"Damon! We need to leave! I am going to be so late. How is it possible that I'm the one graduating yet I'm ready before you?"
I hear the lock of the bathroom door before he finally steps out of the bathroom. Clad in a black suit with a light blue undershirt, and his hair gelled back, he looks strikingly handsome. I still cannot believe that he is my boyfriend. We may have our ups and downs, but even after everything, we are still partners.
"You look handsome, but we have to go. Here's your wallet, phone and keys."
It may seem harsh that I am rushing him when he is giving me a ride, but in my defense, he insisted on driving me and we needed to leave ten minutes ago.
"Alright. Let's go."
Stepping out of his apartment, I can't help feeling that today is the start of the rest of my life. After today I will finally be out in the workforce. No more homework, assignments, exams. Nothing. It's relieving like this weight was lifted off of my shoulder and I can finally take full deep breaths after panting for so long.
The roar of the engine drowns out any other sounds in the garage. Pulling out, the streets are crowded with other graduates trying to make it to get their diplomas in time. The ceremony doesn't start for a couple of hours, but we all need to rehearse it one more time so everything goes without a hitch and I can start my life.
Driving past my university, there is absolutely on where to park or even get out; all of the parking lots are packed to the brim.
"Just drop me here. I really have to go."
Damon looks at me, his expression saying "no."
"Damon, please. I- what if they think I'm absent and take me out of the ceremony?"
Hearing the panic in my tone, he pulls the car as close to the parking lot as possible before letting me get out.
"Text me as soon as you get there. I am going to go look for a parking spot and save some seats."
Again, the ceremony isn't for hours, but if the amount of cars is any indication, seats are filling up fast and everyone wants a good view.
I fiddle with my mother's locket around my neck. I never wear it because I'm always so nervous to lose it, but I wanted both of them to be here with me today, even if it is only in spirit. I finally made it and I hope that they are proud of me.
The volume of multiple conversations taking place at once intensifies the closer I get to the quad. It's a beautiful day out and everyone is excited to be outside.
"Alright! Everyone line up. We have no time to waste, you will all be graduates before you know it." Even with the usage of the megaphone, the Dean of our University is barely heard over the excited chatter of my peers.
Taking my seat in the tenth row, nerves bubble in my stomach. This is really happening. Damon and his family wave to me as I sit down, I smile and wave back. As long as I have them, I can accomplish anything.
"Good afternoon, seniors, friends, family, and staff. It is an honor to be up here today as I give our seniors their diplomas..."
An hour later and all the speeches are finally finished. The president, guest speaker, and reputable staff all said good luck to the graduates and the fact that our education will allow us to be successful in our future endeavors. It was a lot of the same themes just in different words.
The President stands back at the podium softly clearing his throat. "Now it is time to call upon our graduates to receive their well-deserved diplomas on this beautiful day. Lillian Adams…"
The crowd cheers as one by one students are called up. They walk onto the stage as seniors on their last day of university and leave as alumni of the university they spent years of their lives studying for.
"Rosalie Hollie."
My heart thumps as my name is called. What if I trip on the stairs to get to the stage? What if I fumble and drop my diploma? What am I supposed to do after this? All I have ever known is school. It's homework, exams, projects. Where do I go from here? How do I start the rest of my life when the only life I have ever had revolved around my education.
My doubts drift away as I hear everyone I love cheering for me.
I can do this. I have worked for this. I earned this diploma.
Following the same way I did it in rehearsal, I walk onto the stage. The president hands me my diploma with a "congratulations." I shake his hand, clutching the diploma as if it would disappear if I let it go even a little bit.
Finally holding the weightless piece of paper in my hands, a huge amount of weight is lifted off of my shoulders. I feel like I can finally breathe. I don't really know what to do next, aside from my editorial job, but one chapter of my life is over and now I can start anew and become anyone I want to be.
Walking back to my seat, my family's cheers still persist, but they fade out as I focus on a figure standing all the way in the back of the field. He's too far for me to tell his facial features, but goosebumps raise on my arms when I look at him.
Could that be...?
Shaking my head, I ignore my gut feeling and take my seat.
The next couple of names goes by in a blur. My ears perk up as Amelia is called to the stage. I clap my hands vigorously as my family's screams mix in with her family's. She gracefully walks up to the stage and deeply breathes out once her diploma is safely in her grasp.
Walking passed my row, she excitedly points to her diploma, stopping the student behind her. I smile and wave her on, the professor at the end of the row clearing her throat as her way of telling Amelia to "follow rehearsal." Laughing she moves down the aisle and takes a seat.
Another hour and a half pass before the president makes her final remarks. She seems genuinely happy for all of us to be moving into the next stages of her life, but, even if it's not, the excitement and joy radiating off of every graduate are contagious and everyone can feel it.
Then the moment comes. The moment I have been waiting for since starting college. The time where I get to throw my graduation cap in the air as a symbol of letting go of all of my past worries.
With a flick of my wrist, this chapter of my life officially closes. I am no longer a student. Joining my peers, I get out of my seat and pick up my cap before going to see my family. Amelia waits by them with her family and runs into me, wrapping her arms around my torso.
"Congratulations! We finally did it!"
Wrapping my arms around her, I can't help the small laugh in my voice when I say "congratulations." Her excitement is not only contagious, it's- it's refreshing and makes others feel joyous.
Damon comes up to me next, pressing his lips soundly against mine. "I am so proud of you, baby."
Holding me for another minute or two, he releases me and I am captured in another embrace by Carol. Tears prick at the corner of her eyes. "I may not have known you long, but I consider you my daughter and this is a proud day for this mama."
My own eyes get misty. "Thank you. Ever since knowing me you have supported me and included me in your family. I could never show you how grateful and appreciative of you, especially for being here today. Thank you."
Dave briefly congratulates me next before Brandon pulls me into a bear hug. "Congratulations, Rose. So much has happened since we first met and you have conquered and wormed your way into not only Damon's heart but my heart and our parents' hearts. I know how hard you have worked and now it has finally paid off. Congratulations."
Once I am finally free of everyone's arms, I look around for the man I saw earlier. I know I shouldn't as this is supposed to be a happy occasion, but I can't help feeling that I know him. The way my body reacted made me feel as if I knew him. Quickly scanning the crowd, his figure is hard to see through the masses, but he stands in the same spot, leaning against the tree.
Quickly saying that I will be right back, I walk closer to him. He grins when he sees me coming towards him. His teeth are crooked and some rotted. He puffs out his chest and stand straighter, as if ready for a fight.
Could he be…?
Damon's hand on my arms distracts me. Looking at him, I smile and quickly look back to where he was just standing. Disappointment fills me when I see that he is gone. I shouldn't be disappointed, but I want to know why he targeted me if I even have the right man. I want to know if he was my attempted kidnapper.
Standing in front of me, Damon catches my attention. "We are all going to our parents' house to celebrate. Your bag is in the car. Are you ready? Is there anyone else you want to say bye to?"
Deciding to leave well enough alone, I shake my head. "No, I'm ready to leave."
Taking my hand we walk to the car, and I don't see the man, just the other graduates all proudly holding their diploma as mine stares at me proudly from my lap.