a few vignettes on the end of the semester.

One: We’re sitting at this upscale bar on the waterfront, dressed in our best. Three first-generation college students with working-class families seated amidst some of the richest people in the city.

K and I have been friends since our day as prospective students. Sipping on my cosmo, I feel sophisticated and calm. The chaos of the past few days has subsided. I look over at my friend D, she’s beaming. In two days, she’ll walk across the stage at graduation. I’ll miss her, she’s been one of the best influences I’ve had. We sit, staring at the twinkling lights that surround Puget Sound, laughing louder than everyone around. We part ways in the parking lot, suddenly I feel like everything is right. For once.

Two: I’m standing outside of Baker Stadium throwing pine cones over a fence to attract the attention of my best friend Hannah who is on patrol for security. I’ve been walking the length of the fence calling her name and trying to find her. My best friend Grace is beside me, her hood is on because it’s a little cold. She tries to stop me from throwing another pine cone, it turns out another security patrol has spotted my rucus. I drop the pine cone and turn, walking hurriedly beside Grace, when another security patrol pops out in front of us. I’m terrified and amused, he inquires what we were doing. I answer first, Grace is too nice to be sassy and I don’t like this man’s tone. “I’m looking for Hannah, I just want to say goodbye.” Behind him in the shadows, Hannah pops out. Grace and I race towards her, laughing hysterically and saying hushed Goodbyes. The patrols walk away, muttering judgments. Whatever Mall Cops…I hug Hannah goodbye, a little annoyed and a little drunk…but mostly happy. Friendship.

Three: I’m sitting in my empty room, staring at the blank walls. Suddenly it hits me that the next time I pack like this, the next time I see blank dorm walls, will be the day after I graduate college. It’s the first time in my college experience that I can see the end. I see flashes of everything that happened here, and then everything that has happened the past three years. I remember orientation and the misadventures of my best friends, I remember the moment I feel in love with someone I could never have, right outside this window, in the rain, my freshman year. I think about the friends I’ve lost and the precious ones I’ve kept…I wonder if we’ll stay friends. My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the dorm, my ra comes in, “you ready?” she asks.

I guess…

1. yourehilarious said: Ohhh, Gate B10. Haha
2. thoughtsintheaire posted this