My Heart Will Go On

Chapter 23

Just how fast the night changes, doesn’t it? 1 year just slipped through my fingers. We all are graduating today; 3 years of our college life is getting over. Looking back at these 3 years I remember the moments I smiled, cried, laughed, and enjoyed.

“Wow, we are finally graduating. Can't believe it!” Darla exclaimed. “I agree. It feels like yesterday when we stepped inside this college, when we became friends.” Felix added. Ashley was sitting in a corner with a sorrowful face. I went to her, “Babe, what are you doing here? And why are you sad? We are graduating today, let’s enjoy this moment.” I grabbed her hand and pulled her up.

“And you are leaving me.” I stopped and turned around. “Ash.” I spoke and
hugged her, “I can’t do anything about the fact that my dad got transferred.” “I’ll miss you.” “Ash, one day or the other we had to separate from each other. But who knows maybe we will complete our higher studies together?” She just sobbed which made my eyes teary. It's tough for me too to leave my best friend.

“Ash, please don’t cry. Let's enjoy this day.” I broke the hug and offered her my hand, “Shall we?” She held my hand, and we went to our other friends. “Guys, did your parents arrive?” Ethan asked. “They’ll be here in a few.” I spoke. “Mine are there. I'll be back.” Felix spoke and went to his parents. We waved at them from a distance.

“Rose, you’ll be going back to your native town forever. You must be excited, right?” asked Darla. “Umm, not much.” “Hey everyone!” one of our classmates spoke. “Hello Asher!” We spoke in unison.

“Must say, your group’s grad cap is outstanding.” He clapped. “All thanks to
Ethan, the designer of these caps.” Ashley spoke and we all nodded. “Guys let’s take a group photo before the ceremony starts. Asher, mind clicking a picture for us?” “Of course not.” I handed him the phone and called Felix.

When he arrived, we took our position, keeping hands on each other’s shoulder, and left a place in the middle. “Why did you leave that spot?” All of us glanced at each other with a soft smile, “For a special someone.” I spoke remembering that special someone.

“Let me guess, Lena, right?” Everyone nodded. He clicked our picture and showed us, “We miss you, Lena.” Ethan spoke softly. “Okay, let’s go. It's time for the ceremony to begin.” Asher spoke and we went inside the hall.

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“There are my parents!” I spoke. We were searching for our parents in the hall. "There are Lena's parents too." Felix spotted them and all of us waved at them. "They look sad." Darla said. "Yeah, why wouldn't they be." Ashley spoke and sighed.

Soon the entire academic procession began and Chancellor entered the hall and we all stood up until they took their respective seats. The President of the academic board delivered the welcome address. “Ugh, it’s boring.” I yawned. “Right.” Felix spoke who was sitting to my right.

After the speeches were delivered, it was now time for the main part of the
event, facilitation of awards and degree. Once the prize distribution was done, it was time for degree distribution. “Finally, the moment we were waiting for.” Our row was escorted to the foot of the stage where we waited in line. Once it was time, our names were called. We walked across the stage to shake the Chancellor’s hand; he handed us our degree and stopped to take a photo in front of everyone.

After the formalities and group photos were done, we headed out of the hall. Once we were out, we went to our parents. “Mom, dad.” “Congratulations, dear.” “Thank you. Come meet my friends.” I took them to my friends, and I met their parents.

“Ethan, could you click a picture of me with my parents?” “Sure.” I handed him the phone and he took a photo. “There you go.” I checked the photos, “Thanks.” “Dad, please take our group photo.” Ethan spoke, handing his phone to his father.