CHAPTER 16: BESTFRIEND'S CHERISHED MOMENTS

The Jones family were happily eating at the McDonald’s Restaurant.
“I can’t believe that I am a graduate now in high school. Despite of the hardships we faced each day mother, father, at last, I made it this year. But I need to work harder to provide for my college tuition and other expenses.”, explained Kiesha.
While Kiesha was talking, she saw a girl with a blonde hair. She was mesmerized by her beauty. When this girl turned her back to find a seat, Kiesha was shocked because it was Matilda!
“Matilda?”, shouted Kiesha.
Matilda heard her name and was startled when she found out that it was Kiesha staring at her.
“Kiesha?”, she replied.
The Jones family was surprised.
Kiesha stood up and asked.
“Matilda, how have you been? Where have you been? It’s been a long time.”, said Kiesha.
“Oh well, why are you here? Oh I see. You know, I just went abroad. How about you? Oh it’s been awhile since I have greatly sinned against you. And oh look. You have so many medals. Are these all fake? Hahaha. Anyway, congratulations! Are you happy now? Are you happy with my boyfriend Justin huh?”, asked Matilda.
“Matilda, nice seeing you. Where have you been? And what are you talking about? You mean my daughter is having an affair with your boyfriend?”, asked Edmund.
“Oh. Haven’t you noticed why your daughter arrived at home late? What could that be?”, asked Matilda.
“Stop it Matilda. That’s not true. You know what? For over the months, you don’t even have the conscience to apologize to me. Even to my family. Even to your boyfriend. You can belittle me those days Matilda. But now, never.”, replied Kiesha.
Kiesha pulled a glass of iced tea but her father stopped her.
“Now what? Does it mean you will pour me with that drink all over my face? Oh too bad. Don’t brag about the medals you’re wearing. Too cheap for you.”, replied Matilda.
“You know what? I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Me and Justin aren’t together. If you feel Justin is already cold already it’s because of you. No doubt, you will always break your heart into pieces. Are you sure you went abroad?”, replied Kiesha.
Suddenly, a guy came closer to Matilda and bragged her waist.
“Come on, babe. Let’s go.”, said the guy.
“Haha. Now, let’s see who cheated first.”, said Kiesha.
“Oh, it’s up to you if you tell Justin about it. But I guess Justin can’t take to leave me behind. I know he loves me so hard. Well, we just had a cool off but I know one day, he will get back to me.”, replied Matilda.
“Oh well. We don’t care about it. You know what, what we only care is our graduation day today and we thought you will surprise us by showing yourself there but I think we’re wrong since Ms. Jane have told us that you’re not really going to graduate this year. And second thing, Justin was trying hard to contact you but you did not even answer back. Last thing is, your parents were very worried about you. They tried to search for you but I don’t think you have the conscience to show up yourself for them. Are you really stupid huh?”, explained Matilda.
“Watch your mouth Kiesha. You don’t have to say those words to me.”, replied Matilda.
“Let’s go babe. I don’t like it here.”, added Matilda.
Matilda with the guy went outside and looked for another fast food.
“Who’s that you’re talking to?”, asked the guy.
“Oh just a long time classmate.”, replied Matilda.
Kiesha raised her eyebrows and looked anxiously at Matilda’s face.
“Are you okay? Just calm down. Take your seat. Everybody is looking at you.”, said Alexa.
“What should I do? I don’t want her to mock me again. I even tried to dump her with a drink but thank God father stopped me for it.”, replied Kiesha.
“See? She did not still apologize to me, neither all of you. She’s so wicked.”, added Kiesha.
“Yes. She was so rude. I don’t know if she was really the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Watsons. Haha.”, replied Alexa.
“By the way. What was she talking about huh? Who is Justin?”, asked her mother.
“Justin and I were friends. We’re friends before because everytime I went at the library room, we have same novel or book that we liked very much. But she and Justin were a couple. I don’t know about them now because I promised to myself that I should only focus on my studies. That’s it.”, replied Kiesha.
“Is Justin your classmate?”, asked Edmund.
“Nope. He’s our schoolmate and his parents owned the school. That’s why I just respected him.”, replied Kiesha.
“Alright.”, replied Elizabeth.
“Really?”, asked Alexa.
“Yeah.”, replied Kiesha.
“Okay, enough. I don’t know if Matilda grew up with good manners. Her mother was right. She was getting spoiled. And he’s with a guy huh. So, it’s not Justin right?”, asked Edmund.
“No father.”, replied Kiesha.
Kiesha and her family returned home after they ate at the McDonald’s Restaurant. As they were heading for a hike, Aivy was surprised because she found her best friend.
“Hey best! Where have you been? Are you walking all the time?”, asked Aivy.
“Hello Aivy, the best friend of my sister. Actually no. We went from the McDonald’s since it’s my sister’s graduation day. By the way, congratulations, you’re in the top 2 huh.”, replied Alexa.
“Thanks!”, replied Aivy.
“Hello tita, tito.”, greeted Aivy.
“Where are your parents?”, asked Elizabeth.
“Oh they went on a business trip today and they will be back by next week. So I guess, I’m the only one in the house. I am here rewinding. Hey best, what if we’ll throw a summer party at our house or by the beach with our batchmates. I guess, it would be so much fun! What do you think?”, asked Aivy.
“Well, that’s great! But I guess I can’t be in it since I am applying for a part-time job at the same time enrolling myself to college.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh, please best. This is just for one day. And promise, I’ll take you home safely. I already asked permission from my parents and they even invited you at home. Please tito, tita can Kiesha be with us for a party? Please..”, pleaded Aivy.
“Oh well, since both of you are best of friends and you did a very good job this year, why not?”, replied Alexa.
“How about you Tita?”, asked Aivy to Kiesha’s mother.
“Ahm.. Alright. It’s fine with me. Since you studied very hard, it’s okay. But make it sure Kiesha will arrive safely at home. You know Aivy that Kiesha was very worried since her brother left her without any word, right?”, replied Elizabeth.
“Yes, tita. I understand. But it’s up to Kiesha if she wanted to join but I won’t force her.”, replied Aivy.
“What Kiesha? Are you in?”, asked Alexa.
“Of course. At least I’m away from a heavy heart lately.”, replied Kiesha.
“Why? What’s wrong?”, asked Aivy.
“I saw Matilda. We saw her with another guy. She told us that she went abroad. Gosh.”, replied Kiesha.
“Really? How did it went through? Did you tell her that her parents searched for her the whole time? Even Justin, her boyfriend.”, replied Aivy.
“Yes. But she doesn’t care at all. She doesn’t even apologize to me and to my entire family.”, replied Kiesha.
“That’s so bad Kiesha. If I were you, I’ll try to punch that.. Oops.. Sorry. I’m just kidding.”, replied Aivy.
“So what Kiesha? Do you want to join? Please join us. It’s pretty cool if you will be in the outing.”, replied Aivy.
“Yes, sure. I’m in if my father allows me.”, replied Kiesha.
“hello tito. Can I ask permission to include Kiesha in the outing? Please..”, replied Aivy.
“Well, how many boys are there?”, asked Edmund.
“Oh, it’s just 50/50. But I think most of us joining are entirely girls.”, replied Aivy.
“Well, it’s okay with me if Kiesha will be safe there. And returned home with no boyfriend or even pregnant. I’m sorry I just have to be honest here.”, replied Edmund.
“Oh tito. You can count me in. All of our friends are matured and all of us will work hard to reach for our dreams and proceed to college soon. It’s just my life will be empty if Kiesha will not be there.”, replied Aivy.
“Alright, alright.. I understand. Okay Kiesha you can go. When is it?”, asked Edmund.
“Oh yes! Thank you so much tito. Actually we have many options to go but not too far in this town.”, replied Aivy.
“Yes thank you father, mother, sis. Thank you for letting me go along with my friends in school.”, replied Kiesha.
“So best. When will be the outing? I’ll chat with our batchmates in gc. And wait, until now, I still did not have your phone number.”, replied Aivy.
“Yes, because I don’t have a phone best. Haha. Don’t worry I’ll save money to buy one. Hahaha.”, replied Kiesha.
“Anyway, can I have the phone number of your sister instead? So that I can contact you?”, replied Aivy.
“Oh well sure dear. Here it is.”, replied Alexa.
“Where are you going best?”, asked Kiesha.
“I was about to go shopping and buy foods at home. My parents were not there. Only our helper. But I am the one who will buy foods for today. Want to join? Come on. Let’s go together. Don’t worry, I’ll be here for you. Is that okay with you tita, tito and Alexa?”, asked Aivy.
“Oh alright. As long as you Kiesha, you will arrive home safely tonight okay? Give me your medals and cap. As well as your toga.”, replied Alexa.
“Thank you sis.”, replied Kiesha.
“So, we’ll go ahead now? Thank you so much for letting my bestie spend time with me today.”, replied Aivy to the Jones.
“Yes. Congratulations again both of you!”, replied Elizabeth.
The Jones headed their way back at home while Kiesha and Aivy went along at the mall and shop some foods and snacks.
“Hey best, I guess we will just walk. The mall is just nearby. Right?”, asked Aivy.
“Yes.”, replied Kiesha.
“By the way, is it really true that you met Matilda lately?”, asked Aivy.
“Yes. She’s with a guy that I don’t even know. You know what? I was about to tell you this but I think it was the guy I saw these past weeks. Remember the day that it was raining so hard that night? And I searched for my parents that entire night? I saw Matilda with a guy in the Dream Girl’s Bar. And guess what I saw. They both kissed!”, replied Kiesha.
“What? Yuck! Matilda was a mess.”, replied Aivy.
“But I hope not. Because the place is so dimmed that night.”, replied Kiesha.
“Anyway, let’s not talk about her. Okay? What if we’ll find a café shop this time. It’s my treat.”, replied Aivy.
“Best, until this time? No. I resist. Today, I will be the one to treat you. Where do you want to go? There at Bo’s Coffee or Starbucks?”, asked Kiesha.
“Wow huh.”, replied Aivy.
“Yeah. I’m serious hehe. I have my last scholarship pay today and I did not yet tell my parents about it.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh no. Please just keep it best. It’s already a big help for your family.”, replied Aivy.
“But I want to treat you as well. Please..”, replied Kiesha.
“Alright, alright..”, replied Aivy.
The two best friends went on their way at the Starbucks café and ordered Light Caramel Frappuccino and Iced Shaken Espresso as well as two orders of Egg Sandwich.
“Wow. This tastes so good best. I’m very happy for this best.”, replied Aivy.
“I hope you like it best. One day, I will work hard to earn more and treat you to the fancy restaurants you like. And for my family to taste more delicious foods in the different resto.”, replied Kiesha.
The two best friends talked a lot and ate a lot.
“So, you said lately that you want to work as a part-timer but where?”, asked Aivy.
“Maybe a crew in McDo? “, replied Kiesha.
“How about you best. What do you want to be? What course will you take in college?”, asked Kiesha.
“Maybe I want to do business. I want to start a clothing line on my own. That’s what I thought for now. How about you?”, replied Aivy.
“Me? I want to become an Engineer. But I don’t know what type of Engineering course.”, replied Kiesha.
“Wow. Amazing. I hope we can reach our dreams best. By the way, thank you for this huh. This seems so delicious.”, replied Aivy.
“You’re welcome best.”, replied Kiesha.
“Before I will enroll to college, I will work as a crew first in the McDo. That’s all I am thinking awhile. I hope I can do it. Or maybe while studying at daytime, I will work as a part-timer at night time.”, replied Kiesha.
“Best. Just chill. Okay? Remember the time you collapsed? I don’t want it again. Okay?”, replied Aivy.
“Oh well yes, best.”, replied Kiesha.
“Hey, I wonder what if we go on a beach outing best. Isn’t it cool? Especially if we can have a fire camp.”, replied Aivy.
“Yes. It looks wonderful best. We’ll try it. Or can we have an outing at your house. Maybe it’s unique.”, replied Kiesha.
“Oh no. Our batchmates will only get bored.”, replied Aivy.
“Anyway, after this, we can go on shopping with foods now for the house. What if best you will be sleeping with me tonight in our house. What do you think?”, asked Aivy.
“Ahm.. I want to but I did not ask permission from my father.”, replied Kiesha.
“Alright.. I understand. Come on, let’s get in there. We’ll go at the department store to buy foods. And I am thinking to buy some for you.”, replied Aivy.
“Oh no. It’s alright best. I can handle it.”, replied Kiesha.
But Aivy insisted. Instead, she bought pack of foods and snacks and at the same time, she also bought foods for her best friend and to her family. After, they went on a ride in a taxi cab. Kiesha took off from the car first while Aivy headed her way to her house.
“Bye best. Safe ride then. Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate you a lot.”, replied Kiesha.
“And thank you also for the Starbucks treat. I love you!”, replied Aivy.
“I love you best. Bye!”, replied Kiesha.
Kiesha went home at exactly 8:00 pm in the evening and put down the grocery items which Aivy bought for them.
“Hey sis, what’s that? Where did you get all of those items?”, asked Alexa.
“Oh it’s from Aivy since I treated her in the Starbucks.”, replied Kiesha.
“What? You’re so cool! Starbucks? You did not even treat us there. Anyway, please tell Aivy thank you for these.”, replied Alexa.
The Jones family prepared the meals for dinner and had very long conversations since they are very proud of Kiesha’s achievements.