You're Blooming the Wrong Way

The End (Graduation)

Hana

Youth. People say that it's a wonderful thing to reminisce as you get older. It's filled with so much experiences that molded you into the kind of person that you are right now. I wonder if it's true.

"Congratulations!"

The students clapped their hands in bliss. Our eyes were swollen from all the crying, thanks to our tearjerking graduation song. Talaga namang maiiyak ka kapag naisip mong apat na taon kang nag-aral dito tapos ngayon, aalis ka na para sa panibagong yugto ng buhay mo. It leaves a bittersweet taste on your mouth.

But that's how life works, right? Pages turn to the next chapter.

"Here comes the top ranking student of the entire batch!" pang-aasar ni Lars nang salubungin nila ako. "Congratulations! Ikaw ang pinakaunang nakatapos sa ating apat!" He snapped his fingers to our friends. "Let us commence the operation, you fools!"

Haru began throwing confetti on me. "This is for you, brother! Congratulations on your graduation!" He proudly remarked.

"Thank you, Haru." nakangiwi kong sabi at niluwa ang confetti na nakain ko. Akala ko ubos na ang confetti niya pero meron pa pala siya sa bulsa at muli niya akong sinabuyan. This is so awkward.

A small smile dawned to my face when Lucy emerged from behind with a bouquet of roses in her hands. "Congratulations, Hana! You slayed!" Inabot niya sa akin ang mga rosas at tinanggap ko naman ito. "Grabe, ang talino mo! You ranked first among all the students in your batch!" She seemed pleased with my achievement.

I smiled softly to her. "Thank you, Lucy."

Habang naglalakad kami palabas ng eskwelahan, nagtatalo sina Lars at Haru kung saan kami kakain. It looks like Haru wants to eat in Jollibee, his favorite fast food chain.

"Seriously, Haru? Jollibee? Ano ka, bata?"

Haru glared at him. "Sarap ng balat chickenjoy!"

"Spare me the shit, Haru. Forget about the chicken skin, or else I'll deep fry your daughter!" Lars warned, referring to the goldfish named Sachi.

My brother looked like he was about to cry. He turned to Lucy, who immediately comforted him. She glared at her twin.

"Ba't mo naman pinaiyak?"

Lars simply rolled his eyes then pointed me. "Si Hana ang masusunod kung saan tayo kakain. He's the celebrant!"

I waved my hand. "Anywhere is fine with me."

"Jollibee!" Haru insisted.

Lucy chuckled. "Why are you so obsessed with Jollibee?"

Haru was just about to answer when his face suddenly blanched. He gritted his teeth. "I have to pee! Lars, sama ikaw!"

"Ha?" Lars made a disgusted. "Gross! Why am I needed?"

Well, Haru is too popular among women. Takot na siyang maglakad-lakad mag-isa dahil noong minsan, bigla na lang siyang sinunggaban ng isang estudyante. Kawawa naman.

Lars had no choice but to accompany him to the bathroom. Naiwan akong kasama si Lucy at nagkasundo kaming mauna na sa labas at doon na lang maghintay.

"Saan mo ba gustong kumain, Hana?"

"Sa Jollibee na lang, para sa ikaliligaya ng kapatid ko."

She exploded into laughter. I secretly smiled to myself. That's my favorite thing about Lucy, her laugh. Malakas kasi siyang tumawa at nakakahawa.

I looked at her in the corner of my eye. I'm always with her since the four of us frequently hang out as a group, but I still get mesmerized by her beauty everyday. Hindi nakakasawa. Araw-araw parin akong nagagandahan sa kanya.

This is bad. I should stop this kind of thoughts.

I flinched when she poked me in the arm. Nilingon ko si Lucy at may inabot naman siya sa akin. "Take this, Hana. It's yours."

My heart was torn asunder when she handed me the ring that I gave her before. Noong hindi ako kumibo, siya na mismo ang kumuha ng kamay ko at isinuot niya ito sa akin.

"I don't deserve that ring." She bit her lower lip. "Give that to the person who will make you believe in love again."

My eyes widened when she suddenly gave a card. Looks like it was a letter that she personally wrote. "Wait! Don't read it in front of me! Nakakahiya!" pigil ni Lucy nang akmang bubuksan ko na ito.

Natawa ako noong kumaripas siya ng takbo pabalik sa loob ng aming eskwelahan. Too cute! Kaya ang hirap niyang kalimutan eh.

When Lucy was totally out of my sight, that's when I opened the letter. Napangiti na agad ako kahit hindi ko pa nababasa nang buo. For a girl, isn't her handwriting too rough?

Hana,

Congratulations on your graduation. It makes me proud to think that I have a smart and amazing friend like you. Keep up the good work and more achievements in the future!

Thank you for the pain, for the experience, for the love that goes beyond what I deserve. People will always judge you, but do not let yourself wither. I will continue to watch over you as you bloom into the fine flower that I once dreamed of having.

Bloom, my dear friend. Just bloom.

With love,
Lucy

Tears streamed down to my cheeks. Well, this message is very Lucy-like, short but sweet. That's just the type of person she is.

I lifted my gaze to the bluish skies.

I still love her, but I'm contented with the friendship that we have. I don't know when I'd get over Lucy Altaria, or if I can even get over her at all, but one thing is certain: life continues.

Youth... Is it really a wonderful thing to reminisce when you have a love story in the past that didn't end happily? I really wonder.

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