CHAPTER 10

Graduation

Days passed like a whirlwind. Everything feels so being fast-forward. I didn't notice the time and right now I can't exactly explain how to feel when I'll finally graduate in my senior year.

I was sitting on our sofa while looking at my parents busy fixing each other's clothes. Daddy's face contorted when Mommy slapped his chest.

"Stop pulling my dress down, will you? You'll ruin it.” Mommy said emphatically as Daddy rolled her eyes.

"Is this even a dress? it's too short.” Daddy groaned frustratedly while looking at my Mom's eyes. Mommy just rolled her eyes at him.

“It's called fashion. What do you want me to wear to your son's graduation? 'That I will look like a mother with many children?'

Daddy shook his head immediately “No, I didn't say that. i just want you to wear clothes that's not too sexy in my eyes. I'm probably getting a boner all day.”

My eyebrow raised a bit when Mommy suddenly slapped Dad's mouth making him wince.

"Anytime you're really in the middle of nowhere. your daughter is here, stop being so vulgar.” Mommy said in a trembling voice.

What's new? Every day they are in front of me. And mind you, they look like high school students if they tease as if they don't have children. I don't find them cringe. everyday I wish to have a relationship like they have.

For me loving someone is cringe. But I guess it's not, because as I was looking at my parents I can say that love can make you happy, love can secure and assure you. And it's not cringe.

But right now I just want to go to our school so that I can see my yuki. I have a favor to ask my parents that's why I'm still here. I'm so ready to go, I'm just waiting for them.

I stood up from sitting and smiled softly at the two. Mommy raised her eyebrows immediately when she saw me approaching their place. Daddy hides his smirk. When people smile like this, they know that I need something.

I lovingly hug my Mom's waist before looking at her eyes. I saw how her eyes softened while looking at me. I know you can't say no to me.

"What do you need?" he said. I softly chuckled and kissed her cheeks. She really knows me well. She can read me well. Even if I don't open up myself to her anymore. My mommy still knows me. just one look in my eyes he knows if I'm hurt, happy or hiding something. She doesn't need to open her mouth to ask me what I'm feeling.

She will just look straight into my eyes and read me like an open book.

"I have a friend and he doesn't have a parent or guardian with him in our graduation." i start Mommy is all ears on me, curiously listening to what I was about to say.

"So?" she asked

"Let your daughter finish her sentence first." Daddy said making me smile. I was surprised when he was on Mommy's side and squeezed himself to hug Mommy's waist as well. He's so clingy! He thought I was going to steal his wife!

"I just want to ask a favor from both of you. Can you stand as his guardian for the day?" I asked my parents hopefully.

Mommy looked at me carefully.

"He will receive an award. But it's just sad because there's no one for him not even a single relative.” I bit my lips nervously as they were looking at me confused.

"Wait... Him? your friend is a boy and not a girl?” Dad's eyes went in slits. Without hesitation I nodded in response to his question.

"Since when did you learn to be friendly? And the man?" Mommy asked in disbelief. Since the day I met him I guess? I won't be friends with Keegan for life. I have a plan for both of us.

“What's his name? So we know when to stand up when his name is called."

My eyes lit up at my Mom's words. My heart was revived. I saw that Daddy made arrangements.

His name is Alister Keegan Costaguero. We're classmates." I muttered smoothly with my normal voice. I don't want them to notice how excited I am.

Mommy nodded her head and smiled at me.

"Okay noted. Is there nothing else you could ask for? you have the previlage to ask anything you want because finally you'll graduate in your senior year.” Mommy excitedly said as she cupped my cheeks.

I don't want to buy anything. I just want to be with Keegan after our graduation. In the past month I tried to study hard. I did my best in school and I can say that my performance in school is good. I also forced myself to be active when there were activities that I didn't do before.

Keegan and I are normal in the classroom. He doesn't talk to me if I don't talk to him first. he was so distant to me whenever we're inside our classroom.

We meet at the secret garden at lunch and we eat together. I know how to cook a little bit too. I wake up early to watch steps on YouTube on how to cook different dishes. I know I'm improving because I wasn't like this before and I'm happy to see myself improve.

When the car stopped, Mang Quicio quickly got out to open the door for Mommy and Daddy. When the two got out, I immediately got out of the car. I looked around and saw many students wearing their Toga. There are others who just wear a white dress like me, the Toga has not yet been worn.

It's already 10 am and the program starts at eleven. I don't know if Keegan is already here. It's been months since our conversation about buying a phone for him. but until now he doesn't even have a phone. Even if I want to buy him, he doesn't want to.

He wants to buy it himself. I didn't force myself because I knew he had many things to prioritize. If he doesn't like the idea of ​​me buying his cellphone, I won't force him.

We entered inside the school. I entered the Gym first because Mommy and Daddy stopped because they met someone they knew. I licked my lips as I roamed my eyes around. I walked towards the seats for our section. I looked for Keegan's image but couldn't find his shadow.

I pursed my lips and decided to go out again. I went to the place where I could find him. I quickly crossed the road when I saw Daddy entering the Gymnasium. I walked faster towards the secret garden. I looked at my watch and I cursed a bit when I saw it was nearly eleven.

Keegan where the hell are you? I cleared the plants to enter the small passage.

My heart ached when I saw Keegan fixing his long sleeve. he looked at me when he felt me ​​looking at him. His innocent gray eyes looked at me when I slowly walked towards his direction.

I saw his Toga on the small table.

I helped him fold the sleeve and fixed the mess. Hmm... he bought this? It looks so new.

I looked up and immediately met Keegan's stunned gaze as he stared at my face.

I felt unconscious because I saw the admiration in his eyes while he was busy looking at my face. I suddenly blushed when he put some strands of my hair behind my left ear.

I pursed my lips as I stared into his gray eyes. His innocent gray eyes. I could freely observe how beautiful and attractive her eyes were because she was not wearing her glasses yet.

We only stared at each other's eyes. The eyes of my future husband are innocent yet so seductive.

"You're beautiful," he whispered lowly breaking the silence between us making my face flush. I bit the inside of my cheeks as I tried to reach for his face.

I caressed his cheek and gave him a sweet smile.

"I love you," I suddenly whispered those words with my trembling voice. I can feel my heart beating so wildly inside my ribcage. There I already said it...

I promised myself that on our graduation day. I will tell him my real feelings. I will tell him that I love him. I know it's too fast but not for me. I felt like I've known him for too long, my heart knew him all along.

Keegan bit his lower lip. I saw the tears forming in the corner of his eyes. you don't have to love me back. Just let me love you, the way I know. Let me love you if the world won't do it for you. Let me be your family. I'll offer my all to you.

I don't want to cry right now, but seeing the tears in Keegan's eyes makes me want to cry.

He sniffed as he tried so hard not to cry. He opened his mouth to speak but he closed it again. He bit his bottom lip when it trembled.

"I'm afraid of those eight letters..." he whispered while looking straight at my eyes.

"There were two people who told me that but they left me... left us. I'm afraid to hear those eight letters in my life...” he whispered so hurt without avoiding my gaze.

I didn't notice that my tears started to fall when I saw the fear in his eyes. As if he was very afraid of what I said. I can see the hatred, pain and fear in his eyes. I don't know the reason why he's so afraid of the word I love you but I understand him.

I eat the space between us and hug him tightly, securing him in my arms. I entrap him with my arms for him to know that I am here. I can love all of him. I will accept him completely. I know I'm not perfect but I'll try to fix him. Even if he doesn't want me. I will force myself into his life.

I will squeeze myself even if there is no space.

"Hush... It's okay. I just want you to know what I feel towards you.” I boldly promised even though my heart seemed to be breaking from his little cry while his face was buried in the side of my neck.

I fought so hard not to cry because it will ruin my makeup. But my tears just won't cooperate with me. since when did i become a cry baby? Keegan you know I have a lot to ask you? I would love to be involved in the life you have.

Keegan where are your parents? Why I didn't see them? Are you an orphan? Reason why you live alone in your apartment and you live by yourself? Why are you alone at this age? Why do you try to distance yourself from other people as if you are different from them? Why do you feel like you have your own world and don't want to interact with others?

Why are you so distant? Did you think that everyone will judge you? do you think you're ugly just because you're wearing big and old glasses? Do you think everyone will judge you, just because you eat cheap foods unlike them? Unlike the foods I eat? Do you think everyone will mock you just because you're wearing old and cheap clothes? is that what you think every time?

Sorry to burst your bubble. But Alister Keegan Costaguero. You. Are. My. Type.

"I don't want to be your friend anymore..." I said those words so determined.

I felt Keegan stiffen as I felt his hug on my waist loosened a bit. I heard her gasp before she laughed softly. He was nodding as if he accepted it from the beginning. That time will come so he is not surprised anymore.

Which hurt me...

"It's okay, I understand. Because at first, no one wanted to be friends with me. I was surprised because you offered to be my friend. Even if it seems impossible... someone like you wants to be my friend.” he whispered with his hurt voice.

I hug him tightly making him stop from talking.

"I don't want to be friends with you because I want you to be my boyfriend. if you're not yet ready for that kind of stage I won't force you. Just let me admire and have a crush on you.” I said bravely feeling the heat of my face.

I heard his breathing again before he moved a little away from me. He looked at me so bewildered and shocked like he heard something wrong. what?

I raised my eyebrows at him. My lips parted when I saw him laugh softly. As if there was something funny in what I said. I feel very offended!

"Why are you laughing?" I asked with my serious voice.

I saw a drop of tears in his eyes while he was still laughing.

"You want me? And you want me to be your boyfriend?” he innocently asked while still laughing. Why the fuck is he laughing?

"Yes. You have a problem with that?” I asked him bluntly. he's so unbelievable! I spent a long time gathering courage for this day but he just laughed at me. Don't tell me I was immediately busted by my crush?!

"Look at me." he ordered in a soft voice causing my eyebrows to meet. i looked straight at his eyes and all i can see is that. He's going to be my future husband. I will definitely marry him!

He put his big glasses on his eyes and looked at me seriously with innocent gray eyes. I crossed my arms above my chest and stared intently at him. What is he trying to do? I looked at my wrist watch and saw that we still have thirty minutes left before the ceremony starts.

"Is this the boyfriend you want?" Keegan pointed at his face. I pursed my lips and nodded my head. not just a boyfriend. I want to marry you!

"There is a big mirror and don't know how to dressed well. Always hiding behind plants because he's afraid of being judged for the food he eats? No expensive stuff because he can't afford it. doesn't live in a fancy mansion because he can only rent a cramped apartment. Is this the guy you want? Really?” he asked me as if mocking me, causing my chest to ache.

Why is he insulting my crush? Why is he insulting the man I want to marry?!

"How dare you say bad words to the man I love?" I asked in an annoyed voice. Keegan's eyes widened as his lips parted a bit.

I tried not to cry because of what he said. why does he underestimate himself?! I pointed at his chest in disgust and annoyance.

"I like you a lot! So you have no right to belittle the man I like! do you understand Don't you dare say those words again. I really like you. Put that in your brain. I don't care if you wear big old glasses. If you wear old clothes. I don't care if you live in a small apartment. What does that have to do with me liking you?"

"All those things will eventually change. You're not always like that. Why do you think so low of yourself?! I like you.” I said emphatically while staring into his eyes.

“No scratch that... I . Mahal. You... You don't have to be pressured just because I tell you my feelings. I confessed, for you to know what I really feel towards you. Please stop judging the man I love. I do not like it." I whispered weakly.

I cupped his cheeks and smiled sweetly at him.

"We will graduate together. We will make all your dreams come true." I smiled at him making his lips twitch a bit.

"So come on, the ceremony is about to begin." i saw the ghost of smile on his lips that he tried so hard to hide but it showed up.

I don't know if I'm happy for myself because I graduated today or I'm happy for someone's achievement. The excitement I felt is not for myself but for Keegan. in just a span of time I know he wanted to prove a thing for himself. I know he has a lot of dreams. I want to be behind him supporting him while he dreams.

“Costaguero, Alister Keegan L.”

My tears form in the corner of my eyes as I was clapping my hands at the mention of his name. I'm proudly looking at his back when he rose up from his seat. Keegan didn't even bother to look around. He stood bravely and walked towards the stage. I saw out of the corner of my eyes my parents walking towards the stage.

Mommy smiled at me and Daddy gave me a smirk. I smirked back making him chuckle. I also stood up from my seat and picked up the phone. I excitedly walked in front of the stage not minding the stares of my fellow graduates. I saw how our Principal pointed at my parents as he shook Keegan's hand.

I saw how Keegan confused face as he looked back to see my parents behind him. I giggled when I saw how his confused face became nervous as he was looking at my Dad's face then next to my Mom.

Daddy patted his shoulder. He gave my parents a small smile. Mommy hung the medal around his neck.

"Eyes here," I shouted a bit for them to hear me.

Keegan smiled timidly but I can see he's so happy looking in his eyes right now. His eyes are so expressive. Even when he can't open his mouth to speak out his feelings. You can read it through his eyes. That's the beauty of his eyes. his unsaid words are clearly written in them.

“Smile!” I shouted happily while looking at the three of them. They're so cute together. I took five pictures of them before they went down from the stage. I walked quickly to meet them.

I smiled and looked at Keegan who was shy next to my parents. I looked behind me when someone called Daddy. Daddy excused himself and Mommy immediately went after him, but before she went she whispered that we'll talk later.

"Congratulations yuki..." I muttered so proud of him.

My eyes widened when he suddenly hugged me so tight making me breathless. Wait my heart...

"Thank you..." his voice quivered as he whispered in my ears. I let my tears fall and hugged him back so tightly not wanting to let him go.

I am your family Keegan. Starting from now on I will love you with all my heart. I won't let anyone hurt you. I promise I'll protect you as I can. I'll protect you from this cruel world. I'll help you fix your broken pieces of yesterday. I'll make you fall in love with me. I want you to need me. I love you my yuki...