Adult Teenager's Matters (YOUNG ADULT SERIES #1)

Chapter 14

I giggled. I was about to ask something pa nung may biglang tumawag sa 'kin.

"Hello po," I said with a smile sa mama ni Yahwi. Agad kong binaba si Yole at tumakbo naman ito kaagad sa mama niya. How cute.

"You look beautiful, darling," his mom compliment me kaya napangiti ako.

"No, mom. Kuya Yahwi said, she's not pretty, nor beautiful," Yole said. "Because she's gorgeous."

Napanganga ako sa sinabi ng bata at napangiti nalang. Well, they said kid's don't lie.

Yahwi's mom laugh and shook her head. "You're so cute, Yole," she said. "So, Gab. I can't wait to see you in a medal with my son later. I'll see you later."

Tumango ako at ngumiti. Agad ako bumalik sa upuan ko kanina.

"Where have you been?" Raign asked. Kinuwento ko sa kanila na nakita ko yung mama ni Yahwi dahil mukhang mahaba haba pa yung speech, and as expected, they tease me about it.

I was laughing with Raign's joke when my phone vibrates again. When I checked my phone, I feel like the whole world flatten.

From: Mom

Suddenly had an emergency from work. I'll be late. I'm sorry, sweetie. Babawi si mommy

Sino aakyat sa 'kin sa stage?

Nagsimula na mag announce yung MC kaya naman mas lalo ako kinabahan kasi hindi ko alam kung may aakyat ba sa 'kin sa stage.

All I want is to be mattered to them. Just that.

Parang nag blank yung isip ko until narinig ko na yung pangalan ko.

"With high honor, Maiana Gabrielle Hermé."

As soon as I stood up, the eyes were on me. I took a deep breath. It's okay, Maiana. Normal lang naman na walang aakyat sa 'yo sa stage. I felt my lips trembling when I was walking alone to get my awards. May naririnig akong bulong bulungan ngunit mas pinilit ko na 'wag nalang ito pansinin kasi masyado nang occupied yung ko sa moments ngayon.

Nararamdaman kong umiinit ang mga mata ko pero tinatagan ko nalang ang sarili ko. I was about to get my medals para isabit sa sarili ko nung biglang umakyat yung mommy ni Yahwi at kinuha yung mga medals para isabit 'yon isa isa sa 'kin.

"I'm so proud of you, darling," she said after the picture. Bumaba ako sa stage at tinapos ang speech ni Yahwi. Wala ako sa pag-iisip ko kaya hindi ko na alam ang mga sinasabi niya pero ang alam ko lang ay nakatingin siya sa 'kin habang nagsasalita. Pagkatapos niya mag-speech ay dun nalang ulit ako natauhan at umakyat na naman ulit sa stage para mag deliver ng speech ko as a student with high honor.

"Graduating with high honor was still a blessing for me," I said with a smile so they couldn't see I'm lying. "I'm really thankful that I have very supportive parents for always there for me and always makes me feel... Safe—" I paused when I started to cry. Some of audience thought it was tears of joy but... It's actually tears of sorrow. "M-mom and Dad. I'm very thankful that you bring me here on earth and to experience this kind of joy in my life. I can't thank you enough with the support and the love you made me feel. I promise to do more better each day for my better bright future and also for my shooting stars dreams. I'll always be grateful for this moment. They work hard for me so I pay them back with these hard works."

I finish the speech a smile on my face. Agad akong bumaba pagkatapos. Raign and Gwin hugged me as I go back to them pero agad na akong nakatahan kaya hinayaan ko lang silang yakapin ako. After 10 minutes ay natapos na rin. Marami pang ganap, congratulation dito, congratulations doon.