Another Way Around

Chapter Seventeen

Graduation day.  I looked at the mirror and I saw myself again as a beautiful person. Everything went well, after four long years of studying, sleepless nights, sacrifices, finally, graduation is here. I remember how I fought for this career that I wanted to pursue, how I imagined this day, and how great the days will be after this.

“I’m so proud of you,” Mum said.

“Thanks Mum, I wish Ali was here too,”

“Looking for me?”

“Oh my gosh Ali!”

“Of course I’m here. I can’t miss this day,” Ali said.

I’m so happy that Ali went home for my graduation, and that Jake and Matea were still here. Ali already had a stable job at the city. She looked so happy. I’m happy for her, Mum too. How I wish Dad was here.

The ceremony began.

Speeches, candle lightning, songs…

Then my most awaited part. They’ll gonna call the graduates on the stage.

“Gabrielle F. Castillo”

I heard my name. I stepped on the stage with a happy face. That moment I think was the happiest so far. Since I was a kid, nobody appreciates me, everybody was telling me that I am a dumb, that I will never make anything, and that I’m just a loser, when I’m gone, no one will remember me or no one will even notice or no one will dare to care, but here I am now, ready to show them all that I have a worth. That I am more than just a typical daughter, an ordinary student and just a day dreamer.

Sir Albert handed out to me my diploma.

“Congratulations Ms. Castillo. May you find the real essence of being a writer,” he said with a smile.

“Thank you Sir!”

We had a small celebration at our house after graduation, Gino was there too, even Aunt Laura and some of my cousins. His parents did not come home because they are still looking after their son Vincent who is still recovering from the accident.

I have gifts too. This graduation was way better than in high school, I feels like I was just a step away from my dreams, and I can see the great future ahead of me.

Two days after the graduation Jake and Matea went back to England. While me and Gino went for a vacation in the secret Island of Constantine. It is a beach resort. Mum gave us this vacation as a gift. We’re staying here for three days and two nights.

“So what’s your plan?” Gino asked while we were lying under the sun.

“I’ll grab every opportunity that comes my way. I know I can’t make it big now, its okay for me if I’ll just gonna start from the bottom. How about you?”

“Hmm.. I’ll work for Uncle Ben; he has a studio down town. Then if I earned enough, I’ll have my own studio.”

“Then if a publishing company gave me a chance and publish my book, I want you to make a cover for it,” I said. “For free, Haha!”

“Haha Fine. But I want the name of your main character to be Gino,” he insisted.

“Okay, But my main character is a drug dealer and a kidnapper,” I replied.

“What?!”

“Haha!”

As we talked about our future, I feel comfortable again with Gino. We enjoyed our vacation. We swam under the sea, ate lots of food, played under the sun and dreamed under the moon.

While we are watching the sunset on our last day, Gino handed me a rose.

“Thanks,” I said.

He never said a word but he smiled to me sweetly.

 He gave me roses I can’t count since the day he revealed his feelings for me, but this time, as he gave this piece of rose, it feels like the very first time.

I just found myself smiling back at him.