More Than Friends (Book 1)

Chapter 47. Graduation

Ellias Joaquin Alfaro

"I'm so proud of her," I said while looking at my girlfriend and listening to her speech as a Magna Cum Laude of her batch. She graduated with a GWA of 1.12, volunteered in fourteen clinics, three hospitals, and she's also recognized as the best intern of the year.

"I hope nana Melissa can witness this," Elisse said, referring to Iya's mother.

Today is our graduation day and Elisse went on stage for Iya while Dad went on stage for me. Aside from Iya, Cheska and Matthew also graduated with Latin honors.

"How about going out of the country to celebrate?" Tanong ni Elisse kaya naman napatingin kami sa kanya.

"Germany? Japan?" She asked.

"Name it, my treat," 

"I wish to join you guys but I have to leave tomorrow," Chad said.

"How about dinner na lang?" Kelly asked.

"It's obvious that we will be going places after this. We would either volunteer, do our internship, work, take exams, or apply for a job," Charry said.

"We will separate for sure," She added.

"Let's have a fun dinner before that," Sabi ni Kelly kaya naman napangiti si Charry dahil nakuha nito ang gusto niyang sabihin.

After an hour, we found ourselves in a local restaurant near the school and our parents decided not to join us since they wanted to give us the time to enjoy it.

"Damn," I whispered to myself when Iya walked out of the bathroom.

Since she has removed her toga, I found out that she's wearing a Fuschia pink dress that exposes her entire back and the short length of the dress highlighted her sexy figure.

"I chose the dress. Isn't she pretty?" Elisse asked.

"Undeniably beautiful," I mumbled.

"Sinasabi mo diyan?" Iya asked when she approached me.

"Nothing," I replied and smiled. 

"I will be applying for my dream company abroad. How about you guys?" Cheska asked when our order arrived.

"I think I'll be doing tons of internships," Leo said.

"Same," Sabi naman ni Ivan.

"I'll start my own company. A small one or a bigger one doesn't matter. Basta I will strive for it little by little," Matthew said and we all nodded to agree.

"I will be opening a new branch for my clothing line and hopefully, I hope to pursue interior designing next year," Elisse said. 

"I'll be doing a 2-year internship at the Alfaro enterprise. And after that, I'll go to Czech," Sabi ko kaya naman napatingin sila sakin.

"Czech? For what?" Charry asked.

"Vacation with my girlfriend," I said while looking at Iya.

"What makes you think that I'm still dating you two years later?" Iya asked and everyone burst out laughing.

"Stop acting as if you didn't propose to me," I said while showing everyone my emerald ring.

After our dinner, we all parted ways at the bus stop. Cheska and Leo went for a date at syempre hindi nagpahuli sina Ivan, Charry, Elisse, and Matthew. Chad left alone while Kelly left with her boyfriend whom Iya almost murdered before (binayagan niya diba?). I just wish that Chad would run into a pretty lady. I wish he could get her own Iya, but of course, not my Iya Nadine.

As usual, Iya spent the night at my place. We raced to the bathroom, we played video games all night, listened to our favorite songs, and made late-night omellete and coffee. It's something simple but what makes it special is that I'm doing it all with her.

The next day, I left the condo around 10 AM and left Iya still sleeping on the couch while Matthew and I went to the airport with Chad.

"Thanks, guys," Chad said when we arrived at the airport.

"You take care. Don't get yourself in trouble," I told him.

"Talagang hindi mo n sinama si Iya 'no?" 

"Tulog eh," I replied.

"Hindi mo ginising?" He asked.

"Ayaw eh,"

"Ayaw talaga?"

"Oo nga,"

"Sinungaling," Chad said.

"Ano?" I asked.

"Knowing Iya, she'd rush to me if she knew that I'm leaving," Sabi niya.

"Suntukan?" Tanong ko.

"Tara?" Chad said, putting down his luggage on the floor.

"Tumigil na nga kayo," Matthew said.

"Stop fighting over a girl," Sabi ni Matthew kaya naman napatingin kami sa kanya.

"Fighting? Over Iya?" I asked and he nodded.

"Why would there be a fight?" Tanong ko.

"Iya is mine," I said with conviction.

"Psh," Chad said.

It was almost noon when Chad boarded the plane. It was unexpected but I already missed him the moment I realized that he's far away now.

When I arrived home, Iya suddenly punched me for not waking her up before Chad left and she ignored me for the entire night.

"Naiinis talaga ako sayo," She said.

"Sorry na nga eh", I said as I put a pinch of salt on the egg.

It's almost 2 am and we were watching Happy Killing when I heard Iya's stomach growl and when I asked her what she wants to eat, she enumerated a lot so here I am at the kitchen currently making eggs on one stove and carbonara on the other.

"I was in a hurry at alam ko na mabagal ka kumilos," I added.

"Babalik din 'yun. Mabilis lang ang dalawang taon a--" I was cut off when I unexpectedly felt Iya's arms wrapping around my waist.

"I love you," Bulong niya. 

"Parang kanina lang galit ka ah," I said and chuckled.

"This is illegal," I said as I turn around with her arms still around me.

"You punched me, shouted at me, and now you're hugging me?" I asked while cupping her small face.

"The transition of your mood is interesting," I added and she giggled in return.

"I love you," I said as I plant a kiss on her nose.

"I love you," She replied.

Seeing her happy and laughing is probably the best view I have ever seen and having her around me is incomparable to any place in the world.

How did I get this lucky to get a girl like her and even call her mine?