It's Saturday and I have nothing to do so I'm thinking of what to do in my life. Nakakasawa rin kasi minsan ang internet.
"Celestine, hun, how's the university?"
I drank the glass of hot chocolate before answering, "It's actually great, mama. I met a group of friends, and they're very nice and fun to be with!"
Tumango si mama, seryoso pa rin ang mukha. Nilingon ko si Papa na nakatutok sa kaniyang cellphone. Gusto ko sanang kausapin siya pero parang super busy niya ngayon, ni hindi niya nga kinakain iyong breakfast niya.
"Malapit na birthday mo, what do you want for your debut?" Tanong ni mama.
"About that... I don't want a debut party." I pursed my lips while avoiding her gaze.
Nagulat siya kaya napatigil siya sa pag-kain. Her lips formed a grim line, eyebrows furrowed, "Why? It's your debut! You're becoming an adult now!"
Mama has been constantly reminding me of this. Gusto niya bigyan ako ng engrandeng debut party, inviting hundreds of guests! Wala nga akong masyadong kaibigan, hindi pa ako mahilig makipag-usap sa mga tao.
"But mama, I want to conduct a charity program, not a debut," I looked away to not see her reaction. Baka magalit siya, hindi ko kaya makita iyon.
"A what?" Pati si papa napalingon sa akin.
I pursed my lips, "I want to donate with my own money and help the poor, instead of spending half a million for one night." Kakain lang naman kasi tas sasayaw, bakit kalahating milyon pa gagastusin?
Naghari ang katahimikan sa hapag kainan. Kulang na lang lagyan ng crickets for background music.
"Well... that's great! You've grown well, Celestine!" Aniya papa habang tahimik pa rin si mama sa harap ko.
"Instead of wasting your money over useless things, you're giving away for a good cause! Not all debutantes think that way, your mom taught you right!" Humalakhak siya at nagsimulang kumain.
I waited for mom to speak, it seems like she's still debating something in her mind.
Sumimsim siya sa wine glass, "Sayang naman, anak... You don't want to wear beautiful gowns? This is every girl's dream! It's just once in a lifetime!"
I see her eyes flicker with sadness. Parang may kumirot sa puso ko. Dati kasi hindi niya naranasan mag debut at magsuot ng mamahaling gown, kaya pinangarap niya sa akin iyon.
"Mama, alam mo naman pong hindi ko hilig yung mga ganyan. I'd want more to share my blessings than that... please mama," I pouted and enlarged my eyes.
She sighed, giving up, "Fine, okay. You win."
BINABASA MO ANG
Tidal Waves
Teen FictionCelestine Areum Dalton reaches genuine happiness after meeting her now group of friends, having supportive parents, and helping those who are in need. Everything seems perfect until not. When that one mistake ruins their three-year solid friendship...
