Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Fast Forward

A Few Months Later

Finally, the day we had all been waiting for arrived—graduation day.

We were in the vast gymnasium, filled with students eager to graduate. I could hear the lively laughter and whispers of joy. Parents and loved ones were all around, beaming with pride as they watched their children don their gowns and receive their diplomas.

I felt the warmth of Jane's embrace, my best friend, who was practically jumping for joy.

"Akira! Seriously, girl! We graduated!" she shouted, hugging me tightly.

"Yes, Jane! It feels like just yesterday we were talking about how we would graduate. Now, we're holding this." I smiled at her, and I couldn't help but shed a few tears.

Behind the happiness, there was still a pang of pain. I knew that if Dad was here, he would be the loudest applauder in the whole gymnasium. But even though he wasn't, I felt his presence.

After the ceremony, I spotted Mom amidst the crowd. She was standing there, holding a small bouquet of flowers, and her face was filled with unbridled joy and pride. The sparkle in her eyes was enough to fill the void I felt.

"Akira!" Mom called out happily as I ran towards her.

"Mom!" I hugged her tightly. I felt the warmth of her embrace—an embrace full of love and support.

"You did so well, Akira. I know Dad is so proud of you," she whispered to me.

Hearing that, I looked up at the sky, trying to hold back my tears. "This is for you, Dad," I whispered to myself.

Soon, Jane came over with her phone. "Okay, okay! Picture time!"

We took countless pictures—laughing, teasing, and striking some dramatic poses. It felt good to know that after all the challenges, here we were, standing tall and ready to face a new chapter in life.

Amidst the joy, I suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind.

"Congratulations, Akira."

I turned around and saw Godfather Axel—handsome in his suit, also holding a bouquet of white roses. I didn't expect to see him here, but there he was, smiling and looking at me.

"G-Godfather?" I asked, surprised.

"Of course, I'd come. I wouldn't miss this day," he replied, a hint of pride in his voice.

And at that moment, even though there were still traces of memories from the past, I felt a slight lightness in my heart.

This was the beginning of a new chapter—not just as a teacher, but as a woman ready to take steps towards her future dreams.

"Okay, we'll wait for Grace by the car. Liza, congrats to you too," he said to Mom.

Mom smiled at Godfather Axel. "Thank you, Axel. Take care," she replied politely.

Godfather Axel nodded before turning around and walking back to the parking lot, where Grace was waiting inside her car. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't deny the slight ache I felt as I watched them together.

"Akira," Mom called softly, as if sensing my unease. "Are you okay?"

I bit my lip and forced a smile. "Of course, Mom. I'm just happy you're here."

Mom smiled, but she didn't press further. She took my hand, a silent reminder that I didn't have to force my composure in front of her.

"Come on, Akira. Let's go home. I know you're tired too," she invited.

As we walked away, I couldn't help but look back at Godfather Axel and Grace. I saw Godfather Axel open the car door for Grace, always the gentleman as usual. But there was a sadness in my eyes as I watched them.

"Okay, Akira," I whispered to myself. "It's time to accept that this is where you stop. Godfather Axel and Grace are meant for each other."

I tried to push away the weight in my chest. Now that I had graduated, a new phase of life awaited. And no matter how much pain I felt, I had to move forward.

"Let's move on," I muttered to myself.

"Jane, we'll go ahead of you!"

"Bye, move on already. Come on, they might get impatient waiting for you in the parking lot," Jane replied jokingly, winking.

I just shook my head. "Okay, okay. You take care too."

Mom and I walked towards the parking lot. I felt a bit nervous and hesitant as we approached. This was the second time I had seen Grace, but it felt like I wasn't ready yet.

As soon as we arrived, I immediately saw Godfather Axel's familiar car. He was standing beside it, leaning against it, seemingly fixing something on his phone. Grace was inside, busy doing something. Despite everything, I couldn't deny that she was beautiful—elegant and had a certain charm.

"Axel!" Mom called out, causing him to look up and smile.

"We've been waiting for you," Godfather Axel joked, but there was tenderness in his tone.

"Sorry, we had to say goodbye to Jane." I replied, forcing a smile.

The car door opened and Grace got out. She looked directly at me, but there was a gentle smile on her lips.

"Hi, Akira," she greeted. "Congrats, you graduated. I'm sure Tita Liza is so proud of you."

"Thank you," I replied, trying my best to be polite. "And thank you for coming with godfather."

"Of course," she replied, nodding gracefully. "Axel wouldn't miss it for the world."

I felt a slight pang at those words, but I tried not to show it.

"Come on, Liza. We'll drive you home," Godfather Axel said, opening the car door for Mama.

I nodded and silently got into the backseat. Inside the car, I felt the weight of the air. In front of me, Godfather Axel and Grace were together—two people who seemed perfect for each other.

And me? I was the one desperately hiding my feelings.

"You can do this, Akira," I whispered to myself. "This is your second time. It should be easier this time."