Bound In Secrecy 🚩

Chapter 18

I could feel my beads of sweat forming on my forehead. My hands were shaking, and my feet couldn't stay in place. There's too many people outside of the gymnasium. A lot of students wearing graduation attire with their parents and some vendors of flowers were scattered around. We are told to fall in line in ten minutes, but the growing anxiety inside of me isn't helping me to calm down. I want to rip off my toga and run away from the crowd, but I know I shouldn't.

Hindi ko pa nakikita ang mga kaibigan ko kaya naman wala akong makausap. Sinuot ko nga pala yung binigay ni Quinn sa akin na off white sleeveless dress at may nagpunta din sa bahay na make up artist, ang sabi pina schedule na daw ako sa kanya ni Quinn bago pa ito umalis ng bansa.

Nuong una ayaw kong maniwala pero nuong ipakita nya sa akin yung papel na may penmanship ng asawa ko ay pumayag na lang ako na lapatan nya ng make up ang  mukha ko.

Tiningnan ko ang relo na suot ko at nakita na may seven minutes pa ako. Kinuha ko ang phone ko at napakagat labi ako after ko pindutin ang call button.

Sydney is three hours ahead of Philippine time, so I think she must be resting right now, but I hope not. After the fourth ring, I heard her answer the phone.

"Hey..." 

My brows furrowed because she's obviously catching her breath.

"Quinn."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Why do you sound like that?"

I heard her chuckle, and my heart beat became fast.

"I was doing pilates when I heard my phone ringing, so I need to run before it dies. Is there any problem; that's why you called?"

My cheeks burn and my hold on the phone tighten. She sounds too genuine.

"Today's the day. I'm actually kind of nervous."

"Your siblings will attend, so don't worry."

I pursed my lips and looked at the sky. "I know, but for sure they're going to be late."

I want you here. I want to tell her that, but I'm afraid she'll reject me because she loves her job more. Obvious naman di ba?

"Tumawag na parents mo?"

"Not yet. I don't care though." - I sigh and look at the entrance of the gym. "It's better if they wouldn't say anything to me."

She didn't say anything, but I could still hear her breathing on the other line.

"Sige na. Tumawag lang ako para mag thank you kasi ang ganda ko lalo ngayon."

"Smile on the camera."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

She chuckled femininely, "I hired a professional photographer, and I told him to take your pictures for memories. He's kind of bald with a mustache, so when you saw one with a camera, that's him."

"What if..." - my head snapped on the entrance, and I saw every body getting ready. "Nevermind. I'm going. Thank you again."

"Alright, my pretty girl, you're welcome. Have a nice day."

*****

Parents and some ordinary people who were there to watch the ceremony go in on their own to probably find a perfect seat on the bleachers. 

When the graduation march played, everyone started moving. I keep my straight face and walk holding my head up high because this is my moment. After this day, I could finally say that I'm free from the burden of being the youngest schoolgirl of Sinclair, who does not have any contribution to the family's success.