Finally!
We were graduating from high school. My father was so proud to hang the silver Salutatorian medal on my neck.
I saw the glint of happiness in my parents eyes and also from my girlfriend who cheered the loudest.
Then, it was my turn to cheer when Amanda received her medal being the third. Her parents flew from London to attend this momentous event in her life.
She blew me a kiss before leaving the stage.
We took photos after the ceremony.
"Mom, dad... this is Brad, my boyfriend, and his family," Amanda introduced.
Our parents were shocked by the news. Nevertheless, they gleefully greeted each other. Sheryl met her friends after the introduction.
"You didn't mention anything about this, darling," Amanda's mom said.
"Well, I think it doesn't matter anymore coz they finished with honors despite their relationship," his dad justified. Our parents shared a giggle.
We looked at each other and smiled.
That night, my family went to a restaurant to celebrate while Amanda and her parents packed their things to fly back to London.
"Congratulations, anak! We are so proud of you," my father said.
"I hope Sheryl will be like you when she graduates," my mom said while looking at Sheryl who rolled her eyes.
"Kuya... what will you take up in university?" Sheryl asked diverting the topic.
"Uh... I am thinking of taking Business Management," I answered.
"Not bad. I wanna be a fashion designer when I grow up!" she exclaimed.
My father looked at her intently. I knew that he wasn't pleased but he remained quiet.
'Babe~
Busy?
My parents told me that we'll head at the airport in an hour.'
'Holy shit!
Why so early?'
'There's an emergency in my father's company...'
'Okay~
I'll ask for permission from my parents...
I know they'll understand!'
'Okay~
I'll be waiting for you...'
'K.
Love you~
♥♥♥'
'Love you more~
♥♥♥'
I asked permission from my parents and they immediately let me go. So, I grabbed a taxi to meet Amanda.
On my way... my phone rang.
"Hello, Dr. Phillips?" I answered.
"Mr. Anderson, your friend is in critical condition right now," he said in a calm tone but I can hear the urgency in his voice.
"What?!"
Never in my life was I torn in between. I was so confused. In the end, I asked the driver to detour.
I called Amanda.
No answer.
'Babe~
I am sorry.
Something came up so I'll just see you at the airport~'
I arrived in the hospital just in time before Dr. Phillips pronounced Alicia dead. I saw the nurses removing all her life supports before covering her body with the white blanket.
I was so dumbfounded that I didn't know what to do so I called my mom.
Worries were painted on my parents' faces when they arrived. My mom hugged me as I cried.
"Ma!" I uttered while wiping my tears.
"Be strong! She's free from pain now!" my father uttered comforting me as he patted my shoulder.
My parents helped me fix the things in the hospital.
Then my mom said, "Did you meet Amanda?"
It slipped in my mind. I checked my watch. I still have 15 minutes left just enough to travel to the airport.
I saw her waiting in front of the airport. I run to her and hugged her tight.
"Sorry, I am late," I apologized.
"What happened?" she asked while rubbing my back.
"Have you been crying?" her worried voice made me lose control as my tears fell down my cheeks.
"Babe~ oh my god! What happened?!"
"Alicia~"
"What?!" she said. "I thought you won't see her again? You promised!"
"I... yes... I didn't! It's just that----"
"Enough! I don't wanna hear anything about her!"
"Sorry..."
She looked at me intently. I could see the pain in her eyes.
"I think... we should---"
"No! Please... babe no!"
'We are calling all the passengers for flight 59A to London...'
"It's so hard to nurture a relationship built on lies... I am sorry!" she said before walking away while wiping her tears.
I panicked. I ran to her and hugged her from behind.
"I love you, Amanda. Losing you means losing my life! Please... don't do this!" I said while hugging her tight. I didn't care even if I looked pathetic. I was crying like a baby.
'This is the final boarding announcement for passengers...'
"I am sorry..." she uttered before removing my arms from her waist. Then I fell on the cold ground.
That was the last time I saw her until she suddenly appeared in my office one morning.