Project Bata

Chapter Twenty-seven : Felecitations

I was nauseous as I woke up this morning. I throw up, the vomit barely contained any traces of food. Excessive amounts of tears were probably the cause of it. I was tired and sleepy, but I don't have the time for that right now. Even if this afternoon would be my Graduation Day, I still have to make up for the working hours I missed before my contract ends. I fished out my black toga, cap, an old pair of black high heeled shoes, white dress and shoved it in my backpack as I left my room.

"Hoy Gonzales, congratulations!" My co-worker greeted me as I entered the locker room on a 5AM shift. I nodded and muttered thanks to her as I changed into my uniform, "So paano ba 'yan? Hindi ka na magre-renew ng kontrata dito sa Recess?"

I shrugged not really wanting to talk further. I am extremely exhausted and still sleepy but I have to work, so I did and muted out my cruel reality.

*

I was running towards the main gate of the university. The traffic was bad as usual, too many people are here, co-graduates congratulated me as well as weirded out why I was running still in my work uniform. I made a stop in the cemetery, wearing my toga and did some picture with the help of the care taker. Yep, I'm going nuts and I lost the tracks of my time, I made it into the lobby and directly towards the comfort room. My toga and dress were crumpled, "Great!"

I exited the cubicle and trudged towards the the mirror. I let down my hair and comb it with my hands. The black bags under my eye was very much visible, "You worked hard for those Van."

I looked at my pale reflection once again, I straightened out the wrinkles in my toga and adjusted my cup. I was about to step out when Indi caught me, "What the hell? Vanessa Clarice! Halika dito!"

I scrunched up my nose at Indi. She always has the best timing, "We're late! The ceremony would start up soon!"

Indi roared in laughter, "Hindi 'yun magsisimula kung wala ka. You would hold the insignia and thus commences." Indi didn't hear my other pleas as she did my make up and I let her without further protest. I was dead tired, once again I looked at my reflection as I reiterate my speech for the program.

"Tumabataba ka Vanessa huh?" Indi roared in laughter as she once again checked my outfit. I automatically held my stomach, probably bloated. I shrugged it off as we exited the the comfort room and fall in line for the ceremonial procession. I left my bag in the lobby guard and was thankful enough that he accepted it.

Congratulatory messages where in place as I ended my speech. It wasn't good really since I haven't had the time to sit down and work on it. It was just a typical speech. As I was standing in the podium I was able to view the audiences, parents, and friends were in tow. I couldn't help but wonder what would it felt if my parents were here, I was given an award and I made my college adviser stand before me 'cause I literally have no one here. I held back my tears as I received the highest honors in my batch.

The ceremony ended, I remained stoic as I roamed my eyes around the grounds where the event was held. The awards I received was useless compared to the other students who didn't receive any but had their proud parents with them. Once again I felt emptiness engulf me and I let it. I held my cap and glanced up the 5'o clock skies, throwing my cap up in the air. Hope you two are smiling down on me.

I trudge slowly as I take off my toga and held it in my arms. I had to go back to work, knowing that I took a two-hour break would suffice. I got my bag pack from the lobby and thank the guard.

*

"Congrats Van," my co-workers greeted me as I changed back into my uniform. I nodded as recognition and proceeded to button up my blouse. I relieved my co-worker from the counter and took orders from the incoming customers.