The Wizard

Part I: Graduation

"They said college life is not easy. Indeed! It's an investment of eyebags, rough skins, zits and blurred eyes!"

Laughter erupted as they heard those words from her lips.

She is a vision of an intelligent and enchanting lady with an angelic voice delivering her valedictory address in front of thousands graduates, their parents and other commencement guests.

"This is not the end, but just the beginning of something bigger and better opportunities. Soar high dear young graduates! Let's be prepared for the real battle in the working field. Aim high Augustinians!"

Clap! clap! clap!

Yum feels elated. She was rewarded with thundrous claps from parents and co-graduates as she walked down the stage gracefully.

Her smile is contagious.

"Congrats honey! I'm so proud of you," said Mrs. Yna Martinez, her mother.

"Thank you, Mom," she responded gleefully. "Where's dad?" She looked around.

Mrs. Martinez rolled her eyes. "He's on his way 30 minutes ago. But still not here until now," she huffed.

Yum chuckled.

She has accepted the truth that her parents are not in good terms anymore. They have separated when she's still in high school. She lives with her mother and every occassion his father visits her.

"My dear, sorry I was late," an approaching handsome middle aged man said.

"As always," her mother scoffed.

Her dad pretended he didn't hear her. He looked at her daughter and smiled.

"Darling, I'm so proud of you. I have a surprise for you."

She exclaimed when she heard it. "Wow! I'm excited Dad!" She always love the surprises from her father. He knows that she loves travelling and is always rewarded with that. She's wondering what place or country will she visit this time.

"I know you want to have a picture under a cherry blossom tree," Mr. Martinez grinned when her eyes looked at him in awe.

"Close your mouth darling," her mother giggled.

Yum closed her mouth in an instant. It opens unconsciously when she heard the surprise. Japan is her dream place. It's her ultimate wish to be under the cherry blossom tree where her head will be showered with flowers. She can picture out in her mind how it would look like.

She sighed dreamily. "Thank you dad. I love you." She hugged him.

Her mother cleared her throat. "So are we going to eat? I'm hungry already."

Mr. Martinez smiled. "Always hungry."

"Because your late. We're suppose to be heading in a restaurant 20 minutes ago," she fumed.

"Hmmm..you're counting the minutes. It seems that you are always waiting for me, wife," his wicked eyes danced in merriment.

She gasped. "Excuse me! Ex-wife!"

His brows raised. "Not legally,wife."

"Then you should file a divorce."

"Why should I?"

"Why not?" she replied hotly.

Yum interrupts the two. "Alright children, it's enough," she said trying to hide her laughter. Her parents are really entertaining when they quarrelled.

Her mother glared at her.

"Come on, I'm starving," she ignored the stunned reaction of the two.