Contrasting Colors (Veles High Series #2)

Epilogue Part 1 | Alessandria

Alessandria’s POV

A WEEK BEFORE the Graduation or Moving Up Ceremony, the practices have begun. Honestly, it’s so hot in the school auditorium and I wanted so bad to ditch the practices but it’s hard when your best friend is the President.

“Alessa naman e, ‘di ka na nga bumalik kahapon tapos ayaw mo na naman makipag-practice.”

I rolled my eyes. Remind me again why I befriended the Class President?

“I told you, I’ll just follow you guys,” I said.

She heaved a sigh. “Hindi na ako magpapaloko, Alessa. Alam ko ibig sabihin niyan, baka tumambay ka lang sa manggahan pero ‘di ka naman talaga susunod sa may audi.” 

“Argh, fine,” I said, giving up.

Ara smiled widely and hooked her arms on me. Together, we descended the stairs and proceeded to the school audi. The seating arrangement was by section and alphabetical so even here, Arabella and I are still seatmates. Arabella and Erald were supposed to be seatmates but the boys were separated with us.

Of course, I’m not gonna lie. I still like that annoying guy. But I learned my lesson, I don’t want to force myself to people. If they really care for me, they would. I don’t have to make myself work hard for their love and affection.

What’s more frustrating is Arabella still kept on avoiding Erald.

“Our first guest speaker for tonight is an alumna of Veles High. He finished Bachelor of Political Science in University of the Philippines Manila and then he went home to serve our town. Let’s all give a round of applause to our Mayor…”

“Students, kapag nabanggit na ang pangalan ni Mayor ay dapat pumalakpak kayo. Pero walang sisigaw ha, nagkakaintindihan ba?”

“Yes, Ma’am!”

“Kapag naman tinawag na ang nauunang section sa inyo, maghanda na rin kayo sa pagpila. Tapos huwag magtutulakan dahil baka matisod kayo at mahahaba iyang mga toga.”

“Itong mga kandila ay ipapamigay na lang kapag malapit na ang pagsisindi. Walang magdadala ng lighter o posporo dahil pasa-pasahan ang pag-iilaw.”

“At para naman sa graduation song ninyo, ang first section lamang at mga honorable mentions ang aakyat dito sa stage para kumanta. The rest, tumayo lang kayo sa mga puwesto ninyo at makisabay sa pag-awit.”

I just continued fanning myself while the teacher kept on giving reminders. Today is finally our last completion practice because on Monday, it will be our Completion Day.

“Lola Ara, gusto mo sabay na lang tayo papunta sa Completion?”

I turned around and saw Erald talking to Ara. But Ara quickly shook her head with a smile. “Salamat pero huwag na.” Then she looked at me. “Alessa, tara. Meryenda tayo sa canteen?”

I smiled apologetically at Erald before going after Ara. I didn’t miss the look of despair in his eyes and it hurt, knowing I can’t take the pain away and it was somehow my fault that it’s there.

SUNDAY EVENING, A day before my Completion, Jessica knocked on my bedroom. She’s wearing a wide smile on her face as she pulled me out. I didn’t miss the smell of steak sauce on her, she probably cooked.

“Where are we going, Jessica?”

She just smiled. “You’ll see, dear.”

I just sighed and let her take me outside. My mouth went agape as soon as we stepped into the garden, my eyes roamed around in awe.