P.R.N

1

"Reyes, Erica Vienne. BS Pharmacy. Magna Cum Laude."

Umakyat na ako sa stage para ireceive ang diploma at medal ko.

Surreal, indeed. I worked hard to reach this point for four whole years. BS Pharmacy was a roller coaster ride. May mga araw na parang pwede pa kaming dumeretso sa beach ng mga blockmates ko after our class, but there are also when it felt like a sin to rest.

It feels good to finally have the fruit of your labor. I searched for the eyes of my parents. They were also tearing up with me. Well, they knew my struggles— they've seen me struggled. All those sleepless nights I had for Pharmacology, Toxicology and Legal fucking Pharmacy? Finally done. And it was all worth it. Look where I am now.

I went to my parents to give them a hug. "Thank you, Ma. Pa." My Mom started crying when I said that.

"You were just my baby. How did you grow up so fast?" My Mom cried. My Dad had to stop her from crying. I looked at my sister who was smiling so brightly at me. I carried her to my arms.

"Are you proud of Ate, Tory?"

Her name's Erica Victoria. Our parents loved Elvis Presley, that explains our EV initials. Tory is five years old. Maraming nagsasabi na parang ako raw ang Nanay ni Tory dahil magkamukhang magkamukha kami. I don't say anything when people assume things like that. They can die guessing and I won't even mind.

"You're so pretty, Ate Vienne." I kissed her cheeks.

"Ma, stop crying. I'm seriously hungry." My Dad laughed at that. Of course, I was hungry! We've been here since lunch.

The graduates were busy taking pictures with their friends. I don't really have that. I wasn't friendly at school— in general. I talk to my blockmates, yes. But it's mostly about our subjects only. That's okay. It doesn't really matter to me. I heard they were intimidated by me, so I didn't push it. I have no energy for it.

We went straight to UP Town Center to have dinner. They made me choose the restaurant, so I did. I picked my favorite Filipino restaurant.

"So, what are your plans after, anak?" My Father asked while we were eating.

"Well..." I stopped for a bit to drink some juice. I know my answer. I just needed to drink because I don't wanna choke myself. I was eating.

"Babe... She just graduated. Let us not pressure her." My Mom told my Dad.

"No, it's fine. I thought about this already..."

I'm the type of person who always knows what she wants. I never liked wasting my time. People may refer me as boring, but it's just the way it is.

"I'm gonna take the boards, pass it, then take NMAT."

"You're pursuing medicine?" Parang hindi makapaniwala si Mama sa narinig niya. Parang hindi niya naman alam na gusto kong maging Doctor.

"Medical School will take away your 20's, anak."

"I would gladly spend my 20's at Med School, Pa."

"Okay, then."

We continued talking about other stuff as we eat. I consider myself lucky for having a family like this. Supportive, calm, and kind. How I wish everyone could have this kind of family.

"Oh, Vienne, we're going to your Tita Karen's birthday on Saturday. Make yourself free." I almost smirked at that. Does she think that I have other plans than studying?

"Of course."

"I think her son is back from the States." That caught my attention. She only has one child. Cole.