Chapter III

Ronn graduated from high school. He received the Outstanding Student and Leadership Award for his role as Corps Commander of the C.A.T., and Menin graduated as expected as Valedictorian. The award is nearly entirely devoted to academics, as well as the Outstanding Student and Leadership Award for her achievements as President of the Student Government Organization (SGO). So, she was overjoyed because she was on stage with Ronn while his father, their town's Chief of Police, was recognizing her, especially when she shook his hand and congratulated her on the honor.

"Congratulations!" said Ronn's father, the Chief of Police.

"Thank you very much," Menin said in response to the Chief.

"Your parents are very fortunate, and you are very fortunate to be married," the Chief said. "Isn't my young man still flirting with you?" he inquired.

"Huh" she couldn't say to Ronn's father. Her heart was pleased, though, for her father had voted for her. Everyone would have noticed her glowing with excitement if the light hadn't been a touch dismal.

He also greeted Menin's father, Mr. Kwatseti, with "Congratulations, Compadre."

"Thank you, Chief," his father responded. "Congratulations also to your eldest son; I heard you're departing tomorrow," her father added.

"He still needs to get ready and say farewell in a week, Compadre," said the Chief, who was staring at her.

Menin's smile had vanished after hearing Ronn's father's words. As they exited the stage, she wondered aloud, "Do they leave Ronn?" She cast a silent glance at Ronn, who was following their parents off the stage. Ronn holds her elbow as she walks down the stage to their seat. Ronn noted her quiet; he knew she had overheard their fathers conversing. He would have liked to say hello and farewell to the girl before they went, but he didn't seem to be able to do so.

The graduation ceremony is over, and the grads will now dance. Menin was having a party, and her father invited the Chief and Ronn. The two nodded and followed them. The two fathers were ahead of the road, while they were both in the back, silently feeling. Their residence is close to the school, so they can quickly get to the Kwatseti's house. Mr. Kwatseti had told his helper that they were going home with the Chief, so the table was ready when they arrived.

"Welcome Chief," his father's invitation to enter their home.

"All well, thank you, good evening Mrs.," Ronn's father said to Menin's mother, a Chinese mestiza.

"Good evening, too," she said. "And congrats to you as well, Ronn," she said with a smile.

Ronn said to Menin's mother, "Good evening, and thank you."

Menin's mother hugged her, trembling but not losing her grin. The mother is aware of her daughter's love for Ronn because Menin always confesses her feelings to her, thus what her daughter feels is not hidden here. However, her daughter appeared to be truly in love, so she went to her room to get ready before saying goodbye to the guests. Menin, the one she had been keeping from hearing their father's talk at school, hugged her and cried when she came to her room.

"Is that how our fresh graduate and Valedictorian will express fun?", the mother inquired, concerned. "Does Ronn already have a girlfriend and confessed to you tonight?" she inquired of the young lady once more. "Wait, and I'll talk to Ronn," the mother said as she stood up. Which Menin put a stop to.

"Ma," she said to her mum.

"What is it, you're acting here instead of taking care of your first love and your father-in-law?" her mother teased.

"Ma, eh heh," Menin reprimanded.

"Tell me", the mother said.

Menin wailed, "They're leaving Ronn."

"What's the matter?" her mother inquired.

"I heard Papa ask Chief earlier if they will continue to leave tomorrow with Ronn?" Menin remarked.

"Sssshhs Chief," she said, imitating her daughter. "Why don't you say it's my father?" she jokingly suggested to the girl.

"Ma!", she chastised her mother.

It becomes melancholy as soon as her daughter's melody ends. They were like that as siblings; they were pals with another girl. As a result, if there is an issue, their children always seek her. So, she is well aware that she knew Menin's love story, which is currently lacking owing to Ronn's numbness. They like Ronn for their lady because he is not only very kind, hardworking, helpful, and tall, but he is also the son of their Chief of Police, who is a highly intelligent and responsible law enforcement officer. That's all, the young man is stupid even though he knows they are in favor of it, because he is very courteous, especially to the old whom she and the others care for. When Ronn returns from fishing, he usually brings them delicious and unique fish.

"Have you talked to Ronn yet?" Menin's mother reassured her.

"Not yet," she told her mum. "He's been quiet for a few weeks," she explained.

"Wait for him to say before you lead him, let's walk outdoors and maybe I'll be bored," her mother smiled. "I'll go first, and you can follow when you get ready," she said as she exited her room.

"All right, Ma," she mumbled to her mother. She sighed and wiped her face, washing her hands before changing her clothes. Ronn was still sitting in the living room when she came out with their father and mother at the table, and he stood up as she approached.

"Mean," her moniker for him, makes her extra happier when she hears it. "I'm going home, I still have the stuff to do at home," Ronn answered hesitantly, not looking at her.

"Do you want me to get lost here?" she answered, wishing she could shout, yet it was still his fault. "Come, let's eat, and then we'll discuss later," Menin said angrily at the young man. She pushed in slightly when eating. The young man had just followed, and if what she stated was true, they would both be embarrassed.

They sat calmly next to each other.

"All right, daughter, let's eat, bless first the grace from above," Mr. Kwatseti replied to her. Because they are not truly Chinese, they are Chinese Catholics. After they had eaten, Menin began to lead the prayer. Menin and Ronn were eating peacefully as the two heads of the family chatted. Her heart was filled with excitement as she sat at the table with her lover and their respected fathers. That was joyous, yet there was anguish and sadness in Menin's head that she was trying to push away.

They showered Ronn with cooked food for his siblings and mother after dinner. They bid farewell to Menin and the Kwatseti family.

"After you get changed clothes, we'll talk," she said quietly to Ronn.

Ronn didn't say anything, but he nodded to the girl. His mother and brothers greeted and hugged him when he arrived home.

"Congratulations, son," his mother said. ” I’m sorry we won't be able to celebrate your graduation”.

"Congratulations, brother," they said almost simultaneously to their older brother.

"Thank you, Mom, and it's all right," Ronn said. "And thank you guys," he added in response to his siblings. "Menin will keep this for you, so you can eat now." Ronn just getting ready for his room, bid goodbye to the majority of the living room. He walked into his room, change clothes, and lay down, thinking about how to say goodbye to Menin until he fell asleep.