Carrying the Real Trophy ✓

Chapter II

II: Next Door

"Congratulations, my sweetheart! I am so very proud of you."

Sinalubong ako ng mainit at mahigpit na yakap ni dad pagkarating namin sa bahay after ng graduation ceremony. Binalingan ko si mom. She simply smiled at me before joining the helpers in the kitchen to prepare the food.

"Thank you, dad. I love you so much." Nginitian ko si dad. Sabay kaming naglakad papasok sa dining area. 

He softly kissed my forehead. "I love you more. Don't forget that I'm always here for you. Ngayong nakatuntong ka na ng college, take greater precautions, and don't exert too much pressure on yourself. Uso ang magpahinga kapag pagod. H'wag mong sagarin ang sarili mo, anak."

His lengthy admonition made me chuckle. "Copy, dad."

Pagkatapos nilang i-prepare ang mga kakaunting handa ay nagsimula na kaming tatlo na kumain. I don't want a big celebration. This is enough. I want everything to be plain and simple because Herard and Nixie are currently making me unhappy. 'Di ko yata kakayaning magsaya at imbitahan sila rito pagkatapos ng mga nangyari.

"Why did you not invite your friends? Herard, your boyfriend, and Nixie, right? Bakit hindi ko na nakikitang pumupunta rito ang mga 'yon?" My mom raised an eyebrow.

Nasamid kaagad ako sa tanong niya. Sumulyap tuloy saakin si dad at natigil sa kaniyang pagkain.

"Hmm, yeah. . . Where are they? Ngayon pa sila wala kung kailan naka-graduate na kayong lahat," ani Dad.

"They're busy," palusot ko.

"Your boyfriend is busy?" madiing sinabi ni mom.

"He's not my boyfriend, mom!"

Mas lalong umasim ang mukha niya sa sinagot ko. "Don't tell me he gave up on you after telling us he would wait for you? Hindi ba nangako pa ang lalaking iyon na ikaw ang pakakasalan niya? That's why I'm not setting you up in an arranged marriage."

"Hina, dahan-dahan lang. . ." puna ni dad sa aking ina.

"Mahinahon naman ako, Lucho. Nagtatanong lang ako dahil napapansin kong hindi na nagpapakita ang lalaking iyon rito. Ang lakas lakas mangako pagkatapos ay ganito ang gagawin?" si dad na ang pinaulanan niya ng salita.

"Baka naman nagkataon na busy lang, Hina. May family bonding—"

"Walang kami ni Herard," I said with finality. "He's not my boyfriend. May iba, mom. . . Hindi kami nag-work out ni Herard."

Napatayo si mom at pababog na binitawan ang mga kubyertos sa lamesa. "What?! What was the reason? At bakit hindi ko alam na may iba ka palang boyfriend, Riki? Ginagago mo ba kami ng ama mo?!"

"Hina, please stop shouting. Don't ruin this day for her," bulong ni dad.

Mariin akong pumikit. And I simply stared at my food as soon as I opened my eyes. I've run out of words. Wala akong madadahilan sa ngayon. Pinaasa lang din ako. At ayaw kong sabihin ang totoong dahilan, baka lalo akong i-udyok ni mom na ipakasal sa lalaking mamahalin daw ako ng totoo.

I'm only 19 years old! I don't want to get married while I'm still in college! This tradition of us is very vile!

"Riki, talk to me! Naghihintay ako ng paliwanag mo—" 

"Hindi ko mahal si Herard. . . kaya walang nabuong kami. The person I love is who I want to be with! Iyon lang, tapos!" Tumayo na ako. "He now has a girlfriend, so don't ask about him anymore! Outdated ka na, mom!" I screamed and left the dining room.

Kaagad akong nagtungo sa kuwarto ko at nagmukmok. I cried when I stared in the vanity mirror. What's wrong with me? I consider myself to be cute naman. I'm capable of doing household duties. I enjoy cooking, and I'll be taking a culinary arts course. Marami akong kayang gawin at ibigay kaya bakit hindi nila ako gusto? Bakit palaging ako ang naiiwan sa huli?