Gleaming Part

....18

Chapter 18

"Happy Graduation, Millicent Cadie Rom!" Nagulat ako sa pag putok ng confetti kaya napahawak kaagad ako kay Kuya Kane. 

He looked back at me and smiled sadly. I saw Thomas staring at the iPad and smiling. He noticed that I was there so he smiled a little and placed the iPad screen in front of me. It was Ashley wearing a toga. I started to tear up. I can't believe I am missing the one I was waiting the most. My Senior High School graduation. 

"Omg, Thomas! Cadie's name will be called for Highest honors na." Ihinarap niya ang phone niya sa may stage at bumungad sakin ang litrato ko na nakangiti at nakalagay sa ibaba ang pangalan ko katabi nun ang with highest honors. I can't help but to let my tears flow down.

"Unfortunately, Ms. Rom can't be here right now but, let's all give her a round of applause." I heard a lot of people cheering and applauding for me and I can't help but to giggle. 

I looked at Kuya Kane and he smiled at me, "We are so proud of you, our Cadie."

I nodded and went closer to him as he hugged me. 

It's been 7 years since that happened. I can't help but to reminisce about it. I am already going to take up residency in order to become a certified through the Philippine board of pediatrics. As much as I don't want to go back. I have things I need to face, including my fear. 

As much as I don't want to recap what happened, it will still haunt me if I don't let it out. 

As I go up in the stage, looking so uneasy. I looked at Margaux and she just smiled at me like nothing is wrong. Kumunot ang noo ko at tumabi sakaniya. 

The Emcee started to say something but my attention was in my thoughts. I am starting to shiver and I can't help it but to scrunched my dress as I clench my fist in it. 

I scoffed and looked at my dad. He was smirking with all of his... I don't even know how to call them. Illegal partners? Illegal friends? The fact that the rich can get away with this because they look so "innocent" but the people who just wants to finish school or just walk outside are the ones who faces the consequences because "they look like one" who uses it. But, these people who manufactures these gets away with it? 

I gritted my teeth and stared longer to my dad. I realized some things. 

He can easily throw me off like I'm some sort of thing. Never knew the man I once knew who I respected and looked up is the reason why I have traumas, mental illness, and trust issues. 

I just really hope that one day, I will be able to get out off of his hold. I just really want my freedom. 

Nawala ako sa iniisip ko nang biglang sumigaw iyong Emcee, "OKAY, LET'S GET STARTED." 

The Emcee looked around at each and everyone of us and when she saw me, she smiled and faced the audience. 

"Why won't we start with the most lovely lady for me?" Nag hiyawan sila. 

Kumunot ang noo ko, they're rich but doesn't have any respect. The privileged shouldn't be like this. I scoffed and shook my head. 

I felt the Emcee's hand on my shoulder that it made me flinch. I moved my shoulder to let her hand off of me. I am not comfortable with this. 

"Okay, bidding starts now."  She held my shoulder again and pulled me slightly to the front. 

"500 thousand." 

"1 million." 

"1.5 million." 

"2 million."

"3 million." 

"3.2 million." 

"5 million." 

Biglang tumahimik. Kinabahan ako kasi hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling iyon dahil patuloy lang ako nakaharap sa tatay ko. 

"5 million! No more? Going once? Going twice?"  I looked at the Emcee, I was about to burst out. Because, I can't take this anymore. I feel little because I am easily sold like that? In all aspects, NO ONE should feel or experience this! 

"10 million." I heard someone uttered. I looked at the person and I don't recognize him but he seems young, too young to be here. 

"Woah, a-alright. 10 million for this girl..." Tumingin sa'kin ang Emcee at ngumisi, "What's your name?" 

I didn't bother to look or speak, I looked back at papa and his stare was already a sign that he is not pleased. I smiled too sweet and looked back at the Emcee. 

I was about to speak up when we heard gunshots. 

Nagulat ako nang bigla akong hilahin paalis ni Margaux,  "Let's go, Cadie! We don't have time." 

I didn't bother to look back and I just ran with Margaux. I don't where we're going but I know we're going at the back. 

Nakalabas na kami at nagulat ako marami rin nakaabang don. I was about to step back when I saw Kuya Kane holding a gun. 

Before saying something, pinapasok na kaagad kami ni Margaux papasok sa kotse. 

Nagulat ako nang tumingin ako sa harap ay nakita ko si Manang. 

"Hija, magpalit ka muna ng damit." She gave me and Margaux some paper bags. 

Tinignan ko iyon at nakitang isang tshirt, sweatpants at sapatos naririto. 

"I told you." Margaux happily commented. 

Kahit naguguluhan, hindi ko alam bakit ko nararamdaman na payapa ako? Payapa na nga ba talaga ako?

"We are officially landing in Manila, the seat belt sign is on and please put up your windows and make sure your tables are in tacked. Thank you." I looked at Kuya Kane sitting beside. 

He might have noticed that I was looking at him so he looked back. 

"It's okay, I am with you. I will always be with you." He held my hand and squeezed it. 

"You will be okay, my love." Mom commented and realized she was looking at us for a while now. I smiled at her and slowly nodded.

It's saddening that Thomas isn't here with us. He had a lot of responsibilities to handle in their business. 

Tumingin ako sa bintana at nakikita ang traffic sa baba. I smiled, I am back home. 

But, I remembered someone. Eugene. There was never a day that he didn't cross my mind. Never a day that I won't say to myself that "I miss him." 

Never a day that I won't bother thinking if he eats right, if he studies well, if he is happy, with somebody else or by himself, if he is okay. Never a day I want to stalk him but he deactivated everything. I miss every bit of him, his smiles, his laugh, his hugs, his forehead kisses, I miss it. It's been a hard 7 years for me. Not knowing how was he. Not knowing if he took up the course he dreamed of pursuing.