When the Sun Rises (Falling Series #1)

Chapter 8

Today is the day. It's the day before our Graduation. It's our Prom night. I'm wearing a gown that was designed by myself. It was very simple yet elegant. Ayoko maging agaw atensyon kaya minimal lamang ang mga sequence nito. It's a beige gown with sleeves down to my wrist. It was inspired by some goddess's dresses. My mom added some gold accessories so it wouldn't look too simple.

This time I did my own make-up. Nakipagtalo pa si Mommy ngunit sa huli'y pumayag rin naman. She helped me braid my hair and add some sequences.

"You look beautiful, Haven!" Bungad sakin ni Nathalie nang makarating na 'ko sa isang Hotel kung saan gaganapin ang aming Prom.

Nathalie's wearing a red gown. Her look was very strong unlike mine.

A photographer took a picture of us so we posed and after that we waited for a moment until Chantal, Catherine and Maureen arrived. Joseph also came with his white button down sleeves partnered with a gray coat and slacks.

Nang dumating na ang oras ng pagpasok sa mismong venue, humanap na kami ng kanya-kanyang partner. Joseph said that he'll walk me inside. Wala rin naman siyang partner at ayaw niya rin namang ma-partner sa iba kaya wala siyang choice. Nathalie's with his brother and Maureen's with her crush. Si Catherine naman ay may kasamang isang lalaki. Probably her friend from the other section.

Habang dumadaloy ang event, nanatili lamang akong nakaupo at tumitingin sa paligid. Some were dancing and some were chatting. Kaming dalawa na lamang ni Chantal ang naiwan sa aming upuan dahil naging busy na sa pakikipag-socialize ang iba. I was busy watching when a man suddenly offered his hand.

"May I have this dance?" Mason asked.

Tinanggap ko ang kaniyang kamay at sumama sa dance floor. He placed his hands on my waist while I placed mine above his chest. Mason was wearing a white button down sleeves inside his navy blue coat paired with the same color slacks. He looked clean with his hair.

"Ang ganda mo," He suddenly said.

Bumilis agad ang tibok ng puso ko sa sinabi niya. Tila hindi na 'ko humihinga kaya napatango nalang ako. Ilang minuto pa siguro ang lumipas nang tuluyan akong makabawi.

"Akala ko hindi ka pupunta, 'di kasi kita nakita kanina."

Nagtama ang mga mata namin nang nagsalita ako. He smiled at me but his eyes didn't compliment his smile.

"Akala ko rin."

Kitang-kita ko sa mga mata niya na malungkot siya. Parang may kirot sa puso ko nang maisip na posibleng hindi na kami magkita pagkatapos ng lahat ng 'to.

"Should I say my goodbye now?"

Natawa naman siya sa sinabi ko but when he saw my face, tumigil siya at naging seryoso.

"We'll see each other tomorrow... and in the future."

He assured me. Kaunti man ang panahon na nakasama ko si Mason but when I'm with him I feel like I'm safe and I am me. He was the reason why I know what makes me happy right now. He was the reason why my sun rose again from all the dark that was happening in my life. Pero sa isang iglap, mawawala ang lahat. We have to grow apart and take the path that we choose for ourselves. We have to.

"Lopez, Haven Celeste B."

Pumanik ako papunta sa entablado at kinamayan ang isa sa division head bago tinanggap ang aking diploma. As I bow down my head I saw Mason, giving me a thumbs up. Nang malapit na ulit akong tawagin para sa'king honor, iginala ko ang aking mga mata upang hanapin ang aking mga magulang. I turned my head to the right side of the auditorium and there I saw Yaya Elma.

"May emergency meeting ang mommy at daddy mo, hija," bulong niya sa'kin habang nakapila kami sa gilid ng stage.

What do I expect? Nasanay na 'ko na wala sila sa important events ko. Pero kahit ganoon, may parte pa rin sakin na nage-expect na pupunta nga sila. But I guess that business meeting was very important so I have to understand.

After the ceremony, the students went to their families. I immediately found Yaya Elma and when I finally went to her, she gave me a very big smile on her face and a very tight hug to congratulate me.

"Haven!" A familiar voice called me. It was Maureen. They're calling me to take a picture.

Pumunta naman ako agad sa kanila. It was very surreal that we're taking our last photo before we enter the real world and I feel grateful that I'm entering it with them. They're the best.

Bago kami magkahiwalay dahil may selebrasyon pa sila kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya, Maureen and Clark took their first photo together.

"Wala na," Biglang sabi ni Catherine. Napansin niya yata na may hinahanap ako at mukhang alam niya kung sino 'yun.

"Uy, Haven, may nagpapabigay pala" Sabi ni Clark at binigay sakin ang kulay pink na paper bag.

I asked who gave the gift but he just winked at me. After the exciting chitchats between us, we separate and go to our own families. Umuwi lang kami ni Yaya Elma at pagdating sa bahay I was so shocked to see our maids and drivers gathered at the dining room to surprise me with balloons, a tarpaulin with "Congratulation, Haven Celeste'' and a confetti.

Hindi man naka-attend ang parents ko sa isa sa pinaka-importanteng araw ko, masaya pa rin ako dahil nandito 'yung mga taong mahalaga sa'kin. They've been with me since then and until now, they're still here, celebrating my little success.

Entering the real world was very difficult. Kailangang maging matatag at may paninindigan. I choose to be happy so I choose the things that's going to make me happy even if it's against my parent's will. With the people who support me, I know that I can do it. I know that I will rise as soon as the sun rises again.