Life in New York as a University student wasn't how I imagined it and just how I imagined it at the same time. It was hard, but it was fun. Truly, they're more advanced than the Philippines. I enjoyed laboratories the most. It was a paradise. Good technology and the best education motivates me. My environment helps me get through the hard times.
Marami akong kaklase na Asian din kagaya ko. Mayroon mga European. Black. Halo-halo. Pero dalawa lang ang talagang naging kaibigan ko. Si Hugo at Feliz. Black American si Hugo habang European naman si Feliz. It's ironic, because I have a Filipina classmate just like me, but we somehow couldn't get along with each other. She's so competitive, I want to study at my own pace. I want it to be as peaceful, and relaxing- although this is a miracle- as I can make it.
Inayos ni Kuya ang toga ko.
"Finally?" Aniya.
"Finally."
Pareho kaming natawa. He saw how hard I studied. Literal na umiiyak ako sa hirap sa kaniya. Buti na lang din napagdaanan na niya, natutulungan niya ako.
"Marami ka pang iluluha sa med school,"
"Kukuha muna ako ng license, iyon muna paghahandaan ko ng luha,"
"It's easy. Don't worry,"
I roll my eyes. "You told me it's easy as well when I was just about to start Columbia,"
"But you're graduating, so it's easy,"
Napailing na lang ako at hindi na sumagot pa.
The graduation ceremony started. Maraming guest speakers at kung ano-ano pa. When they call my name on the stage, I walk proud and humble. There's a smile of content on my face.
I finally made it!
Even though I failed to achieve the title that I've been wanting, it's alright. I'm happy to finish the first step to my biggest dream.
"Congratulations, Ms. Esquivel," ang Dean of the Faculties of Health.
I smile as I shake his hand, "Thank you, Mr. Dean,"
He laughs. That's how I got used to calling them. With the touch of my Filipino side. He invited me to Irving Medical Center once I got my licence.
Nakipag-kamayan pa ako sa lahat ng nasa stage at nang bumaba, hindi ko napigilan ang yumakap sa braso ni Kuya. After the ceremony, he takes me out to a luxury restaurant. He said I deserve it. And, of course, with Irina. His girlfriend.
Irina hands me her gift, I say thanks. And Irina, she's the daughter of the head surgeon of Kuya Gio's department. Mainit ang dugo sa kaniya ng Tatay nito. Sinubukan pa nga akong i-set up sa anak niyang lalaki para makabawi kay Kuya. Pero siyempre, may piloto ako. Hindi ko kayang ipagpalit sa isang doctor. Si Irina lang ang hindi naligaw sa medical field sa pamilya niya. She's into fashion. A designer. A hard-working and passionate one.
"Open your gift, Davi, I want to see your reaction," si Irina habang naghihintay kami sa pagkain.
Napatingin ako kay Kuya na nakatingin din sa akin. Bigla akong naintriga sa regalo niya sa akin.
"You're spoiling me, Irina," sambit ko habang binubuksan ang kahon.
She laughs. "I told you, I've always wanted a sister,"
Ako naman ang natawa. Napakurap ako at ngisi nang makita ko ang kahon. What the hell is with this Hermès box?
"You sure are into fashion,"
YOU ARE READING
Weather the Storm (LOTUS SERIES 1)
Romantizm"I want something clear. I'm not asking you for something to ponder on again at night when I lay in bed to sleep." TW!!! Violence. R#pe topic.
