"Angel Salvador, class Summa Cum Laude.Best in CAPSTONE overall, academic awardee. Department representative… "
I stride my way on the stage of the biggest sentrum of our university as the emcee continues to mention my achievements, walking with every confidence and elegance that I have. Both my parents were smiling like they are the one who achieved those awards. I placed my hand on my chest and bowed before the heads of our university.
Dumiretso ako sa gitnang bahagi ng stage kasunod ang mga magulang at usher na siyang may dala ng aking mga medals habang hawak ko na ang aking diploma. Habang ang mga magulang ay abala sa pagsabit sa akin ng medalya ay isang tao lamang ang hanap ng aking mga mata.
Nang makita ko ang aking hinahanap ay lumaki na ang aking ngiti. Nakita ko naman ang pag ngisi ng taong ito nang makita ang aking reaksyon.
He stood up and shouted "That's my baby y'all! Dean, that's my baby!" nag init ang aking mga pisngi dahil sa ginawa nya. Hindi pa alam ng mga magulang ko ang tungkol sa amin! Oh my gosh!
Naghiyawan ang mga batchmates namin at tinawag pa ang atensyon ng aming dean, si Mr. Villareal, the father of the guy who just shouted. I tried to look at the dean's way, he was smiling like a proud dad.
I went back my gaze at Jaxon, he is smirking proudly na lalong nakapag pasaya sa akin. Matapos kunan ng official photographer ay nag lakad na kami pababa ng stage. I felt my mom leaning on my ear. "You've got to tell us about that boy, sweetie." She was smiling at me, I then looked at my dad. He just stared at me, hinaplos nya lamang ang aking buhok at giniya na sa aking assigned seat.
Ilang saglit pa ay tinawag na rin ang pangalan ni Jaxon. Katulad ko ay marami rin siyang awards, despite his, well, misbehavior hindi talaga maitatanggi na matalino sya. Our general average only differs by .25
The program went on and the speech delivery started, mauunang mag deliver si Jaxon kesa sa akin. His frat mates are cheering for him, I am just proudly clapping my hands for him.
Nang tumahimik na ang lahat ay nagsalita na sya,"Hey fuckers." This guy!!
Nag tawanan ang lahat dahil doon. "Oh fuck! My baby's parents are here. I would like to apologize for my language." napailing ako dahil sa inasal nya, ngunit hindi ko rin mapigilan ang mapangiti. Ang cute nya hahahaha!
"I will not give any inspirational words to you people. Just keep in mind that we have conquered a lot inside this university, we faced difficult obstacles that molded us to who we are now. Let us make our sacrifices and hard work worth it and face the reality beyond college. Seek for the best version of ourselves and find the reason to live and strive. Well you fuckers look for yours, because I have already found mine. Angel Salvador." nag hiyawan ang lahat nang banggitin nya ang aking pangalan.
"You fucked my life, take responsibility of it baby." and with that he left the podium and went back to his seat. Damn that guy! You fucked my life too!
The graduation program ended and we took pictures with families and friends. "Sweetie, we'll just wait for you outside. Take your time with your friends." my mom said and I was about to respond when a familiar scent caught my attention and a hand touched my back.
"Baby…" I felt him leaned into my head and placed a soft kiss on top of it. "Congratulations, baby." He whispered in my ear.
"Thank you…" sagot ko sa kanya at binati sya pabalik, mataman nya akong tinignan at sinasagot ko naman ito ng tigtig. Na putol lamang ang aming tinginan nang makarinig kami ng tikhim.
"Dad, mom. This is Jaxon Villareal, my significant other." we do not have a label. Inangkin ko lang sya. Jaxon offered his hand to my parents that they gladly took. My parents and him exchanged some dialogue before they finally left the two of us alone.
