Better Paradise

Chapter 19

Graduation Day

MEGAN

Days passed, and finally, it was moving up day—the day we had all been waiting for with a mix of nervousness and excitement. As we gathered together, there was a tinge of sadness in the air. We realized that after this, we would all be going our separate ways, embarking on different paths.

Throughout the years, we faced numerous challenges, and I, in particular, had my fair share of struggles. The journey was intense, filled with both moments of joy and pain. Yet, despite it all, I managed to stand tall, reaching this point. The four years of Junior High School had come to an end, and as I stood before the mirror, preparing myself for the moving up ceremony, I couldn't help but reflect on the significance of this milestone in my Junior High journey.

As the realization sank in, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty for what lay ahead in my next chapter, the next journey of my life. I knew that more challenges would come our way, and on that day, when they do arrive, I hope that we will be ready to face them head-on.

"Hey, Megs. Stop staring at yourself in the mirror. You're beautiful already," Miracle's voice suddenly broke my reverie as she appeared beside me, wearing a mischievous grin. I turned to look at her, chuckling.

"Ugh, are you ready? We might be late for the moving up ceremony. You're always so slow," I teased her, knowing how she had a tendency to take her time.

"Don't push it, Megs. I might just punch you," Miracle retorted playfully, but her expression revealed a hint of annoyance. She shot me a mock glare.

Just as we were on the verge of another friendly banter, Ate Che, our elder sister figure, suddenly walked in and raised an eyebrow, signaling her disapproval.

"Are you two arguing again?" Ate Che questioned, her tone tinged with amusement.

"No, Ate! Right, Rac?" I quickly glanced at Miracle, silently urging her to play along. We both knew that if Ate Che discovered our squabble, she would scold us, and we would undoubtedly end up being late for the ceremony.

Miracle caught on to my intentions and nodded, giving Ate Che an innocent smile. "Of course, Ate. No arguments here."

"Alright, then. Let's go. We don't want to keep everyone waiting," Miracle declared, taking charge as she pulled Ate Che out of my room.

"You follow us, Megs," Ate Che instructed before disappearing with Miracle. I nodded in response and turned my attention back to the task at hand—gathering everything I needed for the moving up ceremony.

Once I had everything in order, I made my way downstairs and joined the others in the van. We had decided to ride together since Miracle and I were heading to school at the same time.

Upon our arrival at school, Cathy was already waiting for us, her cheerful demeanor lighting up the surroundings.

"Hmm, Megs, you look beautiful today," Niccolo flirtatiously commented as he approached me, unable to resist pinching my cheek.

I laughed, swatting his hand away playfully. "Don't be like that. You're making me all giddy."

Reika couldn't resist inserting herself into the conversation, her mischievous nature coming to the forefront. "Just a reminder, Niccolo. You're still in the courting stage, so you might want to work on those pick-up lines. They're a bit hard on the ears."

Niccolo smirked in response, undeterred by Reika's teasing. "I know what I'm doing," he replied, confident in his approach.

Turning to Wilchie, I couldn't help but playfully remind him of his situation. "Well, Wilchie, you better keep your distance from Reika. You're still in the courtship phase, remember?"