Chapter 8 - She's Gone

It was Friday night. Everyone was excited with the open forum that was about to happen that night. Some were excited to apologize, some were excited to thank someone, and a majority were excited to reveal something. But what could this mean to Cissie?

"I have made up my mind. This night will be the last night that I get to talk to Jay. I guess this is the best time to say goodbye," she told herself. While walking on the hallway, she saw Steph walking towards her so she tried to take a different route but Steph ran after her.

"Hey, wait up!" she shouted.

"Steph, please, I don't want to fight with you anymore."

"No! I mean, yeah, I don't want to fight either. We were friends, at least, before Jay walked in this campus and I admit that we had a great time together. It was just that, things started to change when Jay chose you over me. I felt horrible, I just couldn't accept it. So, I did a lot of unforgivable mistakes to you. Until I...."

"What do you want from me?" Cissie interrupted her.

"I just want to reconcile with you. I just realized last night that I cannot win this battle, besides, Jay has a girlfriend now. The one I should be enemies with is her, not you, knowing that we were best friends."

"You know what? I can't figure out whether you are true to your words right now. Reconcile? Sure! But things are going to be different. I can't offer you good friendship like the way we used to, not until I can be assured of your real motives," Cissie answered her honestly.

"I was expecting that. Thanks for giving me a chance. Oh, I think we should get inside. The open forum is about to start."

They went inside the classroom peacefully and without any mockery. When they got inside the room, they saw their classmates who could barely hear each other in happiness. After a few moments, Jay went inside but did not even greeted Cissie, so she didn't even bother to greet him either. At last, Miss Langit arrived.

"How do you feel guys? Are you excited or nervous?" Miss Langit asked. Most of them said "Excited!", some of them said "Nervous!"

"I'm sure you will never forget this evening, so, it's show time! Who wants to volunteer first?" Miss Langit introed.

"I guess I will be the one to start," Steph uttered.

"Go ahead then," Ms. Langit said.

"I know I was mean to Cissie despite the fact that we were friends for three years. It's all because of Jay," Steph had a serious tone when she said those words.

"Oooohhhh..." were the only words audible from their classmate's fuss. Steph didn't mind and continued on.

"Desperately, I did a lot of unforgivable mistakes to her. I just can't accept the fact that Jay chose her over me. The more I see them closer together, the more I hated her. That's why, when I had the chance to destroy Cissie, I took photos of them together for Cissie to be kicked out from where she was living before."

"You finally admitted it! I already had a feeling before that it was you, I just didn't have a proof. I know what happened was really bad but that actually improved my situation. Like what I told you before, I would thank the person who made this happen. So, thank you," Cissie interrupted Steph's statement.

"I'm really really sorry, Cissie. I hope you'd forgive me even though I know it is a difficult thing to do."

"Sure! I can forgive you but we can't be friends, at least for now. Maybe, in time, depending on how really sorry you are. Who knows?" Cissie responded.

"I know, but I'll just keep hoping. That's all guys," Steph finished her confession.

Everybody applauded and admired how they patched things up.

"Okay, who's next?" Miss Langit asked.

"My turn, ma'am!" Jeff volunteered.

"Okay, you may speak," Miss Langit answered

"I have loved you since we were in our first year, I just didn't have the nerve to tell you. Maybe this is the right time to let you know, before we go on our separate ways. Perhaps we wouldn't meet anymore after graduation as we'd be attending different schools, but at least I could tell my feelings for you, Crizzy," Jeff confessed his feelings without hesitation in front of everyone.

"Ah!!'' ... "Whoah!" It was cheering and teasing that happened next.

"What would Crizzy say? We have to hear her side," Miss Langit said.

"Crizzy! Crizzy! Crizzy!" their classmates cheered.

"Okay, fine! You want a statement, here's my statement. I also loved you even during our elementary days. When I learned that you will be spending your high school here, I followed you even though the tuition fee here was a quite high. Everything finally paid off, I heard from you that you love me too, so we can go out on a date any time you want. I wouldn't be shy anymore since the feeling is mutual." After saying those words, the whole class cheered louder with excitement. They all got quiet when Cissie cleared her throat and started talking.

"I also have some important things to say. I'm thankful that I have finished high school despite of all the hardships and trials I had being a working student. Of course, it won't be possible without the help of my best friend, Jay, who came into my life at the right time, just when I needed strength to face it all. I thought of giving up and go back to where I used to stay but he offered me a positive outlook in life and helped me stand back up. I know I don't fit in this school as I am poor. I only got in here because of my employer and with the help of scholarship, but because of what Steph had done, I was ousted of my employer's place and almost stopped my studies, but Jay's family took care of me," Cissie couldn't help her tears that moment. Even Miss Langit shed tears until everyone in the class had wet eyes.

"I want to thank you bezzie for saving my high school life and being so kind to me. Just like a song that has a beginning, we also have an ending. This may be the last time that we will see each other as for sure, things will be different after graduation. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you and good bye, bezzie," her tears hadn't stopped flowing so Jay stood up and hugged her tight.

"Why are you like that, bezzie? Everything doesn't end here. You're talking as if we wouldn't see each other anymore. Our friendship wouldn't change, of course," Jay told Cissie calmly while still hugging her. He had no idea that at that moment was the last night of them together. Cissie had decided to leave right away after the graduation.

The open forum continued and the night was late when they finished. The class separated ways. Others went on their dates, went to karaoke hubs, others just strolled. Cissie had no plans of going with them.

"Bezzie, I need to go ahead as I have to do something important," Cissie uttered.

"Alright bezzie. Go ahead and I have to go see Cherry at the coffee shop. Please tell Nai Nai that..." Cissie then suddenly hugged him, it was not just a simple hug. It was the type of hug as if bidding farewell.

Whoa! What's wrong bezzie?" Jay confusedly asked.

"Nothing. I'll go ahead. Goodbye bezzie," after uttering those words, she turned around and tears flowed down as if there was no end. Painful, it was really painful! But she had to accept that they would never be together. She was almost hit by a car as her mind was blank due to heightened emotions. She didn't realize that she was already home. She quickly changed and searched grandma Nancy.

"Good evening, granny," she greeted with her with a dispirited tone of voice.

"Good evening. It's good that you're already here. Let's have dinner together. By the way, where is Jay?"

"He said he's meeting Cherry at the coffee shop. Granny, is it okay to talk to you about something?"

"What is it about?"

"I want to thank you granny because you took me in and took care of me. I do not know how to make it up to you."

"That is all fine with me, hija. You were never a burden to us as you are hardworking and kind. After all, you are my grandson's friend. That's what friends are for, right? You are no different from us now," the elderly held Cissie's hands.

"But granny, I am leaving as soon as possible. I know I owe you my high school life but I have decided to leave right after graduation. It may be embarrassing not to be able to help you further, but I think it is more embarrassing if I stay here any longer."

"Hija, we are not asking you to leave. In fact I like it that someone like you is here at home with me. The maids have their own life. At least I have someone to hangout with. Jay's sister is still a kid. You're a big help."

"I appreciate that granny, but I really have to leave. I hope you'd understand me," Cissie insisted.

"It is still your decision anyway. When would you leave?"

"Tomorrow night after the graduation."

"Right away?"

"Yeah, my auntie has sent me the tickets going to Manila."

"Really, I'd really miss you hija. Please don't forget to call us, okay?"

"Of course, granny. I really thank you for everything that you have done for me. I really won'tt forget you. I'd go upstairs and pack my things."

"Sure hija, good night." The old lady was a bit sad to learn that Cissie had leave very soon.

Graduation day. Mixed emotions reigned among the graduates. Others were excited, some were nervous, happy, others were crying. Parents and students hugged each other, even lovers. However, Cissie and Jay still didn't had a chance to talk. Other than Jay was late, he was with Cherry, so he did not notice Cissie. The program had started and they still hadn't talked. Cissie was there in the program but her thoughts were roaming around. Her brain was busy thinking what would be waiting for her in Manila. She didn't even notice that her name was being called. If she wasn't tapped by her seat mate, she wouldn't stand up to get her diploma. The whole program ran for two hours. While Cissie was packing her stuff,

"Bezzie, congratulations!" Jay uttered behind her. She was shocked but she was able to keep it cool.

"Oh hi, bezzie, it! Congratulations to you too!" Cissie responded.

"By the way, I have something for you. Open it up," he said smilingly.

"Thank you. I wasn't able to get you anything, I don't have enough money with me."

"It's okay. Come on, open it."

When she saw what's inside, she couldn't figure out its connection with the occasion.

"What's this?" she asked Jay even though she knew what's inside.

"A handkerchief. I thought of you giving that so that every time you cry, you can imagine that I'm just a pocket away to make you feel okay."

"Really? How touching, but we won't be together all the time."

"I know, but that's far from happening yet. I heard granny a few day ago and she wanted to fund your education here. So I guess we'd be together for a little longer!" Jay was happy breaking the news to her.

"If only you know..." she said in hush tone.

"What?"

"I said, if that's true then it's good," thanks, goodness she's good at making up excuses!

"Right, Cherry wants to invite you for a dinner with us. Would you come?"

"Thanks. I appreciate it but I can't. It's been a long tiring day and I want to rest early, maybe next time," Cissie rejected the offer.

"I see, so uh... I'll go ahead then. See you around," Jay bid goodbye.

"Alright, goodbye. Really goodbye," her friend did not hear the last words she said. She even managed to wave slowly with a heavy heart as she watching her best friend slowly fading away.

She was not really going to rest, but she's leaving to Dumaguete and would be catching up with the Super Ferry trip to Manila. That could be the last conversation they could have. She was hurrying to go home fearing that Jay would pass by, or that he'd go home early and her plans would be ruined. When she got home, she quickly changed and got her stuff. She went to grandma Nancy to bid her last goodbyes.

"Good evening granny," she greeted.

"Oh, you're here. Let's eat."

"I have to skip for now granny since I have to be in Dumaguete before 9 PM."

"Are you sure you're really not going to eat? Anyway, here is your allowance, get something to eat during your trip," the old woman offered her 500.00 peso bill.

"Granny this is too much. I have been already a burden to you these for many months."

"Why are you like that to yourself? If you don't accept this, I'd be upset to you."

"I really thank you for everything, granny. I really don't know how I'd make it up to you."

"Just go ahead for you not to be late. I don't know why Jay is still not here to at least send you off."

"Nah, let's just not disturb him, granny. We already talked before I came here. He's having dinner with Cherry."

"That kid! Instead of sending you off, he chose to go on a date when they can go on a date anytime. I'll talk to him later," you could see on the old woman's face that she was annoyed.

"That is fine, granny. Don't be mad at him... I'd go ahead."

"Take care, don't forget to contact me once you get there, okay? Come here, " she hugged her so tight that Cissie couldn't help her tears. Jay's family accepted her wholeheartedly even though she was a complete stranger, yet she couldn't repay of what they had done for her because of her selfish feelings. If she wouldn't leave though, she might not be able to take the heartache.

"I'm really sorry," she sobbed.

"Hush, stop crying. Whatever the reason you have for leaving suddenly, I would understand. But I hope that you'd tell us eventually the reason why, okay? Go, you'd be late."

"I'd leave now. I will really miss you," and she turned around carrying her luggage.

It was really difficult for her but she had no choice at all. She believed that she could only move on once she couldn't see her friend happy with someone else. At least, when she's somewhere far, she could just imagine that he was married and that she could focus on something else. When she arrived at the pier, she checked in and headed straight to her designated seat. She sighed so deeply. She was unsure of the place she was going to and it was her first time travelling alone. The only thing that she could do was to be courageous for she'd definitely face new challenges. Later on, someone announced 'boarding all passengers' of Delta. A few minutes more and the boat left the place. Cissie's tears were falling while staring at the lights of the pier turn smaller and smaller. She didn't know whether she could return to the place she grew up to or not. Included in her exodus were memories of her friend that she loved for the first time.

Meanwhile, it was 11 at night when Jay arrived home.

"Nai Nai, I'm here," Jay uttered.

"Why did you arrive just now? You did not even send Cissie off."

"I had dinner with Cherry," he went upstairs right after. He did not even hear nor listen to the next words his grandma said. Jay was tired the whole day that he slept right away.

The next day, he woke up early and jogged. When he got home, he still didn't notice that Cissie wasn't home. It was already around noon when he realized that Cissie wasn't home. He checked her room but she wasn't there.

"Where was she? Perhaps she went outside. She didn't even invite me," Jay said to himself.

The sun was set and he still did not see her, not even Cissie's shadow. He couldn't help it anymore and headed to the kitchen to ask his grandma.

"Nai Nai, did Cissie leave? I haven't seen her since this morning."

"She left last night and you did not even send her off, you unthougtful fellow! " granny sounded irritated.

"What? Where was she going? She left without warning me."

"What did you say? Did she tell you that she's going to Manila?"

"What?! She did not tell me anything! I didn't even know that she was leaving," he just scratched his head with what he had heard.

"Why did she do this to me, Nai Nai?" he continued. Jay was feeling both angry and confused, at the same time he felt being betrayed by his friend.

"Did you have a fight?" his grandma asked.

"I don't think we did," he said, with his foreheads wrinkled.

"Did you notice anything different from her these few days?"

"Nothing, but I did notice that she kept saying goodbye. The way she said it was as if I wouldn't see her again. But I did not pay any attention to it because I couldn't see any reason for her to do that."

"Didn't she and your girlfriend have a fight?"

"I doubt they did. Why would she do this to me, Nai Nai?"

"You know kid, I am not numb, but if I were not mistaken, she left because she was hurt."

"Of what? Why would she be hurt?"

"She left because she loves you and you already have a girlfriend. So for her to forget you, she left without telling you."

"What?" was all that Jay could say. He was feeling all sorts of emotion. Shocked, angered, resented. He couldn't believe that his friend would do this to him. He didn't move for days, he did nothing but think and think of how their friendship went to this situation.