Anathema

Chapter Eight... Fuck Her

Graduation Day

Kali swayed slightly, her eyes fixed on the stage as she waited for her name to be called.

The warm glow of the stadium lights and the murmur of the crowd blended together in a happy haze. She was tipsy, but she didn't care – she was finally here, about to graduate.

As she waited, Kali's mind wandered back to the long journey that had brought her to this moment.

The late nights, and early mornings. The tears, the doubts, the fears. It had all been worth it, she thought, her eyes welling up with tears.

She thought about the people who had supported her along the way. She felt so much love and gratitude for them words couldn't describe.

As the names before hers were called, Kali's excitement grew. She stood up, smoothing her gown, and took a deep breath. This was it. This was her moment.

A few tears escaped, rolling down her cheeks as she thought about how far she'd come. She wiped them away, laughing shakily. She was really doing this. She was really graduating.

"Kali Laila Jones..." the announcer started to say, and she snapped back to attention. Her heart skipped a beat as she heard her name. It was time. She took a deep breath, smiled, and stepped forward, ready to walk across that stage and into the next chapter of her life.

As Kali walked across the stage, the applause and cheers enveloped her, making her feel like she was floating on air.

She shook hands with the dean, accepted her diploma, and smiled for the camera, trying to hold back tears of joy.

45 minutes later

They released the graduates from the Stadium and she pulled out her phone to call Valerie. She answered on the 1st ring.

"Aye, where y'all at?" Kali asked walking out the gate scanning the crowded area.

In front of the stadium was so crowded infront of the stadium with families taking pictures and looking for their graduates.

"Stay where you at, Von said he see you keep walking in the direction you going," Valerie instructed.

"G," Kali stated. She looked around again trying to spot Von's tall frame, but was nowhere to be seen, "I don't see y'all," she added, a hint of frustration

"Girl we right here," Valerie said before hanging up the phone.

Kali looked up ahead and saw Valerie and her face lit up. "Ommgggg my baby," she squealed, running into Valerie's arms.

The too hugged for a couple seconds before Von interrupted. "Alright Valerie, move around son," He joked walking up to the side of them.

Kali let a few tears fall before she let go of Valerie. She stood back and looked up at Von.

"Comer Vonny." she cooed, opening her arms wide for a hug.

Von laughed before sweeping Kali into a bear hug, lifting her off the ground.

They two shared a warm embrace. Feeling von so close to her made her heart skip but she intended on pushing whatever that was down to the ocean. Von's her bestie. Nothing more nothing less.

She patted his back before the two separated. "Crybaby ass." Von joked. "You gone ruin ya makeup folks."

They shared a laugh before Kali spoke again. "I thought my Granny was with y'all. She at the car or sum'? She asked running her fingers through her jet back 30' bundles.