Apple's Point of View
"Failed? You never failed for us, Apple. Your mom and I are proud of what you've achieved and that's fine for us. Don't pressure yourself, Apple" My dad consoles me after I reveal the truth to them in my grandfather's wake.
"But I feel that you would still feel like your daughter didn't achieve a medal or something" I said and lowered my gaze.
"This is the only achievement that I'm still proud of, you being safe because we do our best to protect you from the harm and if your mom's here, she would say the same. And I should go back again and save her* He said and kissed my forehead.
He's going back again. He bid his goodbye to my grandmother and promised to save my mother so that she can go to my graduation day and cheer me up for the things that I'm sad for.
I stayed at my grandfather's wake and took care while my grandmother was taking a rest. I shouldered staying all night long so that my grandma wouldn't do that. I know she was tired and restless ever since that happened.
"So you're here. I thought that I can see my mom here and have a nice conversation with her" I was bothered when he shows up, my Uncle who was the culprit behind all of the tragic experiences that we had to deal.
"What now? You're the reason why all of these things happen! Don't you have remorse in your body and turn yourself in, huh? Why do you make our life much more miserable? Not because your life is miserable, doesn't mean you have to let innocent people have miserable lives too!" I shouted loudly.
"If you would just scold me, I'd prefer not to listen to you because your just a mere child who have no idea on what's happening" My Uncle said and was about to leave but I pulled him off and say that he should stay there as I'm going to call my grandmother.
My grandmother rushly go to see her son. I don't know but I feel like my Uncle was also sad. It doesn't feel like he was the culprit behind what happened. But he was the only one who had an agenda on making our lives miserable.
I eavesdropped on their conversation because I was so curious about what they're going to talk about.
"This wasn't the plan, mom. This abduction scene wasn't really the plan and my dad being killed wasn't on the plan. I'm really sorry but I already talked about this with my brother once I saved his life. We're going to catch that bastard and let go of his wife. We have a clear mission and I went here to make the first move" He said and they were gone.
What was he planning? Are these for real? My dad didn't tell us about this? Isn't it part of his sick mind? My Uncle would surely pay for this once I catch him again. I'm really going to slap him.
After a while, my mom and dad shout my name. I was so shocked that I threw myself in at them and cried loudly. So, that was it. It was the end of the hardship that I felt. I feel alive and not alone anymore as they are here.
"It's finally done, honey" My mom said and kissed my forehead. I just cried on their shoulders. If it was a dream, I don't want to wake up anymore and just stay at this moment forever.
We go home. I see my Uncle turning himself in and patting my dad's shoulder as they talk to each other. I was relieved that my parents didn't get hurt and they came back alive to me and my brother.
And when they are home, my Aunt and my brother cry like me. We were really worried for them and now that they're safe, we can finally breathe and go back to our life. I want to thank God for giving my parents safety protection.
And now is the graduation day, my mother was the one who accompanied me as it was only one parent who needed to come to the graduation. Alina was the one who I first saw then everyone.
We lined up and because of our surnames, Renz was at the back of me. I didn't do anything and just ignored his existence. Those fake scenarios that I had, ready for my confession, were shattered and not fulfilled.
I don't have any courage plus I don't think that I have the courage to hear what he's going to say. I didn't know him really and I think he still has the memories of those fights that we had that weren't really solved.
I'm going to just admire him from afar. And this would be the last time that I would meet him since I got accepted to the college far away from this place. This would be the last time that I can have a conversation with him.
As the time went by, Alina and I saw our parents being with each other. Jay's parents were also there and he was talkative. I'm just comfortable around him so we talk about everything and silly ourselves down.
Then we get our diplomas on stage and sit. I didn't have the opportunity to sit beside Renz at first because our classmate who was supposed to drop out went in my way and gaslighted me into thinking that she should sit beside him.
"Dude, did you do it?" I bombarded Jay after I sat down. He said 'No' and explained why he didn't do it. We laughed at that and teased ourselves.
"Let's picture" Renz tapped me and captured our picture that we're alone. I smiled at the picture and teased Jay again.
After that, we sang a song for our last graduation ceremony. I just didn't care about Renz and sang the song completely mesmerised. It was my favourite song by Taylor Swift and singing it makes me feel alive.
"Long live the walls we crashed through, How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you, I was screaming, "Long live all the magic we made", And bring on all the pretenders, One day we will be remembered" I sang out loud and got silly through the camera thing.
I didn't really care for more. This would be the last time that I would be highschool and the next thing that I would do was college hardships.
After the song, I was taught many lessons in life that I didn't know as I grew up and chase boys every time. I learnt that every boy was just like a human being and chasing them wouldn't change anything.
I shall worry about myself and grow myself out. I need self-improvement and I should love myself more. I should live life more carefree and love those people who love me more than anything.
I should spend time not seeking or chasing boys but I should spend time with my family, friends and myself. Boys are always there and always would be there and I should seek out a man who loves me.
Thinking of that makes me want to hug myself. I looked upon Renz and he was already sitting already. I get my fist ready for the fistbump. I smiled and said my congratulations to him.
"Congratulations, Renz" I said and fistbump him. He also fistbumped me and I also do that to his friend as we also got closer.
I left that scene feeling proud of myself. I congratulate everyone including my friends. Alina, Mina and Ayen were there to congratulate me also. I feel proud for them and for my other original classmates.
I'm now closing this chapter as I'm taught how to act decently, how to act mature and how to act respectful towards each other. I may have mistakes but that doesn't define who I am. And I would leave everything behind and start a fresh life.
I saw Renz with the boys and I smiled as this was the last time I could ever see him again. I hope for his succession in life as I wish to be successful too. I would definitely strive to become a better version of myself as I would really strive my own path in life too.