Unexpected reunion

Chapter 9

I woke up to the sound of pattering rain hitting my bedroom window the dark morning cast a gloomy shadow across my room setting the day to be a miserable day.
Its been 3 months now since Mason took off!
Me and Sasha have been helping out as much as we can with Mike popping in now and again to help with paperwork and paying wages. Mason's mun winny has started treatment but mike sais its starting to look like a good start to getting better.
And she still demons that's me and the twins still come over once in awhile to spend time together. Mike and winny have become like grandparents ro the twins in the time me and Mason was together.

graduation is today and its sad that Mason wont be here to see me walk up on the stage and get my nursing diploma.

As we enter The auditorium is buzzing with excitement. Proud parents, friends, and graduates fill the rows. At the front, a LARGE SCREEN displays "Congratulations Graduating." I stands nervously at the side of the stage, glancing around.
Dad, papa g and Sasha with West even Mike and winny have attended.
( they have all been loving and supportive), and wave enthusiastically. My anxious but beams a smile at the sight of caiden and Riley , who are nestled between them.
(whispers to myself )
You can do this, Kelsey. Just breathe. You have made a better future for your kids Im going to do great.
Sasha joins me, bouncing on her heels.
Kelsey! Today's YOUR day! Forget about Mason; you're about to make us all proud!
I nods but glances down at her phone—still no message no nothing.

Maybe he doesn't know how to handle all what's been happening,
But look!
You have your dad, papa G, me, west and the twins! And even winny and mike came to support you.
You're a rockstar regardless.
And I love you no matter what and I'm so proud of the woman who you are.
Sasha gives me a hug then makes her way back to her seat.

The anticipation builds as the graduation ceremony begins. A faculty member steps to the podium.

Welcome, everyone, to the Nursing Graduation Ceremony! Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of each graduate...

Now, I'd like to invite our graduates to come forward to receive their diplomas.

This is it! My friend ally says standing next to me. Let's go get our diploma!

One by one our names are called.

Kelsey Lucy carter.

I walks up confidently, the applause ringing in her ears. As I receives my diploma, holding it tightly like a badge of honor. The moment is surreal.
I glancing at everyone who's came to be my  supportive crew. Their smiles light up in the auditorium.
I can see my Dad wiping a tear from his eye and papa taking photos with a big small planted on his face.
Sasha is standing and clapping and so is little west, mike is clapping along with Riley who is sitting on his lap and probably not even sure why but claps along anyway.  Winny is sitting clapping and taking photos and (caiden is looking around as if he is thinking what going on. )

As I descends the stage, i sees the twins waving wildly, both shouting "Mommy!" i scoops them up, making them giggle.

Who's ready for a nurse party?
Sasha shouts.

Dad and Papa approaches with a proud look on their faces. Pulling me I to a tight hug

You did it, Kelsey! I'm so proud of you. Papa says beaming

Before i can respond, Winny and mike joins us, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Your Absolutely amazing, Kelsey. You're going to change lives.

I hugs both of them, emotion spilling over. I turns to Sasha who has tears in her eyes.

You're a nurse now! That's incredible. Let's celebrate!

My phone buzzes, and I briefly checks it.

Still nothing from Mason? Sasha asks

I sighs but shakes it off.
It doesn't matter right now. I have everything I need right here. I say smiling.

I looks around, taking in my family and friends, my heart filled with gratitude.

Time for a group hug, Dad says with wide open arm.

We all embrace , creating a bubble of warmth.

Here's to new beginnings and the impact we can make! I say smiling at everyone.

They all cheer together, lifting me off the ground in excitement.

*************

It's been a few months now since I've graduated and have been working at the hospital as a nurse, I love my job so much. The twins have also started nursery at the school where Sasha works which is handy for me.
I've seen not heard a word from mason.
It's been 6 months his been gone now.
Mike said he had a call from masons old school friend from Plymouth and his been staying with him and that his ok. His said mason just needed time to get his head round the fact his mum has cancer. But his alive.

*****