Musketeers

38 - Finale

I looked out the window of the car when we parked just outside the venue of the ball. The multicolored lights seem to dance before my eyes. I could see other students entering the venue through a flowery arc. Some are waiting by the entrance, talking to their friends or making calls. I can also see couples walking hand in hand.

Dad tapped me on the shoulder. I looked at him and smiled.

"Are you sure you don't want this handsome man to escort you in?" He said stroking his imaginary beard.

I laughed. "Dad! No need. My friends are waiting for me."

"Call me when you're going home," he leaned forward and kissed me on the top of the head. "Roseanne, I know... these past few months have been tough for you."

I removed my hand from the car door handle and looked at Dad. It's the first time he talked to me about what happened. I nodded and smiled a bit.

He held my hand, "You may cry a little or a lot... But you must not forget to laugh and smile. Just remember that Dad is here if you want to talk. I know you prefer my advice rather than Mom."

We both laughed.

He gripped my hand, "Enjoy the night baby. Don't worry about Mom's curfew." He winked then opened the door for me.

"Thanks Dad. I'll call you later." I went out, waited a bit for him to go, then walked inside. I looked around for my classmates.

(N/P: A Little Braver by New Empire)

♪♪With December comes the glimmer on her face
And I get a bit nervous
I get a bit nervous now...

I saw Janeth, Mara, and Ganymede seated on one of the tables. They were all looking gorgeous in their dresses. Next to them are our other classmates. Janeth waved at me.

♪♪In the twelve months on
I won't make friends with change
When everyone's perfect can we start over again?

"You look so pretty, Rose!" they all exclaimed when I sat down.

♪♪The playgrounds they get rusty and your
Heart beats another ten thousand times before
I got the chance to say...

"Thank you."

♪♪I miss you...

I looked at the stage. A live band was playing.

♪♪When it gets hard
I get a little stronger now
I get a little braver now
And when it gets dark
I get a little brighter now
I get a little wiser now
Before I give my heart away

"Rose," Ganymede tapped my arm.

I looked at her. She pointed to Mara who was standing and holding a bag.

♪♪Well we met each other at the house of runaways
I remember it perfectly
We were running on honesty

"Guys! Listen for a while. I know you want to go and get wild," she said and the boys wolf-whistled. She glared at them then continued, "But before you lose your dignities, I'd like to say a few words. Uhm... thank you for everything."

♪♪We moved together like a silver lock and key
But now that your lock has changed
I know I can't fit that way

"...This year had been a challenge to all of us. And we miss some of our number." She paused then dabbed a tissue at the corner of her eyes. A few jokingly teased her. "No, stop! I'm serious okay?" She laughed. "But we must remember what we have learned. We might go different ways from now on, but... don't forget we have a second family we made here in MIS."