The Tradition (Completed)

A seemingly ordinary weekend turns into an unforgettable adventure—where friendship, surprises, and new beginnings await Sam.  SAM’S POV  “Samantha, wake up! Breakfast is ready!” “Mom, sandali lang. I’m still sleepy,” I murmured, burying my face in my pillow. “Sam, malelate ka na sa school. It’s already 6:20!” Napabangon na lang ako bigla. “Sige po, susunod na ako,” I said with a yawn. Kahit tinatamad pa akong bumangon, I forced myself to get up. Bumaba ako nang mabilis, hindi na nag-abalang ayusin ang buhok ko—maganda pa rin naman ako kahit medyo sabog. After eating, I quickly got ready for school. “Hay, konti na lang, matatapos na rin ’to,” I thought to myself as I fixed my bag. Pagdating sa school, I hopped out of the car, waved goodbye to Manong, and rushed to my classroom. “Hi, Bess! Miracle na hindi ka totally late—five minutes lang yata,” biro ng baliw kong best friend. She’s Mary Lovelyn Cruz, my best friend since high school. “Baliw! Bakit wala pa yung prof natin?” I asked, scanning the empty teacher’s desk. “Hoy, hindi mo ba alam? Nag-sign ng leave si Mr. Alejandro. May papalit na daw pansamantala sa Monday. Sana gwapo, para exciting naman!” Mary said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Ah, kaya pala. Buti nga, ang sungit kasi ni Sir,” I rolled my eyes, making her laugh. FAST FORWARD Finally, tapos na rin ang klase. “Yes! Walang pasok bukas,” I whispered to myself, relieved. Pag-uwi ko, agad kong tinext si Mary. “Mall tayo bukas?!” (Sige ba. What time?) “Siguro mga 9:30. Bili tayo ng T-shirts,” I replied. (Hahahaha, T-shirt? As always! Sige na nga.) “Thank you!” I added, smiling. The next day… I woke up early and went down for breakfast. “Oh, you’re already awake, dear,” Dad said as he and Mom were starting to eat. “Come here, Sam, take a seat,” Mom called, and I quickly sat at the empty chair beside them. “Vonne, prepare yourself for tonight. We’ll be having visitors at 6:30,” Dad said while sipping his coffee. “Sino po?” I asked curiously. “The Diaz Family—owners of Diaz Clothing Company,” Mom answered. “Oh, okay! Uuwi ako agad pagkatapos mag-mall,” I said casually. Visitors were always coming over, so it wasn’t unusual anymore. When I finally arrived at the mall, I immediately called Mary. “Nasan ka na?” I asked. (Nasa likod mo, baliw!) “Ay! Hahaha!” I laughed, then hung up the phone. What I didn’t know that day was how one ordinary weekend would soon change everything in my life.