Letters For Tessie

Letter 12

Dear Tessie,

How have you been? You might have thought I have forgotten about you, but it’s quite the opposite. Not once have you left my mind, not even for a second. I’m sorry if I did stop writing for a while, I was occupied with a lot of things. But I now have the time to tell you these things.

After my graduation, I’ve decided to take up my entrance exams and started reviewing for my university exams. With my grades being above average, I think I can pass the exams if I just put my mind into it. Along with Carlos, we both entered the same review center for college entrance exams and once more, we stayed at each other’s houses once in a while to focus on our weak subjects and help each other. Earlene would join us from time to time, but would fall asleep during in the afternoon and would wake up later that evening.

Since my graduation, I would also frequently go out with my middle school friends. We would go out to catch a movie, hang out on one of our houses and would even sleep over for the night if everyone was up to it. It really brings back memories, from when we were middle school students. We’re all high school graduates on our way to college but still our bond is still strong; I’m actually thankful, that there are one of the things that remained unchanging.

While my friends remained the same, it was a complete 180 turn when it came to my family.

During the last week of May, right before I took my college entrance exams, it was my father’s wedding day. It was held at a nearby cathedral inside the city, with only a handful of guests that being relatives and friends of the newlyweds. I convinced my dad that I would be inviting my middle school friends in which he agreed to. To the honest, I didn’t want to be alone there with people I’m not that comfortable with. It was the same feeling of unpleasantness when I was in high school.

I saw a lot of people whom I just met for the first time, most of them coming from Cecielle’s side of the family. I smile and give handshakes meeting them as they come across me. I’m an unsocial person, but this was all necessary, because I am my dad’s son. It actually crossed my mind that I have wished not to be Redding Machalloway’s son, but I’m afraid that was not possible.

I just directed my attention to my friends as we were having a lively conversation at the reception. I may have been the best man at the wedding, but I chose not to seat beside them and preferred to seat alongside my friends. I just want this to be over with. After the reception, my friends soon decide to take off.

“Hey thanks for inviting us man.” Glen said, shaking my hand firm.

“No problem, thanks for coming.” As they were leaving, I soon take a look at my dad and his new wife. I can see how happy he is, as is Cecielle. Their happiness isn’t my place.

“Wait, on second thought, I’ll go home too.”

“Eh? Don’t you have plans with your dad? Being the best man and all.” My friends gave me a confused look in their faces.

“No, not at all. In fact, I might be interrupting them more if I did come.”

“Well, suit yourself.”

I went home that night back to our house, where my grandmother was already sleeping in her room. I had the keys with me since I already figured I’d be going home. I stayed in the living room for a while, not lighting up any light source and just sat quietly in the couch. I look around, seeing flashbacks of what had used to happen in this house. Everywhere I look, something eventful and memorable played in my mind. Our house was small, enough just for the five of us to live in, but we were happy. I was very contented with what I have. After my Aunt Vinny left overseas, I used her room as my own, having my own private space in this house. Even after this, we kept on being happy in my auntie’s stead.