Memories Begin in Summer

Chapter 1: Maki

A/N: This version contains many typographical and spacing errors. I will fix it once the story is complete. Thank you for your understanding.

"Congratulations, Batch 20XX!"

All of us threw our togas, celebrating that we are finally graduated. Shouts, laughter, and celebration from the students, faculty, and parents filled the vast school ground.

"Maki!"

I didn't even bother to turn around to see who's calling me. Boses pa lang, kilala ko na kung sino.

"Congratulations, Maki, my honeybunch sugarplum! We made it!" Kira-my bestfriend, exclaimed as she hugged me.

I winced as I felt her arms wrapping against my body. I was not really fond of skinships. But because it's Graduation, I've just let her embrace me today.

"Congratulations, naka-graduate ka." I said.

Kira has been really busy with her modelling career, she had no choice but to always skips our class. Luckily, she's smart enough to catch up our lessons in between of her shoots.

"You're rude," she pouted as she let go of me. Seconds later, she smiled to me. "But, true! Congratulations to me!"

I chuckled as I shook my head.

Akira has been my only best friend. Since that incident, I distanced myself from people. I acted like I knew no one in the school. It was fine for me. They're so toxic, anyway.

 Kung hindi nga lang makulit si Kira, baka wala akong kaibigan ngayon.

"I saw Tita Joanna and Yumi on my way here. Tara!" Kira exclaimed before dragging me out of the huddle of students and parents. 

"Tita Joanna!" Kira happily waved at my mom before rushing to hug her.

I watched them hugged each other. Mama and Yumi-my younger sister, gave her a bouquet of flowers while congratulating her.

Kira and I became friends during our first grade, after I offered her to join us for lunch. She looks so lost and lonely, so I offered her to join me.  Both of us are half-Filipino, so we got along pretty easily. 

Since Mama met Kira, she started to treat her as her daughter. She will pack meals for her, tie her hair, and let her stay in our house whenever she's free.

They were so close, but I've never felt jealous because Mama never gave me a reason to feel that.

 Besides, Kira and I were so different, kaya napupunan niya ang mga wala ako.

She's also doing her best as Yumi's older sister because they almost share the same likes and personality. If you don't personally know us, aakalain mong si Kira ang kapatid ni Yumi.