was worried when you went to college after years of being homeschooled but, you did so great."

I smiled and hugged my mother. If it wasn't for her, I would have been sent by my grandparents to study abroad. Which I was sure I wasn't ready for yet. At least, at that time.

"I'm going to call your grandparents and have them come over here. We'll have a family dinner to celebrate your standing!"

Ngumuso ako at saglit na nag-isip. What family dinner exactly is she talking about? Our family has never been the same since Tita Aquina's death. I'd be glad to have my grandparents come home but... it would be much better if Tito Fred would be home. And so are his sons.

"Lolo and Lola only? How about we push the family dinner on the night of my graduation so Tito Fred could have time clearing out his schedule and have him come home, too?"

Saglit na nag-isip si Mama. "Hmm. I'm going to ask him but... he's pretty busy. But I'll try, hija."

"Russ will be there, right?" I smiled.

Mama glanced at me. My smile slowly faded when I recognized the look she was giving me.

"H-He's busy, too, but I'll contact him. Or you can contact him yourself."

"I can't. Nagtatampo ako sa kanya. Hindi na niya kami madalas inuuwian ni Emy."

"You know Russ is grieving and has just recently been appointed as CEO, right? This is difficult for him, too, darling."

"I know..." I croaked. "And Kuya Eros?"

Nagkatinginan kami ni Mama. Tumango ako dahil alam ko na agad ang sagot. Bumaling na lang ako sa harap nang tumigil ang sasakyan dahil sa traffic. I heard Mama sigh and I felt her hand hold mine.

"Don't worry. Kung hindi man sila makadalo, babawi ako sa 'yo."

I turned to her, wondering why she suddenly sounded like she was plotting something funny. She smirked at me.