The Exchange Student || n. j. s.

|| twenty four ||

It took me hours, nights, days, to fully recognize what was this change, this new reality I'm in. I lost a friend, a close friend. But I figured that you not only lost that person forever, you also couldn't make and remake new memories together, it also says that we all have to be contented with whatever memory we have of them – because that is the only thing we have left of them, memories.

But do memories last forever, that's the question.

"Staring at nothing won't change anything." Nathan said, startling me. But when I looked at his face, there I was again, staring, having some sort of realization. That one day I'll also lose him, and he'll be nothing but a memory to me. Same as me, I'm going to be gone in this world and I will only remain in people's minds- like every other departed people out there.

And I also recognized what has changed; death can cause people to be negative, to be sad. But unlike death, it isn't permanent; it's also a choice and right now, and the past few days, I chose sadness. Nevertheless, happiness is also a choice.

"I hope it does change something." I finally replied.  I've learned from my days of growing up that sometimes time can heal almost anything. But actually it's not the time itself; it's what happens during those times. Like, for example, a wound, in time it will heal, but time didn't do the healing, our body's power of natural healing did. Also when moving on with a person, sometime in your life you'll realize that your mind and heart is not thinking of that person anymore, it just came to you; time didn't do that, it was the things you we're doing while moving on.

Nathan held his hand in mine, and gave me a relaxing smile. In that moment, in my mind, I hoped, wished and prayed to all the souls who grant hopes, wishes and prayers that he won't be like Andrew and my parents and ultimately be turned to memories.

**

All of the Seniors were all gathered up on the school's theatre room – the place where we played Les Miserables. I slightly grinned at the flashback of some moments during that show. The weeks of training, the stress during the show, my first time singing in front of many people, my first kiss. So many things that have happened were all because of that show, and so many things have happened ever since.

We were gathered here because the principal was giving us an announcement – even though I know what he will say, it's that time of the school year again, the students' most anticipated time of year.

"Good day, pupils, as so you know, in two week, you will graduate Senior Year." A wave of cheers was heard all throughout the room, I couldn't help but cheer a little, too. The principal raised his hand, signaling us to be silent, which we miraculously did.

"In line with that, you will need to complete all of your requirements. Your final report cards will be mailed at your respective houses tomorrow; the same time as all the other year levels. If you see that you've failed the year, ask your professor on how you can still pass – although I know it is quite hard." I saw a few nods from intelligent people and some teases from people who I think will fail, yet they still seem to make fun of it.

"If you have any questions, feel free to approach me or your teachers, do anything you will need in order to graduate, or else it's another year at school. Once again, good day." He walked away from the podium and the cheers was once again heard.

I went out the room and onto my locker.

"Can you believe that?! We're graduating!" Trixie shouted as she approached her locker – she was holding hands with Luke that she eventually let go of when she opened it. "Gee, I have so many plans lined up when I finally graduate, like, travel the world, be a Hollywood actress, sway of this dork's groupies." She said, nudging Luke's arm.  Luke bit the part where he has his lip ring, containing his smile.