Remember That Midnight

Chapter 01

"And now, let us give Miss Soraya Eliza Hermoso a warm welcome as she takes the stage to make her introductory remarks."

I took a slow, deep breath, and stood up. All eyes are on me as soon as I step onto the stage. Tila naputol ang hininga ko habang tinatapunan ng tingin ang napakaraming taong diretso ang tingin sa akin.

Pressure rises with each sense of vision pointed at me. Public speaking has never really been my thing. But of course, this one is different. Kahit pa sabihin kong kinakabahan ako, kailangan ko pa ring gawin ito. It's not as if I can refuse to do this or... become a runaway student.

It was a nerve-racking moment. Ni hindi ko malaman kung paano ko nasimulan at natapos iyon nang hindi bumibigay ang boses ko. Today, I received my high school diploma with numerous awards. Masaya sa pakiramdam. Lalo na dahil marami ang lumalapit sa'kin para bumati. At isa pa, I made my parents proud.

After taking pictures with my friends and some schoolmates, I went back to where my parents are waiting for me. Ang pictures ko kasama ang parents ko ay nasa camera na dala ni Nadia, kaibigan ko. She was our photographer today.

"Congrats, Roe!" mahigpit akong niyakap ni Nadia. She was jumping cutely as she kissed my cheek.

"Thanks, Nadi!" ngiti ko.

She's always been so supportive of me that she never misses special days in my life. I love her.

"Diretso na tayo sa bahay at baka may mga bisita na roon," saad ni Mama nang makapasok kami sa aming sasakyan. "Your Titos and Titas are already waiting there."

My parents wanted to celebrate, so I expected us to eat somewhere, but they never told me they had a different plan. They literally prepared a feast at home. Mama was so excited that she invited almost all our neighbors, friends, and relatives. Mabuti at malaki naman ang space sa bahay. Otherwise our house might magically turn into a sardines can.

May mga tao na nga roon nang makauwi kami. They weren't too many, but the party hasn't started yet, right? Surely, may darating pa. Oh, how many guests did my mother invite? I can't imagine...

"Mamaya ka na magbihis, Soraya. Picture muna tayo. I'll post it on my instagram." aakyat na sana ako para magbihis ngunit pinigilan ako ni Nadia.

Gaya ng gusto niya, we took several photos of us and my medal and she indeed posted it on her instagram account with a caption that says "Congrats, my other half!" and a blue heart beside it.

"Okay na siguro 'yan, Nad. Magbibihis muna ako," paalam ko.

Tahimik akong umakyat sa sarili kong kwarto at nagpalit ng kulay dilaw na dress. It was simple and fine. I only need to look presentable for our visitors. Medyo nahihiya rin kasi ako.

I released my long, straight black hair, allowing it to cascade down my back in a graceful flow. The remnants of the makeup I wore during our graduation ceremony still cling to my face. My skin, a delicate balance between pale and dark, complements the light shade of yellow of my dress.

Pagkatapos ay hindi muna ako bumaba. Naupo ako sa dulo ng aking kama at tinignan ang aking cellphone.

There were messages from friends and acquaintances. Most of them are congratulating me so I thanked them all. It flatters me knowing that they're happy for me. Kahit hindi ko naman sila close lahat. I feel loved.

Sa huli ay bumaba na ako para harapin ang mga bisita. Nakangiti at medyo nahihiya kong tinanggap lahat ng papuri nila. Given my awkward smile, mukha siguro akong ewan sa harap nila. Hindi ko rin naman masisisi ang sarili ko. Kung ako ang papipiliin, mas gusto kong manatiling mag-isa sa kwarto ko kaysa makisalamuha sa maraming tao. But still, I'm thankful to them for coming to celebrate.