I could still hear a rock band performing inside the bar as Lily and I waved at Bianca before both of us hopped into her Ford Ranger.

Lily turned on the engine and her truck revved into life.

"Thanks for an awesome girls' night out slash post-birthday celebration," I thanked her. "I'm always in awe every time I watch you on stage."

"No problem. I'm just so glad we got to celebrate your birthday even if it's late."

"Better late than never."

Lily started to back out of the bar's parking lot.

"I still cannot believe you set up Bianca on a blind date," I mumbled, giggling, as Lily and I traverse through the highway.

"It's about time, you know. She's been single for a long time."

"I've been single for a long time. It's been more than a year."

"Yeah, but she's been single for much longer."

I glanced outside the window and watched as the neon lights from various bars and restaurants turn into a blur.

"Do you want me to set you up too?" Lily asked with a hint of mischief, prompting me to tilt my head to look at her. "I'm an expert matchmaker."

"Says who?"

"I proclaim myself as a topnotch matchmaker. So, you want to try blind dating?"

I pursed my lips and shook my head. "Nope, I'm good. Besides, I have a lot on my plate right now with uni and all the reunion planning."

"Right, how's it coming along? Are we really holding it in Eastview? I voted for The Madrigal Mansion. I think it would be nice to have the reunion in a hotel. Plus, Brian said we can get discounts."

"Yeah, we'll have it in Eastview since more people voted for it and it'll be less expensive even if we get discounts from Brian's grandparent's hotel."

Lily stopped at a red light and pulled up the hand brake. "Okay, but I hope you guys can transform the gym into something glam."

"I will see to it we'll exceed your expectations. Bianx and I are in charge of the catering services and I asked for help from Jeff. I know he knows a lot of great caterers, so I'm waiting for his suggestions."

"God, I can't wait for our reunion. I'm sure it's going to be so much fun."

"Me too," I whispered, smiling.

"Plus, I'm so glad Noah has suggested if our old high school band could play. Miguel and I were planning to suggest it anyway."

"I know. It would be nice to see you all play together again."

The light changed to green and Lily began driving again. "I've been playing in Stardust for almost two years now but thinking of playing in our old band at school is a different kind of exciting. I owe it all to Eastview for honing my skills and confidence."

I nodded, understanding what she meant. "Of course, it's nice to look back where we came from."

"Exactly. I mean, I'm not sure I would be where I am today if the school didn't approve our band proposal."

I pulled my handkerchief out of the front pocket of my shorts and dabbed it in my eyes. I heard Lily chuckled.

"Why are you crying?"

"I'm not," I lied.

"Okay, so you just wanted to wipe your eyes for no reason?"

I chuckled. "This reunion is making me emotional."

"We're six months away from it and you're already crying," she teased me. "But I can't blame you. I'm pretty sure most of us feel the same way."

"It's fun planning it, but you know...there's just too many memories."

Lily nodded in agreement. "Let's just talk about something else. Have you finalized the program? I mean, aside from the band, who else is performing?"

I cleared my throat before answering, "Um, we'll see if we can ask some of our classmates who want to sing as well."

Lily nodded. "And?"

"Of course, Mr. Cruz will say the opening remarks and we're thinking if Ms. Ocampo can deliver a speech too since she's our senior year adviser."

"Maybe you should deliver a speech too."

"Actually..."

She gave me a sideways glance before changing gears.

"Elisa suggested Vino and I should say something too since we were the class valedictorian and salutatorian. But I'm not sure it's a good idea."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm not sure I have something great to talk about. I mean, what am I supposed to say? I still haven't accomplished anything so far. Look, I'm one of the few from our class who's still in uni."

"Can you hear yourself right now? I thought you were okay with graduating late."

"I am... I was. But when we met with Elisa at C&C, she was surprised to find out I decided to shift courses. And I just can't help wondering what our classmates would think of me... What would the faculty say when they found out?"

"Relax, Kane—"

I glanced out the window and watched as we passed by the closed weekend farmer's market. We were getting closer to my house and I didn't want to go to bed with this sinking feeling inside of me.

"How would they react when they find out that the class salutatorian decided to quit biology to pursue journalism instead?"

"They would think it's brave of you to follow your heart despite what other people say. They would think you made a smart decision."

I sighed. "I don't know. I just feel pressured once again. I feel like I let them down because they were expecting I'd be a physician someday."

"Who cares what other people want you to be? It's your life. Your life, your rules."

I smiled, appreciating Lily's pep talk.

"I think you should deliver a speech," she added, stepping harder on the accelerator.

After a few minutes, we reached our house and Lily pulled up on the side of the street. I unbuckled my seatbelt and glanced at our house. The only light left on was the one on the front door.

"Think about it, Kane. Maybe you can talk about something else other than achieving something. After all, it's our reunion—a night to remember our high school days. And there's a lot to say about our high school memories."

"I will think about it," I replied, nodding.

"Attagirl."

I thanked Lily for giving me a ride home and hopped out of her white pick-up truck.

"Belated happy birthday, again. And remember, you're a badass queen."