Chasing Bliss

Chapter 2: Car Talks

As Amara gave her final remarks, everyone started clapping. Some stood up and soon pretty much everyone stood up too. Well yeah. Including me. I mean, she did really great upon her speech so it was worth standing and applauding for, right?

Everyone was hyped with the thought of graduating, I see. Countless mortarboards have been thrown through the air and lots of students were already shouting. When I say lots, I mean extremely high number of students shouting different things altogether. I might worship you the second you understand one. Feels as if they made a new language completely out of this world.

So, this must be how graduating feels. This feeling and sensation is absolutely new to me. I’ve never felt warm like this. Must be the reason why Amara felt both anxious and excited making her speech.

Speaking of Amara, she’s now walking downstairs towards her sit. She’s completely blown. Her knees are still shaking. Crazily. I wonder how it feels when being watched by thousands of audiences who are a complete and total stranger. Might be crazy but who knows? I haven’t experienced it yet. And I don’t want to experience it. Period. I guess I’m just naive at school stuffs and it’s not my lost, I think.

People were still going wild but I grew tired of clapping so I decided to sit back down again. It’s not rude, right? Considering that I was standing-clapping for a minute or so that definitely, without a doubt, felt like forever. Amara’s chilling now anyways. Why can’t I?

Mom and dad look so delighted upon seeing their daughter step out of this school as her batch’s valedictorian. Technically, it’s not their fault. I mean, who wouldn’t be delighted upon the fact that you raised a valedictorian? It’s definitely something to be proud of. And for real? I am too. I want to run towards her and put her in my arms and shout endlessly like, “That’s my sister, you all! You cannot!” But the mere idea of getting their attention is already nerve-wracking. I’ll do it some other time, I guess. You know? Like when it’s just me and her. Lol.

The ceremony ended and we were now walking towards the parking lot. Mom is currently wiping Amara’s forehead that is covered with sweat. I’m not sure if she’s still anxious about her speech earlier but I’m certain that her sweat is because of the heat. Her academical dress is far too conservative. Long sleeves and a skirt which is way beyond the knees. I feel hot enough just by looking at it. Dad, on the other hand is a few steps ahead of us. He doesn’t show much affection but I know secretly, he’s adoring Amara and her achievement. You should’ve seen the looks in his eyes as he watches Amara deliver her speech. It feels as if he was staring directly into the galaxy.

We entered the car and I was sitting with Amara at the back. Dad’s driving, of course, and mom is sitting beside him. I looked at the window trying to site what’s new but it’s all the same to me. Wide highways, tall buildings, old infrastructure. Everything’s getting boring.

“So, how was my speech?” Amara said breaking the silence. Dad still kept his gaze on the road not letting his face give Amara a hint of how much he likes it. Mom, on the other hand, was looking straight into my eyes as if telling me that I should be the one to talk. I wanted to be quiet for the rest of the trip as I feel nauseous but I don’t want to let anyone down. Especially Amara on her special day. “It was cool.” I said normally while my gaze still fixed on the window. Amara kept quiet. I shifted my head towards her direction and met her eye. “You did great even when your jaw kept shaking.” I gave a small smile and I’ve seen her laugh. Finally. She felt relaxed. “You do not know how much effort it took to keep my composure and deliver the lines without eating my words.” We both laughed at what she said and I saw mom smiled knowing that we were both happy.

“Could you hold this for me?” she said handing her high school diploma and mortarboard. I quickly nodded and reached for her stuffs. “Thanks.” She said while removing her academic dress that makes her look like some sort of priest in her chasuble suit. “Much better.” She sighed deeply once her cloak was removed. It’s like she can be at a full peace now that she has it removed. Her beauty felt refreshing wearing her white fitted crop top paired with a pencil skirt. It was all too revealing as her body has the curve at every right place. “Did you listen to my speech?” Her sudden question made me remove my gaze on her body. “Yup, I did.” I replied briefly. “How much of the speech did you hear?” “Everything.” She suddenly burst out laughing. “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine the fact that you have been listening to me all through out. You’re easily bored, I know. Just the mere fact of you sitting there for hours listening to the teachers and me sound like a real t*****e for you.” Exactly.

I felt like I was about to vomit so I quickly rolled the glass window down. I don’t want to make any mess inside the car as I am hundred percent sure that I would be the one to clean it. Disgusting. Plus, her diploma’s still with me and I cannot do anything silly while I’m holding it. I don’t want my head cutted off.

“I really wonder how you managed to stand straight when all eyes were fixed on you. I mean, you’re just a kid who hates attention.” I managed to say even though I feel like throwing s**t out. I suddenly saw her eyebrows went furious. The second I knew; her hands were pinching my cheeks. Really hard that I cannot help but shout. “I might hate attentions but who are you to call me kid?” Her voice rose a little higher but I know she’s not mad. She just loves messing me around. She’s always like that. “I’m still a year older than you are so you better-“she haven’t finished her sentence as we suddenly saw a flash.

A bright light that took both of our attention.

A bright light that instantly kept our minds blocked.

A light that made the whole world stop.

A light that almost took 'my light'.