S t o i c [h.s]

One

Eleanore's pov

It was a warm day in June, I woke up in my apartment at the brink of 7 o'clock in the morning. I groggily reached for my phone at the nightstand and I glanced at the date.

3rd July

I was looking forward to this day my whole college life, I dreamed about the time I would finally have my diploma in my hands and was ready to start working in the real world. I loved my time at Uni, I truly did, yet, I found it incredibly constricting when it came to actual practise. I loved being in the management department. Some would say the endless paperwork was tiring, but I felt at home. I knew exactly what each paragraf ment, despite having little actual English words and more numbers and law statements. I would usually run through them fairly quickly, considering I always had time for other tasks. I liked being in control, having the upper hand in a situation and I took every opportunity I could get. I always took the lead in the mutual projects we were doing at university, it was very natural for me to step up and take control. Some of my classmates despised this, because I was keen on everybody doing their part of work. I knew only when all aspects are perfectly done, the whole concept is of great quality. Now, I could finally get into the real world of management, considering it was my graduation day.

I woke up, had a shower treating myself with scented scrub and extra skincare I would usually do. I had breakfast while I let my hair dry naturally, letting it form its own waves. After having my morning coffee I got dressed in my creme silky dress reaching just below my midthigh, the sleeves flared near my wrists. I choose subtle jewelry - my pearl necklace and simple hanging pearl earrings to match. I didn't go overboard with my makeup, I did subtle brown eyeshadow and some blush. I topped the classical look with bright red lipstick. Grabbing my purse I took everything I would need for the day. Nothing much, just my phone, wallet, pack of cigarettes and my trusty lighter. I packed my lipstick and some perfume and headed down to my car.

Only when starting the engine, I realised I forgot my graduation gown. I skipped up the stairs with keys clinking as I jumped in my stilettos. I quickly unlocked the apartment taking the garment covered by a clothing bag and made my way back to the car, not forgetting to lock the door.

I arrived at about half past eight at the hall where the graduation took place. The whole event was to start at 9 am sharp, so I had half an hour to spare. I checked myself in the mirror, gently tugging my hair behind my ears and applying my lipstick. I slipped on my graduation gown, taking my clutch and the graduation hat before locking the car. The whole place was crowded with students and their proud parents, some grandparents and siblings. I walked over to the entrance, where I spotted Scarlett, my lovely best friend. She was wearing a dark green dress, covered by her coat and her dark brown hair styled into a low bun. She was chatting with Brandon, my classmate, but as soon as she saw me she excused herself, walking towards me in her impressively high pumps. We hugged for a moment swaying back and forth.

Only when pulling apart she said excitedly "Fucking finally!" I grimaced at her foul mouth, but grinned nevertheless at her excitement, always being the one to spread contagious joy. She wrapped her hand around my arm and led me to the hall, where noble chairs were arranged. She was part of the organization team, so she knew exactly where we were seated. As I was walking I felt vibrating in my purse, knowing it would be one of my family members informing me they were here. I stopped and answered the phone, my father's voice beaming through the speaker. "We're here Ela, where are you?" "Just inside father, shall I come and get you?" I always spoke quite formally with my father, he was a respected businessman and he saw a thin line between his colleagues and his family.

I mouthed to Scarlett that I would be going towards the parking lot to greet my family, but she already knew, chatting away with yet another classmate. I didn't even need to ask where they would be parking. I knew I would spot the rather fancy car among others easily, and so I did. I saw my father opening the door for my mother and my grandmother. They both looked stunning. My mother always looked representatively, as she was expected not only by my father, but also her mother-in-law. My grandmother had a sour look plastered on her face as she often would. I don't even know when was the last time I saw her smiling, probably never. Grandmother seeked respect and similarly to my father, I spoke formally to her. She didn't indulge much in my life, only being present at my birthdays and some events like high school graduation.

I came up to my family, first greeting my grandmother with a subtle hug and kisses at both of her cheeks, saying how glad I am she decided to come. Next, I greeted my father in a similar way, him scrunching his face into a somewhat half smile. Lastly I greeted my mother, at whose presence I was honestly pleased and overjoyed. She had a proud smile on her face and I knew it would be the only genuine one I would get from my lovely family members. I took my mother's arm and I showed them their seats as the ceremony was close to starting. After checking whether everything was okay with my somewhat difficult family, I found Scarlett sitting next to my assigned seat, grinning she could manage to have us sit next to each other. After a short while the ceremony started, firstly with the principal's speech and later a speech from one of my fellow classmates. I was bored out of my mind as I wasn't really keen on these formal events. I proudly took my diploma, shaked hands with my teachers and took some photos with my family.

When the event ended, me and my parents made our way to grandmother's house, where a fancy lunch would be served in order to celebrate the finish of my studies. The dinner went smoothly, and I was looking forward to the afternoon coffee and dessert. We were seated at a large terrasse, enjoying the beautiful day, sipping coffee and tea. My father and grandmother led a conversation, but I found myself getting distracted multiple times. Only a courteous silence woke me from my daydream and I looked at my father and grandmother. Their faces were turned to me and I was desperately trying to decipher their intense stares. "You're getting married." my grandmother suddenly said.