He got My First as Collateral

Chapter 5 Graduation

A day had passed since that night and today is our graduation day. Everyone is so happy and excited about the idea of entering college. Well, I am too but my happiness is only partial adding the fact that Caiden’s dad decided to make their departure earlier than expected as to comply with Caiden’s pending requirements before the probationary period start. They will start traveling tomorrow by lunch and probably arrived at the San Narcisso, Zambales, where the school stood, by midnight.

“Come here dear, let’s take a photo with your dad.” My mom said after asking someone to take hold of the camera.

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My mom thanked our photographer and hugged me tightly. “I am so proud of you dear.” I felt my dad taps my shoulder and added: “Indeed, it’s a great honor to father the school’s valedictorian and campus president.” My dad spoke so often that’s why every words he said meant a lot for me.

“Thank you…” I replied.

“It’s actually all thanks to you mom…dad…for raising me well.” I nearly got my mom cried. I love you mom.

I spread my vision to search for Caiden. He’s been with Tito Francis earlier…his dad, who was actually a retired policeman in our area. Caiden is very inspired of his father that he wanted to follow his step.

Unfortunately, NPA (National Police Academy) doesn’t qualify Senior high school students during their entrance examination. Only MMA (Merchant Marine Academy) and MA (Military Academy) did. Blessed with providence, he gladly make it up into the list of passers in MMA. Then, he passed the Neuro exam as well as the medical and dental screening.

It had not been easy for him to be admitted as one of the cadets of the country’s most prestigious Maritime School. That’s why I am very proud of him as his woman and I promise to support him at all cost.

“Darling…” I heard someone called out. I turn around to see Uncle Francis approaching us. Caiden is with him too.

“Congratulation darling…” He congratulated me before addressing my dad.

“You got a great daughter Arnold.” My dad just shruggs with a proud smile on his face.

“Congrats babe.” Caiden said to me looking at my medals. With or without awards babe, it’s the same that we finally finished high school. I smiled.

“I heard the graduates will be having a night party.” My mom said. Oh yes we have that to hang out with each other before parting ways.

“Hmmm…then I guess we should leave our kids on their own.” Tito Francis said. We are legal on both sides.

“Mind coming over to our house…we’ll burn the furnace and indulge ourselves with my 25 years old Australian Wine.” My dad invited Caiden’s father which he accepts.

“We’ll leave you now dear…”

“Caiden look over our princess.” My mom said before making their way out of the school gym. We first returned our togas to the facility office before heading towards the parking lot.

“Come on babe. Let’s drive to Marcus' House.” Marcus is one of the graduates. His parents were both working overseas leaving him and his sister in the house. I heard his sister was only about a year older than us and is very much into parties.

Caiden started the engine and put on our seatbelts. At less than twenty minutes, we reach our destination. Caiden gave me a wet kiss before he unbuckled my seatbelt and guided me out to join the crowd.

“Welcome sisssss!” Jessica, one of my friend, greeted us before disappearing to the bodies of people. Half of our batch was already here and most of them invited non graduates, thus, increasing our number.

“What’s up Caiden?” Marcus said as he descended from the stairs. “Bet we’ll have a long night to go…” He gives Caiden a teasing look before throwing me a glance. I got it. Ugh! He’s thinking about something dirty. I feel like blushing.

Caiden chuckled and said, “Bro I am looking forward for that too.” Ugh! Even you Caiden.

“Kidding…come on let’s get some drinks.” He immediately compensated my mood. Sure! Then, he handed me my pink lemonade before getting his own fair share of tequila.

We sat on the couch together with other graduates and started reminiscing the past. We were laughing as someone would show what we looked like 6 years ago and back. Caiden too is getting fun. On the other side of the house, some are dancing like crazy. Yes this is our last night as batch so we definitely are rocking it. Well there will be reunions but that will be few years from now. Indeed, nothing beats high school life. It will always remain as the best part of schooling.

When the clock strikes at ten, Caiden was asking me to go home already as he has a prior appointment tomorrow. Oh yes, he will be leaving me but I’ll try my best to be happy for him.

“Let’s go.” I said and attempted to stand only to find myself nearly stumbling if not with Caiden’s hand supporting my waist. I feel a little bit dizzy. Did I drink to much or it was my low resistance to alcohol that should be blame.

“Let me carry you.” The last thing I heard before he scoop my legs and carry me like a newly wed bride. Oh how I wish time will freeze at this moment…where I am in his arms and we are together. But guess what, it’s only on Superman’s movie where time could be stop.

The next thing I know, we are now on the basement of his condominium. Caiden opens the door for me asking, “Can you walk babe?” I think I am refreshed by short trip. He help me get out of the car and I manage to talk a few steps.

“I can walk babe…” I assured him but still he hadn’t remove his hand on my back to support me. I love you.

“But why are you not dropping me home?” I asked curiously.

He smiled. “I told them that we are having a sleep over in Marcus house.” Liar! But I like it. I like to spend more time with him.

My eyes literally drop as he opened me the door leading to his room. The room was lit with candles and rose petals were scattered everywhere. There is also this big heart shape made up of collective balloons and on the center of it was written the prettiest name I could ever wish- Mrs. Yssa Vergara Fernell. He gave me his last name. I turned around to face him.