My Grandmother's Comb Clip

My Grandmother's Comb Clip
By Joshua A. Apolonio


Granny's comb clip is so precious. Mother gave it to me because she said that the comb was given to her by her mother, which is Grandma, which was also given to her by her grandma, and so on. The comb is really special and cannot be lost by anyone else. I'm Tiffany, the youngest daughter of Mrs. Elsa Cruz who has also owned the comb, and who is also the youngest daughter of Grandma Teodora Pilar. Mother said that the comb is always awarded to the youngest. But I don't think that the comb is suitable for me. I don't have a long hair like Mother and like Grandma.

As I go to school every day, I pretend that I wear the comb. Mother gives it to me every early in the morning before going to school. Even though my hair is not that long, she still insists me to wear it. I don't know why she wants me to wear it. The comb looks so old and you can really see it physically that it is antique. The comb was made of wood and copper with rose designed on it. Also, it contains rime stones but some of them were already missing due to oldness.

Well. Here I am again, wearing a thing which is not supposed to be mine. What can I do? Mother wants me to have it. There's nothing wrong with that, anyway. So, here I am. Going to the bathroom and will be taking mother's comb.

But, wait. Where is it? Where's the comb? I was not able to have it yet! Don't tell me, I lost it? This can't be true! What have I done? This is really bad. Mother would kill me if they find out it was lost. I really have to find it.

One day, Chito came. He saw me thinking deeply beside the staircase of our school. But he ignored me. He thinks he's so special and cute? I don't think so and I don't care about him. I don't care even though he saw me rolling my eyes off him. All I think about now is the comb. I tried to look everywhere. I have even asked for the guards' help. I told them what the comb's description is. I said that it has several rime stones but few of them have already fallen, and it is made of wood and copper with the designs of rose in it.

But still, they failed to see it. What now am I going to do?

Then, I went home. Mother gently kissed me welcome. I just never told her anything. I just felt confident. Just like nothing happened. Fast as the wind after the dinner, I went to my bedroom but before I go to bed, I kissed mother goodnight as a sign of respect.

When I went to bed, I've thought about what will be going to happen. I should have a plan. A better plan. Maybe not only better, but also the best plan that I could do.

Alas! Yes. I know what to do now. But it seems a little silly. Boards? Pictures? So common. But that's alright. There's no problem with that. I have to do all of these so that I am able to post it in the lobby. It seems so awkward, but I have to do it. It's good that I have my little skill when it comes on drawing.

3 hours later, I've been exposed to so much exhaustion. It has been a tiring night so, I have to go to sleep and also I have alarmed so I am able to wake up early. I have to sacrifice.

I only had 5 hours of sleep. Meanwhile, I woke up and prepared myself for school. Mother called me and asked for the comb clip so she will be able to wear it for me. But then, I refused to do that, instead, I said that it's on my bag and I'll wear it later. I told her that I have to go to school due to some academic constraints.

It was about 14 minutes when I have arrived from home to school. It was so morning and it seemed to be that I was the first student to come. Since I'm the only student, I asked the guards if I can post my things in the lobby. Thank goodness, they agreed. And so, I went to the lobby and posted my things and here again, I saw Chito.

"What are you staring at?" said he.

"Nothing, Chito. I was just surprised that you came here early."

"Don't you know Tiffany that I'm a gardener here, too? I work here. I live here too because my mother is a canteen personnel."

"Really? Oh, anyway, can you help me doing this?"

"Why? What for? What's that?"

"Can you please just do what I say?"

"No, I won't. Hahaha! It was just like tomorrow when you rolled your eyes off me!"

"Oh, I'm sorry for that."

"Tiff, I know what happened. I didn't just tell it you right away because you rolled your eyes. I was quite offended that time. I was about to give you your thing because I saw what happened."

"Well, where is it?"

"It's safe with me now. But, is that it? You talk to me differently. Please ask in a well manner, Tiffany."

"I am sorry, Chito. Maybe this is just a product of my whole stress. You know what, that comb is a charm. It's the oldest comb that we have and it was given to me by my ancestors because I am the youngest daughter of the family. Mother would kill me if I lose it. I am sorry, Chito. I truly apologize."

"Alright, Tiff. Here is your clip. I hope we can be friends. So, are we now?"

I just smiled then. I gave him a hug and yes, we are now friends. And since he gave Grandma's comb clip, I wasn't able to lose it again and I have learned to take care of the important things that I have. Wherever you are, Chito, I will always thank you. Since then, I had my hair cut long so I can put my clip on and never lose it again. And soon if I have my youngest daughter, I will make her realize all of the damages that I have made but still I was able to build it up.

I hope this story will be a lesson to all persons who have lost anything, even though it is a big thing or not. I hope you are able to realize that all things around us, yours or not, are important.