The kidn*pped Billionaire

Speech

Vea

“How are you feeling, Miss? Are you alright?” My heart flutters whenever someone asks me how I am feeling. It fills the void in my heart caused by my father’s resentment towards me. 

“I’m feeling fine, Kuya. Thank you for asking.”

I don’t know why I’m feeling anxious. It’s just my graduation day. Nothing special.

“The University of Santa Corazon values honor, excellence, and most importantly service to the nation. Our school believes that each student has their own way of serving the country. In accordance with this, our school annually gives a very special award for the chosen exceptional student. Today, we will witness the awarding of the title “Student of the Year.”” 

Gosh, that’s the most stupid award anyone can get. I mean, not all students can keep up with serving the nation, especially when they’re also studying. And what can we get from that award? It’s just a title. I know students from past batches that didn’t even contribute to Santa Corazon. 

“If I call your name, please go up here on the stage and give us a short motivational message. It is my honor to give this award to our most outstanding student, Ms. Maeve Amour Tala. Let’s give her a round of applause.” 

Ew. Why me? I know my family is doing a lot for Santa Corazon, but if I were the one who would give the award, I’d give it to a child of a hardworking local. Not some super rich kid who basically has everything given to them. I know I am hard working, but there are students here that are more hard working than me. But the school gave it to me so I have no choice.

“Thank you. It is my honor to be awarded as the Student of Year of our university. Our family has obviously sacrificed many things for the sake of Santa Corazon. We were one of the pioneers of business here. And I would like to use this opportunity to thank you all for your consistent support for the local business of Santa Corazon. Without the citizens, we will not be able to thrive.”

“However, I know that there are students who are more deserving than me. I believe that those students who received scholarships from our school because of their parents being locals here, are far more deserving to receive this award that I am holding. It is my advocacy to fight for the honor of our family name through helping other people grow, not just by receiving awards from various organizations.” 

“Maybe some will say that I’m ungrateful-- but I am truly grateful for this award. I, Maeve Amour Tala, is not the only student of the year of our university. The students of the University of Santa Corazon are all students of the year. Congratulations everyone. We are one step closer in reaching our dreams.”

“That was wonderful, Miss Tala. Again, let’s give her a round of applause.” Wow, that was a lot. 

Everyone I can see from this stage was teary-eyed. Everyone gave me a round of applause, some stood up while clapping. I am really proud  of myself-- not because I received this award, but because I was able to speak and touch everyone’s hearts today. If only my father was here to hear what I have said.

“That was very good, Miss. I am proud of you. I recorded your speech and sent it to Madam Elani and Sir Aki. She said that she was very proud of you too. She will call you in a bit.” Even our driver was proud of me. He was teary-eyed. 

“What about father? Did he reply to it?”

“He saw my message but he didn’t reply to it. I’m so sorry Miss Vea.”

“It’s okay, Kuya. That’s nothing new to me. It’s not your fault that my father does not want me.”

I’m happy to see other people cheer for me, and be proud of my advocacies. But other people’s validation is not what I need-- what I need is my father’s. That’s all I need. 

A few minutes, our graduation rites ended. Me and our driver went up to the stage to take some photos so that we can show it to my mom and his family. 

“Kuya, thank you for coming to my graduation as my guardian. I really appreciate everything that you are doing for me and my family.”

“You are always welcome, Miss. And it’s my duty to help the Tala clan with everything I can. I am happy that you are happy today.”

*Phone rings* *Incoming call from Birth Giver*

"Hey Mom."

“My baby! I am so, so proud of you. I cried when Kuya sent that video to me. I never knew that’s how you felt about being a Tala. I’m proud that you are my daughter, and I will never be tired of saying that.” At least my mother is proud of me. 

"Thank you, mom. How are you doing there? I miss you."

“I’m doing well, my love. I’ll be going home later. I want you to celebrate your success with me.”

"Really?! Thank you mom. I was anticipating that you will be going home tomorrow. Take care! Can we pick you up at the airport?"

“Yes, sweetie. I want to hug you when I see you. I am on my way to our private jet now. Tell Kuya that you’re going to pick me up at the airport. I have to go, Mae. I love you so much. See you!”

"See you later, Mom. I love you! Bye!"

After our call, I immediately told our driver that we were going to pick up my mother at the airport. We left the graduation venue, then drove off to the airport. While we were on our way, I checked my iPad to see if I had work to do today. Fortunately, I finished all of it yesterday. So it’s a free day for me today. 

"Kuya, can we go to that drive thru? I am really starving right now."

“Yes, Miss.”

"Kuya, what food do you want? There’s the menu. You can tell me what you want, and I will order it for you."

“Whatever you order will be good, Miss. Besides, all the food there is really good. So anything will do.”

When we got to the ordering section of the drive thru, I ordered two double cheese burgers, nuggets, sundae, and some iced tea. We stopped at the fast food’s parking lot to eat our food. After we ate it, we drove off again to the airport. 

*Phone rings* *Incoming call from Achellous Tala*

"Yes?" I answered with an annoyed tone.

“Mom said you’ll pick her up? Go home. I’m going to the airport now.” What an i***t. We drove almost 3 hours just to go home? We’re not going to do that. Not today, dad. Not today. 

"No way. We have already arrived here at the airport, and we’re not going home because you thought of picking up my mother. Mom called me first. She remembered me before you." 

“Turn around right now or I’m going to call the airport security on you.” Dad is really pushy about this!

"And I am going to call my mother if you don’t stop this nonsense." As if I am going to follow what he says!

“That’s it. I’m going to call the airport security.” 

"Too bad. I already see mom. Bye."

I hung up on my dad. I’m not dealing with his immaturity now. When I saw my mother, I waved my arms and smiled at her. She smiled and waved back too. She ran to me, and hugged me. It’s like we haven’t seen 

"I’ve missed you, mom." I teared up when I saw her. 

“I’ve missed you too, Mae. Are you tired? Why do you look so down? You’re supposed to feel happy today because you just graduated. What’s wrong?”

"Dad called me a while ago. He said that he is going to pick you up and if I don’t come home right now, he’s going to call the airport security on me. "

“I’m going to call him now. He’s being a child.”

"No, mom. It’s okay. Besides, you’re already here with me. The airport security wouldn’t be able to touch me. And you said that I’m supposed to feel happy now. Well, I’m happy now because you’re here with me."

“If you say so, my dear. Now, where do you want to go? Do you want to go shopping? Eat some food? Go to the beach?”

"Let’s get some massages, mom. My body is really really stressed from all the work I’ve been doing."

“If that’s what you want, my princess. I’ll call the best massage center here in Santa Corazon so that we can be booked immediately.” My mother is so sweet!

"No, mom. Let’s go to the massage center of our driver’s wife. She does massages so well compared to what you call the best."

“Oh. Okay. Wait-- you went there without me?! You’re unfair!” 

"Hahaha! I’m sorry! Let’s go there now if you want to enjoy it!"

The day ended. I was happy for the first time.