Nothing New

Chapter 3

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Chapter 3

Tahimik akong nakaupo sa sala ng aming bahay habang nakatulala at lumulutang ang isip.

I can still hear the voices and music in our garden where everyone is, but I am still flushed and shy with what happened so I will just stay here.

Napakagat na lamang ako sa ibabang labi.

“Really, Tiffany? You have a crush?” I talked to myself. Napailing na lamang ako.

Hindi pwede.

I am now bound to marry someone. I shouldn't have a crush on someone. Even if Caleb and I are not close and we will just marry for company and connections, I still don't want him to feel sad and bad if he’ll know I have a crush on someone, especially if it is his cousin!

No! Tiffany, hindi mo siya crush, okay? You are just shy with what happened, that's why you are flushing and your heart's beating loudly.

Yes. That's it!

Pinilit kong paniwalain ang sarili ko sa aking isipan hanggang sa marinig ko na lamang muli ang tawag sa akin ni Mommy at Daddy sa garden.

“I’m here, Mommy. Bakit po?” Tanong ko nang makarating ako sa labas. I looked around and saw everyone looking at us.

“Let's have a toast for this special day of yours, anak. You graduated! It's an achievement!” Daddy happily said. He took his glasses with him and raised the glass. Ganun din naman ang ginawa ni Mommy.

Achievement? But I didn't get anything? No award, not an honor graduate, so why celebrate?

My heart felt warm as I looked at mommy and daddy still looking proud at everyone, and smiling.

“Let's have a toast, everyone. For my daughter, Tiffany Vie, as she finished college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Major in Fashion Designing!” Daddy exclaimed, everyone raised their own wine glasses as they toast for me.

I even saw Dolce and Gabbana, my 10 year old cousins. They're twins. Raising their glasses filled with water.

I smiled at them because of that.

“Cheers!” Everyone said.

Dad and Mom are now talking to their friends whom they invited.

They greeted me, so I smiled and greeted them back.

“Kagandang bata talaga nito ni Tiffany, ano, Klein.” Wika ng isang lalaki kaya natawa naman si Daddy at taas noong tumingin dito.

“Thank you po!” Maikli kong wika sabay ngiti sa lalaki.

“Aba’y oo naman! Tsaka itong bunso ko hindi lang maganda, matalino at masipag rin ito! Siya rin naman ang balang araw hahawak ng ilan sa mga negosyo at kumpanya ng mga Ximenes.” Daddy proudly said. Napatawa naman ang kausap nito.

“Well, what can I expect from a Ximenes?” The man chuckled after. “Ano ka nga pala, hija? Cum Laude? Magna? May Latin Honor?” Sunod sunod nitong tanong nang lumingon ito sa akin.

Ang kaninang ngiti sa aking mukha ay unti unting nawala. Bumigat ang pakiramdam ko sa mga katanungan niya.

“U-hh…” I stuttered, trying to find the right words to say. I looked at the man who's still waiting for my answer and then looked next at daddy and mommy who's now talking to the others.

“I d-idn't graduate with Latin Honor, po.” Wika ko gamit ang mahinang boses.

Embarrassing, right? I’m a Ximenes. I should be proud, but how can I?