RIVALRY [ heesun ]

one.

ARYSE'S

"Did you memorize your speech?" mom asked as she continuously looking herself in the mirror.

"Yes, mom. But I might forget it so I'll bring my speech with me." I said, proofreading the speech that I prepared last week. It's nerve wrecking once I step on the stage, but I must deliver it well.

Mom and Dad wouldn't like it if I made a mistake.

"Akala ko ba memorized mo? You don't need the paper with you, Aryse. Your speech has to be perfect. Pinagmamalaki ka pa naman ng Dad mo." She said, didn't bother to spare me a glance and continued retouching her make up.

I knew you will say that.

Rather than feel relieved and be thankful for what my mom said, I felt a pang in my chest. why does it hurt? I know they are supporting me, and they are proud of me. But I don't feel their sincerity. Pinagmamalaki ako ni Dad? I doubt.

"Where's Dad by the way? I thought both of you will get the awards with me?"

"He's in our law firm convincing his employees to take the case of Mr. Evangelista. Don't assume that he will go here sa moving up ceremony mo. Your Dad's always busy." mom replied.

She was pertaining to a politician that is accused of stealing money from the people who pays their taxes. There are a lot of hard evidences against him but the stupid court are acting blind. Of course they will protect their precious politician. yuck.

I looked away to roll my eyes so mom wouldn't notice. Why did I even ask for him anyway? He just want some recognition from those criminals na pinagtatanggol niya kahit hindi naman dapat.

Minutes passed and finally the ceremony is about to start. Pinapila kami sa labas para makapag march at pumunta sa mga respected seats namin. Invocation started, following the singing of the National Anthem and an inspiring message from our principal.

The coordinators of our school also delivered their short messages for the graduates after receiving our diplomas and awards. As soon as the last speaker finished speaking, I prepared myself to go to the side of the stage, waiting for my name to be called.

"To deliver the words of gratitude, may I call on Aryse Johann Gutierrez, the Batch 2022-2023 Valedictorian. Let's give him around of applause." I heard everyone clapped, and then I walked to the stage with a faint smile.

I started delivering my speech, roaming around my sight to ease my nervousness. I met a lot of stares-from my teachers and batchmates. I'm about to finish when I noticed the empty seat infront. That is my mom's seat.. where did she go?

Pabalik na ako ng upuan matapos ibahagi ang speech ko pero hindi na bumalik si Mom dito sa tabi ko. She said I couldn't ruin my speech but she ran away before I finish it. I feel like crying. I shouldn't expect that they will stay by my side always.

Tearing up, my favorite Teacher went to the stage for the closing remarks. I wiped the side of my eye, removing the thought inside my mind so that I could listen attentively to what my Teacher was going to say.

"For the past 9 months, I witnessed your struggles in every activities, quizzes, and examinations just to get high scores. Some of you-or more like all of you sacrificed their sleep and time just to finish the tasks I asked you to do. You never failed to amaze me. As we finished this school year, I wanna thank you all for your perseverance and hard work. You're all here, still alive and kicking..." She paused for awhile, smiling after she mentioned her famous line. alive and kicking. I'll miss that.

"...and that means you made it. It means you didn't give up and I congratulate you for surviving Junior High School!" everyone applaud. Some of us are crying already because of our Teacher's speech.