Javier graduated as the class valedictorian at RM Senior High, but the achievement felt bittersweet. It was supposed to be Andrea, his ex-girlfriend, who stood on that podium. She had been the first in the class for three consecutive years, but she had transferred to another school after Javier's betrayal.
Javier missed Andrea terribly. He couldn't imagine his college life without her. He replayed their memories together in his head, like a broken record: their first kiss under the cherry blossom tree, their long walks in the park, their late-night talks.
Javier knew that he had made a terrible mistake. He had taken Andrea's love for granted. Now, he was paying the price.
Javier imagined his college life without Andrea. It was a dark and lonely place. He couldn't imagine sitting in class without her next to him. He couldn't imagine going to parties without her by his side. He couldn't imagine his life without her.
Javier knew that he had to find Andrea. He had to apologize and win her back. He couldn't live without her.
August loomed ahead, a daunting specter for Javier. He had yet to decide on a college major, and the pressure was mounting. His friends and family were all asking him what he wanted to do with his life, but he didn't have an answer.
Javier felt like he was standing at a crossroads, with a thousand different paths leading out in front of him. He didn't know which path to choose, and he was afraid of making the wrong decision.
His mind raced like a hamster on a wheel. He thought about all the different things he was interested in, but he couldn't seem to narrow it down. He wanted to be a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, an artist, a writer... the list went on and on.
Javier felt lost and overwhelmed. He didn't know what he was passionate about, and he didn't know what he was good at. He started to doubt himself. Maybe he wasn't smart enough to go to college. Maybe he wasn't worthy of success.
But then, Javier remembered Andrea. She had always believed in him. She had always told him that he could achieve anything he set his mind to.
Javier closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He knew that he had to find his own way in the world. He couldn't let other people make the decisions for him. He had to be brave enough to follow his heart.
Javier opened his eyes and smiled. He knew that he would figure it out. He had time.
*****
Javier had finally made a decision. He wanted to be a lawyer. His mother was overjoyed, as was his younger brother, Ian, who Andrea had known as Reiv. Ian was in his senior year of high school, and he was eager to start college the following year.
"I'm so proud of you, Javier," his mother said, giving him a hug. "You're going to be a great lawyer."
"Thanks, Mom," Javier said, smiling. "I'm really excited to start this new chapter in my life."
"Me too," Ian said, clapping him on the back. "Can't wait to see you in the courtroom."
Javier laughed. "When I get to college, you can come and visit me and watch me practice my moot court arguments."
"I'll be there," Ian said. "And one day, we'll be opposing lawyers in a real courtroom."
The three of them laughed and hugged each other. Javier was grateful for his family's support. He knew that he couldn't have achieved his dreams without them.
Javier lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He couldn't sleep. His mind was racing with thoughts of Andrea.
He wondered where she was now. What was she doing? Was she happy?
He closed his eyes and imagined her. She was sitting in a library, surrounded by books. She was wearing a white lab coat, her hair pulled back in a bun. She was smiling, her eyes sparkling with intelligence and passion.
Javier smiled back. He knew that Andrea was going to be a great doctor. She was smart, compassionate, and driven. She had a natural gift for healing people.
He thought about the time she had helped a young girl who had fallen and scraped her knee. Andrea had cleaned and bandaged the girl's wound, and then she had sat with her and told her a story to calm her down.
Javier imagined Andrea working as a pediatrician, helping children from all walks of life. He saw her as a beacon of hope, bringing light and healing to those who needed it most.
Javier closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that Andrea was going to be okay. She was going to achieve all of her dreams.
As August arrived, Javier prepared with eager anticipation for his new chapter in life. He was thrilled to embark on his pre-law journey at the prestigious Academy of Justice.
His heart pounded with excitement as he envisioned himself walking through the hallowed halls of the academy, surrounded by brilliant minds and driven individuals. He pictured himself sitting in classrooms, absorbing the wisdom of renowned professors and honing his legal skills. He imagined himself standing in the moot court, arguing cases with passion and conviction.
Javier's excitement was tempered with a touch of nervousness. He knew that law school would be challenging, but he was determined to succeed. He had Andrea's encouragement and support, and that gave him the strength to face any obstacle.
On the day of his departure, Javier hugged his mother and brother goodbye. He promised to call and write often. Then, he boarded the plane, his heart filled with hope and determination.
Javier's heart thumped with excitement as he settled into his seat on the plane. He couldn't believe that he was finally on his way to the Academy of Justice. He had dreamed of attending this prestigious law school for as long as he could remember.
As the plane took off, Javier looked out the window and watched the world below shrink into miniature. He felt a sense of liberation and possibility. He was embarking on a new chapter in his life, and he was ready to embrace all that it had to offer.
Javier closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could almost taste the success that awaited him. He imagined himself standing in front of a jury, delivering a closing argument that would bring tears to their eyes. He imagined himself arguing a case before the Supreme Court, setting a precedent that would change the course of history.
Javier knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he was determined to succeed. He had Andrea's words of encouragement ringing in his ears: "You can do anything you set your mind to."
Javier opened his eyes and smiled. He was ready for whatever the future held.