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Graduation

CHRISTINA

Where is Leo?

The first question that popped in my mind when I arrived the Hall.

Miss Keyton is the usherette guiding us backstage before we climb up the stage and receive our diplomas.

Leo is supposed to be the one to go first, alphabetically, he's an Alves.

"Uhm... Miss" I wasn't really into showing that I care for him but I do. I really do.

"Where is Leo?" I ask Miss Keyton gritting my fingers together out of nervousness.

I see Chelsea Azona on stage waving at me and the girls as she raises her diploma up. I smile back at her and she faces the audience again for pictures.

I turn to Miss Keyton one more time and ask the same question, but it seems like she doesn't know the answer to that as well.

"Looks like someone's concerned of the 'guy who can't be moved'" the other girls from my class whisper and laugh. I turn to give them a look.

"It's not funny" I say.

Miss Keyton reprimands them although repeating what I just said, "That's not funny, girls! And maintain the straight line!" she added holding my shoulders at the same time putting a smile on her face as she looked at me.

The girls go back to their position in the line.

"It's okay. I know how you feel when a friend can't attend graduation. But he can get his diploma from the school's office this summer" she states trying to make me feel better.

"Burney, Christina Larrivey" I hear my name being called on stage. I look around the audience and at the back of the line just to check if Leo's already here. Or if he's even coming.

"Christina, it's your turn already" Miss Keyton repeats giving me a light push to climb the stairs.

"Oh ma'am. I'm sorry. I know."

Miss Keyton apologizes for pushing me and tells me to go up the platform, "Okay go!"

I immediately walk gracefully to the center stage and shake hands with Principal Alba and other people handing me certificates as they say their congratulations. I give them a 'thank you' back. The usual awarding - except there's a bonus reward for leaving High School in no time.

I face the girls who were still standing in the backstage, waiting for their names to be called. I notice how Madeleine was not showing off a happy face. She must've really wanted this. But we have to accept the fact that not everything we want can be granted. We must work for what we desire so that we can actually tell ourselves that we deserve this.

"Christina Burney is also this school year's Class Valedictorian" the host says and I smile even wider now facing towards the cameras.

I didn't really ask for this, not that I don't want to be Class Valedictorian, but now that I see my parents as the happiest ones in the audience, it's like my life's already complete, even more than enough.

Principal Alba signalizes me to step forward for more of my awards to be acknowledged.

Then I look around.

Still no sign of Leo.

I thought of our last argument. When he said I was bragging about my academics. Could I ever be contented? I hear his voice echo in my head again. Ugh.

I went down the stage as soon as my awards were finished announced.

A little after that, I say my Valedictory Speech. Yes, at the end of the program don't ask me why.

I mentioned a friend in that speech out of nowhere just to say thank you to but of course, I didn't mention who the person was: Leo.

"This might be the last time we'll ever be seeing each other complete today as a class" except for Leo, I thought, "Well, this is our last day of being in High School.

Finally graduated.

Officially graduated."

I look at my class as they smile and put their hands together.

"May we not consider this a goodbye, but rather a 'see you again'. For a brighter future! Congratulations to all of us. Thank you and Good Day!"

I finished and everyone stands up to give me a round of applause.

We give our hugs and kisses to each other as I went down the stage, even to the fake ones. We threw our sashes, signed each others' uniforms even write really long messages on it. Saying sorry to the rights and wrongs. Talk over even about the little things. Laughs. Tears. Everywhere.

The program's over and Leo wasn't able to come.

Quarter of the class are having after parties so I doubt everyone can still manage to see each other tonight. Like c'mon after party all at once?

I wasn't planning on attending any of it anyways. My night is completely reserved for a nice family dinner and bonding together with my parents.

I feel so blessed.

But where is Leo? I hope this is not the end. Maybe, someday. Maybe.