By: Xena B. Nobleza

IV-Einste in

The Unperfect Daughter

oHave you ever forget for a while the difference between GOOD and BAD? Well, you might be when you’re with your so called “FRIENDS”.

Cheng is smart, witty, and truly friendly. She can be awarded as Ms. Friendship both in her school and community. She is the fruit of love of Mr. Ben and Mrs. Meng Cruz, a jeepney driver and a loving mother. She is the eldest among her three younger siblings.

In their house, she always washes the dishes and helps prepare their food. And being the eldest, she also teach her younger siblings and help doing their school work. In school, she performs well. She can be a good leader, a trustworthy friend and an active student. She is always involve on every activity in their school making her so much exposed on a lot of people. She also has a big circle of friends.

One day, one of her best friends invite her to cut their class.

“Cheng, lets go to the nearest mall. They are on their sale now. Remember the purple bag I’ve ever wanted? I wanted it to buy now. So please, accompany me. I’m begging”, Lianne said.

“I’m sorry friend, we need to attend our class today for we have a Long Test in Math. You can buy it tomorrow, but we can’t take the test tomorrow”, Cheng explained.

“But Cheng, this is the first time I made a favor with you. I cannot go alone because I think I’m not safe.” So please, I’m begging. Are you really my friend? Lianne added.

Lianne untiringly convinced Cheng and her effort did not become a waste. So they went to the mall and made all the fun they can. They almost got home late. But they both enjoyed their trip.

“Where had you been Cheng?”, her mother asked.

“Ummm, Liane and I made a project in their house. I’m sorry Ma for making you worried”, Cheng reasoned.

“Alright, but next time tell me where will you be Cheng, Mother said.

After that conversation, Cheng fall asleep. She was too tired to make her household chores done.

The following days, she went to school late or even worse she frequently missed her class together with her friends.

Then one day when she was in school, she saw her father and teacher talking seriously.

“Oh no! They knew it.”, she exclaimed.

Cheng was very afraid. She don’t know what to do. After few minutes, someone called her to proceed on the faculty room.

Every step was a frightening moment. Her face started to sweat, making her looked so nervous and afraid.

“Tell me the truth Cheng, what have you done?”, her father asked.

The room was filled of silence for a while. Then Cheng finally decided to speak.

“Yes Pa, I am very very sorry for this and for making you feel mad on me. I will not promise but I will do my very best just to finished my study. I will study hard and be better”, Cheng humbly said.

“Cheng, my dear, I believed on you. I know that’s part of growing up, being influenced by your friends. But remember to control yourself. Think as many times as you can before doing anything. We will always support you when you are making good things, but if not, your mother and I will never get tired to discipline you. And foremost, being better is not being better than anyone else; just be better than you used to be”, her Father lovingly told.

• PS:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

Ephesians 6:1-4“Children, obey your parents in

the lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with A promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the lord.”