"As we go on, we remember all the times we had together. And as our lives change, from whatever. We will still be, friends forever" -- Graduation Song by Vitamin C
I miss them.
All of them.
The bullies, the conceited girls, the jocks, the teacher's pets . . . and even the teachers. I miss every single of them. It makes me sad to know that I will never see these wonderful people again.
I had been at the school since kindergarten. Almost every kid in my class was born in the hospital just down the street. It was a similarity we had all shared. The school was very small and we only had three kindergarten classes, each with twenty students. On the first day of school I remember my teacher's smiling face as I resisted the temptation to leave my parents for an entire three hours. But if I had known that my classmates would be my lifelong friends, I would have dashed into class and never wanted to leave.
"Stay at home talkin' on the phone and we would get so excited, we'd get so scared" -- Graduation Song by Vitamin C
Most of us were in same class again the following year, in senior kindergarten. Then from Grades 1 through 7 it seemed as if the teachers wanted to keep us together. Now I wish that they had. We finally reached Grade 8 . . . the dreaded graduation grade. The scared and shy bunch of kids were now the leaders of the school, ready to step through high school doors. Actually, it was not dreaded at all. We were discussing our summers and high school plans. My friends and I constantly talked about our graduation dresses and how we would get our makeup done. For months we went from store to store, searching for the perfect dress, bag, sandals. We also hunted for salons with the cheapest fees to do our fabulous faces. Graduation was a day that we were all looking forward to.
Sometimes you look forward to something so eagerly that when it comes true, it does not seem as important anymore. This is exactly the feeling that my classmates and I shared. The week prior to our graduation we were busy making decorations, brainstorming themes for the after-party/dance and planning our graduation trip. Then suddenly the thought hit me. This was all going to be over soon. The laughing, goofing around, and sharing a strong bond with each and every classmate . . . I was going to lose everyone.
Now, I wasn't friends with everyone. From kindergarten to Grade 2, we were the best of friends. So what ruined us? Cliques, of course. The more stylish children who offered trend tips, became the popular bunch. The athletic students whom I had played sports with, were the jocks. The intelligent few who helped me with my schoolwork every so often, were now considered 'geeks'. Everyone had a clique customized for them and we separated from our large harmonious group. Soon we were pinned against each other and developed a hate for one another. We could not stand to be together, let alone have a normal conversation. We repelled . . . and we did it on purpose.
"But when we leave this year we won't be coming back. No more hanging out 'cause we're on a different track."- - Graduation Song by Vitamin C
What's sad is that we put aside our differences and united as one, in the Spring of Grade 8. I guess we figured that since there were only a few months remaining of school, we might as well get along to make our graduation something memorable. And what a fond memory that event was. That night, the dance ended at 11:00 PM however no one left the dance when the clock struck 11. We were even begging the teachers to let us stay a little longer. The teachers ignored our pleads because after an entire year of us troublesome students, they wanted to get rid of us. Nonetheless we were too attached to let anyone tear us apart. Everyone cried in unison. People who would rarely be seen together, were hugging affectionately and exchanging phone numbers. Students posed for pictures, smiling and laughing, and scrimigaging the remains of the school year.
"It's something unpredictable but in the end it's right. I hope you had the time of your life. So take the photographs and still frames in your mind. Hang it on a shelf, in good health and good time." -- Time of Your Life by Greenday
It has been three years since I graduated and I still reminisce of the days we used to laugh and play. I miss you all dearly, I truly do. After graduation everyone went their separate ways; some of my old friends went to the same high school as I did, and then again others did not. I like high school, mainly because I was such an over achiever back in elementary school. But I was never able to reconnect with the friends I lost. We lived separate lives and the powerful connection that existed between each of us, is now a recollection. I haven't kept in contact with anyone because I'm busy with school and my new friends. On MSN or Facebook we make polite conversation, such as "hi" and that's basically it. It makes me sad to know that this might happen to my new friends once I graduate high school. Will they remember me? Will they miss me?
"I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
I'm so tired but I can't sleep
Standing on the edge of something much too deep
It's funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word
We are screaming inside, but we can't be heard" --I Will Remember You by Sarah MacLauchlan
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