Richard's Standard

Special Chapter - Dona's POV

Today is my graduation that signifies the end of my journey in the University of Surigao but the beginning for another journey.

Two years had passed since Richard went away. Two years made me sadly longed for him. I'm always praying that it's just a dream but it really happened. Ma'am President was even sad until now. The news that ma'am President had said two years ago was that his body turned to ashes already and he can't be found anymore.

I missed him so much. I yearned for his touches and kisses and smiles.

I don't know if I'll ever fall in love if it's not even him again. Maybe, a single life would satisfy me loving him endlessly 'cause I really can't forget him.

Si Richard lang ang lalaking gusto kong makasama hanggang pagtanda. Gusto kong ipadama sa kanya na worth it ang pagmamahal niya sa akin kahit wala na siya. Ngunit araw-araw at gabi-gabi ko siyang naaalala at iniiyakan ang pagkawala niya. Hindi ko pa rin matanggap na hindi na talaga siya babalik. Parang dama kong narito pa rin siya sa tabi ko.

He made my life a piece of heaven. Pinakita niya sa aking hindi ako kamalasan. Minahal niya ako sa kahit na sino ako.

"Dona, congratulations."

Naputol ang iniisip ko nang pumasok si Ma'am President. "For sure, Richard is so happy."

I felt sad and happy at the same time, "Oo nga po. How I'd wish nandito siya."

"Malay mo, dumating siya."

Medyo kinilabutan ako sa sinabi niya pero ngumiti. "Sana nga po. Marami pong salamat sa lahat, ma'am."

"Maraming salamat, Dona. Tara na sa gym?"

Napuna kong kakaunti pa ang mga naroon kahit alas nuwebe na ng umaga. Para bang nagpapalipas lamang sila ng oras. Well, I'm happy that I've finally finished Bachelor of Elementary Education.

I was shocked when Ma'am President lead me toward the stage. Medyo nahiya pa ako kasi may mga guro na sa likod.

Pero hinayaan ko na ang sarili ko. I was just feeling nervous na hindi ko alam kung bakit.

Suddenly, may mga graduates na pumasok at nakalinya sila. When they turned their backs to me, I read something that shocked me,

"Will you marry me?"

Wait, is it for me or someone else? Napasulyap ako sa mga guro sa likuran pero medyo may edad na silang lahat. Maybe, asking for a second marriage?

Ang mga taong nandito sa gym ay hinihintay din ang magpo-propose.

Biglang may pumasok na lalaki at naka-maskara siya. He's suddenly walking toward the stage and exactly to where I'm standing!!

He bent his knee down and opened a box of ring for me! What's happening?! Sino ito? He's not Richard 'cause he's dead! Maybe, it's a prank? Pero ba't ngayong graduation pa namin?

"Who are you?" I decided to ask.

"Answer me first."

Napamulagat ako 'cause his voice is so familiar! Well, I'll try to answer him para naman mapagsino ko na siya, "Yes."

The people with us exclaimed an excitement of happiness.

The guy stood up and put the ring on my ringed-finger.

"Can I see your face now?"

He nodded.

I slowly took the mask off his face. His lips are red and kissable....his nose is pointed....his...his....eyes...those were Richard's!!