Notes from the Moon (Solar Series #1)

01

"Suarez, Chanel Danica M.

  Summa cum laude!" 

I heard the cheers of the crowd as my mother and I went up the stage for me to receive my medal and diploma. The dean shook my hand and congratulated me. 

"Congratulations, anak. I am so so proud of you." my mom uttered giving me a sweet smile. 

"Thank you mommy. I love you so much." I gave her a tight hug and held her hand as I led her back to her seat.

Sa wakas, after 4 years in Benilde, graduate na ako! I'll finally be able to fulfill my dreams and take on my mother's footsteps as a fashion designer and the future owner of House of Suarez.  

I went back to my seat and waited for the awarding to be finished. 

"Now, let us welcome back on stage, the summa cum laude of the class of 2019, Chanel Danica M. Suarez!" 

I went up on stage and stepped on the podium giving my speech.

"I will make this short because I know that all of us want to leave this auditorium already and celebrate with our family and friends." 

The crowd laughed upon hearing my introductory disclaimer.

"Today is a momentous day for us graduates. We close another chapter of our story and start anew as we embark in another adventure. There'll be more hardships to face, more difficult than what we got to experience back then. Piles of responsibilities will be put on our backs. And there will be times we'd want to give up. When this happens, always remember why you started. Back then, I'd say "ayoko na, hindi ko na kaya" whenever it's hell week. But even though I say those things, the thought of actually giving up does not cross my mind. And that is simply because I have a dream."

"And now that I am one step closer to that dream, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my mom." I can feel tears starting to form in the corner of my eyes. 

"Thank you for being my number one cheerleader, my best friend, my inspiration, and my supporter in everything I do. I dedicate all my achievements to you. Para sayo toh mommy. We made it!" Hindi ko na kinayang pigilan pa ang luha ko nang makita kong nakatayo na si mommy habang umiiyak. 

I slightly wiped my face and continued giving my speech. 

"We are all just getting started and so, let us make the most out of it. Continue to dream big and aim higher for everything is possible if you are courageous. Congratulations to us, class of 2019!"

The crowd stood and the sound of applause filled the venue. 

Natapos na rin ang graduation ceremony. But unlike other people, my mom and I chose to go straight to our house and celebrate there instead. Unfortunately, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and now, she's on her fourth stage. Mabilis siyang mapagod because of her ongoing chemotherapy. Hindi ko na sana siya sinama pa sa graduation ko pero nagpumilit siyang pumunta dahil gusto niyang makita akong nagbibigay ng speech ko. We also asked her doctor first if it's okay for her to go. Buti nalang maganda pakiramdam niya these past few weeks kaya pinayagan na rin siya ng doctor niya. 

Nagulat kami ni mommy nang buksan namin ang pinto. 

"SURPRISE!" sigaw nila Anais, Kai, and Lili, my best friends. 

The living room was filled with decor and may nakadikit na "congrats" balloons sa pader. 

Inalalayan ko munang umupo si mommy bago tumingin sa hinandang regalo ng mga kaibigan ko.