Two weeks had passed since Chelsy reconciled with Melinda. It was three days before their graduation. Chelsy was sitting in the living room with Rachel.
''Rach, I can't believe we will finally be postgraduate students. No, let me rephrase this. We are Master's degree holders in Public Relations.''
They both could not hold in their laughter and burst out laughing hysterically like braying donkeys choking on water.
''Sis, your dream of graduating as a valedictorian has finally come to fruition. I am so proud of you, sisi.''
Chelsy gave a painful smile and said, ''Rachel, I really wish my dad would have been here to see me succeed at every milestone.''
She gave a little chuckle and continued, ''Anyway, let's go out tonight and have some fun. Just you and I. What do you think?''
Rachel leaped in joy and said, ''Finally. You are taking the initiative to have some fun. I am all in, baby girl.''
The two girls laughed like little girls as they went inside their rooms to prepare for their nights out.
It was the next day, and Chelsy received a message from Mister Edward, asking her to come over to his office and see him.
Chelsy hurriedly took a shower and left for school. When she got to Mister Edward's office, he was on the phone, and signaled with his hand that she should sit down.
It took him another two minutes before he could end the call. ''Hey Chelsy, welcome.''
Chelsy gave a warm smile and said, ''Greetings uncle Ed. You asked me to come over and see you.''
Mister Edward smiled back at her and responded, ''Yes, I did.'' He opened one of the drawers in his desk, and took out a brown envelope. ''Inside this folder, are details of one of the top tech subsidiary companies in London. It is called Rivers Holdings. I was able to secure you a spot as an intern there. You won't need an interview. Your school results have earned you that privilege.'' Mister Edward smiled as he handed over the envelope to Chelsy.
When Chelsy heard this, her eyes were brimming with excitement, and she screamed with joy. ''Thank you so much uncle Ed. I am so grateful.''
The corners of Mister Edward's mouth curved up into a smile. ''I have played my part as a referee. You have been accepted as an intern. The ball is now in your court. If you perform well, they might hire you as a permanent employee at the end of your internship. But I know you are capable of securing that position. Anyway, the Human Resource officer there is actually my niece. Her name is Rebecca Anderson, and she will take proper care of you.''
Chelsy thanked Mister Edward for all the help that he had provided. She left his office feeling as though she was on cloud nine.
As she was waiting for the bus at the bus stop, she took out her phone to Google Rivers Holdings. Her eyes were wide both with shock and excitement. ''Oh my goodness. Rivers Holdings has won so many awards. And the most recent one is the Queen's award for the most outstanding tech innovators of the year.'' She could not hold her excitement.
Meanwhile, back at Hannigan Lodge, Rachel had gone home for a visit. She was really loved by her parents, especially her father. Being an only child to her parents and the heir to the Hannigan Global Empire, she had a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders once she had her masters' degree.
She had an agreement with her family that she could live her best life and travel as much as she wanted to. She could marry whoever she wanted to. But on the condition that, immediately after graduation, she will start managing her family's company.
Mister and Missus Hannigan were wealthy modern parents who never believed in imposing a partner on their daughter. They wanted her to find the man she would love and who would love her in return. As fate would have it, she was already in love with someone from a very influential family and well-respected family.
When her family found out she and Jade Faradey were in a relationship, their hearts were over the moon with joy and excitement. The reason for this excitement was because the Hannigans and the Faradeys have always been great family friends.
So, as a result of her agreement with her parents, ever since she went to the University of Wolverton, she has visited her family's home only a few times. She knew that once she was done with school, she wouldn't have the liberty to do all the things she would really love to do.
They were at the dining table, having lunch, and Rachel's father, Martin Hannigan, cleared his throat and asked, ''Hey princess. Now that your graduation is in two days, why don't you move in back with us? You know you are supposed to start working with our company on Monday next week. Or have you forgotten our agreement?''
Rachel, who had been eating silently, felt a chill run down her spine. She had always dreaded taking over her father's company. As much as she loved her parents, she never really wanted to lead her father's company.
But at this point, she had no choice. ''But father, I just can't move in already. You know Chelsy lives with me now. Can we please wait until she is able to sort herself out before I can come back home?''
She looked at her mom with puppy eyes signaling her to plead on her behalf.
Serena Hannigan placed her hand on her husband's thigh and said lovingly, ''Honey, I guess we can give her a little more time for Chelsy's sake. You know she has been an amazing friend to our daughter. Please let us give her a little more time, okay?''
Rogers Hannigan took a deep breath and looked at his wife with a smile on his face, "You know I can never say no to you." He turned his head and looked at Rachel, ''You can have a little more time, until your best friend sorts herself out. Besides, Chelsy has always been like a daughter to us.''
Rachel, who had been anxiously waiting like a puppy waiting for a treat, gave a giggle and rushed to her dad and planted a kiss on his cheek. ''Thank you daddy. You are actually the best.''
It was finally graduation day. The auditorium at the university was filled with students and their family members handing them flowers and cards. Rachel's parents were there to support her. As for Chelsy, her brother could not make it to her graduation because they had an emergency at the hospital.
Chelsy was really sad when she realized no one was there to watch her give her valedictorian speech as well as collect her valedictorian medal. She started thinking to herself, Hey dad. Your baby girl finally did it. I hope I made you proud. I miss you so much and wish you were here.
Suddenly, she heard someone call her name and she snapped out of her reverie. When she turned to see who had called her name, she saw Melinda, pushing Fiona in a stroller. She was holding a bouquet of pink and white carnation flowers, signifying admiration and good luck.
''Congratulations Chelsy. We are so proud of you. Hope you get everything you have always wished for.''
Chelsy, who had been down earlier, rushed and hugged Melinda. Her eyes were shimmering and tears started streaming down her cheeks as she said in a whisper.
''Oh Melinda. Thank you, so much. I thought no one would come today.''
Melinda gave a little chuckle as she padded her back. ''Have you forgotten we are family? And as a family, we will always stick together. As much as Leonel isn't available to make it here today, you still have Fiona and me.''
Chelsy smiled in between sobs and said, ''you are right Melinda. We are family.''
Finally, Chelsy was done and dusted with her studies.
One week had passed after Chelsy's graduation. She was preparing for her camping trip to the Halo mountains. Rachel, who had moved to her family's home, had called Chelsy the day before Chelsy left for the Halo mountains.
''Hello baby girl. Are you done packing for your trip? I miss you already. These two days without you have really been crazy.''
Chelsy chuckled and replied, ''Come on Rachel, now you have to fulfill your own end of the bargain to your parents. So don't worry, you will be fine. And lest I forget. We won't be able to communicate after I leave for the Halo mountains. I won't be bringing my phone along with me. I just need some time off from technology. I just want to enjoy these three days in nature.''
Rachel gave a big sigh and said, ''I really hope you take proper care of yourself Chels. I will really miss you, sisi.''
The two girls chatted for a little while and then ended the call. Chelsy packed everything she needed for the trip and was ready to go.
What awaits Chelsy in the Halo mountains? Is it danger or is it a breakthrough for her?