State of Grace - Jack Hughes

013

Allie

The past two weeks have been so slow. Nothing but class, final projects, my remote work for the Rangers, and lots and lots of FaceTime calls from Jack. Talk about work life balance.

I am so proud of his team for moving forward in the playoffs. Jack says all he cared about was beating the Rangers and the rest is just a bonus. He had been so busy with their series against the Hurricanes, but that quickly came to an end in a short 5 game series. They lost only a few days ago, it was a great time, went to overtime, but an on the road loss never feels good. It was a night filled with tears over the phone, but I won't say from who. Personally, I think he's just bitter about his jib, but it's been growing on me.

After our season came to an end, I ventured back to school to spend the remaining time with friends, pack the rest of my apartment and then graduate. That word feels wrong. I don't think I am ready to join the real world.

My apartment is the shell of what it used to be. It was full of life -literally with my house plants- color decorated every inch possible, pictures of loved ones, and countless pillows. Now, the sunlight is bouncing off the plain white walls, making the space feel emptier than ever.

Now, I am standing here in my doorway in my graduation dress and special heels overlooking the space taking inventory of the box towers that have grown taller and taller. Lexie is fiddling around in her suitcase trying to find one of her shoes to wear to my ceremony.

"Lou, I just got an email that there is a package downstairs, I am going to grab it before we go."

"Hopefully, I find my shoe by the time you get back."

I chuckle and shuffle over to the elevator to the mail room. The building is filled with excitement today. It is mainly seniors who will also be graduating later this morning. The hallways are filled with music, chatter, and occasionally parents fighting with their kids about moving boxes. The doors open with a soft ding, and I step inside joining the group in the cramped space.

The elevator glides down from the fifth floor to the lobby, and I am happy to see John, the mailroom attendant in the room. It's always nice having him there instead of poking around trying to find my items.

"Green, that was fast, I just sent the email."

"Hi John. I know, I wanted to get everything before going to the ceremony, couldn't keep you waiting," I smile.

"Well, congratulations. This is for you and so are those." He points over to the table across the way, and I follow his finger. On the table is a small flower arrangement, made of bright orange flowers, my school colors. In his other hand is a smaller FedEx box.

I approach the flowers scanning for a card. Before I can even ask about it John beats me to the question, letting me know there was not one when the company dropped it off. I thank him for my items and make my way back up to the apartment.

"So, did you find your shoe?" I ask entering the apartment, placing my new items on the counter.

"Yes ma'am. Who are those from?"

"I don't know, there is no card. I am assuming my parents or yours." I am riffling through my packing supplies for my scissors to open the small box. "They're so pretty, nice and orange."

"Orange is so ugly. I'm sorry."

I gasp. "Say that to my fabulous shoes."

"Fine orange is ugly, other than the shoes. And the flowers." She rolls her eyes and peers over my shoulder at the box. "What's in the box?"