Spectacular Love

Chapter 24

Smile

It was my graduation today, but I couldn't attend because I had to attend to my mother while my dad's currently finishing all of his meetings for this month. My dad said that we should attend my graduation, but I insisted not to. As much as I also wanted to attend, I can't do that when I know that my mom wouldn't be able to see me receive my award. At kung a-attend ako, syempre gugustuhin din ni Daddy na nandoon siya, and I can't afford to just let us have fun in my graduation while mom is lying in her hospital bed.

Wala man ang presensya ko roon sa graduation, everyone would still acknowledge that I graduated. Of course, Raven and Arrianne were sad, but they understood. Kendrick also reached out to me and congratulated me through text. He was also sad that I couldn't be there to celebrate with them, but he also understood given my situation right now.

I was about to open the door my mom's hospital room when I received a message. Mabilis ko iyong binasa at nakitang galing kay Jacob ang message na 'yon. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako.

From Jacob: Happy graduation, my love. I'm so proud of you. I love you and I miss you.

I shook my head a little and placed my phone inside my back pocket. I opened the door of my mom's hospital room and-

"Happy graduation, Tinay!" Ace, Lei and Tonia shouted in unison along with the party poppers.

Before I couldn't even process what happened, they already went to me and gave me a tight group hug. I laughed at how they got teary-eyed when in fact, I was the one who graduated today.

We parted from our hug and they started teasing one another. I shook my head and laughed at them again. They were so hyped up.

It seemed that they planned to surprise me with a graduation dinner with my dad and mom here in the hospital. My father just ordered food for us to eat as we celebrate my graduation with Mommy.

Everything was already in place. The decorations were just simple, but everything was already more than enough for me. They were preparing the food and I just let them do the thing while I walked toward my mom on her hospital bed. I sat down on the chair beside her bed and reached for her hand.

"Hi, mommy. I graduated today," I said in a very sweet voice. I lifted up my mom's hand and kissed it. "I badly wish you'd be awake by now so we could celebrate together," my voice broke as tears started streaming down my face.

Mas masaya sana ang araw na ito kung gising si Mommy. But what choice do I have, right? I should at least be contented that I'm with her right now, that despite her sleeping, I still got the chance to celebrate with her.

"I miss you, mommy. It's been 4 months already and you still ain't waking up. Please, mommy. I need you right now," I rested my head on her hand as I closed my eyes. "I broke up with the love of my life, mommy. I broke his heart. I broke my promise to him. I'm sorry, mommy that I couldn't also keep my promise to you. I keep forgetting to love myself more before anyone else. Even though I keep giving people the love I know they deserve, I still ended up hurting them, especially him," I said, whispering.

I quickly wiped my tears when I felt my father's hand on my shoulder. Tumayo ako at yumakap kay Daddy. Kakarating niya lang from work at halatang pagod siya base sa bigat ng pagkakayakap niya pabalik sa akin. Pinigilan ko ang pag-iyak ulit.

"Congratulations, anak. I am so proud of you for enduring everything until now," my dad said as he hugged me. Tears started to pool around my eyes again as he caressed my back. "These few months have really been tough, but I know you are stronger, hija, because you are my daughter."

"Thank you, daddy. Thank you po! I love you, dad!" I said, while crying. I heard my dad sniffed a little while chuckling.

"I love you, my daughter," he said sweetly as he kissed the side of my head.