Isadora Nightshade sat down with her friend at the school cafeteria discussing how their graduation which is in two weeks time will be.

Isadora felt Allan her friend was being overdramatic over nothing but it worth it.

“Can't believe I will be graduating from this four walls of this school just in two weeks time” Allan said with so much joy.

“You aren't the first nor the last person to graduate, what's the fuss about” Mia dug into her meat pie as if the graduation was none of her business.

If not that Isa has been her friend right from day one, she would have questioned why she said that. But being the person she was, there's nothing else she could do to help. 

“The point is not all the people we started with have the opportunity to graduate just like us, some died, some in the hospital and some couldn't further their education because of money. Isn't that something to be grateful for” Allan said while counting her blessings.

“They shouldn't have started what they can't finish then” Isa shrugged.

“Seriously, that, by the way. What are your plans for graduation?” Allan asked, staring at her friend who had her eyes locked up on her phone screen.

“No plans, just have to attend the damn party and go back home” Isa said as a matter of fact.

“Is he coming” Allan asked with a low voice.

Isa felt her chest tightening at the mention of his, “he has no reason to be here” she answered coldly.

“Why don't you ask him over? I mean, it's your big day” Allan pushed further.

“It is none of his business”. Every word she spoke comes out with strong feelings.

No, he's not significant, and her life doesn't evolve or concerns him. He doesn't deserve it. She wished he could suffer until eternity for what he made her go through as a child. 

Feeling the swift change in her mood “is everything alright” Allan asked.

“Yeah I'm fine”

If there's anyone who has been secretive all their lives without giving anything away then that is Isa. She keeps to herself like a close world. Not giving a chance for anyone to come in because they do not deserve it.

“Isa” Allan called out worriedly.

“Yeah” looking at her friend's face, “no I'm fine, like seriously” she said, swallowing the tumult in her chest.

“So are there any special plans for graduation” Isa asked, knowing fully well how prepared Allan was.

Even if she had no preparations, her parents would have made a list of what to do on that day for her. Thinking of how she became friends with someone like Allan. She's the only genuine person she has come in contact with aside her Aunt's family.

She wondered how someone can be at peace with everyone and herself. Said it has to do with the Father in heaven.

Ironic. How could she trust someone she hasn't seen before? Stupid. When those that you see physically betrayed the trust you had in them, it's just a matter of time before that Father in heaven shove her aside.

“Yeah, mom has it all planned out. You know how dramatic she could be at times. This is supposed to be a surprise, but…she bought the same clothes for you and me. She wanted us to dress differently and stand out in the crowd” Allan said.

They stood up from their sit, walking towards the cafeteria to make payments for their food.

“I trust her” Isa smiled, remembering how lovey-dovey Allan mom is “at least I have the dress issue solved, and I can think of other things” 

“So much for being you. Let's visit the cinema on the weekend" Allan suggested.

“Hmmm I have places to go. Sorry I won't be available” Isa said.

“You are always turning down outdoor activities these days, sure you are okay” Allan asked concern about her friend.

She knew Isa isn't the type to rely on anyone, regardless of what she's going through. 

“Yeah I'm fine, there's this place I have to be” Isa said, providing less information.

“Okay then, see you later” Allan bid her friend goodbye.

Isa knew Allan was one of the blessings she can count, she's been more than what a sister could be to her, and she's forever grateful for that. It amazes her how someone as rich as Allan would find peace in being her friend.

She knew she hasn't been the best friend to her, and the guilt keep hitting her. It has been doing a great job avoiding her these days. She would rather not show a sign of weakness to anyone.

These days she felt suffocated. Empty. Drained. Joyless. But she believed it will soon be over. 

It's her graduation in a few weeks time. She's supposed to be happy and cheerful like the others, but all she feels was the weariness within. Nothing she could place her hand on for being the cause of her feelings.

 She hailed down a cab to take her home. She needs to get home before she gets suffocated out of her on the street.

Hey you are back" Aunt Linda said coming out of the kitchen with an apron on her and a pot of soup in her hands.

“Yes Aunt, I see you have put a lot of energy to prepare this, just sit down here, and I will take it up from here” Mia said pulling out one of the dinning chair for her Aunt to sit.

Refusing to sit “common I can still do this, you just go to your room, take a shower and come downstairs for dinner” she instructed going back to the kitchen to get the plates.

“Okay Aunt I will be back in a minute” Taking her blue bag from the dinning table, she head upstairs.

 Getting to her room, Mia groaned over the mess she had created in the morning being in a rush to get to school early, she is blamed Sandy for putting her in a rush now she has to clean up the room before any other things. She packed her clothes into the wardrobe and her shoe into the shoe rack, after arranging things for what seems like an eternity she took a last look around the room, feeling satisfied with the new look she went into the shower.

“We are waiting for you Mia, please be fast” Collins called from outside, feeling impatient for having to wait for one another before they all start eating, and he hates such rule.

“Give me some minutes please” Mia answered from the bathroom with a smile on her face, knowing how impatient her cousin is when it comes to food. 

    She was tempted to make him wait for a while but her stomach disagrees with her with a loud rumble. 

    She walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her head, having your body soaked with water from head to toe after a long day was the best thing ever because it makes you feel relaxed and clean. Putting on a short gown of rainbow color, she pulled her hair into a ponytail before heading downstairs for dinner.

“Thought you wouldn't come down for the rest of the year” Collins said, showing his displease. 

“Sorry for keeping you waiting” Mia muttered an apology before sitting next to her Aunt.

“Mom can we eat now before it gets cold since our awaiting princess is here” Collins said, taking a plate from the table to serve himself without waiting for his mom reply?

“You can't survive a day without eating” his mom said teasing him.

“Mom please, a man has to feed his belly so he can think well” Collins said in defense.

“I don't think that is the case,” Mia disagree putting pancakes on her plate “if your thinking should come from eating then you have to eat more because your thinking level is actually not high enough” Mia said with a straight face trying hard not to laugh with the expression on Collin's face.

“Mom did you hear her, Mia needs to respect me as her senior. How could she say that to me” Collins said pointing to her face.

“You are just five months other than me dude, so you should stop preaching about respect” Mia said sticking out her tongue at him.

“You guys have to stop being at each other's neck, start behaving like the grown-ups you are and remember table manners” Aunt Linda cautioned them.

“Mom!!!” Both chorused at the same time.

“Not a single word from the two of you” Aunt Linda s

aid pointing her finger at them.

Watching her family eat with such ease bring her the peace she needs the most.