Free

Final.

"Metzia Cassandra Whitlock"

She stood proudly among the crowd as she watched her sister walk on stage. Metzia graduated as the Valedictorian of their batch.

She decided to treat her family to dinner to celebrate.

"I knew you could do it" Mayhee beamed as she hugged her sister. The action seemed to shock her sister as she was never the showy type. "What? I'm just too happy for you" at that said, Metzia smirked and teased her until it earned her a smack on the head.

"I'm so proud of you dear. See? I told you all those sacrifices and hard work would pay off" Mom said she cut her steak. " 'Suffer now, enjoy later', this motto seemed to drive you better than your sister did."

Metzia just laughed at her mother's words and resumed her meal. " Ha Ha Ha" Mayhee rolled her eyes sarcastically and stuck her tongue out playfully. This reaction caused everyone at the table to laugh at her old antics.

Metzia never needed studying she was a genius. An 'F' was never in her line of alphabets. Let her party all night long and take a test the next day, she'd still ace it without a sweat. Don't get her wrong, she's proud of her sister and she loves her dearly, she just hates it when she gets compared to anyone.

---

A girl runs as she tries to catch the bus only to arrive a second too late. "Shit" She cursed out loud and decided to just walk towards her next destination.

Mayhee got off from work a bit late today since her colleague informed their manager that she'd be late for work. She works as a waitress in a crappy cafe downtown. The only job she was deemed qualified after only graduated high school.

After walking for a while, she finally saw the Pizza house one of her friends owned. Tonight was supposed to be their gang's 'night out'. She saw them talking and having fun.

She was not able to study college due to their family's lack of financial support. Being the slacker she was back in high school her grades didn't qualify her for a scholarship. Her regret seems to grow stronger every day. Especially when reality slapped her in the face, on how much she fucked up.

She continued to watch as her friends talked in their perspective professional uniforms. A proud but sad smile crept up her face as she turned around and took her phone out of her pocket.

'I'm sorry but I think I'll pass tonight's night out. Send my regards to the girls for me?' She sent a message to her best friend, Stella.

She hid behind a post and watched as Stella took her own phone out and read what she assumed as her message. She saw her type her reply with a passive face then rejoined the gang's conversation.

'Sure. I'll call you later.' She read the message and sighed. She could never hide anything from her. She put her phone inside her pocket as she walked towards a nearby park.

She sat on the bench and looked up to the stars. At times like this, the stars seem to understand her more than anyone. Her thoughts traveled back to the moment when they were talking about what course they'd be taking up after high school.

---

" I've always seen a nurse's job interesting and inspiring. I think I'll take that up." Maddie, the clumsiest fool in the gang spoke up when they were lying on the classroom floor after class.

"With my love for food, I plan on taking up culinary and manage my own Food Chain." Sophie, the known sugar mama of their gang. Her father practically owned one of the most famous malls in town. "How about you guys?" Sophie turned to Mayhee and Stella.