Give Up On Love?

Busy bodies fueled with excitement roam around Beulah Land College as each parent proudly accompanies their sons and daughters as they will witness the day that paid off all the sleepless nights, grueling days and wallets almost emptied out just to survive another day in college. Truly, not everyone's burden was so easily lighted, some had no one to share the weight of responsibilities and found their salvation in their very own hands. Yet they show up every day pushing themselves to see this day, to see the worth of all and so did Elizabeth Morales. She carried herself through storms no one saw her conquered. She stood strong and high. “Finally, this chapter has ended. The time I spent working at the café was worth it! I’ll have to drop by one of these days, and thank Mr. Yap for taking me in.” She took her time acknowledging every student she could see, burying the sting that pricks her heart, knowing she’s alone even though she was not meant to be. Somehow that sting was like an alarm meant to signal someone to rush towards Elizabeth. “Eliza! There you are, I was looking all over for you!” Amy beamed at Elizabeth as she called her out of her thoughts. Her smile instantly brought warmth to Elizabeth, and she couldn’t help but match it with hers. She then extended her warmth with a hug and congratulatory “We did it, Eliza! Especially you, I’m so proud of you!” Amy couldn’t help but hug her dear friend as she bore witness to all Elizabeth went through. Her words bear nothing but honesty. She was indeed proud of her and their reunion caught the attention of Coleen, who was as eager as Amy to find Elizabeth first, but Amy got there earlier than she did, so she couldn't help but to surprise them. “Hey, what’s this? Am I being left out? That’s unfair, you guys.” She tackled towards them, catching Amy and Elizabeth off guard, which caused them to stumble a little, earning a gasp from the two of them. Luckily, Coleen is quite athletic. She was able to quickly fix her footing and stable them. They just looked at each other wide-eyed and found each other's faces were quite comedic — laughter just naturally erupted from them. Once their laughter died down, each gently let go of one another with pride. They walked together to the auditorium as the ceremony was about to start. However, when they got there they were stunned to see a barricade of bodyguards keeping the students at a distance from the entrance, making a clear path for someone, but who? “So it was true,” Amy unconsciously spoke her mind out. Earning, Elizabeth and Coleen’s heads snapping towards her, slowly raising an eyebrow like they were urging her to continue, as they were very confused as to what was happening before them. And Amy, she replied enthusiastically as our girl lives for tea like it’s the very air that makes her live. “Well, you guys were aware of the rumor that the famous composer, musician and singer Kyle Lee attends our school. And since I became a fan I dug deep into him. Turns out he's the same age as us! More importantly, he's in the same department as you, Elizabeth. I can’t believe you never said that his room is right next to yours! If only I had known, then I would be constantly taking sneak peaks.” Coleen, knowing Elizabeth, jokingly reminded Amy, “Girl, you know our boo, Eliza, don’t care about that. All she was during college was like a programmed person. School — Work — Assignments — Deadlines — Bills, and repeat! She can’t even remember half of the names of her class. Heck, I’m surprised she always remembers us! Besides, I’m sure Mr. Singer is the type to not stay too long after school as he has a busy schedule. ” Amy can’t help but agree and nod. Elizabeth was about to defend herself when suddenly flashing lights brighter than the sun kept flickering, causing them to look away and move backward. Coleen felt the ground shake as the swarm of more journalists and photographers rushed to get a good glimpse of Kyle Lee, so she pulled Elizabeth closer to her and Amy. The other students also kept at a safe distance, but discomfort was written on their faces. “It’s better if we wait this one out for a little bit, guys. I don’t want to be squished and miss our big day,” said one of the students and the girls agreed. They waited until everything died down, which was not so long as they expected. Kyle just waved and did not entertain any reporters. “Mr. Lee! Please look here” yelled a photographer. “No, Mr. Lee here, look here!” and another “How was it that Mr. Lee was able to hide this?” A reporter suddenly asked a student, which caused the student to panic because of the sudden attention and cameras pointed towards her. Upon hearing that, Kyle was already half-way in but turned back and calmly intervened by making himself a wall and shielding the student. “Please sirs and ma'ams, this is not an event place or an entertainment scenario. This is a school and the privacy of others is being violated. Please leave the premises immediately. I’ll answer all of your questions in the future. Leave my fellow graduates alone,” Kyle reprimanded them. He knew the price of fame, but he also knew that he himself must pay for it, others should not get involved. The bodyguards then soon swarmed towards him and made the reporters leave. Kyle apologized to the woman and quickly went inside as he had arranged to get in first. Somehow, the school’s principal got a feeling that something might happen and immediately arranged for this scenario. Call it discernment but it did help. Soon the other graduates followed in and took a seat with each other as this might be the final day they'd be sitting with one other. Surprisingly, no further interruption came to cause mischief. The ceremony was held smoothly, and the girls met again after a long time of sitting apart. Missing each other never felt so overpowering than the few hours they were apart. Was it because of the uncertainty of when they'd be together again or was it the fear that life may keep them apart? “Mom invited everyone over to my house. Let's go meet them outside. They’re already waiting for us.” Sensing the worry, Amy reminded them of the dinner her family prepared a few days before the ceremony. “Right! Let’s go, let’s leave this feeling right here. It’s still our day, and we’re still together,” Coleen added to break the ice and it worked. “Yes! Let’s go. I can’t wait to taste Mrs. Mitchel’s infamous buttered-garlic shrimp and peach cake. Ugghhh," just thinking about it makes my mouth water so bad.” Emily recalled the last time she tested that heavenly meal. “Count us in on that one!” Amy and Coleen dueted. And they quickly went to meet with their family. In the parking lot. As soon as the girl was seen, Mrs Mitchel and Mrs. Baron gave the girls the proudest hug they could offer. They offered their congratulations and gifts to these ladies. The Mitchels and Baron had always known each other and were very supportive of their daughter, even at Elizabeth. Despite her not being related to any of them, they offered her the best that they could to her and saw her as one of their very own. Both Mrs. of the family just couldn’t help but cry all throughout their journey home to the time they were at the Mitchels and the girls kept cheering them up. Yet somehow, the mothers always bring nostalgic memories, causing the other to cry followed by the other. And there it was again, the stinging, Elizabeth earlier. It seems to double now, yet she reassured herself that this was for the best. And just carry along helping Amy and Coleen to calm their almost grieving like mothers. “I know the best way to put an end to this drama show!” Elizabeth playfully yelled and held up a mic. “You know what, Eliza, you are right on that one.” Mr. Baron agreed, raising another mic “A good old karaoke battle!” Mr. Mitchel excitedly said what everyone was thinking. And then they spent the whole time taking turns singing and dancing to songs they all knew together, till the oldies gave up first. “Alright girls, we’re heading out first to take a good rest tonight. There's a new battle ahead you’ll be facing, and I know you all are going to kill it,” Mr. Baron encouraged them as he held his wife preparing to leave. Coleen hugged them and bid them goodbye. The Mitchels followed up after, then told the girls they'd take the rest. After both sets of parents left, Elizabeth, Coleen and Amy started cleaning everything. “Can’t really believe college is all over, and we’ll be working.” Coleen spoke as she washed the dishes. “I know, and now we’ll face a different hurdle in our life.” Amy added while she wiped the table cleaned Elizabeth just stayed silent, causing a bit of a worry for Amy and Coleen. They quickly finished whatever they were doing and sat beside her caring concern on their faces. “What’s the matter, Eliza?” Amy asked first. “Nothing much. I just can’t believe it. Looking back, I know everyone I have met and became a part of my life helped me achieve this. None of you were selfish. All of you took me in and loved me. I am truly grateful. I know I wouldn't be here if it wasn’t for you guys. Thank you so much.” Elizabeth hugged them and they returned the hug. These ladies will go through a lot, but they know they have each other no matter what.