International Affairs

Graduation

Chapter 30: Graduation

Today was the big day. It was graduation.

The entire academy along with students' families came. Outside, a grand stage was set up with several hundred chairs.

"Congrats," Susan said, giving her sister a friendly hug.

"Thanks, Susan," Katelyn replied, hugging her back while holding onto her cap.

There was a slight breeze today and Katelyn worried that her graduation cap might fall off in the middle of the ceremony. She'd ask Sammy for some bobby pins later.

The graduation gowns were white and the top ten ranks got a gold sash to wear around their neck.

Underneath, Katelyn had an indigo dress borrowed from Jane paired with sturdy leather ballet flats. This morning, Jane had straightened Katelyn's hair and Sammy had lent her a pair of dangly earrings.

"Your cap's crooked," a voice said behind her.

Derek fixed the cap, causing Katelyn's shoulders to automatically tense up.

"Uh...Thanks..." Katelyn said, blushing.

"Anything for you."

"Who's this, Katelyn?" Susan asked, studying Derek.

"Um..." Katelyn replied, giving a nervous smile. "Susan, this is Derek Livingston. Derek, this is my sister, Susan," she introduced.

"Hello Derek," Susan greeted. "I've heard so much about you," she added.

"Like what?" Derek asked.

"I heard you and my sister are the ultimate tag team," Susan informed him.

"Your sister and I make the best team," Derek shamelessly agreed. "Isn't that right, Katie?"

Katelyn shot him a look.

"Look, everyone's sitting down," she whispered to them. "See you later!" she called over her shoulder and then went to join Sammy and Jane.

"Derek, want to sit together?" Susan asked.

"That would be nice," Derek agreed.

Susan introduced Derek to all her friends. "This is my sister's boyfriend," she said.

Cole and Aiden hid their laughs as coughs.

The middle school girls all stared in awe at Derek. "Your sister's so lucky..." they all whispered.

"We're not dating," Derek whispered to Susan as everyone hushed.

Susan just smiled. "If you say so, Derek."

"Good afternoon and welcome to Grace Marshall's Academy for Prestigious Young Girls," Headmistress introduced at the podium in center stage. "Today we celebrate the seniors who will be changing the world for the better."

Headmistress was wearing a formal business suit without a single hair out of place and her lipstick was perfectly applied as usual.

"We welcome family, siblings and our alumni to this event," Headmistress continued. "Every year we take pride in our students, students that excel in every class and carry so much potential. Now, we have a big day ahead of us. I ask that everyone please turn off their cellphones and other electronic devices."

Headmistress paused to give everyone a chance to do as she asked.

"Let's kick off this graduation with a slide show," she said, taking a seat with some other board members.