The Sunsets' Kiss (C.E Series #1)

Kabanata 1

Graduation

"Marcera, Persephone Alistair, with highest honors."

Halos mabingi at maduling ako sa palakpakan at sa mga taong masayang bumabati saakin.

"Ms. Marcera is also a recipient award of Outstanding student from Accountancy, Business and Management. Outstanding student in Arts and a scholarship grantee of De La Salle University in Malate, Manila." Masaya at klarong sambit ng aming punong guro.

"Woh! Congrats, Percy."

Sabay sabay na bati naman ng aking mga kaklase at mga kamag-aral. I mouthed a thanks to those I know and just smiled to others. Showing them that I genuinely accept their congratulatory greetings.

"Congratulations, hija." Salubong saakin ni Mama sa ibaba nang stage. Siya ang magsasabit saakin ng medalya.

"Salamat, Ma." I hugged her tightly. I wouldn't have achieved those awards if it weren't because of her and Papa. Their hard work and patience motivated and inspired me to do better in my studies. Well, I just didn't do better, I did great!

"Your Father just escorted me all the way here dahil walang kasama ang Lola mo sa upuan. Halika na, hija. Let's put those medals on you." I smiled and took a glanced at where Papa and Lola Metis seated. Kumaway ako nang makita si Papa, ngumiti naman siya. Sa tabi nito ay si Lola Metis na nangingiti habang pumapalakpak, nasa limang pu't walong taong gulang na ito.

Everything went smoothly. Natapos na ang program at ngayon ay abala ang lahat sa picture taking.

"Myghad. We're not highschools anymore. This calls for a celebration." Maarteng wika ni Martha, isa sa kaklase ko.

"I will surely miss all of you. Tiyak ay mag ka kaniya-kaniya na tayo sa kolehiyo. I'm sure Percy will grab that scholarship from De La Salle. You're so lucky, Perse." Almira, our class president in her white chiffon dress and black stilettoes turned to me with her teary eyes.

"Thanks, Mira but I'll stay here for college." I said with finality and full of assurance. Tila ba may dumaan na anghel sa amin dahilan nang pagiging tahimik ng lahat. I don't know if there were touched with Almira's farewell or stunned with what I said.

"Ano daw? Hindi siya tutuloy sa Maynila?"

"Naku, sayang naman."

"Sana pwede niyang ibigay nalang sa iba."

"Maybe she has her reasons."

Napangiwi ako sa narinig na bulung-bulungan mula sa mga kaklase. I've made up my mind and I also talked with my family about this. I'm just not aware that we would discuss something like this amidst of the most awaited celebration of our highschool life.

"Ah, Jared. Pakitawag niyo nga muna si Mrs. Carbon para makapag class picture naman tayo." Si Cora, isa sa malapit kong kaibigan ang bumasag sa katahimikan. I sigh in relief with what she did. Bumalik naman sa dati ang ayos ng aming mga kaklase na abala sa pagpapa picture.

"You don't owe anyone an explanation, Perse. Lalong-lalo na kay Almira no." Wendy na niyayakap na ako ngayon.

Aside from my family, Cora and Wendy's existence helped me to cope up with my everyday living in our school. Not that I encountered bullies or what. They just made my high school more fun and memorable.

"Alam mo iniisip ko nalang talaga na kaya ka hindi aalis dito sa Silvestre ay dahil saamin ni Cora." Napangiti ako sa sinabi ni Wendy.

"Pero alam naman nating tatlo na hindi yun yung rason talaga. Right Perse?" Malungkot na paninigurado ni Cora saakin.

"You can assume that one tho." Ngumiti ako. Hindi din naman kasi ako sigurado na kapag mag aaral nga ako sa Maynila eh makakahanap ako ng mga kaibigang kagaya nila. They're just too endearing and incomparable. I dont think I can able to trade them with any bunch of city girls.

"You are such a decisive person, Perse and I always admire you for that." Napahalakhak ako at niyakap nalang silang dalawa.

Life isn't always about what you do. It is about how you do it. It's about how you will fight your battles, how you will fight your demons and weaknesses. I know college isn't an easy phase for someone's life but I am pretty sure no matter how things get rough, we will surpass it. Life isn't seemed to be perfect, but you are always free to choose people you want to struggle with.