This is the chapter about Graduation Day. I started it with Tenten and Lee emptying their lockers at 9 a.m. Bear with me.
Kankuro: -brings out Winnie the Pooh-
Me: Okay, stop it. You knew what I meant when I said 'Bear with me'.
Kankuro: Yeah… Or did I?
Me: -wham- Stop playing stupid! You're stupid enough!
Kankuro: Me?! Stupid? Look who's talking! Weren't you the one who failed Algebra 1 twice last year?
Me: Hey, that was Algebra 3! My school gives advanced lessons! Anyone can fail that! Besides, I'll do better this year!
Kankuro: I bet you'll fail four times this year.
Me: Ack! Knock on wood! I'd fail High School, then!
Winnie the Pooh: Hello, Christopher Robin.
Kankuro and Me: … WTF.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Winnie the Pooh.
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Chapter Eleven:
"Graduation Day"
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
"No way!"
"Yes way!"
"You're kidding!"
"Charlie Chaplin kids. Do I look like Charlie Chaplin to you?"
"Kinda…"
"Tenten! You know what I mean!"
"Yeah, yeah, but are you sure you're right?"
"Yes! See it for yourself! Look for Neji's name in the Awardees List and check out his award."
Lee pointed at the bulletin board across our lockers. Once I've reached it, I quickly scanned the lone piece of paper tacked onto the board. Definitely, it was a list of awardees for tonight's graduation ceremony.
Under the Performing Arts Awards, I found my name. I'll be given three certificates of recognition for all of the play directing I've been doing since I was a freshman. The first certificate is 'For being loyal to the Drama Club for four consecutive years'. Another is 'For devoting her time and efforts to Shakespeare's masterpieces' and the last is 'For winning second prize at the Annual Shakespeare Festival last Autumn'.
Seriously, these awards make me more of a sissy.
Lee's name was listed under the Sports Awards. He'll be getting a medal for becoming the Boxing Team's MVP for two full years. Too bad Lee can't snag an award for his poetry. But I guess this is enough for him.
Then, like what Lee said, Neji's name was written under an academic award. Lee was absolutely right and I can't believe it:
Neji's the Valedictorian!
With that award on his belt, Mizu University might even offer him a scholarship!
Speaking of Neji, he's not here again.
We were supposed to meet her by our lockers to bring home our stuff and projects before the school year officially ends. Believe me, if you don't clean out your locker before graduation, it'll suck for you. The school will either burn or donate to the Salvation Army anything left in the lockers.
I discovered that the hard way back in middle school.
"Lee, did Neji mention anything about not coming over for locker clean-up today?" I asked Lee as he stuffed poetry compilations down his bag. He nodded and explained, "He called up and said he'd be busy. Mizu University has established a 'First Come, First Serve' policy."
"Ugh. Mizu University again. What do they teach there that's so special that makes that school so great?" Seriously, this is pissing me off already.
Lee threw his arms into the air and exclaimed, "They teach almost everything there, Tenten! Accounting, Culinary Arts, Restaurant Management, Law… You name it, they teach it!"
"You mean people who'd want to be calculator salesmen, grill cleaners, waiters and janitors of Supreme Court would pay more than 25,000 dollars just to study there?"
"See, that's the difference when you study in Mizu University," Lee went on, "For example, if you study journalism in any other college, you land on a job as a Classified Ad printer for the local tabloid. Study journalism in Mizu and they let you take the place of that fast-talking editor in Spiderman!"
I arched a brow and concluded, "So, Mizu University is like a road to success?" Sounds awesome, though.
"No!" Lee snapped, stuffing his bag with more books, "It's an all-expenses paid, one-way ticket to success!"
Great. Lee's exaggerating things again. Or… is he?
I grabbed something from within my locker and found Neji's gym towel. I haven't returned it? On the other hand, do I have to? "What course will Neji be taking in Mizu, anyway?" I asked, "All I know is he's going to have to follow his father and uncle's footsteps and run the family business."
Lee nodded and added, "Yeah, you got that right. So, maybe he'll take both Engineering and Business Management. Their family owns lots of land worldwide. They sell them and build condominiums, buildings and homes on them with the right amount of money."
Now I understand. I nodded as I shoved a notebook into my backpack. "Well, I'll just be taking up Mass Communications." I mumbled sadly.
When Lee heard me, his jaw dropped and so did the Calculus book he was holding, "You said it was your dream to take Theatre Arts!"
"Would I get a decent job if I did?"
"Broadway and Hollywood would offer you one!"
"Aw, I don't really like dreaming, Lee. Honestly." I grumbled as I slammed my locker shut. Finally, it was nothing but a cold and empty piece of metal, "How about you, Lee? What are you taking up and where?"
"I'm going to study in Konoha College of Nursing." Lee proclaimed with a wide grin, "They teach both medicine and dentistry there, anyway. I don't really like medicine or teeth, but my Mom's in need of medical care and my Dad needs dentures. I'd gladly take up medicine and dentistry for them!"
"Are you willing?" It was strange to see Lee aiming for this. Back then, he wanted to take up journalism.
He nodded and smiled, "Anything for my parents! Once I'm already a licensed doctor and dentist, I'll take care of my parents." Count on Lee to be such a great friend and son. Seriously, he'd do anything for the ones he loves.
I unlocked Neji's locker and stared back at what was inside. As expected, there were books, notebooks, binders, overdue library books (which he claimed he had lost so he had already paid for it in the library) and the little notepad I got him for his tenth birthday. He never writes on it, but he loves it more than his other notebooks.
If Neji can't bring his things home, I'll do it for him. It'd be a waste if all this stuff turned into ashes. Luckily, I still have room in my backpack. Then and there, I started stuffing Neji's things into my bag. "I'll bring Neji's stuff to his condo later, okay?" I told Lee.
Lee just acknowledged me with a nod as he said, "By all means. My bag can't take another filler." Obviously, the bag looked like it was just going to explode. As I carefully packed Neji's things into my bag, Lee walked off, leaving his locker empty, "I'll see you later at Graduation, Tenten!" he called.
I smiled and called back, "Yeah, I'll see you!" Hm, I hope I'll see Neji, too.
O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O
"G-Good Morning, Mr. Hiashi."
I have to be honest. I shake in my knees whenever Mr. Hiashi answers the door. It's because he glares at me and he also probably hates me for no reason. It's also because he never answers the door. If ever he does, it's because he's the only one home.
"Oh, Tenten. Good Morning. What brings you here?" He greeted me? He what? No scoff? No 'Humph, commoner' tone? No Primadonna stance? Someone must've demented Mr. Hiashi or something.
Holding my backpack close, I explained, "It's locker clean-up today at school. Neji didn't arrive, so I cleaned out his locker for him and I brought the stuff over. Mind if I step inside?"
Mr. Hiashi smiled (Oh my gawd, he what?!) and stepped aside to let me in as he said, "Sure! Come in. But Neji's not home, okay? Although, he left something for you in his room." I nodded in acknowledgement as I stepped into the suite.
"Milk and cookies?" He offered.
Okay, this is freaking me out.
"N-No, thank you, sir." I politely declined as I made my way towards Neji's room. After that, he added, "By the way, Tenten, I heard you'll be getting an award later. Congratulations! Nana and I should really have a gift for you."
Freak show, freak show, freak show! Get the exorcist! Mr. Hiashi is somewhat possessed!
I pushed against Neji's bedroom door and entered. I dropped my backpack onto the floor and looked around. I noticed that Neji has already packed all of his things into luggage bags. Even Yuki was already in a carrier. So many things remind me of how he has to leave so soon.
Even his posters were gone. His bed is almost empty. His mattress was placed on top of Hanabi's, making Hanabi's bunk softer than ever. His pillows and blankets were also transferred to Hanabi's bed.
All that was on his bed was a shoebox, a bouquet of assorted flowers (with three Columbian roses at the center!) and a simple piece of paper with something written on it. I hope it's what Mr. Hiashi meant when he said Neji left me something in here.
I walked towards the bunk and looked at the shoebox with a skeptical expression. What, did Neji buy me shoes? Weird. Carefully, I lifted the shoebox lid and…
"Oh my gawd! Agh!"
Three fuzzy, adorable, tiny, fluffy hairballs! Baby hamsters! Oh my gawd, they are the most adorable things on Earth! Aw, they're just precious! One of them looked up at me and with all those puffy cheeks and sparkling eyes, they look like cute babies!
I picked one up and squealed as it scurried around my palm. "Aw, you're darling! I could just squish you!"
Slowly, I returned it into the shoebox and after I sniffed the roses' whiff, I picked the note up and read it as I sat down on the wooden bed frame…
"Hey Tenten,
Seen what's inside the shoebox? They're adorable, aren't they? The darkest colored one's a guy and the two others are girls. They're all yours for you to take home. Guess where I got them.
Well, it turned out that Yuki was a she. I don't know how it happened, but I just came into my room one day and found the three hamster babies in Yuki's hamster ball. Hanabi freaked out. You should've seen how shocked she looked like.
And, yeah, I got you another bouquet of flowers. Love them? Knew you would. Columbian roses are my trademarks now. Hehe, kidding.
Sorry I can't be home now. If I want to study in Mizu, I'd have to act fast. Slots are slowly running out, they say. How true it is. I don't really want to go, though. But if I want to make my dad proud, then I'll have to get in.
So, that's that. Yeah.
Even when I'm away, do me a favor and call me every now and then, okay? Because you're the one I'm going to miss the most, bet on it.
I never knew we'd have to say bye one day. Back then when I was a kid, I always thought that we'd be best friends forever. Inseparable. The Terrible Two. Dynamic Duo. Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable…
Neji and Tenten… NejiTen. Heh.
You take care, okay? Study Theatre Arts, if you ask me. Television will have a spot for you, I swear. I'll still call you at night and maybe, just maybe, I can send flowers on your birthday. I don't know when I'll be back, but I will be someday. Don't wait for me. I might take forever…
But if you do wait for me, I promise: The moment I'll see you again, I'll marry you. Haha! Kidding!
Well, I'll see you around. Say, do me another favor: Play 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' for me tonight. You'll remember me. Coz I'll be playing the same song tonight at around 11 p.m. We'll just keep our special link, huh? Alright.
But, come on, this isn't goodbye, right? Goodbye is such a strong word, huh? It's the same phrase I told my parents before they died. Goodbye makes things sound hopeless. One of those things is reunion.
So, this is just like good night… because when you say good night, it's like saying 'I'll see you again. See you in the morning.' That way, you'll have this feeing that there's still hope. We'll still meet again, one day. Not in the morning, but one day. I promise, okay? Okay.
So, good night, Tenten. I love you. Sorry, but I can't give you a good night kiss.
Neji."
Really, Neji wasn't one who'd write a note or letter that would be mushy or romantic, but with all those effortless words from his heart, I couldn't help but just…
…cry and just wish that he'd fail the exam to Mizu.
O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O
"Yamanaka Ino, with Academic distinction."
The blond girl in the robe walked up onto stage and beside her was her boyfriend, holding her hand. Seriously, even up till now, Shikamaru won't let go of Ino both literally and figuratively. He's one hell of a boyfriend. Kinda overprotective, but hey.
I sat in my seat beside Lee in my own robe, gazing around if by chance I'd find Neji. He hasn't taken his seat beside me. It's empty like 2C last play. He said he'd be here to graduate, right? He has to be. Why does is he missing again?!
"Nara Shikamaru, Academic Award: Silver Medallist. Extra-Curricular Award: Chess Team Captain for four years."
After Lee gets his name announced, I'll have to go on-stage next. Then, Neji will top everything off since he's the Valedictorian. Where the hell is he? What's taking him so long? He's not with Hanabi, Mr. Hiashi and Nana! Where are you, Neji?
"Tenny?" My mom called me softly from behind me. She sat there behind us to keep me straight. She said I might suddenly get tensed up. "Are you okay, swetie? You look nervous." She patted my shoulder comfortingly.
"Mom, do you see Neji from there?" I asked, worried.
As she looked around, I kept my gaze on the stage as more students got up to be awarded and all. Seriously, Neji, this is the worst time to be absent! Come on! Arrive already!
"Rock Lee, with a Sports Award for being the Boxing Team's Most Valuable Player."
Lee jumped off of his seat and ran upstage. Really, it was unnecessary.
Maybe Neji's around and he just didn't take the seat I reserved for him. Besides, he's busy, right? He'll be late. Better late than never, right?
… Right?! Damn it!
"Tenten, with a Performing Arts Award for her achievements as the Drama Club's Director."
It was my turn already. What is up, Neji? Where the hell are you and what's taking you so long?
After a word of encouragement from my Mom, I stood from my seat, walked down the aisle and walked on-stage. There, the principal handed me my certificates and diploma and shook my hand. "Congratulations, Tenten," she said with a smile, "You're lucky to be graduating tonight."
"Honestly," I thought as I tried to beam back, "I'd be luckier if Neji did arrive tonight."
I got down from the stage and as I was still on my way to my seat, they announced, "And we are proud to announce the name of our Valedictorian for this batch: Neji Hyuga!"
There was clapping, hooting and screaming (Lee did most of that) when his name was said. But I just turned to every direction, trying to see if there was a pony-tailed, pearl-eyed nice guy around in a toga…
None.
Shizune-sensei also looked around before her assistant got up, handed her a letter then whispered something to her. Then and there, Shizune-sensei announced, "I'm afraid Mr. Neji Hyuga is not present tonight."
Aw, gawd. Why now?
"It seems that," Shizune-sensei continued, "Neji Hyuga left for Mizu City three hours ago. His family will take the award today and it will be sent to him in a week's time. Let us wish him well that he may be accepted into Mizu University."
There. Now I know. He had already left. Why didn't he tell me?
… Why?
"Dear students," Shizune-sensei said as she stepped back with a grin, "Congratulations! You are now all graduates!"
Everyone stood up (or more like jumped up) from their seats and screamed with joy. They threw their hats into the air, holding their diplomas up into the air. Everyone had a satisfied air on and they even hugged each other. Really, high school was tough, but it's time to move on.
My Mom ran up to me and gave me a hug, saying, "Oh, Tenny, I'm so proud of you! You're finally a graduate!" I held her back, too, and as I rested my head on my Mom's shoulder, I hiccupped and felt tears roll down my cheeks.
"Aw, Tenny, don't cry." Mom said, patting my back, "But you must be so glad that those four years finally paid off."
I clutched my diploma at hand and bit my lip as more tears came down. Lee joined the hug and while my Mom didn't realize it, Lee gave me a saddened look and said, "I'm sorry, Tenten. I also didn't know that he had left."
All I did was nod and let the small tears go.
Then, I mumbled, "Want a baby hamster?"
O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O
"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go… I'm standing here outside your door… I hate to wake you up to say goodbye…"
11:00 p.m. It's exactly what it says on my digital clock. Exactly 11:00 p.m.
So, there. I did what Neji asked me to do and played 'Leaving on a Jet Plane'. I never really liked the Frank Sinatra version, so I'm playing the Rocapella version. But the volume's below fifteen coz if my parents hear me, they'll ground me despite the diploma.
My graduation party will be tomorrow but my parents are saving up for the coming baby (I'm getting a brother), so it's just chips and pirated movies. Last year, I was thinking of renting 'War of the Worlds' and 'Lord of the Rings' for Neji, but I guess that's not coming true any time soon…
Lee will be coming, so Titanic is in the list.
What a whacked week this has been. I asked countless guys out. I brought my crush and his best friend together. I hooked up with my best friend. I kissed him thrice this week. I wish he could right now. I went through Grad Ball. Hanabi haunted me by impersonating a gangster…
Gawd, high school never ends.
Honestly, I'm getting sleepy from today's events. Locker-cleaning, graduation… Neji leaving… got me pooped…
I just want to… drift into sleep and…
Well… sleep.
Good Night, Neji.
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ATTENTION, PEOPLE! THIS FIC IS NOT YET OVER! BUT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ THE EPILOGUE, FINE!
Kankuro: What?! There's an epilogue?!
Me: Yeah! It's gonna be titled "Ten years later"! It's when Neji and Tenten meet again!
Kankuro: Oh, come on.
Me: I need reviews, guys! :D And wait for the epilogue!