The day had finally come-graduation. It should have been a bittersweet moment for most seniors, but for me, it was nothing short of exhilarating. After all, this day wasn't just about me; it was about Sam too. My perfect, sweet Sam, who looked as nervous as ever as she sat on the edge of my bed, fidgeting with her hands.
I had picked out the most beautiful white dress for her-a simple, flowy design that highlighted her innocence. She didn't complain as I helped her into it, though I could feel her reluctance in every movement. Once she was dressed, I placed her graduation robe over her shoulders, making sure it was smooth and perfect. Her cap sat nearby, the decorations I'd helped her with shining brightly. It was adorned with musical notes and the phrase "One Day at a Time."
"You look adorable," I murmured, planting a kiss on her cheek. She blushed, her lips twitching into the faintest smile.
When I went to retrieve her cap, I noticed her gaze lingering on the cords draped across my robe-symbols of my achievements. I had cords for academics, athletics, music, and community service. Her expression darkened, her shoulders slumping slightly.
"Aw, Sammi, are you sad because you don't have a cord?" I teased, tilting her chin up so she had to look at me. She tried to look away, but I caught her pout. "You're so cute when you pout," I said, unable to resist attacking her face with kisses.
Her cheeks turned crimson, and she tried to push me away, but I grabbed one of my cords-a pink one representing music-and draped it around her neck. "There," I said, stepping back to admire my handiwork. "Now you have a cord too. It suits you."
She looked down at the cord, her fingers brushing over it hesitantly. For a brief moment, I saw a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered softly.
I kissed her forehead, pulling her into a quick hug before stepping back to get myself ready. I slipped into my white dress and graduation robe, adjusting my own cap in the mirror. With one last glance at Sam, I grabbed her hand and led her down the stairs to where my parents were waiting.
The ceremony was held on the school's football field, the bleachers packed with family and friends. The energy was electric, but Sam and I were separated due to our last names. I hated not sitting beside her, but I kept stealing glances her way. She looked small and anxious in the sea of graduates, her hands clutching her diploma folder tightly.
When my name was called, the stadium erupted in cheers. Jake's voice was the loudest of them all, shouting, "That's my girl!" I waved at the crowd, wearing a dazzling smile as I strode across the stage to accept my diploma. This was my moment, and everyone knew it.
But when Sam's name was called, the cheers fell silent. No one clapped, no one cheered. The sound of her footsteps on the stage was almost deafening. I saw a single tear slip down her cheek as she accepted her diploma, her head hanging low.
Though I wanted to cheer for her, I didn't. Not publicly. I clapped softly, just for her, so she wouldn't feel completely alone. I knew I'd make it up to her later.
After all the names were called, the principal stepped up to the microphone. "Before we conclude today's ceremony, we have a special award to present. This year's recipient is a student who has achieved perfect attendance, maintained a 4.0 GPA, and earned a scholarship to Harvard University. Please join me in congratulating Scarlett Jones!"
The crowd erupted again, and I walked back up to the stage, basking in the applause. But as I stood there, holding the award, I made my decision. "Thank you so much," I said into the microphone, my eyes locking onto Sam in the crowd. "But I won't be attending Harvard on campus. I've decided to pursue my education online so I can stay here and focus on what's most important to me."
I saw her expression shift-hope giving way to dread. She knew what this meant. She was stuck with me.
After the ceremony, I took photos with Maya and the rest of my friends, many of whom were the same people who had tormented Sam throughout high school. My parents arrived with bouquets of flowers-one for me, and one for Sam. "I'll give it to her myself," I told them, hugging my mom and dad briefly.
When the crowd dispersed, I found Sam sitting under a tree, hugging her diploma to her chest as tears streamed down her face. Quietly, I sat beside her, pulling her into my lap. She didn't resist, burying her face in my shoulder as her sobs shook her small frame.
"No one cheered for me," she whispered brokenly. "I'm a nobody."
I tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at me. "That's not true," I said with a soft laugh. "You're my nobody."
Her tear-streaked face twisted in frustration. "You didn't even cheer for me."
I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "If I had, people would've stared. But I did clap. Just for you."
She didn't reply, only sobbed harder, her tears soaking into my dress. I held her close, rocking her gently as I whispered comforting words.
"You're not alone, Sam," I said softly. "You're mine. And I'll always be here for you."
Later, my parents joined us, congratulating Sam warmly. Daddy handed her the bouquet of flowers, and though she looked wary, she managed a quiet, "Thank you."
The four of us went out to celebrate at a fancy restaurant. Sam perked up slightly when the waitress brought her a kids' menu, and she began doodling on it with the provided crayons. I watched her, amused by how childlike she looked, and we ended up playing tic-tac-toe until the food arrived.
Sam and I shared a plate of chicken tenders and ranch, while Mom and Dad split a steak and salad. Throughout the meal, Mom stayed close to Daddy, her fear evident in the way she clung to his arm. Sam watched them warily, but I kept her distracted with playful conversation.
For dessert, the waitress brought out a small cake with two candles for Sam and me. The restaurant clapped as we blew out the candles together, though Sam's smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
When we got home, I carried Sam upstairs, changed her into matching pajamas, and chained her to the bed once more. As I tucked her in, I leaned down to kiss her forehead.
"Goodnight, my little graduate," I whispered. "You'll always be my proudest achievement."
She didn't reply, turning her face away as tears welled in her eyes. But I didn't mind. She would understand eventually.
She was mine. Forever.
