The alumni party glittered with elegance. The ballroom shimmered under golden lights, chandeliers raining brilliance down on everyone dressed in their finest. Music floated in the air, soft at first, just enough to carry conversations.
I felt almost unreal in my emerald gown, the fabric hugging my figure and flowing behind me like I belonged in a different world. My hair, styled in loose waves, caught the light every time I moved. I could feel Jason’s gaze on me all evening. Every time I laughed, every time I smiled, he was watching me, like the world itself had shrunk to just us. It made me nervous and giddy all at once.
Janet was glowing in her royal blue dress, so confident and beautiful, and I caught her looking at me and Jason more than once, not with envy, but with this quiet warmth that made my heart squeeze.
The hall was filled with old alumni, powerful men and women, all catching up on memories of their school days. The younger ones, mostly school excos and the planning committee, rushed around making sure everything ran smoothly. Jason, of course, was right in the middle of it all, commanding attention without even trying.
During the vote of thanks, the school principal thanked everyone for the success of the event, for all the Alumni that donated to the school, and then she mentioned my father and his great contribution to the building of the new library which is now named after him in his memory.
She told us to stand up and observe a minute silence in his memory, I felt a tear drop at that point, I really wished he was here with his old school mates.
When the main event finally ended and the adults drifted away for the night, the after-party began. The atmosphere changed instantly, freer, livelier, filled with laughter and the kind of fun that only started once parents were gone.
It was then, by the drinks table, that I saw Sharon. Our eyes met, and for a moment neither of us moved. Then she walked toward me, her expression softer than I’d ever seen it.
“Tiara,” she said quietly. “Can I… have a word?”
I nodded, curious.
She clasped her hands in front of her, her voice low and shaky. “I just… wanted to apologize. For everything. How I handled the thing with Jason. I behaved immaturely out of jealousy, and I was unfair to you too. Seeing you two now… I realize he’s found someone who really sees him. And I’m happy for him. And for you. I wish you the best.”
I studied her face, waiting for sarcasm, for a smirk, anything familiar, but none came. She meant it. So I smiled softly.
“Thank you, Sharon. That means a lot.”
She gave a small smile back, then slipped away into the crowd.
Jason appeared beside me almost immediately. “What was that about?”
“She apologized,” I said simply.
His eyebrows shot up. “Sharon? Apologized?”
“Yes.”
He blinked, then laughed in disbelief. “Wow. Maybe the world really is changing.”
I just grinned and he tugged at my hand. “Come on. There’s something I want to show you.”
He led me outside to the gazebo where we used to gather for group readings. My heart nearly burst when I saw it, fairy lights strung around the posts, casting everything in a soft golden glow. And waiting there were Paula, Folu, and Janet, smiling like conspirators.
“This,” Paula announced dramatically, holding up a glass, “is Tiara’s farewell.”
My throat tightened. “You guys…”
“Shhh.” Paula laughed. “Just listen.”
She cleared her throat. “Tiara, you’re a great girl. Honestly, I don’t say this often, but I’ve always admired you. You went through so much, but you stayed strong. I need to confess something, though.” She glanced at Jason, her cheeks pink. “I was jealous of you at first. Because I had a crush on Jason.”
Jason’s head snapped up. “Wait, what?”
We all burst out laughing as Paula buried her face in her hands. Then she peeked out and grinned. “Anyway, I’m glad you two found each other. You belong together. Tiara, I love you, and I’ll miss you.” She hugged me tight, and I hugged her back, smiling through the lump in my throat.
Next was Folu. He grinned awkwardly. “Well, since confessions are flying around… as you all know, I confessed my feeifor Tiara at this same place. It was a very awkward moment."
We all laughed. Then he went on. “But the truth is, it made me realise that I could love selflessly. I found my own love, I think I've actually always liked Janet. I just didn’t let myself see it because of Jason."
Janet was grinning like a kitten.
"But now I know better. And Tiara, honestly, I’ve seen you steal my best friend’s heart. I can’t be mad. You’re strong, you’re kind, and you make him better. I’m happy for you both. I will miss you, and I wish you all the best.” He hugged me warmly, and I could see Janet’s shy smile in the background.
Then came Janet, already teary before she even started. Jason sighed dramatically. “Here we go.”
Janet glared at him through her tears and then turned to me. Her voice cracked as she spoke. “Tiara, I didn’t just find a friend in you. I found a sister. You’ve been there for me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. I love you with all my heart, and I don’t know what I’ll do without you here. You’re my person. And I’m going to miss you so, so much.”
By then she was crying, full-on sobbing as she threw herself at me. I hugged her tightly, tears streaming down my own cheeks.
When it was Jason’s turn, everyone looked at him. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, his jaw tight. His voice was thick when he finally spoke. “I’ll… save mine for later. If I start now, I won’t be able to stop.”
We all laughed softly, even through our tears, and my heart felt like it might burst with love for every one of them.
This was my family. My people. And saying goodbye had never felt harder.
