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She nods and smiles, shaking his hand. Placing her handful of papers on the platform before her. She bends the microphone down and waves to the student body.
“Hi everyone, and welcome to our graduation day. It took us all a lot of hard work. Study teams, coffee, and good partners in some classes to reach our final goals.” Her gaze catches mine and she smiles wide.
As Candace continues with her speech, I think of how I can let her down gently. I tried to talk to her several times. Always being honest with her about only wanting to be friends. I was sure she finally understood that my heart belonged to someone else. I hope not seeing me in class anymore will help her move on with her life.
Applause brings me back to the event of the day as I watch Candace take her seat on the stage next to Jonathon Riley.
Mr. Coble comes back to center stage.
“Thank you, Miss Dormand.” He nods Candace’s way, and she smiles.
“And now for your class valedictorian, Jonathon Riley.” Mr. Coble claps his hands, and the audience follows his lead.
Jonathon ambles across the stage, carrying a notebook. I sigh, knowing his speech will be long. He’s the most animated classmate I’ve ever met. We had two classes together, Business and Accounting. He always shared a daily joke with me. To say I’m surprised he’s our class valedictorian is an understatement. But I’m fucking proud of him. He’s a good guy and someone perfect for Candace.
“Is this thing on?” Jonathon taps the mic and laughs, causing laughter to come from the audience.
“Welcome everyone,” he calls out and pumps his fists.
“We’re finally done with college. Now comes the real world and a huge dose of reality.” His cheeks puff out when he lets out a long breath and swipes his forehead. More laughter ensues, then he presses the air with his hands to quiet the crows.
Once the hall is silent again, Jonathon stands tall and says, “Congratulations class of 2024. We did it!” He closes his notebook and begins to walk away from the podium. After he’s four steps away, he turns and rushes back.
“Did you think I was done speaking?” he asks with a grin.
“Sit back and relax, folks.” He opens his notebook again and begins his speech.
“As I was saying, congrats y’all! I’ve been here for four years, and I know some have only been here two.” He glances toward me. How he found me in the group of students is beyond me.
I only needed to take two years of college since I came in with two years of college courses I’d finished in high school, giving me my associate’s degree in business. I zone out the rest of Jonathon’s speech and find Blaire in the faculty section.
Our eyes meet after several minutes of me staring at her. She smiles and tugs on her earlobe. I drift off, dreaming of my future with her by my side, as my wife.
I don’t know how long I’d been off in my fantasy, but the extreme hoots and hollers from the student body brought me back to the ceremony.
Mr. Coble walks toward Jonathan and shakes his hand, then pats him on the shoulder as he walks back to his seat beside Candace. I watch as he touches her hand lying in her lap. I let out a sigh of relief, hoping they may be seeing each other.
“It’s time for our students to receive their diplomas. Please come up onto the stage when your name is called.” Mr. Coble begins to announce the names beginning with Carla Adams. She stands and walks up the few steps and to the center of the stage.
I fiddle with my graduation gown and the tassel on my cap. It takes several minutes to get to the L’s, then finally I hear Mr. Coble call me, “Mister Jaden Michael Lugo.”
I stand and look at my parents first. Mom dabs her eyes with a tissue and Dad gives me a thumbs up. I wave to them, then catch Blaire’s gaze. She smiles wide. My body warms with intense heat as I make my way up the steps and over to Mr. Coble.
He hands me my diploma and shakes my hand.
“Congratulations, Jaden,” he says.
“Thank you, sir.” I want to run to Blaire and sweep her off her feet, but I control myself and take the walk to the other side of the stage and down the steps. I return to my seat and watch the rest of the graduates receive their diplomas.
After the graduation ceremony ends, I find Mom and Dad still in their seats. I wave as I walk toward them.
Mom stands and waves back. She nudges Dad, and he slowly stands next to her, using his cane to steady himself.
“Congratulations, Jaden.” Mom’s arms embrace me tightly, patting my back.
“Thanks, Mom.” I glance at Dad. “Are you okay, Dad?”
“Yes, son. I’m good. Congratulations. I’m proud of you.” Dad takes my hand in his and squeezes it.
