La Douleur Exquise: Imee Marcos

Chapter 41

It's already 1:30 p.m., and the family have arrived at the venue. Imee sat beside Tommy on the chairs prepared, while the rest of the family sat on the bleachers.

Francheska Eloise Marcos' POV

We we're already lining up, getting ready for our grand entrance.

"Enzo!" I call Enzo na kakadating lang.

"Tell me, di mo nakalimutan dad mo." I remind, sabi niya kasi his dad agreed to be our guest speaker.

"Uhm, about that.." sagot niya naman.

"Jusko." I replied, I just know this

"Di siya makadating." he added.

"What?!" I frantically replied, gaga, Enzo's driving me nuts on our graduation day.

"Pero, pero.." he interrupts.

"I called Tito Rody in." he enthusiastically added and pointed Tito Rody on the corner waving, so I waved back.

"Freak nandito si mom! Oh well problema ko na yan for later, atleast na-resolve na ang bigger problem..." I said to myself.

As part of the ceremony, we were asked to walk towards our seats.
I first saw the rest of the family on the bleachers waving for me.

And then saw mom on the prepared seats, my eyes widened when I saw her with.. dad? The dog and the cat, peacefully sitting beside each other, for once. Cool.

"Isn't he a little too late?" a thought popped in my head, but I shrugged it off right away. I won't let that ruin my day.

As soon as we took our seats, the program started. We sang the Lupang Hinirang, had a prayer, and then received our awards.

"Our salutatorian, Francheska Eloise Marcos!" the host called my name and this just couldn't be more surreal.

With Highest Honors
President, Student Council
Chairman, Pebbles and Stones, Campus Journalists.
Chairman, Debate Club
Hall of Famer, League of Campus Artists and Musicians
And many more! Sabaok.

I stood up, shook a couple hands, and got my diploma. Dad then removed my graduation cap, while mommy laid all my medals on my neck, and the photographer took photos.

Afterwards, the awarding was finally finished and Tito Rody was called in for our final message.

"We have a very special guest, who despite his tight schedule, has agreed to be us here today.." said the host.

"Mayor of Davao, Hon. Rodrigo Roa Duterte!" she added, which created a flock of applause from the audience.

"Mayor? Shocks, di man lang sinabi ni Enzo, masapak ko to mamaya.." I thought to myself.

Imee Marcos' POV

"Hon. Rodrigo Roa Duterte!"

My heart raced as soon as I heard his name. I look up towards the bleachers and saw Irene teasing me. Tommy was working on something with his phone, couldn't be given a damn. Gosh, an hour left before I get out of this hell hole.

Rodrigo stood up and climbed up to the stage.

"Good afternoon.." Rodrigo greeted.

"Really? Si Rodrigo talaga?" I heard Tommy whisper under his breath, nakikinig naman pala.

"Manahimik ka nga, Tommy.." I hissed.
(A/N: Defensive yarn, HAHSHAHS)

Rodrigo began speaking;

"I was called in today, to give an inspiring speech for you, graduates. I'll keep this as short as possible, so you can go home and celebrate with your loved ones already. *laugh*

One big advice I would tell you, is to find the best and trustworthy people you could have. You know, I had a very special someone, years ago, who told me to try politics, and that it would be fulfilling. So I did, I ran for mayor and won. And I must say.. I've never felt more fulfilled-" he said. I saw him looking at me, our eyes met, so I looked down.

Rodrigo Roa Duterte's POV

- I thank that special someone for being the best support I could ever have. I still think about her today.. So you go, and find someone to trust, and think of, even after decades. Once again, Congratulations, Class of 2010! Thank you." I finished my speech, and looked at her again, this time our eyes didn't meet, but I saw her smile.

I stepped down, and the students sang their farewell song to finish the program.

After the program was concluded I went to find Enzo and Eloise to give my congratulations.

I first saw Imee, with Eloise and Tommy on the corner - they seem to be having a good time, so I didn't even bother to approach.

"Tito Rody!" Enzo called.

"Congratulations!" I greet and gave him a hug.

"Sabi ni dad, he can't make it daw to celebrate, so, lola offered dinner!" he invited.

"Good afternoon, tita.." I greet.

"Good afternoon ijo, saan na ba yang kaibigan mo di man lang sumusulpot sa graduation ng anak niya." she replied.

"Oh gosh, Luke, nadadamay na naman ako sa ka-gagohan mo." I thought, after his mother-in-law left me soeechless.

"Baka busy lang po.. Kaya let's go na.." Enzo interrupted.

"Nagpaalam ka na ba sa friends mo?" I ask.

"Yes po, I invited Eloise for the celebration nalang bukas since yun naman sabi ni dad.." he replied.

"Osiya sige.."

Francheska Eloise Marcos' POV

After the graduation, we just planned to eat out, since I asked for a simple celebration lang din naman. Enzo also can't go, since his lola is here.

"Congratulations, Ellie!!" Tita Irene congratulated and hugged me, tight! The rest of the family also did the same.

"Eloise!" dad called and approached us.

"Here, congratulations!" he greeted and gave me a small box.

"Aw, thank you!" I replied.

"Open mo.." Vinny whispered.

"Atat yarn?" I replied.

I opened it and saw a gold bracelet, with 'Manotoc' engraved on it. Just like one of my kuya's watches.

"Finally?" I thought to myself.

"Alright! Tara na! Kain na tayo, nagugutom na ako!" Tito Bonget interrupted.

"I second the motion!" Tita Irene added.

"Sama ka, dad?" I asked.

"Ay I can't, I have a meeting to attend pa kasi." he replied. Just when I thought he softened, thought lang naman pala talaga.

"Okay, next time!" I replied and held mom's hand to leave with the rest of the family.

"I wonder where Tito Rody is.." I accidentally whispered, too loud.

"Huh?" mommy replied.

"Ay nothing po.." I replied.
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(A/N: Happy Saturday everyone!! Kamusta kayo?? Sana maging happy kayong ToMee shippers, once lang yan, Chariz!!)