Between Then & Now // Hugh Jackman

20 // Graduation Day

Several families filled the many rows of chairs by the stage. Some held up cameras, but all of them craned their necks to get a glimpse of their own son or daughter as they walked and got their certificate.

The whole courtyard was alive, bustling with an ecstatic energy. This graduation would mark an end for few students but for most, it was a new beginning. That was how it would be for Hugh. I just knew it. I also saw what he would become, but even if I didn't, I could feel it.

Unlike the families, which I knew one was Hugh's and another Alana's, I stood off to the side, keeping my distance. I leaned against a tall oak tree a few feet away from the chairs, from them.

I was close enough to see the stage and when Hugh would walk across it, but far away enough to not attract unnecessary attention. I had meddled enough in Hugh's and Alana's lives alone, and though I knew my mom would be somewhere amongst the crowd, I couldn't interfere more than I already had.

It took everything within me to stay put. I wanted so badly to just see her again, but I'd done enough damage.

From where I was, I watched as Hugh and Alana went on stage once their names were called. They both dazzled as they wore their graduation robes and caps, certainly full of nerves and excitement.

As Hugh walked, he spotted me from on the stage. He gave me the briefest of smiles. I smiled back, offering a tiny wave just right when he looked away, refocusing back on the moment.

The applause for every student was loud. I felt a swell of emotions clapping for each and every one for all the hard work they put into these past couple years. I clapped more boisterously for Hugh, even though I knew he couldn't hear me. He shook the director, Sheila's, hand with a strong grip.

Seeing him up there, made me forget about what I would do tomorrow. This was a happy moment, and I wasn't going to spoil it with thoughts of traveling back to my time. That could wait until tomorrow morning.

Alana had gone a few students before Hugh. I knew she felt just as much pride and a sense of accomplishment as Hugh did. They were both on the precipice of something great. I knew Hugh's future, what he would amount to, but I knew nothing of my aunt. She would change all that by not using the watch. I made a note to look out for her when I got back to the future.

Another reminder of how temporary my presence here really was.

Once the ceremony concluded, all the graduates dispersed and met up with their families for congratulations. Cameras flashed, but I was able to make Hugh out. He was surrounded by his father and one of his sisters. They pulled him into a tight hug and the smile he wore impossibly widened.

Consider it luck or being unfortunate, they were close enough that I could hear his dad clap Hugh on the back. His voice was filled with pride.

"I'm so proud of you. You've made it. Your mom would be so proud of you too. Proud of the man you have and will become."

Hugh's smile softened at the mention of her. There was a quiet but sad intensity in his eyes. All he did was nod. His hand slowly came up to grip onto his father's shoulder for support.

"Thanks, dad. I know."

Hugh's older sister, I assumed, wrapped her arms further around him. "You're on your way to becoming a real actor now."

He chuckled. "Yeah? Just wait then. You'll be seeing me on the television one of these days."

He and his family shared more laughs from where I observed from my spot under the tree. He seemed so at home. This was where he belonged. This was his time, his world. One that I wasn't going to be a part of much longer.