Hector, I Love You (International Version)

CHAPTER 1

April 2010 marked the day of my college graduation. I could hardly believe I had completed my psychology course. Looking at my parents, Mama Celia and Papa Victor, I saw their faces light up with fulfillment and joy. They had witnessed my struggles and stood by me through every challenge. Though I didn't receive any medals or graduate magna cum laude, the most important thing was that I graduated. Every student dreams of this moment, and I was grateful to share it with my supportive parents.

The rain was unusually intense that day, a rarity for April, which typically marks the beginning of the dry season in our country. Some of my batchmates considered it a blessing. In contrast, others were annoyed, calling it a killjoy since many planned to go to bars after the ceremony.

The Philippine International Convention Center, our graduation venue, was packed. Students in black togas, accompanied by parents, siblings, and loved ones, filled the hall. "Congratulations!" and "I'm so proud of you!" echoed everywhere, making me realize that graduation day is a joyous annual celebration.

As the announcement for the ceremony began, we graduates lined up one by one. The heavy rain outside the building's lobby harmonized with the murmur of our voices, adding to the day's unique atmosphere.

"Ara, your phone is ringing; answer it," Mama interrupted my thoughts.

I sighed and walked away from my parents to answer it. "Hello? Mommy, hello," said the voice on the other end.

I didn't reply, feeling a surge of annoyance. It was Hector, my boyfriend of six years. "Mommy! I'm sorry. I'm on my way back to Manila. I'll be there for your graduation ceremony."

I could hear the car engine in the background. Reluctantly, I responded, still sulking from our recent argument. "Where are you? Do you think everything's okay now?"

He laughed, which only annoyed me more, though I missed him. We had fought last week, and my irritation hadn't subsided. He'd tried to make up with me since yesterday, but I was purposely playing hard to get. Despite my frustration, I wanted him to be here.

"Oh, come on! Really? I'm still in Tarlac," he said, his voice cutting in and out. I moved away from the building's entrance because the rain was pouring hard, making it difficult to hear him. "Hey! I'm sorry, we got stranded after the medical mission. I'm trying to drive there."

"Drive your face!" I snapped.

He chuckled again, which softened me a bit. "I have a surprise for you when I get there, so please, I'm begging, forgive me."

Deep inside, I was the one laughing now. Hector always had some sweet way to win me over. The mention of a surprise piqued my excitement, but I kept up my pretense of being angry. "Hurry up and get here. I'll be even more upset if you don't."

Then he kept laughing for not being severe on my treat. I realized how much I had missed that sound. Despite my irritation, I had already forgiven him. I wanted to see him, especially now that I wore my black toga. Hector had been a significant part of my college life, always supporting and inspiring me.

"I know, Mommy, I'm driving like there's no tomorrow. I love you, and I'm so proud of you."

We called each other Mommy and Daddy as if our future was already destined.

"Hey! I didn't tell you to drive crazy out there; be careful. We're starting soon. I'm giving my phone back to Mama."

After the call, I returned to my parents in the lobby.

"Where's Hector?" Mama asked as I handed her my phone.

"He's on his way. I have to go now, Ma."

Before I could leave, my mother adjusted my black toga, her smile stretching from ear to ear. She looked me over from head to toe, beaming with pride.

"Just a moment, Ara! Let me take a picture first," Papa said, our photographer for the day.

I hurriedly ran to join the line. I thought I would be late, but fortunately, someone let me cut in just as we were about to enter the auditorium.

As I marched towards the auditorium, memories of Hector and me flooded my mind. We had been together since junior high school and now graduated from college. Our long-standing relationship impressed many people, especially our families.

Our relationship had withstood the test of time, and we planned to get married once we had stable jobs. Both our families supported us wholeheartedly. We had many dreams together, and this graduation marked the first step towards achieving them.

The only issue was that Hector would finish his studies in October while I graduated first. He was always "easy-going" and a bit stubborn, probably because he was well-off and an only child. His parents, Mommy Gloria and Daddy Ben, were nurses in the United States, providing him with everything he wanted. Consequently, he lacked the drive to study, often taking only a few subjects each semester, which delayed his graduation.

Whenever I confronted him about this, he would say it didn't matter. What mattered was that I finished my studies because I was important to him and my personal goals. While his words warmed my heart, I wanted him to have a secure future. Despite his lack of academic focus, Hector was my rock, helping me with school projects and my thesis throughout college. His world revolved around me, and I found it hard to criticize his approach to his studies.

***

"CLARISSA MONTEMAYOR!" the emcee called my name.

I stood up from my seat and walked toward the stage, unable to wipe the broad smile from my lips. Mixed emotions washed over me as I slowly approached the person who would hand me my diploma. This is what graduating feels like. It was incredibly gratifying, and I felt as light as a feather.

I glanced toward the bleachers and saw Mama and Papa taking pictures of me. The sound of the graduation hymn echoed throughout the vast auditorium. Taking a deep breath, I continued my slow march toward the stage. At that moment, I forgot about Hector; it seemed like the whole place was moving slowly. Where is he now? I wondered.

I noticed a brown butterfly fluttering nearby as I walked, but I paid little attention. This is what it feels like to overcome all the struggles of college. It was like floating in the clouds, with each thorn that had once pierced my heart during my studies now gently pulled away.

I returned to my seat after receiving my diploma, a broad smile still on my face as I held the rolled parchment. People said it wasn't the diploma; we would accept that from the school's administration after getting our clearance. I looked back at the bleachers where my parents sat and waved at them again. They waved back, beaming with pride.

Suddenly, someone tapped my shoulder. I turned to see a butterfly fluttering nearby. "You have news," the girl beside me said, glowing joyfully.

I frowned slightly, skeptical of such superstitions. "Is that true?"

"People say it could be either good or bad news," she replied.

A pang of trepidation hit me, and I couldn't explain why. My face grew severe as I stared into space.

"Don't worry, girl. It's good news because we've graduated. Finally, this college stuff is over," she said, trying to reassure me.

Noticing my reaction, she smiled. I returned her smile, feeling a bit more at ease. "Congratulations!" I spoke.

She hugged me tightly, and everyone around us soon joined in, celebrating this victorious moment.