Chasing The Sun

Chapter Two: Crush

#CTSCrush

      How do you measure success? Is it by the medals you gained? The number of praises you received? Net worth? Humans, for one, are known to be complex creatures. They strive for things that will make them satisfied. But in order to accomplish one's aim, you must put the time in your own hands. For every missed opportunity come biggest repentances. Time and chances are both necessities to success and never to be missed. One must—

     Naputol ang pagbabasa ko nang biglang katukin ni Mama ang bintana ng sasakyan. I closed Papa's book and quickly jumped out the car. The program starts at eight o'clock and we're an hour early. Papa didn't want to be late—ever. According to him, in order to be a successful person, you should and must always value time. Namana ko na iyon kay Papa kaya naman at the age of eleven, I already know how to manage and value my own time.

   I'm wearing my school uniform and a flower medal given by an usherette by the entrance. It's graduation day today! Well, for the sixth graders. Moving up ceremony naman for the rest of us and I'm a proud kid because I'll be receiving honors later. I always look forward to days like this.

Awarding ceremonies and the likes.

It boosts my self-esteem and confidence. We took several photos since we're here earlier than expected. Minutes later, unti-unti na ring nagsisi-datingan ang mga magulang. Around seven thirty pa bago sila magpapasok. It's not hot naman since air-conditioned naman ang buong facility.

"Von! Andrea!" a mellow voice called my parents. Nakita ko sila Tito Diego and Tita Mareen na papunta sa amin. They were also holding a booklet na provided for the parents of the graduates. Oo nga pala, Colt's graduating today. He'll be entering JHS next school year. That means... wala nang epal sa grade school! I can finally conquer my final year next year!

"Ah, proud parents, ha!"

"Of course! Sorina's the first honor awardee in their batch," Papa tapped my head as he tells them about the rest of my ahievements. I was grinning as I listened. Until umepal 'yung Jollibee na si Colt.

"Good morning po, Tito and Tita." Hmp! Akala mo kung sinong santo!

"By the way, Colt's the valedictorian in his batch! Oh, and a consistent math medallist. Aba, gusto na ngang magtrabaho agad! Papaltan na ata ako sa posisyon ko!" Tito Diego joked as he proudly tapped his son's shoulder. Colt looked at me with his annoying boyish grin.

"Well, proud parents nga talaga tayo! Saan ba balak mag-aral nitong si Colt next year?"

"Pinag-iisipan pa namin. Colt wanted to continue his schooling abroad. To weigh his options, isasama namin siya this summer there."

Medyo mahaba-haba pa ang usapan nina Mama kaya naman sinamantala ko na ang pagtingin kay Colt. He also has a flower medal like mine, except that his is blue. So he's the valedictorian in his class, huh? For sure his speech would be as lousy as he is.

Who would have thought that he's the top of his class?

Huh! Well, for one, he is a nerd. I mean, look at him! He's tall, thin, wears glasses... and a math wizard! Okay, okay. I'm way better than him but I never forget my looks! Mama always told me to never forget to look pleasant and presentable. And I gladly oblige! Ako pa ba?