Richard's Standard

Special Chapter - Dona's POV

Today is my graduation, which signifies the end of my journey at the University of Surigao, but the beginning of another journey.

Two years have passed since Richard went away. Two years of sadly longing for him. I'm always praying that it's just a dream, but it really happened. Ma'am President is still sad, even until now. The news that ma'am President shared two years ago was that his body had turned to ashes already and could no longer be found.

I miss him so much. I yearn for his touch, his kisses and his smiles.

I don't know if I'll ever fall in love if it's not with him again. Maybe a single life would satisfy me, loving him endlessly 'cause I really can't forget him.

Si Richard lang ang lalaking gusto kong makasama hanggang pagtanda. Gusto kong ipadama sa kanya na worth it ang pagmamahal niya sa akin kahit wala na siya. Ngunit araw-araw at gabi-gabi ko siyang naaalala at iniiyakan ang pagkawala niya. Hindi ko pa rin matanggap na hindi na talaga siya babalik. Parang dama kong narito pa rin siya sa tabi ko.

He made my life a piece of heaven. Pinakita niya sa akin na hindi ako kamalasan. Minahal niya ako kung sino ako.

"Dona, congratulations."

Naputol ang iniisip ko nang pumasok si Ma'am President. 

"For sure, Richard is so happy," dagdag niya.

I felt sad and happy at the same time. "Oo nga po. How I wish nandito siya."

"Malay mo, dumating siya."

Medyo kinilabutan ako sa sinabi niya pero ngumiti ako. "Sana nga po. Marami pong salamat sa lahat, ma'am."

"Maraming salamat, Dona. Tara na sa gym?"

Napuna kong kakaunti pa ang mga naroon kahit alas-nuwebe na ng umaga. Para bang nagpapalipas lamang sila ng oras. Well, I'm happy that I've finally finished Bachelor of Elementary Education.

I was shocked when Ma'am President led me toward the stage. Medyo nahiya pa ako kasi may mga guro na nasa likod.

Pero hinayaan ko na ang sarili ko. I was just feeling nervous na hindi ko alam kung bakit.

Suddenly, may mga graduates na pumasok at nakalinya sila. When they turned their backs to me, I read something that shocked me.

"Will you marry me?"

Wait, is it for me or someone else? Napasulyap ako sa mga guro sa likuran, pero medyo may edad na silang lahat. Maybe, asking for a second marriage?

Ang mga taong nandito sa gym ay hinihintay din ang magpo-propose.

Biglang may pumasok na lalaki at naka-maskara siya. He was walking toward the stage, and exactly to where I was standing!!

He fell to his knee and opened a ring box for me! What's happening?! Sino ito? He's not Richard 'cause he's dead! Maybe, it's a prank? Pero ba't ngayong graduation pa namin?

"Who are you?" I decided to ask.

"Answer me first."

I stared in disbelief because his voice was so familiar! Well, I'll try to answer him para naman mapagsino ko na siya. 

"Yes."

The people with us erupted in excitement of happiness.

The guy stood up and slipped the ring onto my finger.

"Can I see your face now?" hiling ko.

He nodded.

I slowly took the mask off his face. His lips were red and kissable. His nose was pointed. His... his... eyes... those were Richard's!!