Another Way Around

Chapter Six

“You look better than your sister, you are so beautiful,” Mum said as she brushed make up on my cheeks.

“You are the Music Player of the Year, you got the Journalist of the Century Award and an honor student. I am so proud of you” she added.

“Mum, please.”

“What? I’m just so happy.”

“Happy about what? Happy that you made me? Happy that I didn’t disappoint you like my sister Ali did?”

“Gabrielle, what are you talking about?”

“I’m sorry Mum but I’m not Ali”

“Mum, you want me to be the best not because for me, but to fill your ego. Mum I am not Ali! You cannot make me just because your eldest daughter failed you. Mum I love you. But I want you to love me the way I am. I am imperfect; I messed up with things, but see? I’m trying… so hard, really hard Mum.”

She paused for a long while. She looked at me and herself in the mirror for a moment then hugged me tight.

“I’m sorry babe. Mummy just love you so much. I’m so sorry.”

 She cried to me and I am so happy that finally, I am free from her worries.

The ceremony had just begun. I accepted my awards as well as Jake, our batch valedictorian. Matea received the award Dancing Grace and best in Mathematics, Chemistry and Graphics. Gino was awarded as the Leader of the year, Artist of the year and First Honor.

After the ceremony, Gino handed me a gift as well as Jake and Matea. I also have gifts for them. I went home with Gino because I don’t want him to spend the night of graduation alone. We ate together with my family, took pictures, and then he went home.

After 1 hour, Gino went back to our house. I opened the door and he hugged me so tight that I cannot breathe.

“Thank you very much. You really made this day wonderful and special.” Then he went home again. I am so happy that I did something for him after all the help he has given me. I e-mailed his mom and dad a day before graduation. I used my writing and convincing skills to tell them how much Gino needed them on that special occasion. And thank goodness it worked.

I am very excited to open my gifts. Matea’s gift is a beautiful journal knowing how much I love to write, Jake gave me a watch just like the one I gave him. I opened also Mum and Dad’s gift as well as Aunt Laura’s and last to open is from Gino. It was a classic beautiful box. I opened it and it is a video tape with a silver necklace with a sparkling piano pendant. I really love it, I wear it as soon as I knew it was mine. I am very amazed with that necklace that I overlooked the video. Days passed and I forgot to watch it.