Summers & Starbucks - Chapter 48: Chapter 48
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Five months later
Kaiden
I adjust the tassel on my cap, the sun beating down on us, the fragrance of spring blossoms in the air. It's a perfect day and the class of 2019 looks youthful and energetic.
Finally here, finally graduating.
It's been a journey! Exams are done, colleges have sent acceptance letters while some are faced with rejections. It's just us and one hour's worth of speeches between the much awaited diploma which would officially stamp us with the seal of having survived highschool.
Nathan is sitting on my right in the bleachers and everyone else to my left in the same row. I look at them, chatting among themselves. The parents are sitting on the chairs placed on the field, facing the podium where our faculties are giving speeches.
Raven turns to me. She asked me to do her makeup today and she looks pretty, if I say so myself.
"It feels surreal hm?" she voices my thoughts. "Can't believe we've been here four years."
"And we're now officially done with high school!" Alex smiles, looking over at us.
It's been a crazy four years, with so much drama, so many ups and downs and yet these people have always managed to uplift me, stay with me and help me through every stage of my life.
The warmth in my chest is constant as I listen to the heartfelt speeches by my teachers who are probably glad to be rid of another rowdy batch deep down.
Soon, Bella, our unopposed valedictorian, is up on the dias and our group cheers out loud, waving at her and sending her thumbs up. Max and Raven yell the loudest, making the teachers shush us.
Bella is almost glowing in the sunlight as she beams at us, her lips painted red and a nose pin glinting, blonde hair falling down her chest in perfect waves.
She adjusts the mic and sends us her dazzling pearly smile. The red graduation gown suits her really well.
"Good morning, to everyone present here. Our respected principal, our faculties, the non teaching staff and the proud parents."
Raven claps softly beside me.
"When Mr. Ben, our vice-principal, asked me to see him in his office, I thought that he had caught me sneaking into his office to alter some of the student council activities."
A collective gasp goes through the people and Bella laughs. She isn't as innocent as she looks.
"As I entered Mr. Ben's office, I was prepared to hear the words that would sentence me to an after school detention in the minus 19 degree freezer that he calls his office. However, rather than asking me to do time in the cooler, he invited me to address you as the Credence High valedictorian."
Raven hoots in appreciation.
"At first, I felt absolutely honored and happy - a remarkable thing since my heart had stopped beating. However, at the next moment, I was worried about giving a speech. My OCD self looked at touching, boring, sad, and motivating graduating speeches, and even saw rap song graduation speeches. But in the end, I've decided to be a good student and not plagiarize. So here is my graduation speech, and this one is from me to you-with gratitude for the honor and pride for being one of your classmates."
Max has actual tears in his eyes as I look over at him. He is so whipped for Bella, I'm pretty sure he's going to follow her wherever she goes.
"To the class of 2019. This is it, graduation. It is a day where we thank all those who helped us. Today, we cry over our separation and cheer for a new beginning. There are times when we had fun and those will ever be precious memories. We all remember our first prom during freshman year, the numerous Spirit Weeks, the Winter formals, and the ugly sweater Christmas week. Although we had different classes at different times, we have a lot in common. 25% of us like to order food during break time. 50% of us love to watch Korean soap operas. 75% of the senior class got shy when Mr. Hamish asked us to sing the national anthem. There is one thing that 100% of the seniors share in common. That is, reading spark notes instead of reading the actual books that were assigned in literature class. I'm sorry, teachers."
The faculties laughed politely at that.
"Although we had enjoyable times together, we also had times when we fought and argued, thought back to the moments when we had fun and the moments when we got into each other's hair. I've cherished all those memories we had, even the bad ones, One event that I really liked was splashing water balloons at each other during Spring Fair. Although the clean up afterwards was tiring, we really had fun. We became closer to each other and learned more about each other when we had fun than when we had conflicts."
The more she speaks the more realization hits. We're not kids anymore, we're now going into the world as good capable people, creating our own way.
"From the days we met each other, to the day we graduate together, we have passed through many things at Credence. We've met new people, tackled new challenges, and we have learned new things. Most important of all. we've matured together. Since Credence has a large, friendly environment, almost everyone knows each other. I remember little kids who came to me and borrowed my toys. At Credence, we have gone through tough AP courses and challenging new classes. We've learned to communicate effectively. We've experienced the role of global citizenship through community services. Remember the orphanage painting trip that we had?"
Alex nudged me, winking at me. The time when Vanessa asked me on a date.
God, how time flies!
"At one point or another, we've all stood up to be a leader in our areas of strength. We had many chances to show our talents. At Credence, we all experienced real life in addition to gaining knowledge from textbooks. Lastly, I would like to thank many other people on behalf of the graduating class of 2019. Thank you parents, for providing us with the best education. At Credence, we've learned to think critically and analytically. Mom and Dad, I know how much you've sacrificed to send me to school. Thank you Mr. Hamish our Principal, for your tireless efforts in improving the school so that we learn in the best environment with the best teachers. To my crazy friends, thank you all for our precious times together and thank you, my best friend Raven, for sticking by my side when the others walked away."
Raven discreetly wipes her eyes, careful to not smudge the mascara.
"Thank you teachers for guiding shaping and preparing us for the unexpected world, and shopping us out of our daydreams. Thank you Principal Mr. Hamish, for understanding and helping us along We will always remember your friendly talks and words of advice Thank you to our counselor, for shaping us in college address. I would like to thank Mr. Ben our vice principal, who may have seemed tough and scary on the outside, but inside he cared about all of us and treated us as friends."
Nathan's hand slips into mine and I smile at him, feeling accomplished.
"Congratulations, class of 2019, we've made it through high school. We are turning over the page and taking a leap forward to the next chapters of our lives!"
A thunderous applause follows as our ex student council president Bella steps down, emotional herself. Her parents are standing up clapping heartily.
We're about to receive the diplomas and we cheer and clap as our names are called out alphabetically. It takes a while for the whole class to get photographs and everything.
Mum, Dad, and Dr. Dylan are sitting in the third row and I easily spot them from the stage, waving after I get the roll. Dad has his DSLR and clicks my pictures. Mum is wiping her tears.
A ringing nostalgia rushes through me as I step off the stage. This is the last time I'll set foot on these grounds or wander these halls or maybe even visit.
Four years of the wildest ride I've ever been on and grown so much.
My friends are waiting at the side and I run to them. I hug Raven first. She is already a tearful mess, being touchy towards everyone.
"Beautiful speech Bella!" I praise her as she wraps her arms around me. "You almost made me cry! Max and Raven were sobbing halfway through itself."
"I was not!" Max pouted but gave in, smiling fondly at his girlfriend.
He was the first person to get scouted from our team, and into UCLA Varsity. He would remain closer to Bella who undoubtedly got into Stanford. There was no opposition that she would.
Nathan got scouted too, by Columbia. It was like a winning deal as he would be attending medical school there, a mere five miles from Parsons. The soccer scholarship reduced a big burden of the fees.
Sasha's cousin Riven, did prove a very big help in curating my portfolio. I heard from Parsons super late but when I got in during the second round, my dad was the happiest. Sasha would be joining me there for fashion design so I wasn't completely alone.
Raven chose to attend culinary school and expand their bakery business, much to everyone's surprise. We had always thought she would end up doing literature.
Alex and Ryan decided to go to CalState Long Beach, for mechanical engineering.
Daniel was the only one going to Melbourne. His parents wanted him to follow in his brother's footsteps. Sasha and him called things off for good measure. He was devastated but he knew it was too much of a commitment at such a young age.
They are a bit awkward around each other but both of them know it would get easier.
Life does work out in the best of ways.
I run to my parents who are waiting for me with arms wide open. Mum kisses my whole face and Dad just pats my shoulder. His eyes convey everything else. Dr. Dylan congratulates me too.
Soon, we're called for the class photograph. I stand beside Nathan, the biggest smile on my face. My Dad stands beside the official photographer, taking pictures of his own too.
I kiss Nathan between the photos, unable to believe we're going to be flying to London after this.
Who knew, my summer love would be someone I would envision my future with!
"Okay guys, on count of three, everyone will toss your hats alright!" Raven yells.
"One!"
"Two!"
We all join in the chants, trembling and giddy with excitement.
"Three!"
The red hats go flying in the air just as the camera shutter sounds.
Nathan cups my face and kisses me deeply, ignoring the hooting and shouts around us. It's like we're the only two in the whole world.
"We made it," he grins, his beautiful curls falling on his forehead.
Hazel eyes lockcon my forest green ones, calming me, grounding me. Even with the future uncertainty, I know I have him to depend on at all times. No matter what.
"I am looking forward to our next summer together, Nathan Summers. I love you."
"I love you more, my Kai-Pie."
We join our friends and parents in the celebrations soon after.
On our way home, I see a familiar figure standing at the gate in the afternoon sun. It makes my gut do a flip as I excuse myself from my parents. Nathan's hand stops me.
"What are you doing?"
"It's Sam."
His eyes widen and he walks along with me. We approach the person clad in the blue graduation gown, clashing perfectly with his eyes.
"Kai!" He smiles and pulls me into a hug. I stiffen at first, not expecting that but eventually hug him back, his familiar scent surrounding me.
I step back. He shakes Nathan's hand but doesn't attempt to hug him.
"Congratulations! We're finally out of here!" he smiles. He looks genuinely happy, relieved. I know how much this day means to him.
"Congratulations to you too Sam," Nathan nods. He looks awkward.
"I'm sorry for everything that went down between us okay? And I made the right decision, we needed this space. I wanna start afresh okay Kaiden? I got into NYU and I know you're at Parsons, Sasha told me. So how about we start there?"
I gape at him, his earnest hands holding mine.
"I don't mean romantically! I know you're together and I don't intend to ruin anything, I swear on Anthony's life. Just as friends."
Me and Nathan both looked relieved. Nathan would have probably punched him if he hadn't clarified stuff.
"Nathan's going to Columbia. Maybe we could all start over together, normally, keeping our past differences aside. Would you like that Nate?"
His hand slips into mine. I look between the both of them.
"Fine. I'm willing to try."
Sam hugs us both this time and after a small conversation with my mum, drives off in his posh Mercedes.
"That was unexpected!" Nathan chuckles.
"You don't say!"
"New York looks promising already hm?"
"Yeah. It does."
Kaiden
I adjust the tassel on my cap, the sun beating down on us, the fragrance of spring blossoms in the air. It's a perfect day and the class of 2019 looks youthful and energetic.
Finally here, finally graduating.
It's been a journey! Exams are done, colleges have sent acceptance letters while some are faced with rejections. It's just us and one hour's worth of speeches between the much awaited diploma which would officially stamp us with the seal of having survived highschool.
Nathan is sitting on my right in the bleachers and everyone else to my left in the same row. I look at them, chatting among themselves. The parents are sitting on the chairs placed on the field, facing the podium where our faculties are giving speeches.
Raven turns to me. She asked me to do her makeup today and she looks pretty, if I say so myself.
"It feels surreal hm?" she voices my thoughts. "Can't believe we've been here four years."
"And we're now officially done with high school!" Alex smiles, looking over at us.
It's been a crazy four years, with so much drama, so many ups and downs and yet these people have always managed to uplift me, stay with me and help me through every stage of my life.
The warmth in my chest is constant as I listen to the heartfelt speeches by my teachers who are probably glad to be rid of another rowdy batch deep down.
Soon, Bella, our unopposed valedictorian, is up on the dias and our group cheers out loud, waving at her and sending her thumbs up. Max and Raven yell the loudest, making the teachers shush us.
Bella is almost glowing in the sunlight as she beams at us, her lips painted red and a nose pin glinting, blonde hair falling down her chest in perfect waves.
She adjusts the mic and sends us her dazzling pearly smile. The red graduation gown suits her really well.
"Good morning, to everyone present here. Our respected principal, our faculties, the non teaching staff and the proud parents."
Raven claps softly beside me.
"When Mr. Ben, our vice-principal, asked me to see him in his office, I thought that he had caught me sneaking into his office to alter some of the student council activities."
A collective gasp goes through the people and Bella laughs. She isn't as innocent as she looks.
"As I entered Mr. Ben's office, I was prepared to hear the words that would sentence me to an after school detention in the minus 19 degree freezer that he calls his office. However, rather than asking me to do time in the cooler, he invited me to address you as the Credence High valedictorian."
Raven hoots in appreciation.
"At first, I felt absolutely honored and happy - a remarkable thing since my heart had stopped beating. However, at the next moment, I was worried about giving a speech. My OCD self looked at touching, boring, sad, and motivating graduating speeches, and even saw rap song graduation speeches. But in the end, I've decided to be a good student and not plagiarize. So here is my graduation speech, and this one is from me to you-with gratitude for the honor and pride for being one of your classmates."
Max has actual tears in his eyes as I look over at him. He is so whipped for Bella, I'm pretty sure he's going to follow her wherever she goes.
"To the class of 2019. This is it, graduation. It is a day where we thank all those who helped us. Today, we cry over our separation and cheer for a new beginning. There are times when we had fun and those will ever be precious memories. We all remember our first prom during freshman year, the numerous Spirit Weeks, the Winter formals, and the ugly sweater Christmas week. Although we had different classes at different times, we have a lot in common. 25% of us like to order food during break time. 50% of us love to watch Korean soap operas. 75% of the senior class got shy when Mr. Hamish asked us to sing the national anthem. There is one thing that 100% of the seniors share in common. That is, reading spark notes instead of reading the actual books that were assigned in literature class. I'm sorry, teachers."
The faculties laughed politely at that.
"Although we had enjoyable times together, we also had times when we fought and argued, thought back to the moments when we had fun and the moments when we got into each other's hair. I've cherished all those memories we had, even the bad ones, One event that I really liked was splashing water balloons at each other during Spring Fair. Although the clean up afterwards was tiring, we really had fun. We became closer to each other and learned more about each other when we had fun than when we had conflicts."
The more she speaks the more realization hits. We're not kids anymore, we're now going into the world as good capable people, creating our own way.
"From the days we met each other, to the day we graduate together, we have passed through many things at Credence. We've met new people, tackled new challenges, and we have learned new things. Most important of all. we've matured together. Since Credence has a large, friendly environment, almost everyone knows each other. I remember little kids who came to me and borrowed my toys. At Credence, we have gone through tough AP courses and challenging new classes. We've learned to communicate effectively. We've experienced the role of global citizenship through community services. Remember the orphanage painting trip that we had?"
Alex nudged me, winking at me. The time when Vanessa asked me on a date.
God, how time flies!
"At one point or another, we've all stood up to be a leader in our areas of strength. We had many chances to show our talents. At Credence, we all experienced real life in addition to gaining knowledge from textbooks. Lastly, I would like to thank many other people on behalf of the graduating class of 2019. Thank you parents, for providing us with the best education. At Credence, we've learned to think critically and analytically. Mom and Dad, I know how much you've sacrificed to send me to school. Thank you Mr. Hamish our Principal, for your tireless efforts in improving the school so that we learn in the best environment with the best teachers. To my crazy friends, thank you all for our precious times together and thank you, my best friend Raven, for sticking by my side when the others walked away."
Raven discreetly wipes her eyes, careful to not smudge the mascara.
"Thank you teachers for guiding shaping and preparing us for the unexpected world, and shopping us out of our daydreams. Thank you Principal Mr. Hamish, for understanding and helping us along We will always remember your friendly talks and words of advice Thank you to our counselor, for shaping us in college address. I would like to thank Mr. Ben our vice principal, who may have seemed tough and scary on the outside, but inside he cared about all of us and treated us as friends."
Nathan's hand slips into mine and I smile at him, feeling accomplished.
"Congratulations, class of 2019, we've made it through high school. We are turning over the page and taking a leap forward to the next chapters of our lives!"
A thunderous applause follows as our ex student council president Bella steps down, emotional herself. Her parents are standing up clapping heartily.
We're about to receive the diplomas and we cheer and clap as our names are called out alphabetically. It takes a while for the whole class to get photographs and everything.
Mum, Dad, and Dr. Dylan are sitting in the third row and I easily spot them from the stage, waving after I get the roll. Dad has his DSLR and clicks my pictures. Mum is wiping her tears.
A ringing nostalgia rushes through me as I step off the stage. This is the last time I'll set foot on these grounds or wander these halls or maybe even visit.
Four years of the wildest ride I've ever been on and grown so much.
My friends are waiting at the side and I run to them. I hug Raven first. She is already a tearful mess, being touchy towards everyone.
"Beautiful speech Bella!" I praise her as she wraps her arms around me. "You almost made me cry! Max and Raven were sobbing halfway through itself."
"I was not!" Max pouted but gave in, smiling fondly at his girlfriend.
He was the first person to get scouted from our team, and into UCLA Varsity. He would remain closer to Bella who undoubtedly got into Stanford. There was no opposition that she would.
Nathan got scouted too, by Columbia. It was like a winning deal as he would be attending medical school there, a mere five miles from Parsons. The soccer scholarship reduced a big burden of the fees.
Sasha's cousin Riven, did prove a very big help in curating my portfolio. I heard from Parsons super late but when I got in during the second round, my dad was the happiest. Sasha would be joining me there for fashion design so I wasn't completely alone.
Raven chose to attend culinary school and expand their bakery business, much to everyone's surprise. We had always thought she would end up doing literature.
Alex and Ryan decided to go to CalState Long Beach, for mechanical engineering.
Daniel was the only one going to Melbourne. His parents wanted him to follow in his brother's footsteps. Sasha and him called things off for good measure. He was devastated but he knew it was too much of a commitment at such a young age.
They are a bit awkward around each other but both of them know it would get easier.
Life does work out in the best of ways.
I run to my parents who are waiting for me with arms wide open. Mum kisses my whole face and Dad just pats my shoulder. His eyes convey everything else. Dr. Dylan congratulates me too.
Soon, we're called for the class photograph. I stand beside Nathan, the biggest smile on my face. My Dad stands beside the official photographer, taking pictures of his own too.
I kiss Nathan between the photos, unable to believe we're going to be flying to London after this.
Who knew, my summer love would be someone I would envision my future with!
"Okay guys, on count of three, everyone will toss your hats alright!" Raven yells.
"One!"
"Two!"
We all join in the chants, trembling and giddy with excitement.
"Three!"
The red hats go flying in the air just as the camera shutter sounds.
Nathan cups my face and kisses me deeply, ignoring the hooting and shouts around us. It's like we're the only two in the whole world.
"We made it," he grins, his beautiful curls falling on his forehead.
Hazel eyes lockcon my forest green ones, calming me, grounding me. Even with the future uncertainty, I know I have him to depend on at all times. No matter what.
"I am looking forward to our next summer together, Nathan Summers. I love you."
"I love you more, my Kai-Pie."
We join our friends and parents in the celebrations soon after.
On our way home, I see a familiar figure standing at the gate in the afternoon sun. It makes my gut do a flip as I excuse myself from my parents. Nathan's hand stops me.
"What are you doing?"
"It's Sam."
His eyes widen and he walks along with me. We approach the person clad in the blue graduation gown, clashing perfectly with his eyes.
"Kai!" He smiles and pulls me into a hug. I stiffen at first, not expecting that but eventually hug him back, his familiar scent surrounding me.
I step back. He shakes Nathan's hand but doesn't attempt to hug him.
"Congratulations! We're finally out of here!" he smiles. He looks genuinely happy, relieved. I know how much this day means to him.
"Congratulations to you too Sam," Nathan nods. He looks awkward.
"I'm sorry for everything that went down between us okay? And I made the right decision, we needed this space. I wanna start afresh okay Kaiden? I got into NYU and I know you're at Parsons, Sasha told me. So how about we start there?"
I gape at him, his earnest hands holding mine.
"I don't mean romantically! I know you're together and I don't intend to ruin anything, I swear on Anthony's life. Just as friends."
Me and Nathan both looked relieved. Nathan would have probably punched him if he hadn't clarified stuff.
"Nathan's going to Columbia. Maybe we could all start over together, normally, keeping our past differences aside. Would you like that Nate?"
His hand slips into mine. I look between the both of them.
"Fine. I'm willing to try."
Sam hugs us both this time and after a small conversation with my mum, drives off in his posh Mercedes.
"That was unexpected!" Nathan chuckles.
"You don't say!"
"New York looks promising already hm?"
"Yeah. It does."
End of Summers & Starbucks Chapter 48. Continue reading Chapter 49 or return to Summers & Starbucks book page.