Beyond the Obvious

Avery's Point of View "Congratulations to us! Batch twenty-twenty-three to twenty-twenty-four! For graduating from senior high school," my friends shouted as they threw their graduation caps into the air. I wasn’t part of the graduation ceremony because I transferred to another school after finishing eleventh grade here in the Philippines. Since I graduated ahead of them, I decided that I would come home to the Philippines for the summer, just in time for their graduation. I also wanted to attend the ceremony to be with them. It was a dream of mine to graduate from this school, but it was also my goal to study abroad, so I didn’t let that opportunity slip by when my relatives offered it to me back then. "Come on! Let’s take a picture over there!" Pearl shouted while pointing at the photo booth with the school’s name in big letters and other designs. It was decorated by the Student Council members along with the Home-making Club, who did it within weeks with the guidance of teachers. To be honest, I missed this school, and, of course, my friends. The only thing I regret was the time I spent with the wrong people—there were so many of them. Every time I remember them, I can’t help but laugh and just shrug off the thought. Speaking of “wrong” people, as we slowly approached the booth, I saw a very familiar face that I would rather not see again. The type of face that I just want to dump in the mud lol. “Damn it, why is that jerk here?!” Briar asked angrily when she saw that person. He was with his family taking pictures at the booth. I mean, I can't blame her, I would even say the same thing right now. “Of course he’s here; he studies here,” big sister Daphne replied sarcastically. We’re all the same age, but we call her our big sister because she’s the most mature one in our group. “What did you expect, Bri?” Ellianna asked as we all came closer to the booth, waiting for them to finish taking pictures so we could go next. “That he would change schools after what he did to our dear friend? My gosh” Natasha said, finishing with a slap on Briar’s hand. “Yes, hahaha,” Charlotte replied, laughing. "Expect? I expect you to take a picture with your girlfriend, VINCE!" Briar suddenly shouted with a fake smile. The six of us were shocked by her outburst, and it got the attention of everyone there, especially Vince and his family and of course his dear and beloved girl. “HEY!” the five of them shouted at Briar, while I simply looked at Vince, who was also looking at me. The five of them scolded Briar for what she did, while Vince and I just looked at each other. I was the first to look away and turned back to face my friends. “It’s okay, haha,” I said to all of them with a laugh because I’d accepted everything, and I am now focusing on what I’m doing in my life. I realized there are so many things to focus on, starting with my studies, friends, work, and, of course, myself. After Vince and his girlfriend finished their pictures, we took their place, and Pearl asked Levi to take a picture of the seven of us. Capturing this moment and treasuring it is the best thing to do. If only I hadn’t gone abroad that day, what could have happened? To be continued...