kundiman.

chapter 14.

*January of Senior Year*

"Do what your heart tells you Clara. You know that's what I've always told you. Follow your heart and your dreams will come true. I support you in anything you decide to do," Clara's mom says.

"Thanks Mom," Clara responds. She's debating where to go to college. She sent in an application to NYU for their nursing program, but she also secretly sent in an application to UCLA for their Fine Arts program. No one else knows about her UCLA application except her mom. She has been accepted to both schools; her heart is torn in two. She wants badly to fulfill her mother's dream of her being a nurse. But deep down, she knows, art is where her heart lies.

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"Mrs. Green, could we please have Jason De Los Santos to the main office please?"

The group of elementary students tease Jason, saying "Oooooooooo," as if he was in trouble. Jason looks at his teacher confusedly, his tiny 7 year old eyes seemingly puzzled. She calls him over and gives him a hall pass. He walks to the main office where his neighbor is waiting. His neighbor seems, frazzled, frantic, and unable to stand in one place.

"Mr. Howard?" Jason asks, now even more confused.

"Haiya Jason," he replies with a broken smile.

"Whatcha doin here?"

"I'm here to pick you up."

"Really? This early? My mom and dad usually do that."

"I know bud, but your mom and dad couldn't. They wanted me to pick you up so I can take you to them."

Jason looks at the principal to verify what Howard was saying. His mom always warned him about situations like this and how he shouldn't go with people he doesn't really know too well. The principal sadly nods, assuring Jason it's alright to go with Howard.

They head out of the school and the two get into Howard's car. Howard rushes out of the school exit. Jason wonders why he's driving so frantically.

"What's the big hurry Mr. Howard?"

"Well, I have some bad news bud. But don't worry okay, everything's gonna be ok."

"Uhm, okay."

"Well, your mom and dad got into a car accident. They're at the hospital right now. I'm taking you there."

Jason starts crying in worry.

"No no buddy. No need to cry. Please don't cry Jason."

They get to the hospital, both of Jason's parents are in the emergency room. The nurses direct them to the outside of their rooms, not allowing them to enter. Jason begs to let him in but to no avail. Jason's dad hears his son crying and screaming outside of his door. He pleads with the nurse to let him in. They do, given that his dad only sustained non-life threatening injuries. He runs to hug his dad. His dad thanks Howard who is standing outside the door.

"Dad! Are you okay?!" Jason exclaims, crying.

"Yes Anak, I'm okay, don't worry," his dad replies with a very low tone, unable to breathe correctly due to some broken ribs.

The nurse practitioner walks in, her eyes filled with sorrow. She looks at Jason's dad, and then at Jason. She asks the other nurse to take Jason out of the room. Jason fights to stay with his dad, but the nurse pries him off. She takes him out to the hallway where she tries to comfort him. He jukes her, losing her and runs towards his dad's room where he overhears the nurse speaking with him.

"I'm sorry Mr. De Los Santos, we couldn't save her. Mrs. De Los Santos couldn't make it. She's gone."

"No, no God please no. No."

Jason collapses upon hearing about his mother.

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"Are you ready son?" Jason's dad asks.

"Yeah dad," he replies.

"Okay, I'll be waiting for you up there."

It's National Signing Day. This is when high school football prospects make their decision and sign with the university of their choice to play for. Jason, being the number 1 recruited five star prospect, has received full scholarship offers from a hundred different schools. But he publicly announced to sports media outlets that he has narrowed down his choices to three schools: The University of Florida Gators, The Penn State University Nittany Lions, and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. He's getting ready to face the cameras and reporters to announce his decision.

Jason walks up to the stage where his high school football coach and his dad await. He sits at the table, the background plastered with a very large St. Joseph High School logo. Three hats sit in front of him: a Gators hat, a Bulldog hat, and a Crimson Tide hat.

He looks towards the sea of cameras, the whole nation seemingly waiting to see where this once-in-a-lifetime talent will end up going. He begins his announcement.

"First and foremost, I'd like to thank you all for being here. The amount of support you all have shown me is truly overwhelming and it warms my heart. I'd like to thank, firstly, my dad, who has given me the essence of what it means to be a man. He has been the greatest influence in my life and I thank God for him. Secondly, my mother, who is now in heaven. Thank you for the inspiration you give me in each and every day. I know you are with me and dad, right here, right now. Of course, I'd like to thank my team, my coaches, who have set me up to be in the position I am in right now. Without you all, I would not see the same success that I have seen thus far. And lastly, I'd like to thank my best friends, who have filled my life with joy, color, and love. You guys make life enjoyable, thank you. And now, I'd like to announce the school I plan to attend and play for, come fall."

The cameras zoom in closely, the reporters holding their breaths.

He has been thinking night and day about this opportunity. Does he take either of the two schools he has been dreaming of playing for in the Florida Gators or Alabama Crimson Tide? Or does he stay close to home and play for Penn State which is only three hours away?

He spoke to Kyle about where he wants to go. Kyle has received scholarships from virtually the same schools as Jason. But neither of them want to play for Penn State because they aren't as good as the other teams. But, it is close to home and they want to stay as close to their friends as possible. Knowing that all of his friends would stay in New YorkTruly a tough choice to make.

"This fall, I will be attending and playing for... The Penn State University Nittany Lions."

The sea of reporters gasp. The photographers create a multitude of flashes as Jason reaches for the Penn State hat and puts it on. He signs the contract with the Nittany Lions and looks up at the cameras and smiles as he finishes writing.