Chasing Chase (Urban Fiction)

8 | Graduation Day

I tilted my cap to the left in my mirror. I kept fidgeting with my gown as well. I just wanted it all to be perfect. This was a big accomplishment for everyone. I couldn't get ready at Parker's house because all of my things were home, and Cell stopped by early this morning to get Park a new suit. He kissed me sweetly and said he'd see me when I walked that stage. I smiled to myself in the mirror thinking of this journey I was about to embark on with Parker. I stood in the mirror, just staring. I felt a comforting hand on my shoulder. I knew it was JoJo.

"You look great Chase" he smiled to me.

I had my white cap and gown covering my long sleeved blue V cut dress. My hair was straightened and flowed down my back. Early this morning JC came over and did my makeup. Everything flowed perfectly. I did look nice, I just had a bad feeling about today that I couldn't shake. JoJo handed me a box.

"What's this?" I turned to him in shock.

"Dad left it for you.. he um, he left it with me, the day before he died.. he said it was for when you graduated"

My heart smiled and so did I. I felt a tear drop from my eye. Dad knew he wasn't coming back. The day before he died he left me a gift to give to JoJo once he graduated, and a card. He gave the same thing to JoJo to give to me for this day. Now, here it is. I sat on the couch and took it all in. I read the card and ran my hand over his signature at the bottom. I yearned for my father's love.

"Hey.. you can't be getting all ugly moments before we leave." JoJo joked. He always tried to lighten the mood when he could, instead of having to ask what was wrong. In this situation, he already knew what was wrong. "He's with us Chase.. all the time.. I know you feel him"

A smile overcame me as I wiped away my tears. I pulled my brother in for a hug. "Of course I feel him.. he's always with us"

"Exactly" we smiled to each other and I kissed his forehead, bringing him in for a warm embrace that neither of us wanted to let go of. When we did, he got off of the couch and said he would see me outside, but before he left out the door, he turned back. "I love you Chassia"

"I love you too JoJo" I turned to get my keys and headed for the door.

***

JC's POV

I woke up this morning to breakfast in bed and surprisingly a happy baby. BJ laid next to me, and when I opened my eyes, he said some baby words that I figured amounted to 'Congratulations Mommy'. I smiled at him and kissed his forehead.

Today was going well. Nothing was in the way of our prospering for the future. "Hey babe!" I yelled out to Blake. I stood in the mirror fixing my dress before I put my gown on.

He came around the corner and stopped in his tracks when he saw me. "I thought you were going to graduation"

"I am"

"Not looking as sexy as you do" he joked. He wrapped his arms around me and we stood in the mirror. He kissed my cheek and I smiled. I couldn't be happier. I was in love with the man of my dreams. Blake was on to big things, he had job openings in several different places, and made it clear that after this summer, we were gone from Compton for good. "I got the job" he whispered in my ear.

I turned to him in shock. "Which one?"

"The one in Georgia.. I know you have family there.. it's a great place to be to raise BJ, and maybe more kids when we get married"

"When?" I questioned his gesture because Blake never said when, he always said if. He got down on one knee and my hand shot over my mouth in shock.