A/N: Apologies for the length of time it took me to update. Enjoy. Well, try. :))
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"OMG. I'm finally an adult. Wow." I said as I scanned my eyes around the crowd, I took a big gulp as my eyes stopped at kung saan nakatayo ang mga magulang ko. Dad was holding his phone up, siguro he was trying to take a video, while mom wiped her left cheek with a tissue, probably crying. Ha. "I'm an adult... Just saying it gives me goosebumps. I should probably start acting like one too, right?" the guests started laughing as they probably recalled back to my runaway teen days.
"When my father told me that I have to write a speech for today, I didn't really pay much time and attention to it. Main reason was that I had a lot of school work to catch up on. Alam nyo na why." I laughed and recalled my own stupidity, "Also, I told myself na I should just say whatever is on my mind... Ad libbing, my dad's specialty." I said and winked at my dad which made him grin... "So, here goes nothing..." I took a deep breath and grinned habang nakating kay mommy, I thought to myself na kailangan ko ang strength nya ngayon.
"My parents have always taught me to say thank you and to be grateful at a very young age. 'Salamat' was actually one of the first words they taught me, right after 'it's showtime' of course." nagtawanan ulit ang mga guests and so did my mom and dad who happened to be standing next to each to each other now. "So I guess I'm trying to say thanks here? Thank you all so much for sparing your time to come and celebrate with me today. Thank you for being part of this special day with me. Also, I hope na nag eenjoy po kayong lahat..."
I heard a few cheers from where my friends were sat so I gave them a wave, "Salamat sa mga friends ko for still being here for me, despite all my katangahan this past few months, thanks for putting up with me and for letting me borrow your notes haha.."
My eyes travelled to where my grandparents, titas, cousins were sat, "To my family, the Padilla's, Tatlonghari's and Viceral's. Lola, lolo, tita, tito, thank you po for all the lessons, values and the variety of cultures that you've taught me. Sobrang malaki po yung part kung paano ako ngayon. I know I've made mistakes but I'm learning and accepting those mistakes now, thanks to your lessons."
"Showtime family... Ninang Anne, Ninong Vhong, Ninong Billy, Tito Jugs, Tito Teddy, Tito Ryan, Tita Coleen, Direk B, Lolo Kim, Tito Erick... Salamat po kasi if it weren't for all of you pushing my parents together.. I probably won't be here, right?" I watched as Ninang Anne wink at Ninong Vhong and Ninong Billy.
I found myself gripping the microphone tighter when my eyes landed again kung saan nakatayo sina mommy and daddy. I took a deep breath and was shocked when tears started forming in my eyes. I managed to shut the flood gates off and smiled sadly.
"To my mom and dad..." sabi ko with my voice breaking.
//
Flashback; Baguio, 3 months ago
As soon as lumabas ng room si dad, pumasok naman si mom with a serious look on her face, "First of all, I don't want you to feel sorry for me." she said so I frowned automatically. She must have noticed my confusion so she explained further, "I've had time to... Accept it, I guess? Whereas, you, you're just coming into terms with it." she said and leaned on the rails of the balcony like me.
We both stared down at the lake. Me? I was thinking of how awkward this conversation could turn, but at the same time I was imagining myself in my mother's position. Kung ako ba siya, would I be this strong too?
"Mom, I don't want you to think that." I said and moved closer to her. I could see from the corner of my eye that she was looking at me so hinarap ko na rin sya.
