Kelsie looked at her best friend's face, shook her and told her she was okay. Before Jessica could react, Damian started his speech.
" Hello everyone and welcome to the best graduating student edition of the year 2018-2019. I remember the day I stepped my feet into this school. Every law and principle were laid down, at first, I did not understand what they stood for. So I became rebellious and started breaking each rule. This continued until I was transferred to another class.
The teacher in that class, Mr Martin was explaining about law, order and society and I got pulled in and I told myself, that I am going to change. I did change and was appointed as the class representative. And my legacy of kindness has inadvertently surpassed the old legacy I left behind.
Thank you to every teacher, lecturer, and instructors. We the class of 2018-2019 really appreciate the time and efforts spent on us to make us who we are today. The love you showed us has effectively enhanced a lot of our contributions. I, the class representative stand here today and show my gratitude and appreciation.
Let the Almighty God continue leading and guiding you all. Let your leadership skills take you far, Amen. Thank you".
As soon as he was done, cheers erupted from the congregation. A list was then brought to damian and one by one he started calling out those that their actions in school spoke louder than their words.
"The best agricultural graduating student is Mr Eric Harris "
Eric came to the stage, took a picture and left.
" The best economics graduating student is Miss Stella Jarvis "
Stella came in excitedly, took her award, smiled at the camera then exited.
This process continued. Until the only students left were Kelsie, Richard, Jessica and Damian.
" Can we celebrate Kelsie Harvard as the best mathematics graduating student "
Kelsie came up, took her award, smiled at the camera then left.
"The best engineering student is Mr Richard Harvey.
Richard came in to take his award.
" Finally we have on our list the one person that challenged and improved Damian Hamilton in every step of the way. Our one and only best journalist , Miss Jessica Chard ".
Jessica stood up, her heart beating erratically. Her palms started sweating, her legs were shaking. She climbed the podium, and removed her mask. Then she took her award, smiled at the camera. She looked up at Damian then smiled.
Damian froze. She is the one, his mind kept on saying and she looks amazing.
Jessica came to the podium and said" Can we all join our hands together for the best student of business management and linguistics skills, Mr Damian Hamilton ".
Damian took a step forward, took his award, stared into her face and the camera took the picture.
As soon as she was done, Jessica climbed down the podium. Her mask in one hand, her award in the other. She went to her seat, adorned her mask, then sat down.
" Well, there is food and drinks for everyone. It is your day, enjoy yourselves and do have a lovely reunion with friends". Damian said before he left the stage.
Immediately, party lights were activated, music started playing and people were going into the dance floor happily dancing. Kelsie looked at her bestie and said " I know we did not come with our brothers or any escorts, but it is possible to still dance with each other". She cleared her throat and asked " Jessica Chard, will you be my date to this reunion party today".
Jessica laughed. Before she could extend her hand, Damian came towards her, took her hand and twirled her into his arms. As Kelsie stomped her feet to exclaimed angrily, Richard came in and excused her to dance.
Time stopped for damian and Jessica as they stared at each other.
" I can not believe I have Jessica Chard in my arms tonight. But I wonder do you still have your fighting spirit or has it died down " damian said.
" What is your point Damian. Long time no see. How are you doing "
" I'm doing well Jesse. So, I gotta ask is there still a chance for me or is someone already there "
Jessica blanched. " Damian, I thought we agreed never to bring that topic again"
"I do not know about you Jess but now that you are here, I don't want you to go".
Jessica shakily extracted herself from Damian. " I'm so sorry but I… I have to think about this".
Without another word, she ran out. Kelsie who has been on standby extricated herself from richards arm, muttered an apology then ran after her best friend.
Once again, history repeats itself as Damian did not go after Jessica. Richard thumped his best friend back " hey man, go after her".
But Damian shook his head, backed away and told richard " it's too late, once again, I let her slip out of my arms without saying what she means to me" . He straightened up, brought out his phone and gave some instructions.
The next thing Richard heard was, bring the jet, let's take an early flight back to New York.
Kelsie caught up with Jessica and tried her best to calm her friend down. She got their flight return tickets and they drove to the airport.
Jessica's actions were not encouraging as she stood there lost and confused. They boarded the flight, first class. Kelsie laid Jessica on her lap.
The ride back to Los Angeles was stiff and left no room for communications.
Richard and Damian flew back to New York immediately Jessica and Kelsie left.