The Ghost of You

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

“Congrats, my dear!” My dad grinned and patted me on my head.

My heart melted at the proud look my dad wore as he scanned my diploma. Finally, his little girl grew up and would soon be a college girl! I hoped that mom would be as proud as my dad, but the way she coldly congratulated me earlier sunk my heart. It wasn’t what I expected. I thought it would be a joyful occasion.

I glanced at my mother who tried to talk to her in-laws. My jaw clenched at sight. My aunt obviously avoided her but she kept on smiling. I scoffed as I watched mom. 

I could see myself in her. And maybe that’s why we have this love-hate relationship between us. She hated how she sees herself in me and so do I. Still, my father’s family adores me, especially my grandmother. However, the Siopangco wouldn’t give that adoration for free. They wanted something. They expected something from me.

And my mom knows it. Maybe that’s why she was disappointed. I just got a diploma without any flashy awards. She might have thought that my dad’s family would brand me as a failure just like what they did to my brother. Yet, my grandparents told me how proud they were. Even my strict aunt was happy for me.

A sigh escaped from my lips as I looked away.

Why do we love torturing ourselves?

My eyes roam around the house. When I locked my eyes on him, he quickly brushed his hair with his fingers and gave me a slight nod. I watched him walk out of the house before I followed right away.

Wala naman na sigurong maghahanap sa akin dahil malamang ay saglit lang ang mga tito’t tita ko sa bahay. Nagpakita na rin ako sa lahat ng mga bisita namin. Mabuti na lang din talaga pumayag ang pamilya ko na sa bahay ganapin ang party para sa graduation ko ngayon kaya mas makakaalis ako na walang iniintindi. Hindi ko rin kailangan magpanggap sa harap ng mga taong hindi ko kilala.

It was already dark outside and I immediately embraced myself as the night breeze blew.  My long hair swayed along with the wind while my eyes searched for the only person who could comfort me and help me escape these shitty feelings.

Halos mapatalon ako nang may nagpatong ng coat sa akin. Mabilis akong ngumiti at hinarap siya.

Frankie pinched my cheeks. “Don’t force yourself to smile.”

My shoulder relaxed at his deep soothing voice. My heart also calmed a bit and my eyes moistened. I leaned on his chest. Frankie stayed still before he patted me softly on my shoulder.

“Let’s go buy you some sweets,” he suggested.

I nodded at him and let him lead the way. Good thing that our house was also near to a convenience store.

Umupo ako sa bakanteng pwesto sa store habang si Frankie naman ay pumila sa counter para bumili ng ice cream naming dalawa. The rain started to pour outside and I just watched as people started to run and covered their heads with their arms.

Frankie handed me a chocolate ice cream. “Shit. Should we buy an umbrella or just wait here until the rain stops?”

“Or we could just run,” I shrugged.

He chuckled before he sat in front of me. We finished our ice cream before in silence while watching the raindrops. This is what I liked about this store. The tables and seats were placed where we could see outside.

“It seems like your tita wants to adopt you as her own,” he said suddenly. “I could also tell you were offended about it.”

I sighed. “She always voiced out how she wanted me to be her daughter. Actually, she told dad before that she did want to adopt me. It was disrespectful since my parents are still alive.”