folklore; conrad fisher

34: four years later

a/n: contains nsfw dialogue, not intended for minors*

I unlocked the door of my apartment, slamming the door shut behind me. I tossed a black robe and cap onto the coffee table, along with a few cords, colored in gold and blue.

"I'm back!" I called out, in a sing-song voice

"Well, well, well..." said the voice of my roommate, Angelika Sloane, "You finally picked up your cap and gown. I swore you were this close to missing the deadline, and having to improvise for graduation."

"Yeah well, I didn't––did I?" I sank into the couch, "All I need now is my stole, which I'm currently getting customized. It's gonna say Summa Cum Laude in big, cursive letters."

"You should add 'nerd' underneath it." She teased, and I threw a pillow at her.

Now that finals were over, there were only days left until our graduation from UC Berkeley. Freshman year, Angelika and I became fast friends. We roomed together our Sophomore and Junior years, and then when it was time to finally get off-campus housing, it only made sense that we bought our first apartment together. Sure, it was rickety, and didn't come with laundry machines, but it was ours. All 700 square feet and two bedrooms.

The past few years at Berkeley were some of the best in my life. I've loved learning about Marine Science, and even got accepted to CSU Monterey Bay for their graduate program under a paid grant. I made so many friends through my major, the surfing team, as well as a variety of different clubs. I'd be graduating with distinction and honors this year, something I was incredibly proud of myself for.

It was crazy to think that my time here went by so quickly. Back home in LA, a lot had changed too. My Sophomore year, my grandpa died. It was a really difficult thing for our family to process, but it only brought us closer. I'd always make sure to visit from time to time, whenever I could get a long weekend, I did the whole road trip down there.

Mom and Leo were still going strong. They moved out of my grandparent's place and got an apartment nearby. It was really nice, a Downtown LA high-rise, with an extra bedroom for me to stay in. I was glad to see my mom so happy with this guy.

As for my friends on the East Coast, life seemed to be going well for them. Steven graduated last term, trying to get a head-start on entering the business field. He landed a job at the company Adam Fisher managed, and was now a full-on finance bro. We grew apart in some ways, but whenever we found the time to speak to one another, it always felt like no time had passed. I was grateful that even though our friendship had changed, we were still able to maintain our bond over the years.

Belly and Jeremiah broke up during her first year at Finch, but they found their way back to each other a few years later. Jeremiah was in a fraternity, and Belly played for the volleyball team––that was, until she sustained a career-ending knee injury. The whole ordeal, however, turned Belly towards pursuing Sports Psychology as a major. The two ended up happier than ever.

I kicked my feet onto the coffee table, slightly away from the cap and gown. I couldn't let myself get too comfortable. I knew I'd have to leave soon for some plans I had that evening. Angelika returned to the living room, now wearing a plush robe and skincare headband. She rubbed an ointment onto her face as she walked towards me.

"So, Twilight binge sesh tonight? I can get Thai Food!"

"As lovely as that sounds," I said, "I can't, I'm going out of town. Plus, you're Team Jacob, it's literally insufferable to watch Twilight with you."

"He has the better six pack!" She argued, "Well, have fun tonight. Tell Agnes I said hi."

She plopped onto the sofa, and that was my cue to start getting ready. Since I'd come to college, I really evolved my style. I was no longer the girl who strictly wore baggy tees and flip-flops. I got a lot more into vintage shopping. My closet became incredibly 70's inspired, with a touch of modern, Pinterest-y trends. I grew my hair out long, too, letting it drape down behind my shoulders and back.