Academic Temptations

Epilogue

My heart raced as I stood there, caught between conflicting emotions. On one hand, there was a surge of happiness, a sense of accomplishment for reaching this milestone. But, there was a tinge of sadness, too, knowing that this chapter of my life was closing, leaving behind the familiar halls and faces that had become like family over the past four years.

"Please join me in congratulating our Summa Cum Laude, Isla Margaux Sy Ledezma, with a round of applause."

As those words echoed through the auditorium, I took a steadying breath and rose from my seat, feeling the tremble in my hands and the weakness in my legs despite my experience on stage

With tentative steps, I made my way towards the stage, the sea of faces in the audience a blur except for one. Her eyes, shining with pride, met mine, and her wide grin lit up her face as she waited for me at the center.

Harriet, serving as the university president for nearly a year now. Approaching her to receive my diploma, I extended my hand for a shake. She must have noticed its trembling, as she gently rested her hand on my arm, offering silent reassurance.

"Relax. You did very well, Isla. I'm proud of you," she whispered. I couldn't respond, already moving past her for the pictorial.

Standing at the center, I flashed a wide grin, my eyes scanning the crowd for my mom, Achie, and Ahia. Dad was absent, as usual. Mom's excuse was his busy schedule with the family business now that I've completed school and am ready to join the company, but I knew better. It had been a year since Dad and I last spoke. It hurt, deeply, but I refused to sacrifice my happiness for his closed-mindedness. If he needed more time, he could take it. I'd always be here, waiting for him to accept me.

Like any other new employee, I'd be starting from the bottom next month. But I didn't mind as there was so much to learn.

Returning to my seat, I awaited the closing program. Graduation was only half a day, with another ceremony scheduled for different programs. I couldn't wait to kick off these heels.

As the university president delivered her closing remarks, I cheered loudly, admiring her beauty as always. How did I ever get so lucky to have someone like her? Well, not yet, but we'll get there.

"Masyado ka naman obvious kulang nalang bakuran mo na," Hailee whispered, earning a playful nudge from me. She wasn't even supposed to be sitting here since our seats were arranged alphabetically. But she somehow managed to convince Cleo to switch seats.

After the program ended, we students scattered to find our parents for another round of photos. Hailee and I stuck together, but before we could reach our parents, Althea and Ezekiel appeared in front of us.

"You finally did it, guys! Welcome to the real world! It sucks but you're gonna love it!" Althea exclaimed, handing each of us a bouquet.

"Ang OA akala mo ang tagal na sa real world parang kakagraduate mo lang din kahapon ah tsaka anong real world? galing ba kami sa bahay ni kuya?" Hailee retorted, teasingly. I mentally facepalmed myself 'outside world' naman kasi yung tinutukoy ni Hailee. Ang corny din mag joke nitong pinsan ko.

Althea and Ezekiel had their graduation ceremony yesterday, so we were here to support them as well. We snapped plenty of pictures together before setting off to find our families.

I was surprised to see Harriet already with them, engaged in conversation with Achie, though I couldn't quite catch what they were discussing.

"There you are! Congratulations, shobe! We're so proud of you," Achie exclaimed, handing me another bouquet. I accepted it in exchange for the bouquet Althea had given me. After hugging my mom, Ahia, and Achie, we posed for more photos.