Less of Me, More of You

Chapter 5

2019 – 2nd Year High School

▶️: :Sa 'yo – Silent Sanctuary

Oras - Calein

Sagada – Cup of Joe

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

"Happy New Year!"

The year 2018 finally ended.

The sound of fireworks began to fill the tranquility and serenity of the night. Noises from vehicles' honking disrupt the peace of the darkness. Everyone welcomed the year with happiness, carrying a wish that the new year would be full of blessings and success.

Holding a sunflower, Jema closed her eyes. She embraced the noise and filled her heart with silence. She silently wished.

Jessica Margarett Galanza, be happy.

She opened her eyes and she's welcomed by a hug from her family. A tight hug.

Mukhang nakuha na agad niya ang hiling niya.

She returned the hugs she got from her family. Sobrang saya niya. Her heart's dancing and happy.

Ipinagpatuloy lang nila ang pagdiriwang ng panibagong taon. Nagsimula na silang magkantahan at magsayawan sa panguguna ni Jema. Bumisita naman sa kanila ang mga Atienza dala-dala ang iba nilang handa para makisali sa kasiyahan ng mga Galanza.

Natawa si Jema nang makitang nalalasing na ang lahat ng matatanda at kaniya-kaniya na silang sayawan. Nang mapansin niyang may sari-sariling mundo na sila, hinila niya sa Kyla palabas ng bahay para sila naman ang mag-usap at mag-batian.

"Happy new year, ate ko!" masayang bati ni Kyla kay Jema. Nagyakapan sila at hinalikan ni Jema si Kyla sa pisngi.

"Happy new year, Kylie! Magbago ka na!" nagtawanan sila at nagyakapan ulit kaya nahanap ni Jema ang tiyempo na ilabas ang regalo sa kaibigan mula sa bulsa niya.

Kumalas sila sa yakap. Inabot ni Jema ang asul na kahong may lamang regalo. Hindi pa agad 'yon inabot ni Kyla at walang salitang itinuro ang sarili, "para sa 'kin 'yan?" tumango naman si Jema.

Kyla almost cried. Jema is such a gem.

"Thank you!" Kyla exclaimed and hugged her again but tighter this time, "wala akong regalo!"

Jema patted her back and replied, "baliw. Genuine gesture nga 'yan eh. 'Di ka naman required magregalo."

The first hours of 2019 of the Galanza family ended with a happy and fulfilled heart. They sang their heart out, danced until no one could stand any more, and they laughed until their stomach aches. It was a beautiful welcome for the new year.

And together, they hoped to be happy for the rest of their life.

Kahit tumba na ang lahat kagabi, maaga pa ring nagising ang lahat. Natawa pa si Jema dahil bakas sa mukha ng magulang niya at mga kapatid na napuyat sila. Bubuksan pa kasi nila ang mga regalong natanggap mula sa mga kamag-anak, kaibigan at kakilala kaya maaga silang bumagon.

It's like a tradition in their family to wake up early to unwrap those gifts. However, Jema woke up early for a different reason this time.

Pupunta siya ngayong computer shop. Hindi para gumawa ng assignment, activity o project— kundi para mag-facebook. Mabuti na lang talaga at bukas na ang computer shop kahit alas syete palang.