Un•A•Were

21| Graduation, Part Deux

Amanda's POV:

Today is the day! Graduation day! To say I'm filled with excitement would be an understatement. My mom and two best friends will be here soon and I can hardly contain my nerves. I haven't seen Sam and Luke in person in almost a year as they can only visit seldomly and I refuse to go home, even for holidays, due to a certain someone. The wound is still raw, even after four years. And, I still don't know what to do about it. I'm conflicted between love and anger, pain and happiness, the past and the future. I shake my head of the negative memory before ruining my mood.

"Only positive talk today Mandy!" I declare out loud to myself. Nothing will dampen my graduation day. I've worked too hard to achieve this degree in English.

I soon hear a knock on the door. As soon as there is a crack in the door, I'm engulfed in the arms of Samantha, followed by the strong arms of Luke.

"Okay, can't breathe you two! Must have air!" I lightly cough.

"Sorry! We haven't seen you in soooooo long! We've missed you soooooo much!" Sam squeals.

"Congrats Mandy! We're so proud of you!" Luke states.

"Thanks Luke! I missed you guys too! And what the hell have y'all been doing?! You're massive and Sam, you're a toned badass, bish!" I boast, taking in both of their physiques which is much more muscular than the last time I saw them. They both chuckle at my observation.

"I guess four years has allowed time to mold and grow." Luke says with a slightly sad undertone that didn't go unnoticed by me. I felt a little guilty for not being around and keeping my distance.

About that time, I hear a light laugh from behind my two best friends. They both side step revealing my beautiful mother.

"Mom!" I rush to her and wrap her in a long-overdue hug. She squeezes me back.

"Oh, my beautiful baby girl! I've missed you so." She whispers sweetly into my ear. "Let me look at you!" She steps back, cupping her hands around my face. I snicker and smile as she looks me over to ensure I'm real. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Thanks mom! Can you believe it? College graduate! I'm official!" I laugh with pure joy and excitement.

"Speaking of which, we better get going if you're going to make that 11 am call time." Luke states.

"Okay, just let me grab my cap and gown and we can make our way over to the stadium." I gallop back into my room and grab the black cap and gown off of the closet door. I stop briefly at my mirror and check my appearance. I center my father's pendant in the center of my dress. I hope I've made you proud, daddy. I breathe in deep and release. I make my way back to the front door where my three favorite people are standing, waiting for me.

"Ready?" Sam asks.

"Absolutely! Let's go!" I say confidently.

We walk toward Luke's grey Toyota Tundra. As I am about to get in, I get this feeling of being watched. My eyes scan around the complex, but didn't see anything. I jump in the truck and Luke pulls out, heading to the stadium.

After introductions and several long-winded speeches about the future, it is time to cross the stage. I am pulled out of my boredom when the aisle marshal takes his position at the end of our row. The butterflies lift off into flight in my stomach and my hands become clammy. I take several deep breaths and on the marshal's cue, we stand and walk toward the stage. I'm overwhelmed with emotion: excitement, joy, nervousness, fear....yes, even a little bit of fear of what the future holds. I step into position on the corner of the stage, waiting for my name to be called.