Its My Turn

They say highschool is the hell phase of every young person, whilst some say it is a phase that prepares one to adulthood. For Monah Spencer, it was the best time of her young life. She had everything she could ever have. A loving father, Harold. A supportive friend who didn't judge her, Tamara but she preferred Monah call her Tamara.. A handsome cool boyfriend, Ted also Tamara's twin. 

The world was putty in Monah's hands, she felt like she had everything under control and many girls her age envied her for her confidence.

Graduation day had finally arrived. Monah had been waiting for this day for what felt like an eternity. She had worked hard to earn top marks in her school subjects.. She and Tamara had restless nights of studying and had already prepared their own speech for when their headmaster Mr Pollock would give them each their certificate and perhaps even a medal with that for doing a fine job.

"Are you ready?" Tamara peered through Monah's bedroom door. 

Monah was startled, her cinnamon coloured wide eyes were even wider than usual but carried a slight sadness in them.. she sighed heavily. 

"You know I've been trying to reach Ted since morning.. why isn't he answering my calls?" 

"That's why you're not in your gown yet? My brother is probably reciting his speech with the guys. You know how he gets when he's excited. He probably put his phone on silent."

A smile of relief began to make its way on Monah's face. 

"Yeah, you're right. But when I see him, he'd better have a good darn explanation of why he put his phone on silent!" 

Suddenly there was a car beep from outside the house.. The two girls ran down the stairs, hoping that Mr Spencer was not angry for having to wait for what seemed to be an hour of Monah's preparation. 

The moment had finally arrived. Monah put on her graduation gown, took a deep breath, and headed to the graduation ceremony with Tamara walking cheerfully beside her. 

As the two girls walked into the auditorium, Monah saw Ted, standing with his friends and some girls who had been her arch enemies since 5th grade. Monah didn't want to ruin Ted's mood yet, she decided to continue walking until she reached the best seat in the front next to other pupils. Whilst the parents all sat in the seats at least 6 metres on the far left of their bundles of joy who were now preparing themselves for adulthood. 

As the headmaster began to speak, Ted's expression suddenly changed. He looked nervous, and Monah felt a sense of unease wash over her. What was going on?

The pupils each received their awards and certificates. Their parents booming with pride as their children read out their speech nervously on stage. 

Mr Spencer grabbed Monah tightly to his chest and gave her a wholesome hug. 

"I knew you could do it. I'm so proud of you!" He said.. 

Monah smiled. But then suddenly she was alarmed by a text from Ted. 

"Meet me at the sports ground in 5. Come alone."

"Dad, I have to go. Ted wants to see me." Said Monah with a half smile 

"Alright kiddo. Just make sure you are at home before 6pm. Graduation or not, you're still my baby girl. Your safety is my concern." 

The two hugged. Monah signalled Tamara from a distance that she'd be back. Her friend nodded and continued to take photos with her parents. 

Monah passed the quiet classroom's which had neither a pupil nor a teacher present in them. She could see Ted from a distance wearing his gown and his favourite white straight cap. He looked very handsome, at least that's how Monah saw him.. Even though he came from a wealthy family, he had never made Monah feel less than the best. But this time he looked different.. And this worried Monah but seeing her boyfriend with someone there worried her even worse.. Ted was not alone, there was someone standing beside him. A girl, they were holding hands. Monah's wanted to get a clear look, her heart pounding harder with each movement she took. The closer she got, the clearer the view. 

"Wha.. what's going on here?" 

Ted fixed his posture. While the girl beside him rolled her eyes without care. 

"This is what I've been trying to tell you. I've met someone else. Her name is Michelle." 

Monah looked at the girl next to her boyfriend, she recognised the face but didn't know the girl. She had seen her in science class a couple of times before but was not popular. 

"Are you breaking up with me for a girl you don't even know?" Monah asked.

Ted chuckled. 

"Baby girl don't act surprised. You had this coming. I told you I had needs and what was your response?" 

Michelle adjusted Ted's tie.. a small round object peered through clearly. As though a button.. 

"Is that a..?" Monah asked in shock. 

"Yeah, you know I always carry a camera for incase someone decides to attack me for revealing the truth to them." 

Suddenly Monah received a text from Tamara. 

"The whole school is watching you. Get out of there. You're on a live feed." 

Monah was frustrated, her heart pounding loudly with an increased speed. 

"How could you do this to me?" She cried 

"I just don't think we're right for each other. It's not personal." Ted said, his voice cold and detached. "I'm sorry. You're just too childish for me." 

Michelle began to giggle. A group of mean girls walked to the sports ground and began to giggle as well with their phones in their hands, waiting eagerly to see a fight. 

But Monah was not about to stoop that low. She was still in shock...But seeing Ted in that proud expression of his was proof enough to know he seriously was done with her and fighting for him would just cause her unnecessary shame. However her heart was still in pain, it felt like she was in a nightmare. She couldn't believe that her boyfriend of three years was breaking up with her on the day of her graduation. She wanted to scream, to hit him, to make him understand how much he was hurting her.

But she didn't do any of those things. Instead, she took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. She knew that she had to get through this, for her own sake and for the sake of her classmates who were watching in anticipation of seeing a fight.

She nodded at Ted, trying to keep her expression neutral. "Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I understand."