Neither Lu nor my parents were here to join us at our graduation. I could still be lucky because my parents would be here if they weren't with Nano, but Lu's dad decided not to come although he could. As Guzman and I chose the right dress the day before and it fits his suit, we arrive together with his parents. Plus, we wanted to come together. I understand Ventura's and Laura's anger about Azucena throwing Guzman out and I understand that they hope to discuss this, but I shake my head disappointedly as soon as they attack Lu claiming that she didn't do enough for Guzman.
âLaura, I understand your anger but don't let it out on Lu. She's given her best to save Guzman and her's relationship. It just didn't work. And she's got nothing to do with him being thrown out", I intervene and feel stronger when Guzman grabs my hand. âShe's right, mom." Laura sighs but nods. âI'm sorry, this is just very emotional for me today." âWe're all here for you, Laura", I give her a encouraging smile and grab her hand.
Guzman and I sit next to my brother and Rebe who sits next to Ander. As soon as Lu and Nadia enter the room and walk onto the stage, we all clap for them loudly. âI'm really proud of them", Guzman speaks to me and I nod. âHave you ever thought that they would stand on this stage together one day?", I chuckle.
âHello all of you. First of all, we want to thank all our friends and parents who have accompanied us until today. Us and our fellow students. I think.. I can't do this. You know.. Just like I said-" âEverything's fine. I would like.. we would like to.. I think it's right of me when I talk for the two of us and dedicate this prize to our fellow students, our friends, especially those who sit back there and can't take part in this ceremony due to various reasons. We don't forget them."
As the girls look and point into our direction, all of the other people in the room clap, while we cheer them on. âThem not being a part of all of this makes this moment a less happy one than it could have been." âYes, that's the truth and I should cut capers out of happiness but it's not like that. But we deserve this prize. We deserve this moment, Nadia", Lu speaks emotionally and looks like she has to convince herself. This won't be good, if they don't shut up quickly. They're way too emotional.
âMy friends sit back there because of various happenings including the worst because of which a friend cannot be here with us today. Marina. Happening that we want to condemn." Marina. She's not here today. Ever since we've been little childs, we planned this day and our future, how we would spend it together. I quickyl grab Guzman's hand so we can comrfot each other.
âThat's the truth. And this injustice is caused by only one person. Polo, how are you? Are you happy? You know, her and I get this prize now because your mothers invented it to improve your reputation and her and I are going to accept it because we've deserved it and I reapeat this-" âIf it causes you so many issues to accept the prize then don't be worried. The scholarship is taken back. It was our only aim to support Las Encinas", one of Polo's moms intervenes snapping at Lu and Nadia. Shit.. They will freak out.
âYou know what? I've promised two people who I truly love that we all would party together today and have fun and that nothing will stop us. Nothing and nobody. Let's all go to the club to party!" Wow, I'm surprised that Lu reacts like that and that she's pointed to the two of us, Guzman and I. She didn't freak out right now. She's accepted the situation and I'm proud of her.
âI'm so proud of you, girl", I cheer as I walk over to Lu so we can go to the club together, âI know it's not easy but you've done what you had to do." âWell", she smiles trying to hide her emotions and changes the topic, âI'm proud of you, too." As she points to Guzman and my hands which are interwined, we follow her look and then look at each other shyly. I mean, we still haven't talked about it clearly.
Guzman wants me to be with him and three hours before I thought I couldn't because I'd go to New York with Lu. But if she's not going to New York, I won't neither. âStop overthinking", Guzman tells me chuckling knowing what I was thinking about and that I might give in. âJust say yes, girl", Lu smiles but I just bite my lip nervously not knowing what to do. âNo pressure", Guzman assures and gives me a kiss on my cheek before we finally leave this school and go to the club.
Inside the club, we kind of split as Lu wants to talk to Nadia and Guzman leaves to buy us some drinks. I see Ander sitting on one of the couches so I go over to him. âAnder, hey", I greet him loud enough for him to hear me but quiet enough so no one else would hear us. âHey, sit down", he offers me so I do what he said. âSamu and Guzman don't graduate. I always thought the four of us, you, Guzman, Polo and I would graduate together."
âI don't graduate either", he tells me. âWhat? Why?" âI've missed too many classes." âShit.." âWhat are your plans now? You and Marina wanted to go to Oxford and you probably won't go to New York without Lu." âI've thought about going to my brother, seeing Nano again." âYou want to get away from her?"
âI'm not sure yet. The idea just popped into my head earlier. Maybe I'll stay and.. I don't know. I've got no idea. With everything that has happened, I had no motivation to register for any university." âEm?" âYeah?" âTake care of yourself, alright?" Why does this sound like a goodbye? But it sounds like a good one. We don't fight, we don't hate each other, maybe we still even love each other but we've learned to let go. At least this is what it feels like. âYou too, Ander."