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Chapter 53 - Graduation

Fast forward - May (One month after)

     Today is Paul's graduation. Rachel was getting her bag ready when Paul makes his way down the stairs. He is already dressed with his toga and all. This makes her want to cry but she smiles as he makes his way to her. "How do I look, Mama?"

     She fixes his graduation stole and notices that he has honor cords on him as well. Paul sees the confused look on her face.

     "Why do you think I was able to apply to those universities, Ma? Summa Cum Laude at Salutatorian ata 'to!" He smiles. Oh, that smile. Gomez na Gomez.

     "Wow! Congratulations! I'm so proud of you!" She hugs him, rather teary eyed. She sniffs to keep her tears in tact.

     "Oh, tara na, Ma. Wala munang iiyak, I haven't even graduated yet."

     She laughs, "Okay. Let's go! Your Ate nga pala?"

     "She brought her clothes with her to the hospital. Ate said she'll go straight there after her shift ends."

     "Ah, okay. Sige, let's go."

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      "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are just about ready to land at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. Please remain buckled up in your seats until the signal for seat belts are off. Thank you for flying with us at Delta Airlines. We hope you enjoyed your flight and we are looking forward to have you aboard again. Once again, on behalf of Delta Airlines, we hope you enjoy your stay and have a wonderful day! Keep climbing."

     Richard just arrived in New York. He planned to stay here for only a week: for Paul's graduation and, of course, with the hopes of fixing the issue with Rachel.

     He exits JFK Airport and hails a cab. "Townsend Harris High School, please?"

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     They head to the venue of the graduation rites. Rachel found a seat just 4 rows from the front, saving the seat beside her for Louise.

     Louise arrived right when the presentation of colors ended. "Did I miss anything?"

    "They're just about to go in."

     Little did they know that Richard was seated three rows north from them.

     The graduates finally came out and made their way to their seats. There were cheering and clapping everywhere. As the program progressed on, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian speech was to be given. It was Paul's turn.

     Rachel started to record with her phone right when the Valedictorian finished her speech. He walked to the podium and looked at the crowd. He tried to spot his Mama, and hoping for his Papa, in the crowd but he couldn't. Given that it was a full house too.

     "Good morning everyone. Today marks the start of a new chapter in our lives in which we become independent. Our choices, our consequences. It's all up to us. Now... this might be scary for people. In fact, even I am. But what I learned for the past four years is that no one can tell you what you can or cannot do. You make your limits." He finally sees Rachel and Louise and he smiles.