C9 CHAPTER 09: Graduation Day

KATE’s P.O.V.

“I’m sorry, Kate. Something came up and I need to get that deal. Don’t worry, your Mom is already on her way home. She’s gonna make it, sweetie.”

I wiped my tears away out of disappointment. I thought that Mom and Dad could make it to my graduation ceremony, but they couldn’t. I tried to act tough for Mom is going be here sooner or later... They promised.

“I’m really sorry, Kate. I feel bad not attending your graduation as well... But you know I’m only doing this for your future,” Dad explained.

“It’s okay, Dad. I’m fine. I’m still thankful that Mom could make it later today.”

“Enjoy that moment, Kate. When I came back, I promised to treat you anywhere you want.”

I nodded, before turning off the call. I’m supposed to be delighted, hearing those words. But I couldn’t, for I know that Dad wouldn’t fulfill that promise as well. He’s always busy, and he doesn’t have enough time for those stuffs. He’s just saying that so I wouldn’t feel bad or anything. For the past few years, I already memorized their fake promises... To the point that I didn’t believe into it anymore... And I wasn’t looking forward for that day to come.

I just continue to fixed myself in the mirror as I remember Claire. If only she’s here... I should be in their house right now. We already planned everything out for our graduation day before... We’re going to stay at Claire’s house to fix ourselves and eat dinner together with her family as a little celebration. But all of that wouldn’t happened anymore.

I realized that I was unconsciously crying because of those old but good memories. I wanted to know how is she right now... But I couldn’t. Maybe if she will approach me once more later in our graduation ceremony, I will forgive and apologize to her as well... I’ll tell her how I really feel that I still want to be her bestfriend... And I’m so lucky to have her in my life... Maybe. I regretted everything I told to her before.

I dropped the hair dryer on the floor out of shock when my phone suddenly vibrates in front of me. I quickly picked it up from the table and answered the unknown caller.

“Hello? Who’s this?”

“Elijah Ramirez at your service, Ms. Frias,” I heard him chuckled.

“Elij... Did you change your number?”

“Uhm, yeah. Save this one later on. My Mom gave me a new phone as a graduation gift.”

“Wow. That’s cool.”

“Yeah, really cool. So, are you going to tell me your name now? Come on, it’s our graduation day. We’re not sure if we are still going to see each other again after this...”

I feel sad hearing those words coming from him. He’s right. This is my last chance. I wouldn’t be able to see him and Claire anymore.

“Okay. I’m going to tell you...”

“Really?! Yes! So, what is it?” he asked excitedly.

“After graduation. Meet me at the rooftop of the tallest building in school.”

“Okay, okay. I’m so excited.”

I just laughed at his response.

“So... Bye for now?” he asked.

“Sure. Bye... I’ll see you later.”

He dropped the call at the same exact moment that one of my maids knock on my room’s door.

“Ms. Kate? Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“We heard something downstairs so we got worried...” she explained.

I instantly picked up the hair dryer that I dropped on the floor earlier.

“It’s just my hair dryer... I’m fine.”

“Oh. Your driver is ready now, Ms. Kate.”

“Okay. Thank you. I’ll go downstairs in a minute. Just call my Mom and tell her that I’m already at the school.”

“Sure, Ms. Kate.”

I heard some footsteps fading away, indicating that one of my maids had already left behind my door. I wasn’t that unlucky, I guess. I still got some loyal servants who’s willing to treat me as a part of their family and still have their concern for me.

I quickly finished fixing up my hair before I came downstairs. My driver is ready, and I got inside of our car to attend our graduation ceremony. I arrived just in time before the program started.

From my seat, I could see Claire and her family taking a picture together beside the stage. Her Mom saw me, before waving her hands happily. I thriftily smile at her, waiting for Claire to look at me and do the same. But she didn’t. She avoided my gaze, and a pang of pain invaded my system. I was merely disappointed and hurt at the same time, realizing that my bestfriend is officially gone because of me.

“Hey!” Someone poked the right side of my stomach. I winced before glaring at him.

“Stop it, Elijah.”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Frias. Did I bother you? Anyways would you tell me your name now?”

“Later, I said. After our graduation.”

“Fine, I couldn’t wait.”

The ceremony started, and that’s when I began to be envious of my classmates. All of them climbed proudly up the stage together with their parents... And I... Mom’s still isn’t here.

“Elizar, Gabriel,” the emcee announced.

For the very first time, I saw his Mom. She looked exactly like him and as they climbed up the stairs, our batch mates look amused by their beauty. Her Mom is smiling from ear to ear, looking so proud. I couldn’t blame her, though. Who wouldn’t be if your son becomes the class valedictorian, right?

“Ramirez, Elijah...”

Before Elijah and his Mom climbed up towards the stage, he winked at me, and then saluted. I just laughed at his silly actions. He’s the only one who could lighten up my mood.

Now the emcee started to announce the girls’ name for our batch. I look around, my Mom is still not here. I wanted to cry, but I couldn’t let them see me in my vulnerable state.

“Braganza, Claire...”

With a wide smile plastered upon her face, Claire and her Mom went onto the stage. I’m partially envying her, because I saw how her mother’s hand held hers at the moment. I wanted to have a close relationship to my Mom as well, but I couldn’t for they are always gone.

From the corners of my eyes, I saw how Gabriel clapped his hands like there is no tomorrow for Claire. I wanted to puke, and slap myself so hard for liking that guy. I shouldn’t have like someone like him.

“Frias, K.”

I chuckled, as our emcee acknowledged my request. She didn’t announced my first name, for I wanted to be the first person to tell it to Elijah. I look at his direction, he was scratching his head in confusion and I just laughed at his facial expression.

I stood up, and if I felt funny five seconds ago, now it was completely different. For I realized that Mom didn’t make it. No one stood up from the crowd of parents to go with me and get my diploma. No one...

I slowly walked towards the stage, feeling anxious for I know that I was the only one who came up without a guardian here. I wanted to cry, hoping that if I did, Mom is going to be here and come to help me.

“Wait!” I heard a shout from the entrance of our covered court.

There, I saw my Mom still wearing her travel clothes. I cried out of joy, realizing that she made it.

“Mom!” I whispered...

She ran towards my direction to give me a hug. The crowd clapped their hands at her dramatic entrance. I wanted to laugh but I chose to savour this moment for now so I think I’ll just saved my laughter for later.

“Congratulations, sweetie. You made it. I’m here now...”

I chuckled as she kissed my forehead. Hand in hand, we climbed up to the stairs, looking down in the crowd with a proud feeling inside of our chest.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Frias. Your daughter did great,” our principal stated, and Mom smiled widely at him.

We took a picture together before climbing down the stairs. Mom nudged and look at me proudly. I just smiled at her before I mouthed the words, “thank you.”

After our graduation ceremony, I didn’t see Elijah anymore. Maybe he’s already at the rooftop. Claire and her Mom is already out of sight too. Mom approached me having a wide smile on her face.

“Hey! Congratulations, sweetie. I’m so proud of you. I told you I’ll come, didn’t I?” she stated.

“Yeah I know, Mom. Thank you so much. And I’m sorry for doubting you.”

“That’s fine, sweetie. Anyways, where do you want to eat? Let’s celebrate! You’re a high school graduate now...”

“Wait, Mom. I need to meet up with one of my friends.”

“Oh. Maybe we could go after that... Or you can invite your friend to come in our celebration as well!” she exclaimed, and my smile widen.

“Really? Thank you so much, Mom...”

“You’re welcome. Go and tell to that friend of yours then. I’ll wait for you in the parking lot.”

I smiled, then nodded. As soon as Mom went into the parking lot, I started to walk towards the tallest building in our school. This is the last time that I’m going to climb up here for I’m not sure when are we going to come back in this place.

The smile on my face instantly faded away as soon as I heard voices... A girl’s voice, and Elijah’s voice. I hid behind a wall near the stairs of the building to listen to their conversation.

“Why are you here, Claire?” I heard Elijah’s voice, only making me more shock as I heard him say the name of my bestfriend.

“I followed you. Do you know my bestfriend? Please, I’m begging you. I wanted to talk to her.”

“I don’t know anything about you and whoever your bestfriend is...”

“Frias...” Claire uttered. “I’m sure you heard that surname earlier. If you know her, please... Just tell me.”

“I don’t know anyone with that surname.”

“But... It’s impossible...”

Even I was surprised because of his response. I reached for my chest, feeling the unbearable pain again. How could he deny me? What’s wrong with admitting that I am his friend?

Tears started to stream down on my face, before I ran downstairs. I thought I got a new friend on him. But I was wrong. Maybe he didn’t even like me as his friend in the first place. Maybe he just stayed because he thinks that I’m a pathetic person and too desperate to have a friend just like how Gab treated me before.

“Kate... Where’s your friend?” Mom asked as soon as I reached the school parking lot.

“Forget about it, Mom,” I stated.

“Why? What happened? Are you crying?” she asked worriedly.

“Nothing. I just... I wanted to go home and take a rest. I know you’re tired too. Please, can we just do that?”

“Sure...” she answered, hesitating.

We got inside of our car before driving towards home. I felt dizzy, remembering the pain of yesterday. Then what I’d heard earlier... It is highly unacceptable. Everything that makes my eyes got blurry because of tears.

I opened the window of our car, slowly slipping my hands outside while holding my phone. The phone containing all of my high school memories... Including with Claire and Elijah... And all of their contact numbers. I dropped it, hearing the crashing sound of my phone as I started to forget about everything.