Chapter 2 Bid Farewell

The Tenth Grade students had their Graduation Ceremony at hand. The big Phoenix Arena was filled with different audiences, from School Principals to Administrators, dedicated Teachers, loving parents, as well as students from different classes of Grades Seven to Ten. Elle Smith had delivered her Valedictory speech after Andrew Jones' Salutatory message. They applauded them both with tears of joy and cheers. They all knew that it's their last for some of them to be together, others would transfer to other cheap university. While the rest were loyal to their Alma Mater, Phoenix University, even how it has been so expensive to study there. It was the famous university in Dale City.

"Congratulations, Elle!" Andrew greeted and hugged her after the ceremony. "Congratulations, Drew!" she greeted back with a warm smile. They both greeted their classmates too, hugged them for the last time. "Congratulations my dear!" Mrs. Bess Smith said as she approached her beautiful daughter. "Thank you so much, Mom!" she embraced her Mom. "I'm so proud of you, Elle! Congratulations!" Mr. Jerry Smith proudly said. "Thank you so much, Dad, I owe everything to you and Mom," Elle said then she hugged her parents tightly. "Congratulations to you, Drew!" Mrs. Bess Smith wished him with a wide smile. "Thank you, Aunt Bess!" he replied happily. "So both of you will proceed to Phoenix University?" Mr. William Jones asked, smiling while looking from Elle to his son, Andrew. "Yes, Dad!" he replied positively. "That's a best choice, Drew!" Mr. Jerry Smith agreed, smiling. "So, we're about to go now for celebration. You can come with us." Mr.Jerry Smith invited Andrew and his Dad. "Thank you, Jerry, I wish too but Andrew and the family is already waiting in the house. I hope you all enjoy the celebration too." Mr. William Jones said with a smile on his round face. "That's alright, Will. Let's all enjoy with our families. We will go now, Elle, bid farewell now to your other classmate," Mr. Jerry Smith smilingly said. "Okay, Dad," she obeyed. Both families parted ways and headed for their celebrations.

"Are you excited for upcoming College, Elle?" Mr. Jerry Smith asked excitedly. "Hmmm... yes Dad but a little nervous," she replied honestly. "Don't be nervous, dear. Just always focus in everything you do but don't forget to smile, " Mrs. Bess Smith said as they all went to an expensive and sumptuous restaurant, Star Chef Resto, almost thirty minutes drive from Phoenix High.