The Beguiling Havoc. . .

--Graduation--

I stand seclude in my black gown and cap shielding my throbbing heart, too anxiously I glance across my around - chancellor and three vice chancellors along with senior professors decked in black and red regalia talk with each other.

I flick . . . damn me, for bringing myself up in this ordeal. I resist the urge to pull my hair.

I spend four years, locked up in room with nose buried in books only wanting, my academic career to be flawless and mission accomplished.

But now, I can't seem to take that after some nervy- minutes, I have to give my  exceptional valediction- ahead of thousand people.

Don't throw up. I chant.

I wanted - my graduation similar to past four years- hidden and achieving and - in the auditorium like everybody else.

If someone ask me, I prefer myself in the background and even when I volunteered, it was Susan who publicize me.

"Miss Rose."

Susan is my roommate, best friend and self- reliant being. I bet, if she was in my place, would really make an appreciating farewell speech.

"Miss Rose."

And damn . . . even she's expecting from me. Damn, damn me.

"Gia." I startle and gape at the familiar squint eyes and wrinkled-face, appears just fallen out from the bed as usual - Professor Roberts. Damn, I zoned out again.

I blink, "Yes, professor." I drawl, my cheeks heating with embarrassment, and unconsciously my eyes avert beside him . . . still on him.

"I introduce you to Mr.Vasquez, the major benefactor of our university." Professor says, his voice filled with immense proud fix on him.

The feverish thoughts of my speech seclude in the corner as I peer at him.

Holy Jesus . . . I have pictured a man in forties, a slight tummy and bald head as our main benefactor. But he's . . . exactly opposite.

Young and attractive- too attractive.

"Mr. Vasquez, our Valedictorian, Miss Rose." Professor eyes me with same intensity, I smile at him and then at him.

Marble-gray eyes penetrates through mine.

He's dressed in immaculate grey suit, muscles are rippling out of his white linen shirt and stubborn threads fallen on his forehead from his dense brown tresses.

"Excuse me for a moment , Mr. Vasquez." He acknowledges. Professor Richards spare us, not before giving me a look of understanding.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Vasquez." I breathe, staring at his sculptured face and sharp features, thick eyebrows and slight beard adorning his square jaw - something melts inside me like- caramel pouring into hot chocolate.

He holds his long-fingered hand out and I take it, a shiver crawls down my spine.

I am really fidgety today and so are my nerves.

"Pleasure is all mine, Miss Rose." He says, a secret smile rubs past his sculptured lips.

I withdrew my palm and blink, my rhythm matching the pace.

"Congratulations on being a Valedictorian, Miss Rose." I cope with a smile, my voice seems astray deep, deep in my throat.

He cocks his head to side, the other pair of eyes, blistering holes on my poise, "You look too nervous, Miss Rose." He says.