After his speech, Luiz was asked to stand in the center of the stage for his awards. The school principal was holding the gold medal inside its box and the other teachers were holding the respective awards for him while Teacher Chan read the name of the awards that he'll be taking home.
"He performed the best in class and almost always got perfect scores in exam. Let's have the school principal give the gold medal award for being the class valedictorian." The school principal congratulated Luiz and put on the gold medal for him.
"Because of his excellence in his major subjects, he will be receiving the Best in Science, Best in Mathematics, Best in World History and Best in English from his respective teachers." One after another, his teachers congratulated him before putting on his medals.
"As one of the best students who excels in various fields, Luiz was chosen to receive this prestigious award along with a certificate of scholarship that he can use in any school he wants. Let me welcome the Department of Education Superintendent to give the Governor's Award for Educational Excellence as well as the certificate of scholarship." Luiz had no idea about this award. Before graduation, they were told about their awards already but this wasn't one of them.
Luiz thanked the superintendent as he received a heavy gold medal along with the certificate. He even kissed the medal happily. But it didn't end there. He still got one more award.
"Our school offers three foreign language class and Luiz Ardolf excels in his chosen field which was French Language Class. However, the French teacher we have was sent to hospital last night because of a back pain. So, let's welcome our special guest who will be presenting this award, Mr. Jonas Slyvester!"
Luiz thought he was hearing things. He looked at his teacher who only shrugged her shoulder then he looked at the people behind him. His father wasn't there.
"Teacher Chan, are you playing a prank on me? How can my father be here?" Luiz asked in a joking manner but his heart was actually trembling in nervousness.
"I'm not joking. Your father is here. He was sent for another trial last month and it was proven that he wasn't involved in that incident. He's been free."
"Oh my god! And no one told me about this?!"
His sudden outburst made the other students laugh at him. Some were wiping their tears in this unexpected reunion and even Kyle was standing from his seat.
"No way! This couldn't be real." Kyle stated while looking at the stage with so much anticipation. "Yen, did you know about this?" Kyle asked his sister without looking at her. He didn't want to miss the moment that his father will come on stage.
The guests on stage parted a little to give space for this special person. And when he showed up, it was as if the world has stopped turning. Kyle looked at his brother and father on stage with his mouth wide open.
"Congratulations son." Jonas presented the last award to the young man who was standing stupefied in front of him.
Unexpectedly, Luiz walked towards the nearest microphone and stated, "Sis, I'm getting back at you later. I know you're the mastermind of this surprise. With my brother's stupid expression, I'm sure he didn't know this, too." While saying these words, his tears kept rolling down on his face.
His schoolmates and classmates were also crying with him. Even the other teachers and the parents who witnessed this emotional reunion also cried.
"We're so happy for you, Luiz!" One of his classmates shouted which made everyone clapped for Luiz on stage.
"You deserve to be happy! We're happy for you."
Luiz hugged his father tightly under the eyes of everyone. He was really happy that he has come back. Everyone gave them a round of applause and after which, they stepped down from the stage and let the ceremony continued. Many people from his row and column congratulated Luiz when he came back to his seats. Some of them asked about his father and how he feels.
The awarding ceremony continued and the other students received their rewards as well. After the ceremony, students were busy taking pictures with their family and friends.
And this doesn't exempt Luiz. Many students from other classes wanted to have picture with him. After all, this will be the day that they will be together and it's not a guarantee that they will still see each other in the future. Pictures here, pictures there; he was surrounded by different students of all gender.
And not just him, even Kyle was pulled by some female students to take pictures with. Jillyanna and Riley didn't escape the claws of the students, too. Some even asked them for autographs.
"It's not easy to be famous." Cayenne commented while holding Jade's hand.
"That's why they always bring bodyguards with them to avoid accidents." Jade responded, looking at her mom and aunt being surrounded by people.
Earlier, they couldn't afford to be late for the ceremony thus; the students didn't dawdle and take pictures with these known public figures. Now that the ceremony's over, they flocked around them for a chance to get pictures with them.
"You're only given half an hour to take pictures. After this we'll be leaving because my child is still waiting for me." Jillyanna stated but this didn't disappoint the students at all. One after another, they took pictures with her and they'd thank her before leaving to give the chance to others.
After half an hour, the bodyguards came and escorted Jillyanna and Riley out of the crowd. Kyle and Luiz also used this opportunity to get out from the crowd, excusing themselves that their family was waiting for them.
"I'll send you guys a message for the outing tomorrow." Luiz told his classmates while waving his hand at them.
"See you tomorrow." His classmates and friends waved back at him before walking towards their family.
Jonas watched his sons getting along with lots of people. When he thought about it, it was all thanks to Cayenne. She endured so much for her brothers and without her, they might not be here standing amidst these people.
"I wish you're here to witness this." Jonas mumbled while looking up at the clear blue sky.