Hate is a passionate Emotion ( Completed)

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Graduation day

Brice and I hooked arms as we strode to the stage. My name was called and I walked up the stairs nervously, picking up my long gown on my way up. I grabbed my diploma and unrolled it. I showed it in a displaying form and my mother rushed over to throw a few pictures.  Brice was called three people after me and repeated the process.

I suddenly felt an emptiness inside as I watched Brice flash his beautiful gleaming smile. I wouldn't see him for another eight years maximum. I'd have to stand for all those years and wear only an engagement ring. Truth is, I haven't told anyone yet. I've been doing everything possible to hide my ring because I was afraid of the reactions. My parents always said that it would be best for me to get married after I finished college and received a steady job. Technically that will all be done by the time Brice returns from service but that won't register until I explain.

And what about Josh? How will he react to all of this? Will he be happy and congratulate us? Or maybe he'll be upset... Sad? His reaction is more of a mystery than any.

I only told Iris. She was thrilled and wouldn't stop toying with the finger that my ring was on. She usually wasn't much to drool over jewelry but she wouldn't quit complimenting the precious diamond on my finger.

Brice took long strides towards me with his hands open wide. I ran into them and he spun me around, my face nuzzled in his warm neck. I didn't try to hide my sobs as my tears soaked his graduation gown. He was leaving in a few hours. Tonight, I'll drive him to the airport and I won't see him till he comes back from service.

"Calm down Cari, I'm not leaving forever." He cooed. My tears didn't falter but I tried to control my sobs.

Someone tapped on my shoulder and I turned around. My mother and father stood there, staring at my finger and my brother was the one who tapped on my shoulder. My mother broke down in sobs saying things like 'my baby!' and 'your engaged' and 'your beautiful'. My father just stood there in shock. I knew he wouldn't take it well. I mean, to a father this means that there's another man in their daughter's life.

"Daddy." I said, ignoring my mother's fussing and my brother glaring towards Brice. Was he seriously being defensive of his OLDER sister? Great, now he realizes his 'responsibility'

"I'm proud of you sweetheart. You've grown up at a steady pace and I know your ready for this. And anyways, it's going to be five or so years till the actually wedding." Father finally spoke. I grinned and released Brice to hug my father tight.

Soon enough, everyone surrounded Brice including Iris, Jess, and Josh. I hid my hand in the pockets of my gown so Josh wouldn't see. I'm not ready to tell him yet because I'm afraid of how he'll react. Maybe he is over me, but I can't just burst out that I'm engaged after only three months since I've taken my love for him out of my life officially. I think Jess knows by now since Iris isn't one to keep her mouth shut, but I know she wouldn't be so much of a blabber that she'd tell Josh.

"And to think that in a few years their going to be..." I slapped my hand over Iris's mouth, but my mother finished her sentence.

"MARRIED!"

I let my hands dropped as Josh's head snapped up and towards me. I knew the look he gave me, it was the same look he gave me before he left for Alaska. A look of longing but a false reassuring smile played on his lips. His eyes called out for answers as his hands reached out almost unnoticeably towards me. I grabbed it and pulled him aside, giving Brice a look that told him that I'd handle it.

I took Josh to one of the benches on the other side of the courtyard and sat him down. His hands refused to let go of mine so I allowed him to hold it just this once, in a friendly way.