Blue Flower

Chapter 59

 -Chester-

“Chester, we’re getting late!” Hayley shouted from the living room. 

“Okay.” I said and fixed the collar of my shirt. I picked up my maroon graduation cap and toga then headed downstairs. She smiled and kissed my cheek when I reached my place.

“Congratulations.”

We hailed a cab and let us take to school. Mom closed the pastry shop today to attend this important event in my life. Today marks the end of my high school journey, the one that I would treasure in my lifetime. So many things happened that changed not just me but also the people around me. As I looked back, I realized that everything was worth a try, and every experience built up to the total person I am now.

The cab stopped inside the school premises. Mom paid for the fare and we got out. I asked permission from them to go to my friends. They nodded, and as I marched my way, I looked at the red velvet case clasped in my hand. After everything we’ve been through, she deserved to wear the ring on her finger. She’s my only happiness and the girl that I would surely love forever.

“Chester.” someone called me out from behind. 

“Sir Noah...” I said and looked at his hand as he walked to my direction. He was holding my diary. I expected him to be here for Naomi but not to talk to me. 

I kept the velvet case inside the pocket of my pants and composed myself.

“You don’t have to call me ‘sir’. You’re too formal.”

With the light and friendly tone of his voice, I began to think that he already accepted me. I kept my tears in my eyes. I want them to fall in the right time.

“Okay, uhm, Noah...” I was running out of words to say to him. He smiled and pulled me in a tight hug.

“I’m sorry. I judged you too much that I didn’t even see how beautiful you are.” he said.

I found myself wrapping my arms around him, feeling elated at what he said. “I’ve read everything, and I understand the thing you went through. You now in my sister’s heart.”

I broke away and smiled at him.

“Thank you.” I uttered.

“I can feel the holy case in your pocket. I’m sure she’ll love it. Do your job well, kiddo.” He ruffled my hair affectionately and went to his own destination. I have my diary in my hands now, and, as if competing in a race. I ran to the venue.

This year’s graduation was held outdoors. They found a bigger space in the football field because of our number. The program would just start when I sat beside Mike, one of my closest classmates since freshman year.

“Congratulations.” he vibrantly said after nudging my shoulder.

“Congratulations.” I threw back.

The ceremony started in less than a couple of minutes. We graduates marched on the stage and shook hands with the school principal. When I went back to my seat, I saw Naomi look at me from where she was. I winked at her, which she acknowledged with a big smile.

The valedictorian and salutatorian gave their speeches. Dexter, being on the top of the honor’s list, gave his most inspiring speech in the history of Maine East High School. But I was pretty surprised when they called the salutatorian. Naomi made her way on the stage, with her high heels ticking at every step.

Before giving her speech, she looked at me carefully. She greeted everyone a good morning then went on with what she had to do. Hers was straight to the point, brief and understandable.

We threw our caps into the air and took pictures, signifying that we were finally done with secondary education. I craned my neck to search for Naomi among the crowd, but there’s no sign of her.

Suddenly, I felt someone’s hand hold my wrist and drag me out of the place for a while. Naomi grinned when we stopped.

“I’ve been looking for you.” I said, still catching for air.

“I’m here, and I’m so proud of you.” She pecked on my lips and chuckled. I love it every time she did that. It makes her cute.

“Me too. Cheers to the salutatorian of the year.” I pinched both of her cheeks playfully. We laughed for a while when we heard the velvet case fall off from my pocket. Uh-oh.

“Is that for me?”

I hurriedly grabbed the case and smiled sheepishly at her. I failed in giving her a nice proposal, but still I knelt down in front of her and opened the case.

“I know it’s pretty lame but I want you to spend your lifetime with me. We’re too young, but our hearts will grow old. We’ll realize that someday and-“

“Stand up.” she said firmly.

I gave her a confused look before obliging to her request. Before I could speak, she picked up the diamond ring from its place and slid it in her hand. 

“I want to be with you, Chester. There’s nothing that could make me happy but you.”

I smiled and pulled her into my arms. As spontaneous as she was, she pushed me away a bit then pursed her lips on mine.