A Journey in Gehenna (On-going)

Journey 14: Moving Up

Journey 14: Moving Up

╰Blisse's POV╮

"A pleasant morning to our honored guests, other party platform members, faculty, completers, and their family and friends, I am honored to have the opportunity to welcome you all now to share what, for many of us, our greatest achievement to date." panimula ko sa aking welcoming speech para sa moving up ceremony na 'to. I was assigned by the faculty members because I was one of the students with high honors.

Nakita ko naman si Lola na nakangiti habang nakaupo sa bandang unahan kasama ang mga parents at guardians ng mga completers. Aubuville kasi ang apilyedo ko kaya nasa unahan siya. Si Elijah at si Tita Elise naman nasa bahaging gitna dahil Hendrix ang dinadala nila.

"I believe I speak on behalf of all my fellow completers when I say that this journey is harder without love, support, and encouragement that all you have to offer throughout this process."

Sina Lolo at Jiji naman nasa bandang pinakalikod pero natatanaw ko pa rin naman sila kahit papa'no.

How I wish Mom, Dad, Sky, and Himil would witness this day.

"So, please enjoy the rites along with us. And to my fellow junior high school completers, congratulations and may God bless us on whatever path we can choose and opportunities we can take advantage of."

Narinig ko namang nagpalakpakan ang lahat matapos kong magsalita sa harap nila. Marami pang nag-speech pagkatapos ko no'n like 'yong school head, mga representative na hindi ko alam kung sa'n nanggaling, at ilang visitors.

And this is what I'm waiting for, the distribution of certificates of completion and awarding of honors and special awards!

"With high honors, Aubuville, Blisse Angelique B."

Umakyat kami ni Lola sa stage nang marinig namin ang pangalan ko. Si Lola ang nagsabit ng medal sa 'kin at nag-stay kami nang ilang minuto do'n nang ma-mention na ang lahat ng with high honors.

Pero habang nasa stage kami ni Lola, nakita ko si Danielle na kumakaway sa may kalayuan. She's with Riamie, Dizer, Auster, Evan and Samael.

Samael?

Hindi ata ako na-informed na na-welcome-to-the-group na pala siya nila Danielle.

"With highest honors, Reyes, Daley C."

Napatingin ako kay Daley habang umaakyat siya sa stage. Masasabi kong ang ganda ng ngiti niya ngayon. Hindi na ito plastik.

Napangiti rin ako nang nagka-award si Elijah ng 'perfect attendance award.' Nagulat ako nang bigla na lang pumunta sa harap si Lola para lang makunan siya ng picture. I know how proud she is today.

Muli namang tinawag si Daley sa stage para sa speech of gratitude niya.

"It's not too long since our journey started. For most of us, we entered Saint Catherine High without more than one dream, and we are now together as survivors of knowledge, skills, and values to show a dream closer to reality."

Tahimik lang kaming nakikinig sa kaniya. Napailing na lang ako dahil sa 'punas luha effect' niya. Pero kahit gano'n, natutuwa ako sa kaniya kasi genuine na ang mga pinapakita niyang ngiti.

"The rehearsals are over and the show is about to begin. As a part of us, we do not know where life will take us, but we drive behind the wheel, and just like Saint Catherine High has become our home, she will be our lighthouse forever. It is— and will always be— an honor and joy that has become part of this family."