𝑀𝐴𝐺𝑀𝐴 | 𝐉𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒

𝟗 | 𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄

・𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐍𝐀・

"𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 graduates! After years of hard work, you have all earned your Gotham University degree."

Reina played with the end of the bright gold cord that was slung around her neck, though she kept her eyes on the red-robed Dr. Ansari. He was speaking at the podium, which was on the left side of the stage that she had walked across not too long before. Department chairpersons and program directors sat in the middle of the stage, dressed in robes adorned in red.

It really was quite a beautiful setting. The gold Gotham University crest was imprinted on a blue flag that was draped into the background. There were bouquets of white and gold peonies that lined the bottom of the stage, all in full bloom. 

"It is an honour to share this special moment with you—we applaud you for reaching this important milestone. You have now joined a proud strong worldwide network of over seven hundred thousand Gotham University alumni. You represent all that is great about this university—each of you is now a lifelong Ambassador and what does this mean? It may mean different things to each of you at various times in your life."

She glanced behind her, though she quickly returned her gaze to the professor. It sucked that they had to sit in alphabetical order. Of course, it'd be chaos if there weren't some sort of order, but she hated the fact that she was sitting near the front while Jaime was in the middle. It felt wrong that they weren't sitting side-by-side for this moment. Just the fact that she was going through this milestone between two strangers felt wrong.

"It may mean volunteering on an alumni committee, attending an alumni event, cheering on your team at a football game, or simply sharing your positive Gotham University experiences with your family, friends and colleagues." Dr. Ansari smiled down at them, his thick mustache curving upwards. "We invite and encourage you to keep in touch with us and share all the amazing things you will do in your career and lives. We cannot wait to share in your many successes in the years to come. Congratulations again and welcome to the Gotham University Alumni Association! I now call upon our President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jensen O'Moore."

Everyone clapped as Dr. Ansari went to sit down. Then, up came the President of the university. He stood at the podium, smiling at them as the applause died down. He had already given his speech at the beginning of the convocation, so Reina assumed he was closing. And thank God, too, because as happy and excited as she was about graduating, she was also about to fall asleep, and her legs were aching.

"Thank you all for attending this convocation ceremony." His gaze turned to the audience, who were all seated behind the graduating chairs, and he nodded. "As the formal program comes to a close, we ask that you please remain seated until the procession of graduates has exited one last time. To our graduates" —his smile widened, and he spread his arms out— "congratulations once again. Please celebrate responsibly, you all deserve it! Have a great rest of your day."

The band at the side of the room began to play as the members on stage stood up. Slowly, they walked off the stage and down the aisle.

When it was time for the students to leave, Reina was suddenly glad that her last name granted her the second row. Getting to her feet was probably the best thing she had felt in a long time. She followed the rest of her row down the aisle, and out into the foyer of the building.

The foyer was nearly full, though it quickly evened out as people headed outside to take photos. Reina stood off to the side, watching the rest of the students filter in as she waited for Jaime to come out. She smiled at the familiar faces that passed her and murmured her congratulations to them, though her eyes would very quickly return to the crowd.