Ubiquitous Love

Chapter 2

My remaining years in Senior High was allotted in studying, and preparing for my College Entrance Test. We were so busy since we were also graduating. Nandito ako ngayon sa bahay, nakaupo habang nakikipag-debate kila Mama.

"Aea, tama na 'yan!" Mama exclaimed when I didn't stopped convincing them.

Nagkakagulo kami sa bahay dahil ayaw nila ako payagan na mag-enroll sa UP. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ginagawa pa nila yang big deal. UP is such a great school, known for its academic performances and for their top notchers.

"We can afford to send you to a different university, anak. Just not UP, alam mo naman kung ano ang sasabihin ng mga tita mo," Papa interfered. "How about UB? NU? CEU? Name it, kahit ano basta 'wag UP." He added.

Yesterday, I was so happy when I received an email that I passed the UPCAT with my priority course. I was so damn lucky to secure a slot then here are my parents, they didn't want me to take it. They said that it was completely okay with them pero ano nalang daw ang sasabihin ng mga tita ko pag nalaman nila na sa UP ako nag-aaral. I can actually hear their disappointing voice.

"Pa, I don't care about what they are going to say. This is my future we are talking about, why can't we live for ourselves? Puro nalang tayo anong sasabihin ni tita, lola, lolo, auntie, at iba pa!" I said. I was so frustrated about this. Can't we be just grateful that I've passed my dream school? With my prioritized course? I let out a loud sigh.

I didn't wait for their response and immediately went to my room. That conversation was so fucking draining. Humiga ako sa kama at tumitig sa kisame. Tumunog ang phone ko at tiningnan ko ito. It was our GC.

@ariziella: NAKAPASA AKO SA USTE!

Sumunod naman ang message ni Abi na nakapasa rin siya sa UST. They took BS in Pharmacy as their course. UST is famous when it comes to the medical field, breading top notchers in the board exams. I congratulated them and closed my eyes.

When I opened my eyes, it was already a new day. 3 days from now ay graduation na namin kaya nag decide kami na bumili ng susuotin. I fixed myself and called the girls.

"Papunta na kami sa inyo! Papasok pa ba kami? Or baka umalis na sila Tito at Tita?" Tanong ni Ari. I told them that it was not necessary for them to go out kasi I know they're also busy preparing for work.

I ended the call and went down. Nakita ko sila Mama na kumakain at nakahanda na para umalis. Even though after the little fight we had last night, kailangan ko pa rin na magpaalam sa kanila.

"Ma, Pa, pupunta lang po kami ng mall para bumili ng susuotin sa graduation," Paalam ko. Tumango naman sila at busy sa mga papel na nakatambak sa mesa.

Naghintay ako sa labas at ilang minuto ay dumating na rin sila Abi. We decided to buy twinning dresses for our fit and heels too. I spent my day with them not minding my problem in the house. I didn't want them to know about it because I didn't want them to worry about me.

Nang makauwi na ako ay dumeretso na ako sa kwarto dala ang aking mga pinamili at ibang pagkain. I usually stock food in my room just in case na mag-away kami nila Mama at wala akong makain.

Days flew faster than I expected. It was Graduation Day. Lumabas ako sa kwarto ng nakaayos na at hindi ko na naabutan sila Mama. Nakalimutan ba nila na graduation ko ngayon? Biglang sumikip ang dibdib ko. O baka naman nauna na sila sa venue?

"Anak, sabi ng Mama at Papa mo na susunod lang daw sila kasi may biglaang lakad sila eh," My Manang said. I smiled at her and sat to eat. Umalis na kaagad ako at pumunta na agad sa gymnasium.

Nakita ko na kumakaway agad ang mga kaibigan ko. Abi with her tube pink dress hugging her body, paired with her pink heels. Then beside her was Ari, showing off her collarbones with her sleeveless pink dress, we were all wearing the same pink heels. I walked confidently with my off shoulder pink dress wearing a big smile as I went to them.

The program started and I started to worry because I couldn't even see the shadows of my parents. When it was our time to sing our graduation song, I looked around to find Mama and Papa in the crowd.

As I sang the last line of the song, there were still no hint of my parents presence. When it was time to call for the outstanding awardees, I had a hard time in breathing. I looked around again hoping they would come.

Chavez, Francine Chandraea M.
Rank 1 - With Highest Honors
Leadership Awardee
Best Thesis Defender

As soon as my name was called, my world slowed as my vision went blurry. To all of my hardwork and efforts, I walked to the stage alone with a heavy heart and with an aching soul.

They didn't come.

Was it because I fought my freedom to choose what I want?

It was my fault that I was all alone now.

I smiled as I received my medals and certificates. I was trying to hold my tears from falling when I looked at my friends who were looking at me worriedly.

I saw Abi who was trying to go up to escort me but I gave her an assuring look that it was okay. As soon as I went back to go to my designated seat, Ari immediately welcomed me with an embrace.

"I'm so proud of you, you did well as always." She whispered. I allowed my tears to fall silently, it was so heavy that I couldn't stop myself from tearing apart.

Abi then smiled at me then comforted me. Even though my parents aren't here, I could still feel the unwavering love of my friends. I knew I made them proud.

As the batch valedictorian, I was assigned to be the closing remarks for our graduation. As I was delivering my speech, I saw my parents arriving at the venue. My voice started to broke so I decided to cut my speech.

Natapos na ang event at lumapit sila Mama sa akin. They looked so guilty for missing my graduation. It was a big deal for me.

"Anak, we're so sorry. Biglaan lang kasi yung lakad at binilisan na namin para makaabot sa event pero nahuli pa rin kami, pasensya na anak." Mama said, in the verge of crying. I nodded at them.

I didn't even try to speak because I know for sure that I will only end up crying. Wala rin akong masasabi sa kanila kasi paniguradong iiyak lang ako.

Papa said that we should eat out to celebrate kaya tumango nalang ako at sumunod na sa kanila. Nagpaalam muna ako kila Abi at Ari na mauuna na ako kasi paniguradong may family celebration din sila.