Epilogue
May, 2017 | Harlem, New York
"Congratulations to Harlem Tech's Class of 2017!" The proud voice of Harlem Tech's Dean, Professor Martin boomed through the auditorium. And as the final word left we mouth, the students, particularly the ones graduating today, erupted in cheers as the caps of the graduates flew in the air. I was in the midst of it all. I was being hugged and thrown in each direction, but the only place I wanted to be now was in the lobby with my family along with Leah, Quentin, Rakim and Cassidy. But before I could do that, I had to find Joey.
He was in the back being that his last name started with an 'S' and mine started with an 'I.' I couldn't see him past the crowd of people and this was me in heels standing on my tip toes. We knew this would happen and actually made plans to meet by the normally empty bathrooms just two halls away from the lobby. I made my way past the crowd of people, stopping to say goodbye to a few people before turning corners and finding myself back inside the air conditioned building.
There was a few people lingering around the area. They seemed to be on the phone trying to contact sons and daughters who just achieved what everyone portrayed as the 'biggest achievement of their lives.' I felt good for actually completing something, but it didn't give me any satisfaction walking across that stage.
The diploma itself was flattering.
It was this really pretty color and my name was printed it in fancy script and it just made me feel a little bit better, and a little bit more proud of myself for pushing myself to wake up early in the morning and stay up later to complete assignments. But thanks to the help of Joey (who turned out to be really good in Statistcs) and Leah who was just good overall, I managed to bring up my grades and graduated Magna Cum Ladde.
So yeah, I guess you could say I did my best.
"Is that my college graduate girlfriend?" I couldn't help but smile at the statement as soon as I caught eyes of Joey walking towards me. Even in the deep purple gown and yellow hat he had on, he seemed to bring his own style into the outfit and as he did that, he looked so damn sexy.
His gown was unbuttoned so he showed his white button down shirt which he paired nicely with some khakis. He claimed that he looked like a nerd, but I honestly saw nothing but handsome when I looked at him.
And God was I lucky.
"Yes it is, baby." I stated as I wrapped him in a hug. This was honestly the first time that we'd seen each other in seven hours. The both of us were busy practicing our entrances and our exits, and when we weren't, our so called 'friends' at Harlem Tech pulled us aside and forced us to spend our money on nasty ass local food and drinks. And I was glad I was seeing my wonderful boyfriend now after we both arrived at the university at nine o'clock.
"You look so good." I breathed as he pressed his body against mine and we embraced each other.
"Baby, it's all you. Saw your fine ass walking through that stage and had to let everybody know you're mine." Joey stated.
I rolled my eyes.
"You're so dramatic." I spoke placing my hand in the palm of his. "Let's go greet these people." I stated as I lead him towards where family met up with the graduates. There were crowds of people gathered around and everyone seemed to be laughing and smiling as they took pictures and conversed amongst each others. We walked around, looking for where our friends and family could be. Fortunately, we found them near the exit away from the other families.
Typical them.
Immediately, my mom came towards me, placing her arms around me. She was crying and I had to roll my eyes at how dramatic she was. "Baby, I'm so proud of you." She stated, her voice muffled as she spoke into my embrace. "Thank you, Mom." I spoke. She finally let go, and just stated at me, her wet face filled with a bright smile. Joey's mother was doing the same, and when she caught eyes with me she rushed towards me.
