CELEBRATION
1175 Words
VIEVE PEREZ HILTON
A day had passed, and I still didn't know my exam results.
"Why the long face? Come, let's eat," Mom called to me.
l went to the dining table, still with a sad expression. I had a bad feeling I wouldn't pass. All our hard work would be wasted.
"Eat up. Don't worry about the results. What matters is you gave it your best, and that's enough for me. Even if you don't pass, many more opportunities will come your way," Mom said, encouraging me.
l just smiled so Mom wouldn't worry. I pushed myself so hard because I wanted us to return to how things used to be.
l was born wealthy, living in a big house. I lacked for nothing, my whole family was together, with both Mom and Dad. People thought our lives were happy, almost perfect. But that wasn't the truth…
"Vieve, you're deep in thought. Someone probably messaged you," Mom said while eating.
I checked my phone. I thought it was Gwen, but when I opened it, it was an email from Ivywood Preparatory Academy. I stared at it, wondering if I should open it, if opening it would disappoint me.
"Who is it? Gwen?" Mom asked.
I just looked at her. "No," I replied.
I took a deep breath before clicking the email. I read it in front of Mom.
"Good day Miss Hilton, we congratulate you on passing the entrance exam for Ivywood Preparatory Academy. We look forward to seeing you. Because of your scholarship and excellent score and grades, you are proudly one of Ivywood Preparatory Academy's elite students." I read aloud.
A mix of shock and joy washed over me. I started crying, I was finally feeling the fruits of our labor. Mom started crying with me.
"I told you, you could do it. You just needed to believe in yourself," Mom said with a smile.
I called Gwen with the good news, and she had good news too.
"Did you receive an email?" I asked.
"Yes, and guess what? I passed, and I'm also one of the elite students," Gwen said happily on the phone. "You? Did you get yours? I'm sure you're also one of the elite students."
"Um, I passed too, and yeah, I'm one of them. I thought I wouldn't pass because I felt so awful, but I'm happy we both passed," I said happily.
"Thank you, V. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have passed. Even though I was stressed out, you never gave up on me," Gwen said seriously.
I smiled. "Is that you? Did some angel spirit possess you?" I joked, not wanting to cry again.
"Shut up, I'm being dramatic. By the way, I'm coming to your house later."
"Huh?! Why?" I asked.
"We'll celebrate, what else?" Gwen said happily.
"Don't bother. Celebrate with your family." I said.
"No, I'm coming at 8 pm. I already told Aunt."
Before I could speak, she hung up of the phone.
"She's so persistent," I said with a smile.
"Vieve," Mom called.
l went out of my room. I saw Mom in her uniform, she was going to work.
"Going to work, Ma?" I asked.
"Yes. You take care of the house, okay? Don't let just anyone in. There's food in the fridge, heat it up if you get hungry," Mom reminded me.
I smiled. "Mom, I'm not a child anymore, I know that." I said.
"I'm just reminding you."
"Okay, Mom. Don't be late for work, and don't overwork yourself. Eat on time," I reminded her.
"I'm not a child anymore," Mom said, smiling.
"I know. Be careful."
Before Mom left, she kissed my forehead. "I'm so proud of you," Mom said with a smile.
Those words motivated me to study hard. I need to do even better so I can hear those words again.
Night…
*Doorbell Ring*
I didn't realize someone was at the door, I was too busy solving formulas. I paused my work and checked who it was before opening the door. It was Gwen.
"You actually came," I said when I opened the door.
"Why did it take you so long to open? I've been ringing the doorbell for ages," she said irritably.
"Sorry, I was studying," I said, scratching the back of my head.
"What?! Take a break," Gwen said, entering the house.
She put her things on the table. When I looked, she brought a cake, chicken, donuts, and pork.
"Why is there so much?!" I asked.
"It's a celebration, of course, there's a lot of food. Where is Aunt?"
"She's on her way home."
As soon as I said that, the door opened.
"I'm here," Mom said.
l went to greet her, but I was surprised when I saw mom with someone else.
"Mom, who is he?" I asked in surprise.
"Oh, this is my manager, Mr. Lucas. I told my manager and coworker that you passed the entrance exam to that famous school," Mom said happily.
"Ah, hello po," I said politely.
When he approached me, he had a big smile.
"Finally, I get to meet you. You know, your mom always talks about you," Mr. Lucas said with a smile.
I chuckled softly. "Mom is really talkative when it comes to me."
"Nice to meet you, Vieve. This is a gift for you."
He handed me a gift, and I received it.
"You didn't have to go to all this trouble, thank you," I said with a fake smile.
They prepared for the party, while I looked at them both. I felt irritation and envy in my heart.
"Sweetie, what are you standing there for? Let's eat," Mom said happily.
I smiled and hid my irritation. We happily talked about various things. I tried to be friendly with Mom's manager.
"This is my gift for you, V," Gwen said, giving me a gift.
"And this is mine," Mom said, giving me a gift.
l opened Mom's gift. I was happy to receive new shoes, but I also felt sadness.
"Mom, you shouldn't have bought this," I said sadly.
"Sweetie, I saved up for this. Besides, you deserve a gift," Mom said with a smile.
I smiled back. "Thank you."
Next was Gwen's gift. I was surprised to see an Ivywood Preparatory Academy uniform.
"Wow, this is expensive, Gwen," I said in surprise.
"Girl, did you forget? My family owns a tailoring shop," Gwen said.
"Thank you," I said.
The last gift I opened was from Mr. Lucas. I couldn't believe what he gave me: new books.
"Your mom said you love books, so I bought some for you. I hope you like my choices," Mr. Lucas said with a smile.
I couldn't help but cry. "Thank you so much for the gifts. I promise I'll take good care of them."
When we were still rich, many people gave me gifts, but I didn't appreciate them. But now that we're struggling, I see the value of the gifts, not just their monetary worth, but the heart behind them.
- Writer
