Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.

-Richard Bach

                                        ***

Throughout my entire adolescence and during most of my younger pre-pubescent years I've waited years for this moment which from conception lasts a total of two hours- yes, I counted. Everyone that I knew of- my mom, dad, teachers- couldn't seem to have been anymore thrilled for me. (After all, soon I was off studying for a promising degree in minor medicine.) But as I looked to the stands on the right side of the stadium filled with proud parents yelling and cheering alike I felt empty. Every time I moved- to walk or shake hands- it was like my body was cruising on autopilot mode doing its thing until I took back control of the reigns once again. I was worried. I wondered if, perhaps, there was something seriously wrong with me. How could I have reached this important milestone and not be happy about it? I was taking my meds on a regular basis so whatever it was, there wasn't anything medically wrong on that end. Nothing made sense to me anymore. I foolishly believed that the course of scenery during the last few years- eating in the library, studying at hall recess- would somehow be justified. I lost a significant amount of friends but I didn't mind so long as I got that scholarship- which I did get. Now that it was all said and done I wanted nothing more than to celebrate before we all parted ways. I came to the conclusion that it didn't matter if I acted out in a super crazed hyper-active manner like all the other guys did. Mostly, I was just glad that that particular phase was finally done and over with. I was eager to move on- I had a pile of stuff lying on my bed waiting to be packed.

I knew a majority of people that were confused, not to mention anxious about the idea of whatever came next. There was only one person that I knew of who didn't fit into any of those descriptions. Unfortunately for Brody, his parents would never get to see their only son walk down the aisle and shake hands with the dean and principle. I wasn't all that surprised when he showed up late for his own graduation, either. Brody was a highly motivated individual who never did anything even remotely close to conventional- maybe that's why he came during the after party complete with a travelers backpack and matching hiking gear.

For the first time ever I thought my best friend had lost his mind. Out of all the crazy stunts he pulled this one definitely took the cake. "You're going to India?" I asked in a state of shock. I heard what he said, of course. I just needed time to process it all.

Brody grinned like the fool I thought him to be. "I know, right? I figured, what the heck. I've always wanted to see the Ashrams." his gown, black in color, was unzipped to the knee and showed off his traveling outfit. I already knew what was in the Fanni pack. He showed me the passport and boarding ticket as soon as he saw me- it was a graduation gift from his parents, he said. Why couldn't they just get him something more practical instead, like a used car?

Everything was happening too fast for my liking and there was nothing that I could try and stop it. My best friend- the passionate dreamer with more ambition than any one man should ever have - was leaving to another country without any supervision whatsoever. I just hoped the poor bastard knew what he was getting himself into.

"Wow. The farthest I've ever been was to Lake City, and that was only because my dads friend invited us over to his place that one time." I knew that Brody would live an adventurous life- one that could never be written down as part of a schedule. "I'm happy for you, man." I said. And I meant it.

Brody smiled showing proof of his new white tooth filler. "Thanks, man. That means a lot."

Our short goodbye ended once the sound of my parents voice gravitated to our remote corner of the banquet hall.

I heard my mom's high pitched laughter before I saw the top of her peach blond head. "Hey, boys. They're you are." she came up to me and fixed the tassel on my cap. I shot my mom the 'look' but she didn't care. My dad held out his camera and told us to get into position. "We should take a photo of the happy graduates." he said.

I shrugged. "Okay."

Brody stood beside me and put his arm around my neck. "Can you believe it?"

I grinned. "I know. For a second their I was worried about you." I made a face- the same kind our dean liked to do whenever he saw Brody in the hallway.

Brody rolled his eyes and smacked the back of my head. "Ha-Ha. Very funny."

My dad yelled at the both of us to quit goofing off and stand still. "All righty, kids. Say cheese."

As I looked at the camera I knew that Brody and I were going to be okay. We had a unique friendship that defied all social odds and yet here we were still best friends after all this time. Hell, I would do just about anything for the guy if he asked me to.