Chapter 11: Graduation, College and Revelation

Graduation came and gone. The Douglas family and Ze were very proud of Rocky. Rocky is preparing to leave home for college. He was very excited but something was bothering his mind. His mind went back to a few days ago when he was having a casual conversation with Colt.

Flashback"

Rocky's POV

"Finally, Colt, you can have my bed and all the other stuff that I will be leaving behind," Isaid as I packed the remaining stuff into my backpack. Colt and Tum Tum were in the room watching me getting ready for college.

"Yeah…and no more nagging from you, big bro," Colt said jokingly. I knew he was just being a pain in the butt so I ignored it. I turned to Tum Tum, ruffled my youngest brother hair and took out a packet of candies and chocolate bars and handed over to him. Tum Tum was of course ecstatic. He took the packet and immediately tore it open and helped himself with a bar of chocolate. Just then mom called from downstairs that Ron, Tum's best friend is here. Tum Tum hurried out of the room with the packet of candies in hand.

"So bro, you and Emily are officially dating now, isn't it?" Colt asked, still sitting on Tum Tum's bed.

"Hm…," I could feel myself blushing. To change the topic, I teased him about Ze.

"So, if I am not mistaken, there is something between you and Ze right? That night at the prom, the song was dedicated to her, am I right?" I asked teasingly. I think they would make a cute couple, a wild Colt and a gentle Ze.

"Well, you are partially right. The song was indeed dedicated to her but there is nothing between us," Colt answered casually.

"You should think about it, Colt. Ze is a nice girl. Just forget about the best friends' thing. I think you both will make a great couple," I said. I was serious.

"Nah…we can only remain good friends and moreover, there is someone in her heart already,"

I was curious so I asked further. "Is it the guy she sort of like mentioned at the basketball court?" Colt nodded, not looking at me.

"Colt, you must have known something that I don't. Come on. Tell me who the guy is. I can't believe, our Ze is finally falling in love," I looked at Colt and his head was still starring at our floor. Then he slowly lifted up his head and our eyes met. There was a hesitant look on his face. Finally after mush pestering, he finally told me. I was un-prepared for the shock that I was about to receive.

"It's you…… the guy that Ze likes is you, Rocky. It almost a year now and she has kept it to herself all these while,"

I just stood there and looked at Colt. I couldn't believe my ears. My brothers, Ze and I have been best friends for so long that it never occurred to me that she would have a slightest interest in me.

"Rocky, I have promised Ze that I will never tell you so I ask that you keep this to yourself. The reason I am telling you because I feel that you should know,"

After what Colt told me, I would never look at Ze the same way again.

End of Flashback

Rocky's POV

"Rocky, are you ready. Emily and the rest are already here," Mom called. I took one look around the bedroom before dashing out with my backpack and a hand luggage. Today I will be driving off to Wellington College together with Emily. Our first semester will be starting next week.

As I put mine and Emily's luggage and backpack into the back of my car, I saw Ze walking from across the street, waving at us. I waved back. I do not know why but I feel different. I am much more formal with her compared to last time. I guessed I have different view towards her after what Colt has told me.

"Hi Rocky, Hi Emily," Ze said cheerfully. When Emily saw her, she went up to her to give her a hug. They chatted for a while before Emily went over to where her parents were standing to bid them good bye. Ze walked towards me.

"Hi Rocky! Can't believe you and Emily are going to college so soon. It just seems like yesterday we met. Here, this is a present for you. It's a photograph of you, your brothers, Emily and I which was taken during the prom nite," Ze said as she handed me a neatly wrapped present. I took it and thank her and smiled at her.

"You take good care. And if you have time, come and visit me," I said, holding the present in my hand. I am not too sure whether Ze still have any feelings towards me or not but I know she wants to maintain this friendship. If not she wouldn't have given me the photograph as a reminder of our friendship. We chatted a while before Emily came over.

"Rocky, I think it's time for us to leave'. I just nodded. I hugged each and every of my family members. When I hugged Ze, it seems so strange but I brushed off the feelings. Emily and I got into my car and we drove away. From the rear mirror I could see all of them waving until my car were out of their sight.

Ze's POV

That Summer 1996, Rocky finally left for college. I know I am going to miss him a lot. I am not too sure when my feelings for him will ever subside but he will always have a special place in my heart.

Epilogue

Rocky and Emily had a great relationship while in college. Both of them were doing fine academically. Emily decided to take on journalism. Occasionally they have fights like any other couples but they soon make up.

Colt, Ze and Tum Tum still remain best of friends. Finally, a year later, Colt graduated was also accepted to Wellington College and was roommate with his brother. Occasionally, Ze would visit both Rocky and Colt together with Mr. and Mrs. Douglass and Tum Tum of course. Ze has finally let go of her feelings for Rocky but if given a chance, she would still choose Rocky.

END