Look After You {Completed}

V. May

~May~

            “Today is a turning page in our life. This is what we have been waiting for all our lives. Sometimes, things happen in our lives that we would never expect. We meet new people,” Mina says up at the podium, her gaze meeting mine. “We try new things and we experiment.”

            I sit in one of the countless row of seats, holding my graduation cap tightly in my hands as I see some people wipe their eyes.

            Mina was valedictorian this year so she was making the graduation speech.

            “Who knows what will happen when we leave this place. We have all our life to live and make mistakes. I used to have everything planned out in front of me, I had a blueprint for my career to how many kids I wanted but recently,” Mina says, clearing her throat. “Recently, I’ve met someone who seems to being a living contradiction to everything I have believed in.”

            I suck in a breath, as Mina never looks away from me.

            “He taught me that things happen in our life that many of us never would have thought would happen. He taught me that there is beauty even in the dark, and that there is hope amidst trouble. Even though he might not even realize himself what he is capable of, I do, and I have that same hope that I have in him for all of you in this room,” Mina finishes.

            Roars of applause and whistles sound out through the room as everyone stands. Mina looks away from me, a shy smile on her face as she walks off the stage to take her seat in the front row next to Tyler.

            ~*~

            “We did it Senior class of 2012!” my principle yells out as everyone whoops loudly and throws their caps into the air.

            A small smile remains on my lips and a feeling of fear mixed with freedom falls upon me. I was done.

            I was done with this high school chapter in my life.

            Searching for Mina, I look around before spotting her, shaking countless hands and smiling brilliantly, her hair curled and splayed over her shoulders.

            Just as I take a step to approach her, I see Tyler approach her as well. I stop in mid step and watch.

            “We did it baby!” Tyler yells, opening his arms as Mina squeals and runs into his arms. People laugh and cheer around them.

            I swallow hard, tightening my fists before turning abruptly away.

            A new beginning for everyone. Right.

            “Jace!” someone suddenly calls my name. I turn around to see my foster parents and Jane waving like mad at me.

            before I can stop it, a smile stretches across my face as I make my way to them.

            “You did it buddy!” Jim says proudly, clapping my shoulder.

            “I’m so proud of you sweetie,” Carol says, tearing up as she hugs me.

            I awkwardly hug her back, not even sure what to say.

            I look back down when I feel someone tug my shirt and Jane looks up at me with her big blue eyes. “Good job Jace!”

            “Thanks sweetie,” I say earnestly, ruffling her hair.

            I look above everyone’s head unable to keep my eyes from searching for Mina.

            I had to stop this. She wasn’t taking about me.

            She was perfectly happy without me in her future life.