I have noting to say but thank you for supporting this story! As of now, there are 4000 readers! You guys are amazing! In this chapter, you'll be surprised. ;)
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STEPH'S P.O.V
Principal Higgins asked me to make a speech during the graduation, considering that I am the Valedictorian of our batch. I wasn't always good in public speaking. Sure I may be good at debating, but this is different.
I am cramming my speech right now and graduation is tomorrow! I hope it doesn't suck and sound like crap because I am suppose to "inspire" my audience.
I sat in front of the laptop, my fingers ready to type. But I couldn't think of anything. I found myself staring at the blinking line, ready to move to encode a letter.
MENTAL BLOCK is what this is.
So, I thought of the events that happened this year. There are countless events to think of but still I think about him. WHY DOES HE ALWAYS HAVE TO BARGE IN WHEN MY THOUGHTS ARE TRYING TO CONVERSE!
Ever since the dinner, I have been thinking of what he said. He's sorry but he's not asking me to forgive him? There's this part of me that does want to forgive but the hardest part is to forget. Cheesy, I know. But what's cheesier is that my "HEART" (oh gosh this sounds so dramatic) is telling me to forgive him already. All my heart has to do is convince my mind, and it is winning.
So I guess, I do forgive him.
At that moment, my speech was already writing itself. I found my fingers typing away.
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(Graduation Day)
I am nervous. I can feel butterflies in my stomach. Oh god, I think I'm going be sick. The teacher gave me the signal to go up onstage. So I did.
As I was walking to the podium, there were applauses. Wow they're clapping for me. I got up the podium and took a deep breath, then started.
"Good morning to you all. So I was told to give an inspiring speech to you guys by principal Higgins. I don't think it counts as inspiring when it was only written yesterday." They laughed.
"Most of us are going to different colleges after we graduate. College is a time for us to grow up from being a child and to start acting like a mature person. It's a fresh start in other words. It is not guaranteed that you will be the same person you were when you were in high school. As time changes, people do as well."
"I grew up despising a boy my own age. I labeled him as a bully and my number 1 enemy." The crowd laughed. "Its childish, I know. I also grew up assuming that he was mean, obnoxious, and stupid." I looked over to Zayn and he was smiling with the crowd. "We called each other names, threw things at each other, and you know the normal stuff. But of course, every action has a consequence. Our punishment required us to spend time with each other and actually engage in a normal conversation. Oh believe me, it was hard especially when you really want to throw a chair at him to shut up." I admitted. "We forced ourselves to hate it, but we found ourselves getting to know each other more. This is when you realize how wrong you can be about a person or about something."
"This year I've learned that to live a happy life, you simply have to feel happiness. To achieve happiness, you must overcome any hurdle that life dumps on you. Your life will be easy if you don't make it difficult. You know what I mean?"
"If you want high grades, study. If you want to be successful in life, grab every opportunity that comes your way. If you want to feel loved, stop hurting other people. If you want to make peace, forgive and forget. It will require effort to do these but it will be worth it."
"So, going back to my story. Where ever the boy I once called my number 1 enemy is, I have forgiven him and I apologize for what I have done to him as well." I glanced at Zayn with a smile then I looked back at the audience. "Remember that you are shaped by the choices you make. Thank you."
The audience applauded and we took off our hats and threw them in the air.
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Today is the day that I leave for Yale. I have packed all my stuff and I'm ready to go. Next time I'll get to go back is Christmas break.
Harry agreed to drive me to the airport. My parents are in the US for a conference in the campus so they will just meet me there. Marianne, Raphie, Mira, Liam, and Niall are helping me carry my luggage into the car. They all went with me to the airport. I will really miss these people.
As we arrived the airport, we quickly checked in my stuff. Since I had time to spare, we went to the café and shared our last meal together. Well not really last, I'm just over reacting.
We sat there laughing at memories of the year. I only really got to know most of them this year, and yet I feel like I've known them forever. They are the best set of friends anyone can ever have.
"I'm really going to miss you guys." I said, tearing up a little.
"We'll miss you a whole lot more than you're going to miss us Steph." Marianne said and they all nodded with sad faces.
"Now don't you dare get a new best friend while you're hanging out with the smart people ok." Louis forced a grin.
"Excuse me? When did you become the best friend huh?" Marianne snapped.
"Uh what I meant to say was don't forget us." Louis corrected himself. I heard Harry smirk.
"I could never forget you guys." I said with sincerity.
"I think I'm going to cry!" Raphie announced. "Me too!" Mira followed. The two girls started weeping.
"Babe, don't cry its-its o- its not ok...." Niall started to cry as well. "Raphie honey, you know that when someone cries, I start to cry too." Liam said while choking back the tears.
"Oh Liam, come here." Raphie put Liam's head on her shoulder and they sobbed together.
"This is all so sad!" Harry sobbed and hugged Marianne.
I looked around and everyone was crying. I was crying as well, but for a different reason. There was one person missing in our group.
"Louis?" I called.
"Yes Steph?" He replied while he blew his nose and wiped his eyes.
"Do you think he'll come?" I asked.
"Who? Zayn?" He said.
"Y-yes." I sobbed.
"I dont know. But I can call him if you want." He said, already retrieving his phone from his pocket.
"No, no. That's ok. He probably doesn't want to say goodbye." I said with a look of disappointment in my face.
"Of course he wants to say goodbye, he's just not sure if you want to see him."
"I dont know if I do or if I dont." I admitted.
"Well, you have the decision to call or not. But just know that even if he's not here, I am sure that he will miss you as much as we will." Louis made me feel better. I smiled and thought if I should call him.
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The others have already said their goodbyes and went off. They aren't allowed in the waiting area.
I was thinking of what Louis said. That I have decision to call Zayn or not. Should I? Maybe I shouldn't. But I did already forgive him and I'm sure he got the message. Maybe I should, I mean, I'll just say goodbye. It doesn't hurt to try.
I got my phone and typed in Zayn's name. My finger was hesitating to press the call button. But after a few seconds, it hit it. I couldn't tell if it was ringing because another phone behind me was ringing as well. The sound was getting closer fast, until I realized that it was coming from my back.
I turned around to see where it was coming from. As I turned, he was there.
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ZAYN'S P.O.V
I hope I still catch her before it's too late.
As I drove, I thought about her speech. She already forgave me. I don't care if she wants to see me or not. I have to say goodbye no matter what. And calling isn't going to do it. I need to see her.
I was running fast. I dont even think I'm allowed in the waiting area. But no one was running after me so that's great.
When I was in the waiting area already, my phone rang. I looked at who it was. I already spotted Steph when I saw that the call was coming from her. I smiled goofyly and ran to her.
She turned before I could poke her shoulder.
"Zayn! You're here!" She said, shocked.
"I couldn't let you go without saying good bye, could I?" I smiled.
"Well, you're here now so...." She said shyly.
I threw myself at her and held her tight. She was surprised at first but she got use to it and was hugging me back. "I'm gonna miss you." We said at the same time.
I released from the hug. "So I guess its too late to stop you from going?"
"Even if you did ask me, I would still go. I mean it's Yale." She laughed a little. "Speaking of colleges, where are you going?"
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I applied and passed in Oxford."
"Really? That's great!" She said.
"But I was really thinking about what you said and I also applied for X-Factor........ with the boys actually." I added.
Her eyes went wide with joy. "Wow! That's amazing! I never knew the others could sing as well. I hope you guys get in and win.You would go a long way."
"Yeah, I hope so too. Thank you for inspiring me to do it. Thank you for everything Steph." I said, chocking back the tears.
"Y-you're welcome. Look at me, I'm crying. This is the most I've cried in a day." she tried to laugh but failed.
"So, what happens.......to us now?" I asked.
"I-I don't know. I have to tell you Zayn, I'm still hurt for all the things you said about me. I've forgiven you already, but it's kind of stuck." She admitted.
"Steph, I really am sorry. I didn't mean any of it. I'm sorry I was such an ass to you." I apologized.
"Its ok Zayn. That's how boys are most of the time." She giggled. "I really hope we become great friends." She hesitated on saying it.
'Friends.' That was exactly what I was hoping she wouldn't say. It was like a stab right in my chest. But I should respect her decision. I mean, if I was in her place, I would do the same.
"Yeah....uh friends." I said, no longer holding back the tears.
"I will really miss you." She repeated.
"Me too." I replied. "Steph? Friends can hug right?"
"Yeah, of course." She said and rushed over and hugged me. I could feel her tears on my shirt.
The announcer said that it was time to board.
She finally released from the hug and wiped her tears. "I guess I have to go now. Bye Zayn."
"Bye, Steph." I replied.
As she was heading for the tunnel, the words slipped and I didn't regret them. "Steph, I love you."
She stopped in her tracks and rushed towards me. She hugged me so tight that I thought she would never let go.
"I love you too Zayn." She said and kissed me on the cheeks. Then she got her things again and walked for the tunnel.
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BOOM! Bet you didn't see that coming! Oh how I just love airport scenes!
Ok loves, this is officially the end of part 1. When there's a part 1, there will surely be a part 2! Stay tuned!
Tell me what you think!