Today is Aila's high school graduation; she is their batch's valedictorian, she is quite nervous of the thought of speaking in front of a huge audience again.
Public speaking is one duty she will do on a regular basis after her coronation; this is somewhat a good practice for her, nevertheless being the novice that she is… it is still definitely a mountain to climb.
"Girl friend, you're finally here, I want to introduce you to my parents."
Reese was proud to introduce her best friend to her folks. They don't have an idea about her real identity however, they are aware that it is Aila who helped Reese to achieve the opportunities going her way.
"It is a pleasure finally meeting you ma'am and sir."
Aila bowed in front of Reese's parents.
"You too, we heard so much about you; Reese is right, you are a sight to behold."
Her mom did not shy away complementing Aila. Aila graciously accepted the complement as she smiled tenderly to the old woman.
"Where are your parents? We can eat out together later after the ceremonies."
"Sadly, neither of them can make it here today, they are both working out of the country."
Aila mumbled, and looked down. This is one of those moments where she wishes that she's really just an ordinary teen, where she can openly be with her parents.
"If that's the case, can we invite you to join us later?"
Reese wanted her friend to feel that she's not alone today.
"I'd love to."
The school speaker system alerted and announcement:
"Students, please start falling in line, your graduation march will commence in 5 minutes; may we also request parents to go to their designated seats."
The graduates were full of pride marching and accepting their diploma on stage.
"Now, let us hear the valedictory address of Ms. Aila Rodriguez."
The program host called her name; but Aila's heart is still unsettled it feels like her heart is already on her throat.
"Aila, it's time to go up the stage; you can do this!" Reese bumped her shoulders against hers.
Aila tried to smile, gathering up all her courage to stand up and deliver her speech.
Her batch mates stood up to cheer her on as she went up the stage to receive her medal and diploma.
"Good day to everyone, before I start I am already apologizing for this speech, I am not a good speaker, I admit, I did not even prepare a speech today. However; I want to relate to you all by describing the past months of my life here in Golden Fields High School."
Her first few words are a little shaky; her nervousness is showing in her delivery, she looked for faces in the audience to give her enough strength to finish the speech at least at an acceptable level.
"The Aila that is in front of you now, is definitely not the Aila that was here on the first day of class. I was aloof, indifferent of situations, and unmindful of others, I did not believe in friendships, I did not believe in people. Let me clear this, it was not intentional, it was rather convenient for me to believe that way.
Why, you may ask. It is more convenient for me to think that way because it would be easier for me to let go in the future, like today. Today, I am more compassionate and empathetic, I am more knowledgeable not because it is more convenient rather because this is the real me; after all the inhibitions to open up were gone with the help of my new friends.
Aside from the knowledge that I gained; it is the friendships that I will carry with me to the next stage; college life.
I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who I've met, because all of you are a massive influence on the person I am today."
She went center stage and bowed in front of her batch mates. It is a rare sight for a princess; the high and illustrious member of the royal family is bowing in front of the common people.
Her classmates gathered around her, they took their last class picture; everyone was smiling and emotional.
"Aila, can I get your number? I might have to connect with you in the future."
"Sure Lyn." Aila personally typed her number in Lyn's phone.
"Girl friend, it's time to go. My parents are waiting in the car."
"Okay, let's go."
They both hugged their classmates and bid their goodbyes.
Reese's parents took them to a restaurant with a private room; they decorated the room with balloons and a simple banner.
"Wow, your parents are so thoughtful."
Aila's eyes were teary; it was truly a touching sight for her.
"Heh, I'm pretty sure your parents prepared a grand welcome for you in the palace."
"I don't know about that, I don't want to expect anything."
They all sat down at the reserved table; Reese's parents welcomed their other guests.
"Hey, I did you see the mystery guy in the ceremonies a while ago?"
"No, I did not, it's such a shame the school year ended that I was not able to know his name."
The wait staff started to serve the food, Aila's goblet was filled with water, then her plate and cutleries were arranged for her. She grabbed the goblet and took a sip, when the attendant talked.
"Is there anything else you need ma'am?"
"Nothi…" "cough.. cough"
Reese tapped Aila's back… "Are you okay?"
The waiter left to fix other tables.
"It's him, the mystery guy." Aila whispered to Reese.
"What? Where?"
Reese's eyes were roving around the room, but there was no male waiter in the room. Aila looked around too, and it was true, he was no longer there.
"What are the odds, don't you think it was meant to be?"
Reese was one of her eyebrows teasing Aila.
"I don't know, by the way I will be leaving tomorrow, so you can't reach me by phone just message me, I will be online."
"Okay sure, but you are changing the topic my princess!"
"Hahaha... We'll see if we get to meet again in the future then I might take that into consideration, perhaps it's really meant to be, we have had too many chance encounters already."
Aila enjoyed the dinner with Reese's family, their room was filled with laughter and music.
Reese, led Aila to the exit aboard her service.
"I'll see you next month for the enrollment princess."
"Goodbye, I'll see you soon!"
As soon as Aila arrived home, she called her mom on her phone. She called her many times but she wasn't answering, it made Aila feel gloomy that she cannot even talk to her mom when she wants to.
"bzzzt, bzzzt" Her phone was in vibrate mode she thought her mom finally saw her calls, but it was just a text message, from an unknown number.
"Hi Aila, congratulations on your graduation, you look stunning tonight."
"Thank you. Who's this, I'm sorry your number is not saved on my phone."
"I'm Loki."