The Spice Market

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A new era starts.

Hugo and I are moving into a flat right above the Spice Market.

The future has a lot more in store for us.

Follow me on the rest of the path. Adulthood is possibilities, fears, successes, failures, new or forgotten friendships. And responsibilities. 

In my case, it’s also a lot of love.

Birthday

And this is where this era ends.

With one last party.

The six of us, Charlotte, Shanna, Romain, Marie, Hugo and I, celebrating our birthday on the same date to send off these beautiful years.

We’re adults now. At the end of the week, we’re vacating the Air Complex.

This has been wonderful.

This has ended; that way something else can begin.

My parents and grandma joined the party in Willow Creek, to my greatest joy. Surrounded by so many people that I love so much. Is there any better way to grow older? I mean wiser?

Celebrating all at once means way too much confetti. Or is there really ever too much confetti?

And then, the six of us talk until dawn. About everything. Stupid jokes, salacious topics, and then much more serious, deep subjects. Things we wouldn’t have discussed or thought about when we first moved in together.

The Rascals and I. We grew up together, in every way possible.

Prom

Prom night, at last. I must say, I think we’re all absolutely stunning tonight.

Shanna has brought out the sari her grandma gave her, though when she first received it she carefully tugged it far, far inside her wardrobe. It compliments her beautifully.

Hugo couldn’t be bothered to go full suit-and-bowtie, but somehow, even with his lazy, no-effort, couldn’t-be-bothered-to-shave style, he still looks stunning.

Marie has a sparkly dress that’s just extra enough for her; Romain has very little cares to give about the pastel thing we had going on and went full red.

Marie and I stuck very close to the theme of the prom. The Magical Garden. So we both have arguably plain dresses, mine in cream white, hers in pale green. she’s wearing make-up and looks nothing like her usual self. I pinned white, very fake roses to my hair.

We’ve never looked more dapper, and probably never will again. One of us had better win Prom Queen or King.

First selfie to set the mood, and immortalize the chic. It’s a beautiful night.

The little sign at the entrance of the ballroom reads “Welcome to the Magical Garden”. At least we know we’re in the right place.

Can you think of a school dance where people actually dare to dance right away instead of awkwardly not looking at each other, waiting to see who will dare first?

No, this is not me spiking the juice.

Not. At. All.

The food was great. Only one regret: some genius chose to wear a cream white dress and didn’t eat anything for fear of staining it.

Genius, Azalea, genius.

I have to admit the prom could get wedding-y on some pictures. But they were such beautiful pictures!

It couldn’t have been more magical. As we twirl on the dancefloor, Hugo and I are pretty much alone, in the most romantic of places.

And so are Romain and Marie apparently. They do make a stunning couple.

The photos from the prom, we’ll keep on cherishing for decades. 

Romain and Marie’s is all about confidence.

Shanna and Charlotte also pose together, and I sort of want to frame their picture and hang it in my living room.

Ha, and of course Charlotte won Prom Queen, because why wouldn’t she? Everyone voted for her. She had the beauty, the grace, the popularity, and most importantly, the absolute sass.

And finally, Hugo and I. The photo that concluded the most perfect night of all.

(And you can tell that it is the end, because at this point my eyes are basically twitching)

Graduation!

Traditionally, our graduation ceremony takes place in the oldest building in Windenburg, the library. 

So this is where we go, in the early evening.

The ceremony involves our tiny class of graduates, a speech given by the principal, and a photo shoot in our pretty black gowns.

We’re all proud, but mostly happy this is all over. My friends and I were free of parental authority… Now to be free of school as well, and actually take on the world!

First, we’ll take on prom tomorrow.

Speech!

Charlotte, incredibly hyped about getting her degree. She’s telling me about the internship she’s found, at Pizzazz Magazine. They’re providing her with a flat in San Myshuno, and in the Fashion District, no less!

No wonder she’s this happy.

Late night selfies, before Shanna and Charlotte fled the scene. They had to pack and prepare for their move to the big city.

Yes, cause as it turns out, they’re moving in together, in that San Myshuno, Pizzaz Mag-provided flat…

Official photo of Romain and Marie. Yes, this is what Romain looks like without the mohawk. It’s still there, just… hidden. Under the cap. Probably with tape.

I didn’t ask, okay.

And the classiest of the classy. Hugo and I are also headed to San Myshuno. Somewhere less posh than the Fashion District, but somewhere we found ourselves and deeply love, and can’t wait to make a home.