Our Moving Up is tomorrow. Aunt Gisselle is with me tomorrow and she will take care of my things the next day. She was happy to know that I was about to graduate from Junior High School. She even want me to prepare for a celebration but I refused because it will just an additional expenses.
"Jane, let's just eat at a restaurant. Let's just celebrate there," said my aunt. She smiled as I watched her in my room. She's adjusted my newly ironed uniform and next to it was the dress she will going to wear.
It was a simple dress though. Aunt is not choosy her clothes. It looks good and is just right for tomorrow.
"That's okay, Aunt Giselle. I don't want you to spend some money anymore." She turned to me when she closed the cabinet.
"It's okay, Jane. It's once in a while celebration. But because you prefer something simple, go ahead. We'll just be there." She said smiling.
" Thank you, aunt."
"By the way, do you know Sir James Waltridge? My boss' son?" He asked. I was shocked when he mentioned the man's name. She must have noticed the my forehead creases while looking at her.
"No, I just met him somewhere." I answered slightly.
"Is that so?" She nodded. "That boy has always been visiting his daddy's office since the first time he visited our house, just to ask me about you." Sue uttered.
"Ah, don't answer his questions..." It sounds a bit creepy. I have no longer added that certain idea on my mind.
"That young man likes you, Jane." That was the last thing he said before he left me in my room.
James likes me?
I just shook my head by what my aunt said. That's impossible. Never. I don't even like that guy. He's not some type of guy that I will like back too. He's handsome and all, but my impression as a nice guy to him give a change when we first met. And liking me is just impossible.
My phone rang beside me. It was a call from Cheska. Why would she call this hour? I answered that even though I was wondering.
"H-hello, Jane?" She was like whispering as her voice is trembling.
"Cheska? Why did you call? It's already late." I said to her.
"I j-just missed you." She laughed heartily.
"Wait, why is your voice trembling?" I asked.
"I-I'm outside your house. Come to me."
"What?!" I exclaimed. With that, I immediately rushed to the door and opened it. I forgot to put on the slippers in a hurry. When I reached the gate I noticed Cheska outside while looking at me. Our gate is low so I can easily see her.
When the gate opened, I immediately grabbed her two hands. It was also shaking. She's wearing a thick black jacket though, but her hands are still shaking.
"Are you okay?"
"Of course. I'll just greet and visit you." She turned to the one behind me so I looked there too. It was a white van, parked few meters away from us.
"Who's there?" I asked when I turned around again to looked at her. I just noticed the redness of her cheeks because she is a mestiza. Her eyes were crying while looking at me.
"You're not okay," I said while looking at her. "Let's go inside first."
"Ahm, it's fine Jane. I'll be right back. I just want to see you before our M-moving up tommorow." I felt her tighten her grip on my hand and her tears flowed nonstop again.
"We will meet tomorrow," I said, slightly smiling at her. "You're really excited." I teased. She just laughed.
"Thank you, Jane." She wiped away the tears with her right hand.
"Don't tell them what happened today. I will surprise them too." She laughed again but I can't see any humor in it. There's something wrong with her that I can't determine.
"S-sure. If that's what you want." I answered.
"All right, Jane. I'll go first." She suddenly hugged me. I hugged her back as well. I just hear her sobbed as she embraced me. She immediately let go and looked at me. "Bye, Jane."
That's her last words before she ran to the van. A woman went out to guide her to go inside. She looked at me yet I didn't see her face clearly, but the way she dress is very sophisticated. They both went inside. I just looked at it as it drove away.
I wish you're really fine Cheska. I went inside, closed the door and go to my room with a heavy sigh. Something's really wrong. I lay on my bed, thinking of what's really happening on Cheska. Is it her mother earlier? It's very disturbing. I hope everything's fine tomorrow.
I immediately go to sleep to get ready for the Moving Up tommorow. That day will surely change some things to me. And achievement to finish my Junior High School is one. A goal that I really want to achieve for my dreams to come true.
And I'm very grateful that before the school year ends, I met my unexpected friends.
**
The ceremony started at 10 AM, but Cheska's nowhere to be found. She didn't attend. I was sitting in front while Zaine and Chelsea are beside me. Zaine wearing a poker face, looking in front. He didn't talked since the ceremony started. Cheska in the other side, biting her nails, while the students in the middle, walking with a wide smile plastered on their lips.
It should be a happy day for us, but I can't feel any excitement nor happiness with what is happening. It's already past eleven and yet she's not here. I'm nervous too. I turned to see Ethan and Luke sitting in the other row. The honor students are separated from them. When Luke saw me he just shook his head at me, an indication that they did not see Cheska.
"Jane, is Cheska won't come?" Chelsea asked next to me. "She's really late."
I feel that she is nervous because our friend is still not here. Even me. She suddenly went to our house last night and said such a thing.
"I don't know, Chelsea." I answered.
"She's not answering my calls," said Zaine who was beside me. The voice was cold when he said that. I can't feel the former Zaine being with us. He is different now.
The ceremony went on without her. The teachers and even our own adviser didn't seem to have mind Cheska's absence. Even after calling her name, they didn't pay attention to it. They knew something that we don't. Cheska, where are you?
"Congratulations Batch 2020-2021!" The MC announced yet no Cheska showed up. Zaine hurried away when the ceremony was over. He didn't give glances to us while we're calling his name. He just went away living us dumbfounded.
Ethan and Luke went to Cheska's house. Nathan on the other hand, still calling her phone. He even called Mother Rosy's number yet it's cannot be reached. It must be about her mother. I don't know if she already chose. That decision may give a huge impact to our friendship. She likes keeping problems to herself.
Whatever the reason, she still needs us. She still needs to lean on us if she can't take it anymore.
And I hope that decision will not change everything.