CHAPTER 15: HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

Kiesha was accompanied with Aivy and her parents when the family drove Kiesha at home.
“Kiesha, I think you should go to dinner with us. We’ll go back to the resto. What do you think Aivy?”, asked Aivy’s dad.
“Oh well sure. I like that dad. Mom please..”, replied Aivy.
“Oh yes. Of course dear.”, replied Aivy’s mother.
“Yes! Yes! Yes!”, replied Aivy happily.
“Oh, uhm.. I think I can’t make it this time Ma’am, Sir and best. I have to help my mother prepare the dinner for tonight. I’m sorry but I have to go. Thank you for understanding Aivy.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh well, yes. I understand best.”, replied Aivy.
“Kiesha dear, we arrived.”, said Aivy’s mother.
“Thank you very much Ma’am and Sir. Thank you also Aivy. I’ll tell my parents your regards to them. Goodbye everyone. Take care.”, replied Kiesha.
“Bye best. See you tomorrow at school. And please don’t forget to eat first your breakfast because we will prepare everything tomorrow for the upcoming graduation in our school.”, replied Aivy.
“Oh yes. Right see you tomorrow Aivy. Have a good night.”, replied Kiesha.
“Wait. I almost forgot my bicycle.”, said Kiesha.
Aivy helped Kiesha pull the back of the SUV and get the bicycle. Aivy and her family went on their way at a fancy restaurant to have their dinner. While Kiesha arrived home. As she enters, she saw her family having a dinner already.
“Oh Kiesha, how are you? Why are you so late?”, asked her mother.
“Actually I was being accompanied by my best friend with her family. They drove me home earlier. Remember Aivy? My child hood best friends? Guess what, we’re classmates. And we’re included in the top 10 list!”, replied Kiesha happily.
“Oh what? Really? Wow! That’s a great news Kiesha! And Aivy? I remembered that girl. You used to play outside even though it’s raining. Remember mother when we were still living near the public school last time? We had great neighbors there who used to give us foods.”, replied Alexa.
“Oh well yeah. I remembered. So, how are they going now? They’re so rich. How’s Aivy?”, asked Elizabeth.
“Well, she took care of me the whole day.”, replied Kiesha.
“What? Why? What happened to you?”, asked her father.
“I collapsed this morning.”, replied Kiesha.
Everyone was shocked about Kiesha’s news.
Elizabeth stood up immediately and came to Kiesha.
“What? Why dear? Did you not eat your breakfast this morning? Or are you sick? Are you stressed because of studying? Tell me.”, asked her mother worriedly.
“Oh well yeah. I did not eat my breakfast this morning because I will be late for school. I’m sorry mother.”, replied Kiesha.
“Dear, that’s not good for your health. It’s okay to be late. The important is that you take good care of yourself. Or if you don’t want to be late then sleep early so that you can wake up early.”, said her father.
“Well, yeah.”, replied Kiesha.
“Then, after what happened?”, asked Alexa.
“I collapsed during the flag ceremony. I woke up in the school’s clinic already. They told me that our school male teachers carried me to the clinic. After that, Aivy and..”, replied Kiesha and suddenly remembered the face of Justin.
“I mean Aivy and Kenneth took me back to the classroom. Aivy gave me a hot chocolate drink and even treated me a snack this afternoon.”, replied Kiesha.
“Wow. You have a very wonderful friend. Keep her too.”, replied Alexa.
“Yeah. She was really concerned of me sis. I should be kind to her as well.”, replied Kiesha.
“Yes. You should dear. By the way, you can invite Aivy here in our small home. I’m sure she’s not like the other girls.”, replied Elizabeth.
“Yes of course. Her parents were also kind to me earlier. They want me to join them a dinner at a fancy restaurant but I refused because I want to have a great dinner with you.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh I’m touched sis. Haha.”, replied Alexa.
“Whatever.”, replied Kiesha.
“So dear, are you okay now?”, asked her father.
“Yes father. I’m very okay now. Thanks to my best friend and teachers. As well as to our clinic doctor. She gave me this. A vitamin C.”, replied Kiesha.
“So, going back. What did you just say lately? You mean you and Aivy were included in the top 10 list? Congrats to both of you huh.”, replied Alexa happily.
“So what top? Top 10 exactly?”, asked her mother.
“Oh well, guess it.”, replied Kiesha.
“Top 1?”, asked her father.
“Yes you’re right father! I’m top 1 the Class Valedictorian this year! While my best friend Aivy is top 2 our Class Salutatorian!”, shouted Kiesha joyfully.
“Oh wow! Amazing! I am so proud of you dear!”, replied Edmund.
“Oh Kiesha, you made us really proud dear.”, replied Elizabeth as she was teary-eyed.
“You know what? Despite of our family’s challenges and circumstances, you still survived your studies. I am really sorry that we cannot give what you want dear. We are very lucky to have you as our daughter. We are really proud of you.”, replied Elizabeth.
Kiesha’s parents and Alexa hugged her so tightly.
“I wish brother was here. I am sure he was very proud of me too. I miss him so much.”, replied Kiesha.
“Of course he does.”, replied Alexa.
“So, come on now. Let’s eat together. Kiesha just change your clothes and join us dear. Congratulations!”, replied Elizabeth.
Kiesha then went back and seated on the floor. The family was having a dinner. Meanwhile, Aivy and her parents headed their way to the restaurant.
“Yes, we’re here!”, shouted Aivy.
“Why are you so excited dear? What happened in school?”, asked her mother.
“Oh well, I have to announce you something later. But can we get inside first? I am very hungry mom.”, replied Aivy.
“Yes sure. Go on first. Find us a table.”, replied her father.
Aivy get inside the restaurant first. They were greeted with the hostess.
“Good evening Ma’am and Sir.”, said the hostess.
“Good evening too miss.”, replied Aivy.
The family ordered delicious foods. They waited for the meals to be served on their table.
“So dear, what are you going to say to us with your father?”, asked her mom.
“Oh well, I am excited to announce it to you that I am included in the top 10 this year.”, replied Aivy.
“Oh wow! Really dear? We are so proud of you Aivy!”, replied her mother.
“Wow! I am so proud of you dear. So are you the top 10?”,asked her father.
“No father. I am the Class Salutatorian this year. I am the top 2 student!”, replied Aivy.
“Oh really? Wow! You’re such a very wonderful and smart girl dear. We are so proud of you. By the way, who was the Class Valedictorian?”, asked her father.
“My best friend. Kiesha Jones. She was very smart dad.”, replied Aivy.
“Really? Wow. No doubt. I thought her as a very intelligent girl as well. You’re lucky because you and you’re best friends were having a good career in school huh. You should invite Aivy at home sometimes.”, replied her mother.
“Well, yeah. Of course.”, replied Aivy.
The family ate together that wonderful evening and decided to go back to their house.
A wonderful morning came. Kiesha came to school very early because as the Class President in school, her team was tasked to help the teachers to prepare everything for the school graduation for next week’s schedule. Early in the morning, after the flag ceremony, Kiesha called a meeting with the school committee council to present the events for the graduation day.
“Hello everyone, good morning. Thank you for coming. As the Council President, I need your support to prepare the schedule of events for our graduation. Dear secretary, kindly list down some important notes. First, in the morning, we have to make sure that before the graduation starts, there will be a mass. Then, in the afternoon, the graduation starts with the graduating students. I am so excited for this.”, explained Kiesha.
Kiesha was explaining everything in front of her team when suddenly, Justin came in the room. Justin looked at her but she did not stare at him back.
“Alright everyone, I think that’s it. Thank you for coming. You can now go back to your classes.”, replied Kiesha.
Everyone went out followed by Kiesha. But when she was about to step outside, Justin blocked her in front of the door.
“Step aside.”, said Kiesha.
“Kiesha, I have to tell you something.”, replied Justin.
“What? You will throw again awful words towards me? Why can’t you be contented? What’s the matter with you? You know what? Aivy was right. You’re such a playboy. No doubt my best friend doesn’t like you. I don’t care about her. I only care for..”, replied Justin.
Justin did not continuously say what he wants to say to Kiesha since somebody knocked the door.
“I’ll go. Goodbye and congratulations. You will graduate this year.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh hi, Miss Jane. We’re done already. Thank you.”, said Kiesha.
“Good morning Miss Jane.”, greeted Justin.
Justin looked at Kiesha while she was walking down the hallway.
“Why can’t I say those words! Ugh!”, he whispered.
Kiesha walked so fast that she was almost bumped by a car. It was Justin’s parents the owner of the school she was attending to.
“Oh, good morning Ma’am and Sir.”, greeted her.
“Hello dear, good morning. Are you Ms. Kiesha Jones right? We received the great news that you’re the Class Valedictorian for this year. Congratulations!”, said the woman.
“Oh thank you very much! Bye.”, replied Kiesha.
That night, Kiesha returned home. She was always thinking how she met Justin’s parents. Everyday, Kiesha was always excited upon preparing the school for graduation. She came very early and arrived home late at night.
“Kiesha, tomorrow is your graduation day. I am excited for you.”, said Alexa.
“Well yeah. Thank you sis. I am so excited for tomorrow. But I am also worried at the same time. John was not yet here at home. I hope all of you will be there.”, replied Kiesha.
“Of course, we’ll be there sis.”, replied Alexa.
“Sleep early tonight.”, replied Alexa.
The most awaited day came. It’s the Benjamin Atlas School’s graduation. Kiesha’s family came at school. Her best friend, Aivy together with her family came very early. Kiesha and Aivy waved each other and took photos with each other.
“Oh my gosh! Best! I can’t believe we’re graduating this day! I am so proud of ourselves. At least we’re done! We’re turning to college soon best! OMG!”, shouted Aivy with joy.
“Yeah. Me as well.”, replied Kiesha as she was staring somewhere else.
“Are you looking for him?”, asked Aivy.
“With whom? With Kenneth and Justin? No. We’re not friends.”, replied Kiesha.
“Aivy, is Matilda here?”, asked Kiesha.
“What? Of course not. She was suspended. What are you thinking?”, replied Aivy.
“Oh there is Ms. Jane. I’ll ask her.”, replied Kiesha.
“Excuse me Ms. Jane. Good morning. How was Matilda. Is she included for the graduating list?”, asked Kiesha.
“Oh well dear. Sorry but we already finalized it last week that Matilda can’t graduate this year. We already contacted her parents and they understood. By the way, congratulations to all of your achievements. See you!”, replied Ms. Jane.
“Ahm.. Aivy, can I excuse for a while, to prepare everything. You can come with me.”, added Kiesha.
“No, I’ll just stay in my seat. You can go best.”, replied Aivy.
After the mass, the graduating students went to the classrooms. Other parents went outside to have their lunch. Kiesha’s family had their lunch in the canteen. Her sister Alexa, bought foods for them. Aivy’s family came closer to them and greeted Kiesha.
“Kiesha, congratulations! We are so proud of you and with Aivy our daughter. Keep up the good work! Your parents were also very proud. Kiesha you can go with us and you can bond with Aivy at home”, replied Aivy’s mother.
“Thank you Ma’am. I will.”, replied Kiesha.
“Congratulations with your daughter. You’re so proud of her. We’re sure of that.”, replied Aivy’s dad.
“Yes of course. Thank you very much for complimenting.”, replied Kiesha’s mother.
Sunny afternoon came. After the graduates had their lunch together with their families, they went back at school and find their seats. Afterwards, the program has started. Within hours, the fourth year graduating students formed two lines with their parents beside them. Kiesha Jones was called on the stage to have her speech in front of everyone. After the speech, everyone clapped for her and most of them stood up and applause her. Her parents were very proud of her. Not later than an hour, the honor students stood up and formed one line to receive their awards.
“The next in line is our Class Valedictorian, Kiesha Jones! She will receive Best in Math, Best in Science, Loyalty Award, Best Leader of the year and Best in Public Speaking. Around of applause please!”, announced Ms. Jane.
Kiesha then stood up and accompanied by her parents on stage as they received the award. Kiesha was looking and hoping for her brother to come but there’s none. Kiesha smiled and went back to her seat and looked back. Instead, she found Justin looking and smiling at her.
“I hate him.”, she whispered.
“Congratulations dear. We are so proud of you especially your brother. I know he will come soon.”, whispered her father.
“Thank you father.”, replied Kiesha.
“Congratulations best!”, greeted Aivy.
“Thank you Aivy congratulations too.”, replied Kiesha.
The graduation program ended at exactly 4:00 pm in the afternoon. Kiesha was really happy with her medals.
“So, where are we heading to?”, said Alexa.
“We’ll just go home now sis.”, replied Kiesha.
“Really? No. We’ll go to the McDonald’s. My treat.”, replied Alexa.
“Really Sis? Wow. I love fried chicken. Are you sure you have enough money?”, asked Kiesha.
“Yes of course. I prepared it on this day.”, replied Alexa.
The Jones family headed their way at McDonald’s and ordered their foods inside. After, they received their meals and most of the customers were looking at Kiesha because of her medals.
“Wow! I’m sure she’s very intelligent!”, one of the customers near them said.
Jones family heard it and smiled each other.
“You know mother, father, sis, much better if John will be here with us today. I assumed that he will surprise me but I was wrong. I was always worried about my brother. Will we ever see him again?” asked Kiesha.
“Of course dear. Don’t worry about John. Maybe he’s just working harder for the family. Or maybe he has already a family on his own.”, said her mother.
“But why did he keep it a secret?”, asked Kiesha.
“Just don’t stress yourself about it Kiesha. Happy eating guys!”, replied Alexa.
The Jones family were eating together happily and decided to go home after long conversations.