Misleading of the Variance (Secondary Series #3)

05

“Alina Rachel Salador, 2nd honorable mention.”

Sam and I gave each other a glance before I stood up as papa and mama approached me. We walked towards the stage, hand in hand. I gave Abi and Kaitlyn a wink which they smirked at before I focused my attention to our school Principal.

“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez.” I heard our principal say to mama and papa.

“Congratulations Alina. I’m hoping I will still see you here in high school. Surely, the high school math club needs you.” Our adviser told me when I went to shake her hands.

I only gave her a small smile, nodding in response. Papa hung the medal into my neck as I received the certificate from our principal. We stood in the middle of the stage with Mama and Papa on each side and our principal and my adviser on their sides.

After taking photos, we went down the stage as mama and papa went back to their seats in the parents area at the back. Sam was called before me as the third honorable mention while Kaitlyn is just called now as the first honorable mention. We only have to wait for Abi to receive her medal and do her speech before our principal can finish the ceremony.

“Do you know? Kuya Benj was also their batch Valedictorian during elementary?” Sam whispered to me as we watched tita Helen and tito David hang the medal into Abi’s neck.

“And Abi is our batch Valedictorian as well. They surely are ruling their own batches.” I said, letting out a small smile.

“I bet James will be their batch Valedictorian too once he graduates elementary.” She says as I nodded.

“Possibly. James is as smart as his siblings so it’s no doubt he will have the same title as they have.” I responded as she nodded.

As I remained friends with the Sanchez siblings, I witnessed how all of them are gifted with intelligence. With Benj graduating as their batch Valedictorian during elementary he maintained his top position up until now that he is in 3rd year high school. There’s a high possibility he will be their batch Valedictorian as well once they graduated next year. Abi also tops our batch for consecutive years, having a fierce battle for the top spot with our other classmate who is our batch Salutatorian, so having her as our Valedictorian now is already predictable. James, on the other hand, has also been battling in the top place. He placed 2nd honor in the whole 4th grade batch during their recognition last week. It’s actually expected that they will be gifted with intelligence considering that they have doctors as their parents.

We all remained silent as Abi delivered her speech. I remember how she worked really hard to create such a beautiful speech. She told me that it wasn’t just a simple speech we used to create for a project that our teacher gave us. It will serve as a message for her to deliver on behalf of her batchmate. A message that is both for those who helped us throughout our elementary years and for us, her batchmates, who have spent years all together striving as we reach different year levels each year before we finally get the diploma we deserve.

“This is just the beginning towards our approaching dream. There will be more obstacles and struggles to face after this… but as we grow up, we will learn that it is just part of the process to hone us in the bigger world we will face in the near future.” She puts on a smile as she glances in our direction as I give her a nod. “May all of you become the kind of person who you want to be as we step out of this auditorium to meet the new set of challenges ahead of us. Congratulations, everyone, and thank you.”

I sigh in relief as she ends her speech with elegance and full of meaningful messages. She is used to speaking in front of so many people since she has always been the one to compete for our declamation contest. But today is surely different. She speaks in front of the school higher ups, her fellow graduates and most of all in front of all of our parents, especially to hers.

“Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. Once again, good morning and congratulations, graduates of the academic year 2008 - 2009!”

Everyone cheered as our principal’s closing ceremony speech ended. Each students went to their friends as Abi and Kailtyn as came running down from the stage to run towards me and Sam. We hugged and cheered with each other’s successes.

“Did I do well in my speech? Please tell me I didn’t sound too awkward.” Abi immediately asked when we were done congratulating one another.

“You did well Abi! You delivered perfectly!” Sam complimented as both Kaitlyn and I nodded.

“I wanted to ask Kaitlyn how I do after finishing off my speech but I can’t do it since we are on the stage. I had to remain calm despite feeling my cold sweat, you know?” She narrated as we all ended up laughing.

Our adviser called for our section as we gathered into the stage, creating no space between one another, to take the last picture we will all be in to end this school year. Throughout the years, I have gotten closer to our classmates as well. We all have grown closer to each other despite having our own circles, little arguments and battles for the honors.

“The four of you, stand there and I will take a picture.” Sam’s mother, tita Hillary, says when we were about to go down the stage.

We stood in the middle of the stage again, the four of us, with arms draped to one another. For the last 4 years of our friendship, we already took and gathered so many photos of one another. Even though we are all competitive when it comes to academics, we learned to separate our academics and our friendship. 

“If you will put your medals all together, we will need a massive frame to put all those in.” tita Aira, Kaitlyn’s mother, says.

I looked behind them as mama and papa came approaching us. Tito David and tita Helen came with them as well.

“I’m so proud of you, anak.” Papa told me, pulling me for a hug.

Mama touched my medals and looked at it in amazement before she looked me in the eye. “You deserve all of these, Ali. Thank you.”

“Ah! Mama and papa, these are my friends' parents.” I told them as they both turned to meet Kaitlyn and Samantha’s parents.

“So gladly to finally meet you Elias and Lydia. I have been wanting to meet the both of you since the moment Kaitlyn introduces Alina to us as their new friend way back 2nd grade.” Tita Aria says.

“Thank you for always taking care of Alina whenever she goes to visit your home, Aria and Hillary.” Mama told them as both tita Aria and Hillary gave them a smile.

“No worries! You have a wonderful and kind daughter. She is always welcome in our homes.” Tita Hillary says.

We just took a few more photos outside the auditorium before separating our own ways, for now. We will meet each other in Abi’s house next week just like our usual summer routine. Abi and took a seat next to each other in their van as papa drive while mama is in the passenger seat. Tita Helen and tito David are seated in the back seat, in front of us.

“Let’s go head to the restaurant for celebration and lunch, Elias.” tito David says as papa nodded.

We went to a restaurant named Fortress Le Restau. The waiter guided us into a private room that has one big table with six chairs all around it. Did they prepare this beforehand as well?

“It’s a pity that the other kids weren’t able to come and join us today. We should have another celebration with everyone in the house this week.” tita Helen suggested in which I only smiled at.

I am always grateful for their help but kuya Adam really made me realize some things. Though it’s not totally hone in my mind yet, I was given a view of what he was trying to pinpoint before up until now.

“How is Adam in the UST, Elias?” tito David asked.

“He is doing well and already adapted. He is just busy with his studies, sir.” Papa answered as I remained silent.

“Well, he is taking medicine. I’m actually glad he is taking medicine, tell him to do his residency in the future in our hospital. He is free to work in Sanchez as well.” tito David said as I put on a bitter smile.

Kuya Adam is already in college, 1st year, taking medicine because he wanted to be a doctor. His original plan is to enter UP instead since there is no tuition there and because he doesn’t want to accept any offer for help from tito David and tita Helen. But papa happened to mention that kuya will be taking medicine, tito David immediately told him to just enroll in UST and they will take care of his tuition fee. Kuya is just lucky that he was granted an academic scholarship there because he graduated as Valedictorian in their batch. The only thing tita and tito helped him with is reserving his slot because he is taking medicine which has a quota.

“So Alina, any plans after this? You will stay in SPU for high school like our kuya Evan, right?” tito David asked when the appetizers arrived, putting the attention to me.

Abi was also waiting for my response because we talked about it. I told her that I might transfer but there is still no assurance. She keeps pursuing me to not transfer instead and stay with them in SPU still. But just like kuya, I don’t want to depend totally on her family as well. I think having kuya Evan and Peyton still studying in SPU for almost as free is already enough.

“I’m still thinking about it, tito.” I simply answered as he nodded slowly.

“Are you planning to enter a different school, dear? What about your friends?” Tita Helen abruptly says as I steal a glance at Abi. That is what I am worried about as well.

“Not really tita. I was just thinking, maybe I can try a different environment for high school… but there’s no assurance yet, tita.” I answered politely as she nodded with a small smile.

“I hope you stay though. Your kuya Evan is still there, same with Peyton.” She says as I only nodded.

Kuya Evan will be turning 3rd year high school this incoming school year while Peyton will be turning 4th grade. I remember my brothers once had an argument when kuya Evan was thinking about where to enter in high school. He didn’t hesitate to accept the offer to stay in SPU which leads to their argument. I can still remember how kuya Evan punched kuya Adam because he called him someone who is not capable of being independent.

We just finished eating our lunch before papa went to drop me and mama in our house since it’s closer to the restaurant. Abi wanted me to come with them in their house but I told her that I need to celebrate with my family as well because it’s still our graduation day.

“Congratulations!” My siblings cheered the moment mama and I entered the house.

Kuya Adam hurriedly went to give me a tight hug, giving his congratulations. Kuya Evan went next to give me a short hug as well while Peyton also gave me one, saying a simple congratulations.

“Where’s your awards? Why aren’t you wearing them?” Kuya Adam curiously asked.

“We went for lunch with Abi and her family. That is why I took it off for a while.” I answered as he nodded slowly.

“Why is it that you can always hang out with them so easily?” I almost can’t hear Peyton’s whisper but it was something like that.

Mama took out my medals and certificate from her bag as kuya Adam immediately put it on the table to check it. Kuya Evan took a look at it as well while Peyton just gave simple glances into it before she went somewhere. I look at kuya Adam as he admires the awards I got. Why does he look so amazed when he got more than I got?

“As expected, best in Math,” kuya Evan says, raising one of my medals as I shyly smile.

“You can’t deny the fact that she is the best in Math among us. It’s no wonder she was able to grab that award too.” Kuya Adam responded

I just took a seat next to kuya as they kept checking my awards more. There is nothing to look at anyway. When kuya Adam graduated in high school last year, he bagged more awards that I have. It’s as many as Abi got or even more. All of his medals are hung in his room, placed in one frame along with the other medals he got from his previous school years.

“By the way, I got you something,” Kuya Adam says as I look at him, brows furrowed, before he takes out a paper bag and gives it to me. “Open it.”

I did what he said and was shocked when I opened it. It’s a box of laptop that looks really brand new.

“Why are you giving me this kuya?”

“It’s for you to use once you start high school. You will need that, trust me. Also, it’s my graduation gift since you got 2nd honorable mention.” He says with a proud smile as I immediately went to hug him tight, saying thank you.

“I also got awards, kuya. Why didn’t you give me a gift as well?” Peyton butted in.

I immediately felt conscious and guilty. It always happens whenever someone gives me something. She would always say that why doesn’t she have it too or why they only gave me one. It became a habit somehow.

“Alina graduated and you didn’t yet. I will give you a gift as well once you do, okay?” Kuya Adam assures her, knowing that Peyton will act like that.

He gave me an apologetic smile as I only gave him a small smile. I can hear Peyton whispering complaints about it. No matter how much I want to ignore it, I just can’t. The feeling of guilt just keeps eating me if I do.

“We can share it Pey. If you need it, you can tell me.” I told her as she nodded, giving me an obvious fake smile.

We didn’t do anything else during the whole afternoon. Mama and I just went to take a rest while my siblings are just downstairs, watching except for kuya Adam who is busy studying as well. I kind of feel bad for him actually. He is in college taking medicine and doing a part time job as well. I don’t know how he manages to balance his time when he has to maintain his grades considering his course and the fact that he is an academic scholar as well.

“Hey,” I turned to the door when it slightly opened, revealing kuya Adam. “Are you resting? Is it okay to come in?”

I nodded in response as I lifted myself up, sitting on my bed. He approaches me, taking a seat next to me on the bed as he lets out a deep breath. I watched him massage his forehead shortly. It must be tiring for him.

“Did you finish memorizing, kuya?” I asked as he nodded.

“I wouldn’t come here if I didn’t finish yet, right?” He questions back in a sarcastic and joking way which made me roll my eyes at him with a smile on my lips. “How are you feeling now that you are done with elementary?”

“Good? But not totally good… because high school is still there. I need to study harder.” I answered as he nodded slowly.

“You do… but you also need to enjoy it while you can still do it. Once you get into college, it will be a different world and different way of studying already.” He advised me as I nodded only.

There was silence between the two of us. He didn’t just come here to ask me that. I know there is something more. Kuya Adam is my closest sibling so we often talk despite the fact that there are times that I can’t understand him due to the age gap. He is somehow my partner in crime inside this house.

“Have you already thought about where you will enter high school?” He finally asked.

I gave him a fake smile, shaking my head a little. “You were the second one to ask me about that.”

“Considering the fact that you went to lunch with Abi and her parents, I’m guessing it was sir David who was the first one to ask you.” He says, stating facts as I nodded.

“He wants me to stay in SPU like kuya Evan.” I confessed as he nodded.

“Of course he does.” He turns to look at me in the eye. “Is that what you want?”

I was in an argument with myself. I didn’t know what to answer.

“I don’t know…” I whispered.

“Tell me what is on your mind, Ali.” Kuya insisted.

“I want to transfer… because I understand now what you were trying to say before. I don’t want to depend on them during high school as well even though SPU really is a great school…” I started.

“But?”

“I wanna stay too… because I’m afraid that my friends wouldn’t want me to be their friend anymore once I left.”

My answers made kuya chuckle. He patted the top of my head gently and let out a deep breath.

“Remember what I told you when we first moved in here?” I nodded.

“A true friend will want you to be their friend no matter what kind of person you are.” “You don’t need to have a lot Ali. Just the ones who are willing to be there for you is enough.”

“It’s just the same Ali. If they are really your friends, no matter where you go or even if you are not together with them, you are still your friend. You don’t need to be always with them just to say that they are your friends. Look at me... only Owen and I are mostly together right now but we are still friends with Bryson and Jordan..” He explained as I nodded.

“It’s different with you kuya. The four of you really need to separate because kuya Jordan studied abroad and kuya Bryson have to enroll in a different school.” I reasoned out as he nodded.

“Maybe it is but still… if they really are your true friends, then they will understand why you decided to transfer.” He says as I look at him before sighing.

“This is too hard.” I complained.

“You don’t need to really think about it for now Ali, you just graduated. Just remember that it has to be your decision where you want to go, not anyone else. I wasn’t able to decide for myself which university I wanted to go to in college, so you should decide for yourself.” He says as I nodded.

After that, we were called downstairs as mama and papa gave me their gifts. It was a new phone, the model same as Abi which really surprised me. I was really happy with it but it didn’t last long because Peyton complained once again making me guilty once again. It’s so hard to be happy to have something you think you deserve.

“Come on! It will be my birthday celebration!” Abi tried convincing me.

We are in their house with one week left before her 12th birthday. She has been trying to convince me to come with their family to Boracay where her birthday will be celebrated. Our friends will be there as well but I just don’t think it will be a great idea. The last time Abi took me with her in Tagaytay and Peyton found out, she threw tantrums and kept asking why I didn’t take her with me. It was so hard to make her stop, so since then, I have been trying to avoid having the same thing happen again.

“I can’t. I will just attend your party here.” I told her as we walked out to their backyard.

“You still haven’t made her agree yet, Abi?” We heard Benj’s voice from behind us.

He has a book on his hand and his bag behind him. It looks like he just got home once again from another tutor. He is still taking it even though he is about to enter 4th year high school already.

“Kuya, can you try?” Abi pleaded to her brother.

Benj and I are close so I raised a brow at him before he can even say something. He ended up laughing. He just stared at me this time, making me a little uncomfortable

“So?” Abi suddenly said, knocking some senses to his brother.

“It’s obvious in her face that it’s a no before I can even ask, Abi. Do you really still want me to say it even though I will be rejected?” Benj asked his own sister which made me laugh. He really just keeps stating facts.

“You know the word, try, kuya?” Abi frankly told her brother.

“Fine!” Benj gave up as he turned to me. “Come with us in Boracay?”

I crossed my arms, raising a brow before shaking my head. He turns to his sister gesturing as if saying ‘I told you so’.

“Ugh! James!” Abi called that made both Benj and I were shocked. She left to look for her another brother, leaving me to her older brother.

“Why don’t you want to come with us to Boracay?” He asked as we took a seat on the couch there.

“I don’t want Peyton to throw tantrums again.” I simply told him. He knows how she reacted before because I accidentally mentioned it when he asked about the wound in my arm that Peyton causes.

“You shouldn’t prevent yourself from having a little fun just because of her, you know?” He says.

“Coming from you who keeps having books in his hands throughout the whole summer.” I pointed out, making him chuckle. “You don’t need to study so hard, you know.”

“I already explained myself, remember?” He says as I nodded.

Way back when I was in 5th grade, I once witnessed him experience nose bleeding. It was night time and he was just silently reading a book on their couch. When I was about to go home, blood suddenly came out of his nose. I remember how much I panicked. I told him that he should also take a rest instead of studying but he told me that he can’t. If he does so then their father would be mad.

“Ate, what do you want?” I heard James’ complaints to her sister who was pulling him with her out to where Benj and I are.

I laughed when I saw his annoyed face. He looks like he is close to pushing her sister into the pull. He even has his PSP on his hand which really shows that Abi disturbed her brother.

“Come on! You want ate Alina to come with us to Boracay, right?” Abi told her brother. James turned to look at me before looking back to her sister.

“Why don’t you ask her yourself ate?” James asked.

“I already did and so did kuya Benj, she rejected us. You are our last chance, you know?” Abi pointed out, making me laugh. “I will play with you if you made her agree to come with us.”

“No! I don’t want to play with you. You don’t even know how to play.” James says.

“Then kuya will play with you!”

“Why are you involving me?” Benj butted in.

These three chaotic siblings… it’s just really hard to handle all three of them whenever they are like this.

“Please? Just this once. I won’t disturb you again, I promise.” Abi pleaded as I was left shaking my head.

“I already heard that before ate.” James pointed out but he still did what his sister said. “Ate Alina, please come with us to Boracay, please?”

I chuckled at first but suddenly, I was almost mesmerized by his eyes. There is something in his eyes that made me stare at it. He looks at me, straight in the eye, with lips pouted. It looks like his innocent eyes are talking to me as it sparks so brightly.

“Fine,” I unconsciously said that I only realized I did when Abi cheered. 

It knocked me back to my senses as I just saw James walking back inside their house again. Benj is next to me, glancing confusedly but at the same time amazed at me. Abi is just happy and cheering while I am left confused with what just happened.

The following week came and we arrived in Boracay for a week vacation. It’s already our third day which is also Abi’s birthday. Though papa is with us, I stayed with Abi and her siblings sometimes when she needed to do something.

“Why is kuya Benj kept looking at you, ate?” I heard James voice behind me, making me look at him.

He sat next to me on the sand as we both faced the sea. I gave him a confused look before he pointed to my other side that leads to his brother’s place. Benj immediately looks away when I look at his direction making me confused.

“Shouldn’t you be inside?” I asked him as he nodded.

“But ate Abi told me you were planning to transfer school. Is that true, ate?” James asked me with innocent eyes.

Now, she is using her younger brother as well to convince me to enroll in SPU again. We are only a month away before classes start again but I still haven’t enrolled. It’s not like I don’t have a plan but I’m just still torn. Torn whether I should stay in SPU or not.

“Did she tell you to convince me to stay in SPU?” I asked as he nodded with no hesitation that made me smile. He had always been honest. “I’m still deciding whether I want to transfer or not.”

There was suddenly a silence. Only the sound of the ocean is heard as the sun goes down, sunset. The skies turned into a pale tint of orange as the bright sun slowly disappeared from our sight.

“Can’t you just stay and study in SPU again, ate Alina?” James suddenly talked.

When I looked back at him, there it was again. The same eyes that made me agree to come here. The way he looks at me made me feel like I can just say yes to whatever he asked me to do.

“Just keep studying in SPU,” I was mesmerized once again by his innocent eyes as the color of the sunset reflects in it. “Please?”