CHAPTER 20

"Candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Tourism Management, please rise," clapping surrounded the room, "Mr. President, members of the board overseers, as dean of the undergraduate school of social sciences, I have the honor to present to you these scholars, all whom have devoted themselves to the rigorous pursuit of advanced study, have attained high distinction and made original contribution to knowledge in their several fields of scholarship." The Dean announced.

"By virtue of authority delegated to me and recognizing your high academic achievements, I confer on you, men and women of learning, the degree of Bachelor of Tourism Management. I welcome you to the universal company of scholars and I entrust to you the free inquiry of the future generations. Congratulations." The president of the university conferred.

Everyone saluted the graduates with clapping which created music of joy serenading the entire gymnasium. Kate, in particular cried knowing the fact that she had fulfilled a promise, a promise of success to her parents and especially to Jeremy. It was tears of joy and tears of sorrow. Joy since she has kept her promise. Sorrow because he was not there to watch her receive her diploma. But it doesn't really matter whether he sees her receiving it or not. What makes her sadder is the fact that he might have forgotten his own promise.

When the commencement was over, Kate, Grace, Abby and May all hugged each other at the façade of the university. Finally, they have finished another step and would embark on another journey. They would never forget the sacrifices and pains that made them who they are today. Memories that would surely keep forever and the love that they receive from their friends and their families. They knew that the success they now achieved was not due to their own effort alone but with the help of their friends and families. The wind of gratitude bursting out was not only from the four of them but to all the graduates present.

As they were in tears, a man appeared, standing at the back of Kate. Kate's parents, her sister and her friends were all looking at the man. They knew who he was. When she turned around, she saw Francis. It was not what she hoped for. Francis and Kate have not really talked in good terms since they broke up. It was a time for forgiveness, as they would finally separate ways into the world of professionalism. He congratulated her and asked for pardon for all the troubles that he had done. He was sincere from top to bottom. No arrogance. No jokes. Pure humility.

"It's okay." Kate replied.

"Can we be friends again then?"

"Of course!"

"Have you seen him?" Francis asked.

"Huh?" She was puzzled. She didn't know who's the person that Francis was asking her. Was it one of their classmates or professors? She was confused by the question.

"Jm or should I say Jeremy. I saw him awhile ago during the commencement exercise." Francis explained.

Kate's eyes enlarged the moment she heard his name. Wait, did she hear it right? Jeremy was there. He watched her receive her diploma. He kept his promise. She grabbed Francis in his shoulder wanting to know where he's now. The rest were also shocked. They haven't seen him during the commencement. Where did he sit? Where did he hide? Kate and Jeremy have not contacted each other since their confrontation in front of their condominium. She was in great joy; her excitement to see him grew. All of them were excited for her. Everyone was telling her to go and look for him. They wanted her to see him finally. It was a great moment to be electrified.

"I saw him at the gymnasium before the event ended."

Without a word, she ran toward the gymnasium, hoping that he would still be there. She didn't care what others would say. She just wanted to see him, talk to him and be with him. As she ran back to the gymnasium, her eyes glanced from left to right not wanting to waste the chance of seeing him again.

When she finally reached the gymnasium. It was empty. Not even an animal was there. Where could he be? Why didn't he show up in front of her? He could have at least said hi. Many questions have started to formulate in her mind. She tried to think where could he has gone after the event and only one place came out of her mind.

Kate ran back to her family and friends. She was shaking. She did not bring her car and so she just asked for the key of her father's car. She told them that he was not there and the only place she could think about was the embassy. She wanted to waste no chances anymore. Her father volunteered to drive her seeing that she was shaking. Everyone else actually accompanied her. The Reed Family used their car while the friends of Kate rode at Francis' car.

As soon as they have reached the gate of the embassy, Kate stepped out of the car and asked the guard if Jeremy was around. The guard recognized her. He knew she was the same woman asking for the young prince more than a year ago. When Kate reiterated her question, the guard told her that he was not around.

She returned to the car with a sad face and was about to cry. He was not there. They don't even know that the young prince has arrived. There was no concrete instruction for the embassy. Where could he be? Why won't he show himself to her? Why? She kept on crying. The pain that bothered her for more than a year exploded out again. She was just happy knowing that he kept his promise but he did not show himself up. Kate kept on asking herself the reason why he didn't.

Instead of looking for him, they went to the restaurant that they have rented out for their graduation celebration. Kate and her friends have planned out to celebrate it at the same place. They were like sisters and to celebrate their graduation in the same place is much better for the four of them and their families. Kate, however, was still dismayed of not seeing Jeremy and she doesn't know where he could be.

As they arrived at the party venue, around hundred other guests where already waiting for them around. She did not care anymore. She did not have the adrenaline to party. All that she wanted is to see him and be able to hug him.

When they entered the venue, at the center of the crowd was Jeremy. She was surprised. She was frozen for a second then ran towards him. She threw her arms around him and made it tight not wanting to let him go.

"Hello! Congratulations!" Jeremy greeted.

Kate was in tears. No words could describe her happiness. She wanted this moment to last. If forever exists, she wanted this to be forever. Overjoyed, she still couldn't say anything. She just leaned on him while remained hugging him.

The rest were smiling and laughing as they saw the bright smile and tears of joy in them. They looked perfect for each other. People thought that they are really destined for each other. However at the back of the minds of Kate and Jeremy, destiny is neither accident nor luck. Their destiny to cross path was fulfilled because they held on to their promises.

Destiny is the path that we build for our future.