The day after graduation night was one dedicated to celebrating their end of the school year. After a morning ceremony, where tears were exchanged from his teachers and the school captains delivered a speech talking offuturesand beingexcited for where we all go, his cohort spilled onto the grassed area beside the school hall.
The energy was high, infectious that even Seth felt himself carried away. Joshua clapped his back, congratulating him on all the awards. Truthfully, the last year of high school also saw their friendship drifting a little.
Ever since theincident,really.
Still, they plastered civil smiles and acted like the best of friends for one last time.
Seth posed for photos with a group of boys from his class that he’d grown quite close with. He wondered if he’d ever see them again, after this. If they’ll stay in contact, to meet up outside of these gates and make more memories.
Music blasted through the grassed field, with everyone singing along to nostalgicDisneytunes. It was in the middle of theHigh School Musicalsong ‘We’re all in this together’that Seth caught a glimpse of her.
Nina.Across the field, laughing with her friends.
Veronica and Celine were taking photos of her, as she made silly poses in front of the school hall. Bianca was blowingbubbles in her direction, from a bubble wand teachers were handing out.
Even Ethan, the boy from her art class, was smiling at her.
This will be the last time you see each other.
The thought compelled him forward. He saw as her friends wandered off elsewhere, toward the hoard of teachers handing out party poppers and more bubble wands. Nina lingered, waving at them, calling for them to get her one too.
Now was his chance.
“Nina.”
She turned around, startled by the sound of his voice. Her eyes flitted over him, taking in his appearance. He couldn’t determine what she was feeling anymore.
Once, there’d be a blush on her cheeks every time he came near. There’d be that glint in her eye that he grew addicted too. A hint of a smile that felt like the sun rays creeping beneath clouds.
Now, there was nothing. Only a reserved politeness, a general friendliness.
“Seth,” she responded. He scrambled in his mind for something, anything.
“Happy graduation,” he decided on, pathetically.
“Thank you. You too, Seth.”
She smiled at him, but her tone was conclusive. She began to turn then, away from him, toward her friends. It’d be the last time he’d speak to her, if she walked away right now.
It was that thought that seized Seth to surge forward, and take hold of Nina’s wrist.
“Wait, Nina.”
She stopped, turning, shocked at the action. He pulled back, and cleared his throat.
“I’m sorry,” he said, “For what I said. It was - I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean any of it.”
You mean so much more than you know. You’ve grown on me, Nina Mendez. Your blushes, your smiles. Your laughter in class. Your presentations, your stories. The time we spent sitting together, and we chatted about your favourite TV show. I wish I wasn’t a coward to explore what more it could’ve been.
Her eyes widened, before softening. Her lips curved once more.
“Thanks Seth, for telling me that. I hope whatever you pursue after this, it will make you happy.”
Even now, she was wishing him the best, less than what he deserved from her. This time, as she walked away, he let her. He’d said his apology, and he’d closed the door with Nina for what could be forever.
Strangely, a part of him hoped that this wouldn’t be the last time he was seeing her. It was impossible, he knew. They were not friends, hardlyanythingto keep in contact.
Sure, they’d remain mutuals on social media platforms, but that’s it. He wondered if she’d forget him. If he even played a large enough role in her life, to recall for future anecdotes.
