Change is all around me. It’s happening so fast, and there’s no way to stop it or slow it down. I can either go along with it or let it run me over. Me-Me graduates today, and with it comes the time to make some significant decisions. I’m ready – at least I want to be, but fear threatens to hold me in place. And at times, I doubt that I’m brave enough for the responsibility of joining my life with someone else’s.
The graduation takes place at the stadium. I leave the house early and head that way. I want to be one of the first faces Me-Me sees when she arrives. Her roommate/friend Shania and my friend Shania’s boyfriend, Mo, is there with me when Me-Me comes hurrying over with her brother and father.
Amid the excitement and chatter between the graduates, I walk over to get a hug and take a selfie with Me-Me. This moment is one that I want us to remember.
I join up with Me-Me’s family.
Jalisa: We’d better go in. I want to get some good seats.
Merlin: Calm down, babe. We made it right on time.
Jalisa: I’m just so proud. My baby is graduating from college!
Kai: I know the perfect place to sit. We’ll be able to see everything.
Jalisa: Perfect, lead the way.
We head in and witness Me-Me’s proudest moment. We cheer the loudest as they call her name, and she walks across the stage – graduating at the top of her class with honors.
After the ceremony, the graduates gather out front and throw up their graduation caps. I watch them, anxious to be a part of the Foxbury graduating class when my time comes. Merlin and Jalin call me over.
Merlin: We’re throwing Me-Me a big party at the ruins in Windenburg. It starts at 8. We hope to see you there.
Kai: Can I invite my mom?
Merlin: Of course! We’d be glad to meet her. Invite anybody you want.
Kai: Okay, see you at 8.
Me-Me’s family leaves. I’m just about to head back to the house to call ma, when I spot my friend Lil – who has also graduated. I’m sure she’s seen me, but she keeps walking as if she hasn’t.
Kai: Lil! Wait up!
She stops, giving me a chance to catch up. I greet her with a hug.
Kai: Congrats!
Liliana: Thanks, Kai.
Kai: Why did you walk by as if you didn’t see me?
Liliana: I wasn’t sure I was allowed to talk to you.
Kai: Of course – Lil, don’t be silly. You’re still my friend.
Liliana: Good. It just feels so different now.
I agree with that. But now is not the time to address it.
Kai: So, what are your plans now that you’ve graduated?
Liliana: I’m hoping to get a job at the local news channel in Windenburg. But I have a few other interviews lined up, just in case. When do you finish?
Kai: I have two finals on Monday, then I have one class that I need to complete to graduate. I’ll be joining the working world soon enough.
Our conversation fades into silence. Lil’s right – now that I know that her feelings for me involve more than just being my friend – it’s hard to come up with something to say. If I say the wrong thing, it could easily lead her on. I’m not sure how to proceed, so I decide to provide us both an escape from the awkwardness.
Kai: Um, I’d better go. Good luck with your interviews.
Liliana: Yeah, okay. Thanks
Change is a bitch. As I head back home, I realize that as time passes – even the things that we once found comfort in can sometimes evolve into something different. I say that Lil and I are still friends, but if we’re finding it hard to maintain a simple conversation – how long can that possibly last? I guess it’s safe to say that some friendships are lifelong, and some are just for a season. Maybe Lil and I have reached the end of that season.
I enter the house and greet one of my newest friends, Mo. Who knows if our friendship will stand the test of time. For now, I’ll enjoy it for what it is.
Kai: Me-Me’s folks are throwing her a big graduation party. Want to come?
Maurice: Now you know Shania has already told me all about it. Of course, we’ll be there.
Kai: Cool. We can leave together in a few hours. I need a nap first.
Maurice: *teasing* Old man!
I ignore Mo’s comment and head upstairs to bed. It’s already been an emotionally draining day. So, I need to prepare for tonight.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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