Epigraph and Quintessence (STATION Series #4)

Kabanata 5

Kabanata 5

Fix

"Naka-glare si Raven to you, Sav. Why? Did you two broke up?"

I looked around hoping to see his glare. Nakuha ko ang masama niyang tingin ilang lamesa mula sa kinauupuan. He looks very frustrated but I'm not sure if yesterday's incident was the reason why.

"Sabi ko sa 'yo, Raven is no match for her! Ibang-iba ang level ni Savannah sa kan'ya kahit na sabihin mong son of one of the richest businessmen. If the man has no honor, no matter his influence, he's nothing. That's why Sav broke up with him. Tama ba, Sav?"

I don't know if this was the right time for honesty but in order to clear my name in preparation for a new drama, I told them the disapproval of my parents.

Ariella dramatically gasped and leaned closer. Gano'n din ang ginawa ni Bernadette pagkatapos tingnan si Raven. "So, the rumors are true? That he's a spy?!"

I chuckled and shook my head. "I don't want any dramas. Maghahanap na lang ako ng iba."

I treated their raised brows and smug smile as a symbol of satisfaction.

Recognition came and I didn't have any chance to find someone to prove my honor with. Ang masamang tingin ni Raven ay humupa na dahil hindi ko na gaanong napapansin ang presensiya niya sa eskwelahan. I treated it as good news.

Kuya Warren was proud of me after we went down the stage. I am the batch's Top 1. Malawak ang ngiti niya habang nakatingin sa suot-suot kong medalya. Nakaakbay lang sa 'kin si Kuya habang nakasunod kina Mommy.

Out of all the school activities, Recognition is my favorite event. It is an event dedicated to the image of our family—the perfection of our family. Sa mga nagdaang Recognition, tuwing ngumingiti ako sa camera ay hindi ko mapigilang matuwa. Doon ko lang nararamdaman ang pagiging buong pamilya.

I know that this event is always a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dito ko lang nararamdaman ang kapekean ng pamilya, pansamantalang nakatatakas mula sa reyalidad. Pero sa pagbalik sa bahay, alam ko kung paano umakto na para bang walang nangyari. That the smiles and praises they gave me earlier are just a front so they could be painted by the public as one of the most affectionate parents to ever exist.

But I'm sure that they're restricting themselves to correct me here and then. Ginagawa ko na lang ang makakaya para wala akong butas sa araw na 'yon. Iyon din naman ang utos sa 'kin ni Mommy, sinusunod ko na lang para hindi uminit ang ulo.

Grade 12 came and I didn't see any improvements from my family. Even though I had the chance to mingle with our closest relatives during the family gathering, they still treated me the same. Pati na rin sina Lola Karolin at Lolo Mueller. They couldn't even look at me in the eye!

Ang ikinatutuwa ko lang ay kung paano ako tratuhin nina Cloud pati na rin sina Talon at Draven. Madison, the daughter of Miss Aileen, was distant. Parang may itinatago siyang bagay na hindi ko maintindihan. Hindi ko na lang ipinilit ang sarili na makipagkaibigan sa kan'ya.

When I realized that the only progress that I made during vacation is the sharpening of my skills, I couldn't help being disappointed with myself. Dismayado na nga sina Mommy sa 'kin, idinagdag ko pa ang sarili ko. Ipinangako ko na lang sa sarili na ipagpapatuloy ko ang naudlot na trabaho noong Grade 11.

I'm not sure if I should be happy because I'm still friends with Ariella and Bernadette. It's not that I don't like them, but I felt the need to endure it. After all, they made me feel as if I am perfect even though I know that I'm not. Pero nakaramdam naman ako ng kaonting pagbabago sa sarili. Tinrato ko na lang 'yon bilang isang karangalan.