Whatever We Had

Twenty-five

#WWH25
25
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Amiss

Tomorrow is the first day of our finals week. Afer that, I'm finally off to college. Hindi ko alam ang dapat na maramdaman. Should I be glad to know that I'm running for the batch top 1 or what? Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong matuwa na sa wakas hindi ako gagraduate na 'bobo' ang tingin ng pamilya ko sa'kin.

I heard Ari loudly sighed. "Babe, how to sagot this?" She asked, leaning on me.

"Babe?" Tanong ni Lisle na kakapasok lang sa unit ko dala dala si Vien.

I pursed my lips. "Uh, she calls me babe sometimes. Matagal na naming tawagan 'yon. Never heard of it?" I asked.

"No." He then laughed. "It feels weird to hear someone call you babe." Ngumiwi ako. Nakakatawa ba 'yon?

Ari snorted. "I was her babe first bago you so back off." She then rollled her eyes.

"Chill, Ycarrie."

Ari and I are reviewing for the upcoming finals. The topics were that hard she needed to review with me. Ari's not dumb but she's a little bit off at some subjects that I'm good at. She also planned to sleep here until school is finally over.

The finals passed by swiftly. I'm sure I aced it. Pinaghirapan ko 'yon, 'pag hindi pa sila natuwa I don't know what I'd do anymore.

Then came our graduation day. Mom is the only one who came aside from my friends and Lisle. Si mommy lang din ang nagsabit lahat ng medals ko. It's funny how everyone is so happy, clapping for me while I'm not even happy for my self.

"Congratulations, Wraie," Mom said warmly.

She spread her arms for a hug. I smiled. "Thank you, 'mmy."

"We have a gift for you."

The next hours, I didn't think of my dad's absence that much. I just hope he'll be home by the time we celebrate. I wanted to make my dad proud but he isn't here to witness it. I smiled bitterly at that thought. Nagpatuloy ang programa at nagbigay lang ako ng kaunting mensahe sa entablado.

"... North Foretrieth University has been my home for years now. Nasaksihan ng paaralang ito kung paano ako bumagsak at bumangon. This school taught me so many things, helped me gain friends and developed my talents. I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for this school. I am deeply grateful to my family and friends who sailed with me all the way here. Most importantly, let's all thank God for this privilege. Our time together was short but my heart will always remember all of you." I then looked up to my batchmates and smiled. "Congratulations to us, graduates!"

Our friends came up to me and Ari to congratulate us. We also took alot of pictures. Russ was there, too. We didn't plan to celebrate today because we will celebrate it with our families, bukas ay sa 24seven kami.

If you are wondering what happened to Ash, she was sent back to Zadmor for her medication last February. Hindi parin namin alam kung anong nangyari sa kanya. We tried to visit her once but she wouldn't allow us to enter. Tanging si Lisle at ang pamilya niya lang ang pinapapasok niya.

Nag-aagaw ang dilim at liwanag nang tumulak kami patungo sa aming bahay. Mom didn't want my celebration grand since she said 'it's not even that much.' They want me to aim for the best and I did actually become the best but it's still not enough.

When we got to our long dining table, some of my relatives are already seated there. Wala ang mga Loyola doon bukod kay ate Cy at kuya Zeus na binisita lang si ate Cy kaya nandito sa Foretrieth. Ang mga Clemente naman ay naroon ngunit wala si uncle Ben. Was he ashamed of what he said to me last time? 'Wag siya mag-alala, magkikita pa kami sa bakasyon. He can insult me again, like before.