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“Shall we get going then?” I say.
He nods. “Lead the way.”
I clench my jaw and head down the corridor of the dorms, which are bustling with people rushing to get to the ceremony, and other year students getting ready to leave for summer.
“This place is grander than I had imagined. I noticed it when I was here last,” he muses.
“It’s nice here,” I say.
“Yes, your dorm room looks more like a hotel room.” He laughs. “I remember when you tried to beg me and your mother not to send you.”
I nod. “I remember too.” Every day I thank the heavens that my parents ignored me. It was rough, but as soon as I met Giorgia and Camilla, we hit it off. And not long after, Nat joined the three of us.
We complete the rest of the walk to the grand hall in tense silence. It’s hard to believe how awkward it is between us, considering he’s supposed to be my father. The man who brought me into this world. And yet he’s like a stranger to me.
“Right. I think I’ve got to gather with the other students,” I say.
He nods. “Go on then.”
There’s no wish of good luck or congratulations like most parents. Even mafia parents are generally more caring than mine, although often rather ruthless. I sigh heavily and walk toward my friends, who are already gathered together in the waiting area.
“Adrianna, there you are!” Camilla links arms with me. “Is your father here?”
I nod in reply. “Unfortunately, yes.”
“You are still coming out with us to celebrate, right?” Nat asks.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Oak clears his throat. It’s odd thinking of him by his first name, but I’ve spent so much time with Eva and Archer, both of them calling him that. It’s kind of become second nature. “I want you all in alphabetical order by your surnames. Figure it out. We’re starting in five.”
“Great, I’m near the end, then.”
“We’re all mixed up,” Camilla complains.
“Oh well, good luck. See you after,” I say.
We all part ways and get into our correct positions, which puts me next to Jack Whale, who is a complete bore.
“Hey, Adrianna.”
“Hi, Jack,” I say.
He smiles, but it comes off a little creepy. “Fancy seeing you here.”
I swallow hard, as Derk Unwin comes to stand on my other side. Fuck’s sake. I’m literally sandwiched between two boneheads.
Jack tries to talk to me, but I tell him I’m nervous and don’t want to talk. It’s the best way out of it. It feels like forever before they finally get to Derk, who hasn’t said a word the entire time. I prefer it that way.
My heart is pounding as I wait for my name to be called, wondering what kind of expression will be on my father’s face.
“Adrianna Vasquez!”
I step up the steps and onto the stage, my heart racing as I walk over to Oak, who is presenting the diplomas. Shaking his hand, I turn to face the crowd and the moment I see my father, my stomach sinks.
He’s not even looking, typing away on his phone without glancing up to see his daughter graduate.
Why the fuck did he bother coming?
