Liza : 18 years
Location : London
It's finally here. Graduation day. The moment the dorky teenagers turn to adults. Their first stepping stone into the real world.
I sit on the chair wearing the long black robe clutching onto the white piece of paper handed to me by the administrator of the school. Jessica sits beside me smiling ever so proudly. My first friend that I made at school. Five long memorable years of chaos, fun and smiles. Met a lot of good souls who gave me courage and cheered me up when I was at my weakest, my Via being the most beautiful among them all.
Olivia and Matt, Jessica's brother, were going out with each other. I believe she has fallen in love. Matt was a good man, exactly what my damaged girl deserved.
"Ahhhhhhh I'm free." Jessica shouts excitedly.
"Yeah but college will start in the fall. So technically speaking you have a long way to go sis." Matt says patting her shoulders.
"Ahh man. You're no fun. Let me just enjoy my freedom for at least a day bro. College can wait." Jessica says pouting .
"Congratulations my babies. Oh you're growing up too fast." Mom says giving us both a kiss on our cheeks.
"Thank You aunty."
"Thank You Ma." I tell mom hugging her.
"I'm glad both of you graduated with good grades. Congratulations girls." says Via handing us a box each.
"What's this?"
"It's nothing much. Just a small graduation gift from our part." Via says smiling.
"A key?? Wait a minute ...Am I getting my own car??" Jessica says her eyes wide open.
"Yes you are." Matt says smiling.
"FINALLY.." Jessica began to jump like a little excited kid at a toy store.
I open mine. A chain. No more like a key pendant necklace with "JV" engraved on it. I examined the chain further and it hit me. They were the keys to my home and that of Olivia's.
"Hey Liza you remember the day we first met. I mean, I don't think you will. I mean you were really drunk. " Via says smiling playfully.
" I really don't " , I chuckle holding back tears.
"Anyway I'm not good at all this emotional stuff. This key ...I found it that day. I wanted to return it to you but honestly I forgot. So I'm giving it back to you now. " Via picks up the necklace and proceeded to wear it around my neck.
"I just want you to know that I'll always be there for you okay and I know you'd do the same for me. Now if ever in the future, you ever feel like giving up , I want you to return to me ..to my home...no our home." Via places a soft kiss on my cheeks, strocking my face with her soft palms.
I stand there motionless. This was the kindest most sweet gesture anyone's ever done for me. I loved Via ...more than a friend...more than a lover...more than a sister...or rather maybe as all the three combined. I hug her and cry like a lil baby. I couldn't hold it in.
"I love you. I love you Via. Why are you such a sweetheart? " I tell her crying.
"I know. I do too. " Via says hugging me tightly.
" Oh you girls can even make a grown man cry." Matt teases us trying to lighten up the atmosphere. "Now come on let's take a group pic."
The day ended beautifully with Joan sending me a congratulatory text message. Five year have passed and I'm still not over her. She is and forever will be a constant, my first love.