Raphael's Captive

Chapter 2

Sixteen Years Later

THE SMILE never left Tami's face as she climbed the stairs that led to the stage. Cheers from her peers and her family were almost deafening, as she collected her graduating certificate.

She felt so proud of the journey she had made thus far, and she was more than eager for the others to come.

"Tamika Knowles. Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences" The reader announced as she smiled for the picture.

Despite the heat that encamped her body due to the large black gown, it all felt worth it as she walked from the stage with her degree in hand.

She had finished her first stage of becoming a doctor, and she was more so excited to start medical school this fall. Over the years, Tami had always known what she wanted to do with her future. She never had such passion for something, and that alone was enough to assure her.

Being at the University of The Bahamas was never easy, but she did it. Through all the tests, sleepless nights and headaches, she came through. And the smiles on her friends and family's faces was enough encouragement for her to be ready for the coming years that will be difficult, but will be worth it.

And nothing will stop that.

"Congrats Tami!" Her friend, Malik beamed as she walked passed him. She shot him a quick wave in response before heading back to her assigned seat.

She loved how the ceremony had been going so far, and she was more than eager to see the rest.

She watched heartily and in awe as each and every graduate collected their own certificates, and she couldn't have been more proud of them. These were some of the people who she had known since high school. How could she not?

I'm gonna give each and every one of them a hug, she thought as they all stood to stand applause while the last person collected. She giggled a little at the thought. How could she hug so many people in one day? Then again, being a hugger, she didn't doubt it one bit.

The ceremony ended beautifully later that evening, and Tami shuffled through the crowd eagerly to find her family. She was grabbed from behind suddenly, causing her to yelp in surprise as she was twirled around in giant arms.

"One more step to glory baby" Malik beamed as he placed her on her feet after her fit of giggling.

"I know! So exciting!" She replied, doing a mini-dance that only amused Malik even more.

Tami and Malik met two years ago when she applied for her graduate degree. They instantly clicked, and Tami loved him with all her heart, and so did he. Except, his love for her was quite different.

The bright-eyed man scratched the back of his neck shyly as he gazed in Tami's beautiful hazel eyes that always did a number on his heart. She cocked her head in confusion at his sudden shyness.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked, holding onto his hand in concern. That, however, didn't help his nerves.

"I-uh- I was just thinking that maybe later we could-"

"Hold that thought Malik." Tami quickly interrupted, but did it as sweet as possible with apology swimming in her eyes and evident in her tone. "I just spotted my family. I don't want to lose them in the crowd again. I'll call you later, yea?" She didn't wait on a reply. She just quickly pecked his cheek before she dashed towards her family.