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My mind wandered as I listened to more names being called that weren’t mine.
Over the past year or so, a lot of things had changed. I already had my future set, and I would have both Jake and our son in it, which was why I was in such a hurry for it.
His parents, ever since they first came by, had been visiting just as much as Jake did, if not even more. It was regrettable that they lived so far away, but they also owned a private jet and weren’t averse to using it. Also, since neither of them had any obligations, they would come to New York and find a hotel to stay at for long periods of time before going back to California for a short time, then coming back.
Jake was the one who wasn’t having an easier time. His parents had been talking of buying a place to live in the area, but Jake was still CEO of the company, and the main branch was in California, so he had to go back often. Our parents got along really well, and I got used to seeing them around often. Some of his other family had also dropped by, but we saw a lot less of them.
My relationship with Jake had done well since then, too. I hadn't been sure, but we were still together, and we were in love with each other. I felt giddy every time I thought about it, but right then, I wanted to stomp up that stadium and smack him.
I was nervous enough about my graduation, and I had no idea what he was planning. I hadn't even known he would be seated up at the platform until we arrived and were shown to our seats. He wasn’t the only one up there, but how could my eyes not focus on him?
Finally, the last person was called up the platform, and I watched with flattened lips as they went up the stage, took their degree and shook hands, just long enough for pictures to be taken. Then, they moved on.
Immediately, my eyes turned to Jake. He didn’t look at me this time, though, because he was already standing. He moved to the podium, also shook a few hands, and the microphone was handed over. One other thing changed hands, and I stared at the piece of rectangular paper that looked surprisingly like a certificate. Jake shot a smile my way, before he spoke.
“Good afternoon, everyone,” he started. “I know you’re all about ready for this to be over. I apologize, but I’m going to be taking over this event. Only for the end, though.”
Low murmurs spread over the crowd. I wasn’t the only one that h
ad no idea what was going on.
“Now,” he continued. “Originally, I was called here to hand out the degrees to the graduates as they came up here, but to be honest, and no offense to the rest of you, I only wanted to do it for one particular student. I don’t know if there’s a precedent for it, but I asked for this favor, and it was allowed.”
The murmurs grew louder. A suspicion was growing in my chest, but at this point, it had to be more than a suspicion, right? If someone else hadn't had their name called, I would be mad, but either way, I was nervous now.
I had this feeling that Jake was going to do something nice that was going to make me feel embarrassed in front of such a big crowd.
Jake smiled. “You already know who you are, but once I call your name, come on up.”
I fisted my hands at my sides, praying that he would, and that he wouldn’t, call my name.
Of course, he called my name.
There was applause as I slowly made my way up the stage, but not quite as loud as it had been before. Everyone was still confused.
Meanwhile, Jake was still talking.
“Klara,” he said, our eyes meeting from across the platform. “Our meeting wasn’t conventional by any means, and the journey since then has been wonderful. I know that this is an important day for you, and I wanted to make it even more special.”
I pursed my lips, but didn’t scowl at him the way I wanted to, because I could feel all eyes on me, and it made my heart flutter in nervousness. Maybe I should have told Jake I had stage fright?
Jake held his hand out, and the last certificate was placed in his hands. With a smile, he held it out to me, and I hurried forward a bit to receive it with both hands.
“Congratulations on graduating from NYU,” he said.
Then, he reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small, black box. I didn’t clue into what was happening, until he fell on one knee. My eyes widened as I gasped, and I almost dropped my certificate.
“Klara,” he started. Everyone had already realized what was going on, and noise started, almost drowning him out. “You’re an amazing woman and I’m crazy about you. Will you marry me?”
I blinked my eyes rapidly, mostly shocked, but starting to tear up a little. I was no longer so conscious of the crowd. How could I be, with the most wonderful man down on one knee in front of me asking me to marry him?
Everyone was pretty much cheering and screaming by that point. I heard them, but I didn’t care. My eyes never once left Jake’s as he waited patiently for my answer, looking like he wouldn’t mind kneeling there for several minutes, as long as it took for me to bring myself to give a reply.
Guess what I said?
With the widest grin, almost squinting my eyes closed, I nodded and said, “Yes.”
###The End###
