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Kate’s face goes pale, like she didn’t think about that. I can’t help but laugh.
“I’m sure everything will be fine. We just have to walk across the stage and shake some hands,” I assure her.
She puts the finishing touches on her wavy blonde hair then pins her own cap into place.
Checking my watch, I see that we are running out of time. “We have to get going soon,” I tell her as I step into my heels.
She moves quickly, sliding her gown on and grabbing her small bag, ready to go.
We rush to the car, making up time on the road toward the stadium.
We listen to one of the professors go over a quick reminder of how we need to walk on stage and what hand goes over to hold our diplomas for photos. My leg bounces, causing my shoe to make a soft tapping sound against the ground.
I am so ready for this to be over. The idea of sitting there as thousands of people stare down at the group of us makes me slightly nauseated.
“Okay, everyone, I think you’re ready. Congratulations on your achievement.”
The people around me start to chat, and the sound of all the different conversations creates a buzz of noise. I can feel my body relax in my chair, the way I can disappear into the crowd and just prepare myself to step across that stage.
“Alright, everyone. Let’s get in a line to head into the main event.”
Everyone stands moving to line up as we make our way toward the event center. I keep my eyes on the back of the guy in front of me. If I don’t look at the large crowd, I can pretend they’re not there.
That works until the speakers finish up and the first person walks across the stage. The claps and cheers are deafening. I try to swallow the lump of anxiety in my throat, breathing through the tightness in my belly.
I watch Kate bound across the stage. She looks beautiful under the bright spotlights. Her blonde hair is gleaming against the dark gown. She did it.
I’ve got this too.
My group gets in line, and my heart rate picks up. All the crazy places my monster took me, all the times we could have been caught, and I’m worried about a little public strut?
I shake away the nerves, take a deep breath, and listen to the sound my heels make on the raised platform. I get my diploma, shake some hands, and make my way across without a hitch.
I was worried for nothing.
I enjoy the sight of the rest of the graduating class making their way over the stage until the last person takes their seat. A final farewell speech is made, and up go the caps. I look up, enjoying the view as they fly this way and that before everyone breaks away to catch up with their families.
I take my time, basking in the fact that college is over. I did it. I have my degree, and it’s time to move on. Time to put my immature habits behind me and turn into the woman I always dreamed I would be.
An ache forms in my chest as it clicks. I’m puttinghimbehind me.
A bright flash bounds into me, almost knocking me over.
“We did it!” Kate’s excited voice fills my ears.
“I know!” I try to match her level, but I just can’t.
These last few months have been hard, making myself focus on anything else but the feel of his body against mine. The sweet promise of “if he could, he would” playing over and over in my dreams.
The feeling of eyes on me has the hair sticking up on the back of my neck. I’m sure there are dozens of eyes on me right now, but I can’t help but hope.
Then I see him, flowers in hand, leaning against the wall, his eyes not leaving my face. I don’t think twice and just run for him.
I jump into his arms, and he holds me tightly, dropping the flowers before spinning us.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I say, my throat tight with unshed tears.
“I’ve missed you too.”
