Chapter 24

                                    

                                          
They say that graduation is supposed to be one of the happiest moments in a person's life. It was supposed to be a milestone; the start of one's journey towards adulthood and maybe experiencing new things. Yes, it does sound exciting, but I just don't know if I'm ready for it yet.
I thought about all of it as I stare blankly at CSU's student portal. I just finished registering, and I'm officially a psychology major in CSU for the upcoming school year. It was very surreal, as if a miracle happened that made them accept someone like me, but hey, I'll take it. 
The sound of my phone vibrating on the desk snapped me back to reality. I checked to see who was calling me at this time of night, and realized it was Darren. I didn't even think twice and answered the call right away. 
"Hey!" I said, full of enthusiasm. 
"Hey!" He greeted me back with the same energy. "You've been staring at your laptop for quite a while." 
"How did you-" I looked out the window and saw him waving at me from his room. "Wow, that's not creepy at all, Darren." 
"Hey, I just happen to look out the window and saw you!" He defended as a smirk formed in his lips. "I just hope you weren't watching anything spicy."
"What?! Ew, no!" I grimaced at him. "I just completed my registration for CSU, then my mind started forming different scenarios on what would life be as a college student." 
"Okay...?" Darren dragged that a little too long and laughed. "What scenarios, exactly?" 
"The usual," I answered. "Not getting enough sleep. Studying my ass off. Maybe failing all of my classes?" 
"Hey, cut yourself some slack." Darren tried to ease my anxiety. "I mean, you got in, right? That's definitely a win in my book already." 
"Wait, what about you?" I asked him as our eyes meet. "You've applied to a lot of universities, right? Any news?" 
"Well-" He paused as I see him gulp hard before flashing me one of his bright smiles. "It's a secret!" 
"Boo... Not fair!" I glared at him for a second. "But saying it's a 'secret' means you got accepted, right?" 
"I don't know about that." He shrugged. "I'm sure there's a lot of applicants who are way better than me." 
"Impossible." I objected. "You're like, the smartest person I know." 
"Then I guess you don't know a lot of people." He answered. 
We shared a moment of laughter together as we stare at each other from our windows. I know I've said this a LOT of times already, but God, do I love him so much. He's the only person who makes me feel a lot of things, and those feelings will soon meet its end.
"So," He stopped laughing and gave me a soft gaze. "Big day tomorrow, huh?" 
"Yeah..." I nodded slowly as a heavy feeling lingered on my chest. "Are you excited?" 
"I'm not sure," Darren spoke in a hesitant tone. "You?"
NO! I DON'T WANT YOU TO LEAVE YET! 
"Same here." I said as I let out a big yawn. 
"You're sleepy..." He chuckled softly. "Go get some rest now. Goodnight, Fred. See you tomorrow." 
"Goodnight." I spoke with a hint of sadness. "See you tomorrow." 
Darren gave me one last wave before closing his blinds shut. I drew the curtains and finally went to bed. I was drowsy, yes, but several thoughts were keeping me up all night, especially Darren.