Unimaginable: A Novella

Flashback 3

The year is 2013

"Congratulations Batch 2013, you are now full fledged graduates of Manifold Philippines University!"

Dad, can you see this?! We're at the big field now. We're about to toss our hats! I'm now a college graduate! Whohooo!

Yes, Anak. I can just see your whole face here on Messenger video but yes me, your mom and your brothers are so happy for you and proud of you! We'll just be here waiting in Canada okay?

Love you, Dad, Mom, Rico and Richard! See you real soon!

I'm so hyped! Finally I graduated college, thank you God!

Brrrrrrt. Brrrt. Brrrrrrrrrrt.

Wait, why is my phone vibrating again? Who could this be calling, let me see.

*Zac Mikael*

What? How can he talk to me after all these years? And now of all times? I shouldn't answer.

"Hello? Zachary?"

"Hey. It's Zac."

Cheeky, as always.

"H-how are you?" Again, why can't I talk straight when I converse with him, ugh.

"I'm good! Turn your back."

"What?"

I turned to my back and there his handsome face was.

After four whole years of not seeing each other, only through exchanging chat convos and sending snaps once in a while, He was standing there in hopes of surprising me.

Boy, I really was surprised. Because not only did I see his face, I saw his big, fat... ring on his finger.

Oh shoot.

"Hey Elee! Congratulations!"

I tried to muster my courage and try not to think about that huge ring on his finger and replied, "Thanks! What brings you here? I thought you were in Australia dude."

Dude? I don't normally say that. Who am I? And hey self, you were supposed to say 'Congratulations' too by the way, don't forget that ring.

"I'm visiting my grandma and I wanted to stop by my high school alma mater. You wouldn't believe but I was just roaming around the field and saw the graduation, I wanted to see what was happening. Then, of all the people here, I saw you in the crowd! Though I'd say Hi at least, so here I am."

Cheeky, but charming. I wasn't about to back down to his adorable cheekiness.

"Did my beauty stand out that much? Haha."

"El, I don't know if you noticed but you were the only one pulling out your cell phone immediately after the ceremony."

"Oh," Yikes, that was awkward. Quick Hay, think of a quick comeback so you won't sound so pathetic. "By the way, Congratulations."

Great Hay, I think your brain is fried for the day. Facepalm.

"Oh this?" He pointed at his hand with the ring. "This is not an engagement ring. This is from my fraternity. Seriously, you think I'd be engaged at this age?"

"Sorry but I don't know what a fraternity ring looks like, Zac"

"And there she goes. Glad you're still you, Elee. Still charming and funny as always."

And there he goes with his words that make me swoon.

"So how long will you be vacationing here"

"Just in a little over a month."

"Same here."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I'm going to Canada soon. Will catch up with my family."

"Wow, the time really has come. That means we'll be farther apart."

"I guess so."

"Well then, I'm glad we were able to meet again. You take care of yourself."

"You too, Zac."

And then his phone rang, Aliesha was calling him asking where he was.

He's still with Aliesha, of course. How could I've been so naive and hopeful he went back home just for my graduation?

Fraternity ring yeah alright, he's still going to marry her one day.

Anyway, I've graduated. But still haven't graduated from him I guess. Might take a while. Might take forever... We'll see.