It's already our graduation day, the ceremony will be starting at 9 o'clock later, it's just 6 in the morning, I wore my red knee length dress and red heels.
I had my hair curled by Annie and we already packed our things yesterday, we plan to set foot out the Academy tomorrow because we still have a farewell party tonight.
I took a graduation coat and cap with me as I walk out the girls' building. I'm gonna miss this place.
I decided to stroll around the Academy for the last time before I leave, it's been a whole 4 years, a lot of memories and stories are made, a new experience every day.
Something tells me that I won't see this kind of day ever again after leaving so I should take my time. It took me 1 full hour to tour around the campus until I found myself on the cafeteria.
I brought a bottle of water before walking towards our classroom, everyone was chatting while their cloaks are neatly folded on top of their desks.
I set mine on my desk and made sure that my cap is clean, I sighed happily before turning to my seat mate who is currently daydreaming.
"Aye Sam, what's up with that look?" I pat her head lightly.
"My diploma is waving" she smiled wonderly.
"Just the diploma? What about our medals?" Liz asked, Sam rolled her eyes.
"Of course that too" she complained, I laughed.
"Alright, is everyone here already?" James asked.
"Icer and the others are still not here" Louanne said, I look back at their seats, yup there's still no sign of them.
I wonder why, I thought they were excited for this day, did the first Card called for them? Nevermind, it's not like they're not attending the ceremony, besides we still have a lot of time ahead of us.
"Okay, please don't leave the classroom, we need to go to the stadium together" James said and we all nod.
Liz was now talking to her family on the phone while Sam took a quick nap, I decided to call my mom too since they're gonna be fetching me tomorrow at the airport.
It took a couple of rings until she finally answered it, but before I could even greet her, a loud yell was heard from the background.
"Congratulations Tinay!" Everyone yelled, I chuckled and started to get teary eyed.
Good thing that they're not here personally, they'll just tease me for being a cry baby and seeing them just makes me want to cry loudly.
"Geez you guys, thank you" I said.
"We'll be watching from the live coverage that your head master sent us" mom said.
"Yes of course, as usual" I smiled.
"You did well on those four years sweetie, you're finally going back home to us" she said gently.
"Yup, and you're now one step closer to your dreams of becoming one of us" Perry added.
"Also, you won't miss any occasions this time" my sister also reach for the phone.
"Hehe, you guys are right, thank you for supporting me all the way here, I'll see you soon" I chuckled and shifted my gaze towards the door where Ace entered.
He gave me a grin and I just rolled my eyes at him.
"Yup, see you soon Tinay!" They said.
"Bye guys" I smiled before ending the call.
"Congratulations" my lips formed a thin line when he suddenly hugged me from behind.
I crossed my arms before turning around to face him, he really looks so handsome when he styled his hair neatly.
"Congratulations to you too" I smiled at him, he chuckled and kissed my forehead.
"It's been 8 months huh" he said, is he reffering about our relationship?
"That fast" I muttered and he kissed my cheek this time, I frowned.
"I'm gonna miss you" I poked every inch of his face making him chuckle.
"Alright everyone, it's almost time for the ceremony, how about let's play a game? A two word challenge or something?" James suggested.
"What do you mean by 'two words'?" Troy asked.
"You just simply say two words to the person you desire to give those word without any reason why" he replied.
That's sounds fun, James started to explain the game and turns out we're doing it by pairs so I'll just say two words that I want to say to Ace.
"Okay let's start" he said and Ace pulled me to sit on top of my desk- next to my cloak and cap while he sat on my chair.
"You go first" he said, I bit my lower lip.
Actually, there's a lot of things that I wanted to say to him but I don't think it's gonna be related to the game because I only need to say two words, no more no less.
I smiled while remembering all the memories we had together, how much he changed me from that first kiss, confession and all- even when I think I don't deserve any of it.
"Thank you..." was all I said, he chuckled and shook his head.
"I think I know what you meant there" he grinned.
"You're not sure about that" I groaned and he held both of my hands.
"I'm sorry" he smiled bitterly and my eyebrow raised.
What for? Was it for the times where he used to bully me? But I already told him that it was okay, can't he just move on?
He grinned and kissed my hands before standing up, I pouted and look up to him.
"I bet you didn't get what that meant" he smirked.
"I wonder..." I thought then he pinched my nose.
"Come now, I thought you're a smart girl? I can't even push you off the 1st rank until now" he smirked, I rolled my eyes at him.
"Don't get so full of yourself mister, I'm still a lot more better than you in terms of survival and stock knowledge" I bragged and he raised his hands as a sign of surrender.
Good grief, I thought he was gonna start another argument with me in this day- I mean I don't want my mood to be ruin for this day so yeah, I guess that's it.
After a few moments, James announced that it was time for us to assemble to the stadium.
We all sat on our designated seats, according to our ranks and those who are not included in the rank 10 are sitting aphabetically.
Even if they are not included in the top 10- they should still be proud of being able to graduate, studying in this academy is hard for a normal person- I don't really consider myself as normal anyways huhu.
Sitting next to Ace put my nervousness on the side and helps me focus on the speaker on the stage.
"Now let us all give a round of applause to our head master for his opening remarks" the host said and we applauded as the 1st Card appeared on the stage taking the spotlight.
"7 years had passed since I took hold of the title Head master, I've never witness how powerful and keen our students but now, today is different, because for the first time in the history of Emprium Academy, we achieved a 99.1% as the highest ever rated average so far. But that didn't end there, every one of you holds a knowledge that no one can have, you have your own uniqueness, you are all outstanding, seeing how you struggled from your 1st years, adjusted on your 2nd year, dedicated on your 3rd year and continued your hardwork up til now your 4th year. Every section, every grades, it doesn't define how each and every one of you succesfully strive up to what you are today and to the future ahead" he ended his sppech and we all clapped for him.
"Now, it is time to give the students their designated awards..." the host spoke and we all supported everyone who walked up the stage to get their awards.
"Morgan, Samantha Caina, with the general average of 93.7%, rank 7th, congratulations" my eyes widened and look back at her seat, she grinned while making her way up to the stage to receive her awards which are some certificates and medals from being best in Language and Literacy, volleyball- which we got from sportsfest, and an academic medal.
The next one to be called on was James as the 6th, next was Troy who ranked 4th with the average of 95.4%, then Icer before Liz who got tied in the 3rd rank for having an average of 97% flat.
"The 2nd rank this year belongs to- Salazar, Death Jaxen Ace with an average of 98.9%, congratulations" yeah, you heard it right, it finally broke down, the rankings were changed on the last minute and all our written exams, performance tasks and Assessments were computed.
I clapped for him as he received his awards and a special bouquet just like the ones that Liz and Icer have. He smiled on the cameras around before walking down the stage, sitting back next to me.
"Got your speech ready?" He asked worriedly, I smiled at him.
"Of course I did" I chuckled and he smiled back at me before I shifted my attention back at the stage.
"And last but not the least, the record breaker, our 1st ranker this year with a total average of 99.1%, Belfour, Cursetine Aidoar, congratulations" I huffed before carefully standing up on my seat and walked up the stage.
Finally! A wide smile was plastered on my face, I think it's not coming off any time now, I'm so happy! I reach for my awards and slightly bowed my head to accept my 2 bronze medals, 4 silvers and 4 golds, the envelope containing my certicates almost fell when they handed me a bouquet, great, another struggle- a good one though, I desserve this.
I bowed to everyone for the awards before proceeding to the side where the host handed me the mic for me to start up with my speech.
Now I'm starting to get nervous, I know my family is watching me from their screens and all eyes are on me.
"Good morning to you all, first, I would like to say thank you for everyone who had been there with since the start of my journey here, my schoolmates, classmates, friends and family" I eyed a certain person before looking over the whole place with proudness.
"Thank you all for the memories, both good and bad, for the lectures of our teachers, life lessons that we picked up on knowing each other since day 1, uhm, I know every one of us worked very hard to claim this milestone that we have right now but I don't really care- rude huh? It's because I know most of you are not contented with what you have right now, small awards? Low average? Don't think that way come on.
You'll be like, 'it's easy for you to say cause you got the highest rank'- but no, I didn't reach it up here if it weren't for you guys who inspired me, I don't know most of you yeah- but we all share the same struggles everyday here and I learned a different lesson on that spot without dictations, what was that you may ask? It's bond, it connects us to each other, and no matter how low or how high your grades is, we are still humans, we are all the same, like I said earlier, we all share the same struggles and hardships but we're all here today, no one got left behind right?
It's the connection we have, set aside the grades and stuff, we are what we are today because of that, we laugh, we cry, we play, we strive, we pass, we graduate, we're all in this together, congratulations to us Graduates" I smiled and gave them a 90° bow and they applauded, I posed for the camera for a bit before walking down the stage.
"I'm so proud of you" Ace said as soon as I took my seat.
"Thank you, me too, congratulations to you" I smiled brightly at him and he secretly held my hand under the arm rest of our seat because the camera started filming on our direction.
"Thanks" he grinned, I stole a quick kiss on his cheek as soon as the camera passed us making him chuckle.
The first Card took over the stage for his closing remarks and we patiently listened to his advices and final lectures until to the very moment that we've waited.
"Today, I am proud to announced to you- please stand up" he gestured his hand upwards and we all rose on our seats synchronizely.
"As a Leader who witness your hard works and loyalty to this school, I pronounce the 120 of you, graduates from the Emprium Academy- the Golden Batch of this school year, Congratulations" he said.
We all moved our tassels to the left as a symbol that we passed another year level and now pursuing college that is just ahead of us.
We can't throw our graduations caps here inside the stadium anyways so we decided to take pictures of one another, unfortunately for me, it's difficult cause my neck is getting numb from the weight of my medals.
"Congrats beaches" Sam hugged me and Liz, we chuckled.
"Congratulations to us" I grinned and raised my medals even if both my hands are busy carry my bouquet and certificates.
"Samantha, have a moment, hon?" Ice suddenly butted in our space.
"Oh sure, hold up" she smiled and removed her cap so she won't hit me and Liz.
"Congrats Lizzy" Zen also hugged her, I cringed and turn to my side, Ace was getting interviewed as well huh? Well he's a superstar anyways.
"Time for our class picture!" James yelled and all of us walked back to the stage, both our class adviser and 1st Card stood by the side while us top 10 are proudly standing on the back with the others sitting or kneeling down the floor so we can fit on the picture.
Camera flasher through our eyes and I tried my best to give my best smile and focus on the cameras without blinking a lot, why are there a lot of cameras anyways? The Academy's media only have a few- but not this 'few', of course it was still on live so me and Ace don't really mind each others business.
"You good?" He asked catching my attention.
"Yeah, I'm not just use to the camera flashes" I smiled and he grinned, now he looks more handsome because of his 8 medals around his neck, 5 golds and 3 silvers, such a genius.
When I walked down the stage with James' guidance by the stairs, I was blocked by the media once again, how did they even enter the stadium? Wasn't the security still on guard by the entrance?
"Sorry but she's off limits to the interview" Icer siddenly butted in with his group, I sighed in contentment, good thing.
The four of them guided me up to the entrance where the security are fighting tough- oh that's why they couldn't stop the other media's from getting inside.
Every students has a guard keeping them away from the media and paparazzi's from getting interviewed- because our profile should be locked off privately- unless there's an occasion like the sports fest where we invite other schools here or either we're setting foot out the campus.
"Ace, can you stay?" I grab his sleeve out of horror, don't they see that the students are scared from what they're doing? Ace look back at me.
"Of course, Icer, Troy, Pierce, go find Sam, Sofia and Xiena" he told the three which dispatched immediately.
"Mr. Salazar, Ms. Belfour, I think it would be best if you proceed towards the main building for a while" one of the guards intructed and we both nod before walking towards the said location.
~
Wearing the same dress I wore earlier, I entered the grand hall to see everyone enjoying the night, at last.
I casually stepped down the grand staircase and walked over the buffet table to get myself a drink, suddenly someone pulled my free hand and spun me around.
"Icer" I mumbled and grinned, he smirked back at me and handed me to Ace who's wearing his formal suit and looking so charming.
"He's looking for you, I'll just go get Sam" he chuckled before leaving us.
"You're late, babe" he kissed my left cheek and I smiled.
"Girl matters heh" I excused then finished my drink before he pulled me towards the dance floor to dance.
This will be the last night that all of us are complete, there's a hundred and twenty of us here tonight and we decided to take a picture on the stage- it's a little hard to keep 120 people in one frame so the photographer moved away to capture all of us.
After that, the lights dimmed, the disco ball starts hanging around, the disco lights also mixed up together on the beat of the music and we had our fun.
I gathered with the other girls for a toast and clinked our glasses together.
"Well desserved~" Liz sang.
"Desserved~" we all followed her tune and laughed.
After a lot of dancing, I walked out the terrace to watch the stars, it's beautiful the sky is clear tonight, there's no clouds blocking ny view of thd full moon above me, I smiled and inhaled the cool breeze of the nightlit sky.
The night is about to end at any moment, I wonder what will happened after this, will we still get in touch? Or maybe we'll be busy finishing up for college? I'll surely miss entering a noisy classroom.
Our yearbook and class photo album had been distributed this afternoon and I haven't a chance to look through it.
I look back inside the room, from our 1st to 3rd years here, every section has been challenging each other to see who's the best at every field, it was quite pointless because our section always rule the field.
I giggled to myself, happiness always comes to an end anyway, I frowned on my own negativity and it also came back into me.
Ace... what will happened to us? Yes he did say that I should prioritize my dreams before him but can I really do that?
"And why is the Academy's top nocher frowning at a time like this?" I looked up right away when I heard that voice.
"Hey..." I smiled slightly.
"Problem?" He asked and set a hand on my head thinking I'm not feeling well.
"Wow, are you my dad now James?" I grinned, he scoffed and pinched my nose.
"Stop messing with me, Belfour" he groaned, I giggled.
"Now listen, I know it's not my place to say this but..." he paused and took a deep breath, I ceased my eyebrows in confusion.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"Are you sure about Death? I mean, are you willing to accept him and his secrets?" He asked curiously.
"I don't know what you're talking about" I replied cautiously, I don't know what's going on but I have a bad feeling about this.
"What if he's a wolf in a sheep's clothing?" He qouted smartly, my eyebrows ceased and my heart started to beat rapidly, my palms are also starting to get sweaty as I look away from him.
What if? What if he is someone that I feared him to be, no matter how much I shove that thought away on the corner of my mind, it always comes forth to make me realize something.
"W-what a-are you s-saying? He can't be like that..." I dumbly trailed off my thought and shut my eyes close.
I'm not dumb to guess what he meant there, of course, I expected no less from this school, everyone is hiding something, no matter the appearance no matter the attitude, there's always someone behind that mask.
"James, can you leave" I throat ran cold when I heard his cold voice once more.
I slowly opened my eyes as James stepped out of the terrace, closing it behind the calm and composed frame of Ace.
"I'm sorry" he sighed and took a step closer.
I glared at him, he halted on his steps right away and I avoided my gaze from him and composed myself.
I feel suffocated, he could at least tell me earlier, we could talk this out right? And why does James know about this? I don't know what to feel, should I be mad? Upset? Frightened? More likely to say, I was betrayed.
"So, why?" I calmly asked, my anger won't fix this shxt, I mean it, if I let my anger loose then it's the end of this.
"Can you look at me, at least, before I explain it to you?" He asked gently, and I did face him.
My eyes locked with his but I'm positive that I can't remove my cold stare at him, I don't even plan to drop it too.
"I know this will be your reaction" he sighed and took another step closer to reach for my hand but I took a step back, forcing my back against the railings, it didn't hurt though, I suddenly felt numb.
"Tell me, does everyone else know?" I questioned hardly.