Recognition day. 7:20 A.M. Students together with their proud parents line up outside the gym. But I was not neither with my parents. I was with my grandma whom we endearly called “Inang.” But she was proud.
I looked around. Some were taking pictures. Others were conversing. I tried to spot some high-profile people from the crowd. Hmm… Tina wasn’t there yet. Karen M. was there. Her hairstyle was conspicuous. And I noticed that my former photographer wasn’t there. Sigh! He was replaced by a younger guy whom I have nothing to do about. I observed my probable future father-in-law talking with his son like they’re just plain old buddies. Cool! I began daydreaming… I felt having a hearty heap of laughter but I repressed it so not as to profane the formalities of the occasion. Karen smiled.
My eyes wandered off with more distance. I saw Romeo. Our eyes met. I didn’t feel sparks. Just queasiness in my stomach.
7:35 A.M. The band began playing. We began marching in the aisle in the gym. Straight posture. Chin up. With a smile. Then we prayed, sang the national anthem, and took our seats.
The awarding ceremony followed. Freshmen first.
We clapped for them. I believe that every achiever deserves applause whether he/she is an honor student, a liturgical awardee, or an outstanding class officer.
Meanwhile, I and DJ had some chitchat at irregular intervals. We talked about irrelevant things and laughed. I handed Tina my copy of Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” album. But she forgot Ne-Yo’s “Year of the Gentlemen.” She had me mad. Karen saw her “vampire” and that was terrific! Another last look before he’ll say bye-bye. 
I let her read my poems but she seemed immune to them.
The sophomores went on the stage. We were still on our seats. My classmates started retouching. DJ was looking unto his virtual mirror: his cellphone.
Then, it was the juniors’ turn. We went onstage. Straight posture. Chin up. With a smile. My grandma had a slight confusion before finding me. She put my medal around my neck and attached my ribbon. My lips weren’t petrified like before. Click! We posed. Click! Karen M., Spencer, and I took a step and bowed.
At 9:35 A.M., the ceremony ended. The students together with their proud parents went home. But I was neither with my parents. I was with my grandma. And we went to a fancy restaurant and had a great time.
It seemed like a usual recognition day but there was something very special about it: we were all happy. ^^
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