The Other Half of a Song

Chapter 4: Regina

March 31, 1950

"Serrano, Juan Rafael y Apostol. Salutatorian. Best in Science and Mathematics. Leadership Awardee." I saw my best friend walked up on stage with his head held high and his ever so famous smile. 

On both his side were his parents who were so proud of him. You can see it clearly as they put his medals on him.

As they got off the stage, I heard my name being called, "Rosales, Maria Regina Angelica y Pamintuan. Valedictorian. Best in Linguistics and Social Studies. Conduct Awardee. Leadership Awardee. Excellence in Performing Arts Awardee." 

My parents, Don Manuel and Doña Luisa joined me as I walked up on stage and claimed my medals.

"Congratulations!" I heard the principal said as she shook my hand. "We're so proud of you!" Mom said as Dad placed my medals on me. We went over to the side to get our pictures taken.

After the graduation rites, Paeng took my hand and dragged me towards the photographer, "Kuya! Will you please take a photo of us?" he asked and I was about to tell him no, but the photographer smiled and agreed to it.

"Smile, Ina!" he placed his arm over my shoulder and I placed mine on his back in a daze. Surprised that he dragged me there to get our picture taken.

"Say cheese!" the photographer said and both of us said "Cheese!" as he snapped a photo of us.

"Congrats on your Perfect Attendance Award!" He jested and I just rolled my eyes at him.

It was the only award I aimed for but I didn't receive. Not because of the injury I acquired last January but because of the flu outbreak last February.

I unfortunately acquired it.

I admit that I was grade conscious but, I only aimed for that award because of the deal I made with Paeng.

Despite being an honor student, I was often absent. It's either because I have a singing competition in the capital or abroad or I was sick. I have always been a sickly person.

So, we had an argument. He told me I cannot survive a school year without being absent. And I told him I can, and I will get a perfect attendance award. But, yeah, the flu happened.

And I never heard the end of it from Paeng. He teased me about it as often as he can.

After we got our picture taken, Paeng handed me something. It was covered in his closed fist that's why I didn't know what it was until it landed on my palm. It was a beautiful rose gold gladiolus brooch.

"That's my grad gift to you." He looked at his feet and scratched the back of his head as he continued,  "A gladiolus flower means 'remember me. So... will you remember me even when you're in America already?"

When I was silent for a long while, he looked up at me, saw me tearing up, and asked, "D-did you not like it?"

I shook my head and replied, "I love it! And yes, of course! I will never forget you." and hugged him really tight.

Even though he always teases me and makes fun of me, he was still my best friend. And God, I'll miss this guy so much. 

"I'm glad you do. I used up what I  saved from my summer job to get that. You owe me." And I gave him that look, "Joke lang! Smile!" And I did.

"I have something for you too." I said and handed him a small rectangular box. He opened it excitedly and took out the harmonica inside it. "Wow! I've been wanting to have one of these since I can remember! Thank you, Ina!" and he hugged me.

We were stuck in each other's arm until our parents interrupted us. "Ehem, ehem." It was my Dad, despite the serious tone, his eyes gave away a mischievous smirk. Still, we let go of each other and scratched our head, pretending to look embarrassed in front of our parents.

An awkward silence ensued thereafter.

"Congratulations, Regina! Good luck in Curtis Institute and have a safe trip!" It was Paeng's mom, Tita Isabel, who broke the silence. After saying that, she hugged me. Paeng's dad, Tito Alfonso, congratulated me too and tapped my shoulder. 

"Thank you, Tita Isabela and Tito Alfonso."

"Congratulationa to you too, Rafael!" it was my Dad this time who congratulated Paeng, "Good luck in the University in Manila. I know you'll be a good doctor someday." He continued and shook Paeng's hand.

"Thank you, Tito Manuel!" he replied and my mother also congratulated him with a hug.

"These two are inseparable since birth, now college is the only thing that will separate them." My Mom said as she let go of Paeng and looked at the two of us.

"Nah, Luisa! These two had been friends for too long, college will never estrange this two." My Dad interjected. 

"Pareng Manuel is right, Luisa. I believe these two are as thick as thieves, a thousand miles away can never separate these two." It was Tito Alfonso this time and he winked at my Dad.

Paeng and I looked at each other and shared a knowing smile. They were right. College can never estrange us. A thousand miles can never separate us.

We both promised to keep in touch, and we intend to keep that promise until we're reunited again.

AIKA

Present, 2020

"Oh... so that explains the photo, the brooch, and the harmonica. Paeng is your grandmother's childhood best friend and first love." Irene said while nodding to herself. 

"Wow. Their love story is so classic. I've read so many things like this and I wonder how it ended. Did he become your grandfather?" she asked as we continued to rummage through Lola Regina's stuff.

"No. That's why Mom and I were so confused about this guy's identity. Lola Regina never told us about him before." I looked at the graduation photo again and looked at Paeng, he was handsome, no doubt about it, but he is not my grandfather.

"So, girl, if Paeng is not your grandfather? Who is it then? And how did he met your grandmother?" Irene asked.

"My grandfather's name is James Isaac Davis, he's a Filipino-American who lived in New York. Lola met him during a concert when she was still a student in the Curtis Institute." I said as I put back grandmother's stuff inside the chest.

"But she got married to him ten years after. It was 1964. The story wasn't clear but Lola said they got married when Lolo Isaac decided to stay in the Philippines for good." I continued.

"Oh... so what happened? To Paeng, I mean." Whoa. Someone's so curious about my grandmother's love story with her childhood best friend. But she's not the only one. You and me, Irene. You and me.

"I guess, we'll have to keep reading her diary to find out."