Under the Stars

Chapter 27

~CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN~

WEDNESDAY,APRIL 16,2025

   The announcement of graduation is coming up, and the entire school buzzes with excitement. The prospect of leaving high school behind is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. As I walk through the halls, I see familiar faces light up with dreams of the future. College is just around the corner, and it's all anyone can talk about.

  In this past few months, nothings new between me and Carl. His always there when I needed him. When I'm not okay his the only person I could run into. Sophie, his mother accepted me like I was her own daughter. That felt good.
I can't believe he was nothing but a perfect boyfriend to me. Not just a boyfriend. But a best friend that you could always count on.

After gym class, Carl catches up to me, a grin plastered on his face. “Hey, pumpkin, got a minute?”

“What’s up, love?” I reply, my grumpiness softened by his infectious cheerfulness.

“I was thinking, with graduation coming up and all, how about we talk about our plans for college?”

We find a quiet spot in the courtyard, away from the hustle and bustle of our classmates. I lean against a tree, watching Carl as he sits down beside me.

“So, what do you want to study?” I ask him, curious.

Carl looks up at the sky, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Maybe a musician so whenever you miss me, you’ll just gonna play my songs.”

I nudge him playfully. “You’re saying goodbye already?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Not a chance, pumpkin. Just thinking about the future.”

We sit in comfortable silence for a moment before I finally open up. “I've been thinking about studying literature. I love writing, and I have a book coming up. But I also need to take a business course because my family needs me.”

Carl looks at me, admiration in his eyes. “That’s amazing, love. Just don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do, okay? Follow your passion, and trust me, it's gonna be worth it.”

Our conversation shifts to more personal matters. I ask him why he’s always so cheerful, never seeming to get angry at anyone.

Carl’s expression softens. “Before my dad died, he told me something I’ll never forget. He said,

‘Don’t ever hurt a woman because they are fragile as glass. You must protect them at all costs. Son, if you ever love a woman, don’t make her feel unwanted and unloved because how you treat her is also how you treat yourself.’

So, if I ever hurt you, it’s like I’m hurting myself.”

His words touch me deeply, and I reach out to hold his hand. “I’m speechless.”

He squeezes my hand gently, and we sit there, lost in our thoughts about the future.

And suddenly the bell rings, signaling that the lunch break is over.

   Professor Anderson stood at the front of the classroom, his usual stern expression replaced with a rare smile.

  The buzz of excitement from the students filled the room as he cleared his throat to get our attention.

“Alright, everyone, listen up,” he began. “As you all know, graduation is just around the corner. To commemorate your time here, we will be hosting a farewell night camp. It’s a chance for you to spend one last night together, sharing memories and looking forward to the future.”