Just a Little Bit

Epilogue

5 years later

Syd

Mack and I ended up going to the same college together. We both graduated with honors. Mack decided to get his degree instead of going to the NFL. He majored in Theater and started to get gigs in Baltimore while I went to medical school at John Hopkins. It was hard for a while. We argued, cried and fussed. Especially, when he told me he had to kiss another woman for a scene. I got over it when I met the woman. She was married and her wife wasn't too thrilled either but it was for the sake of art. 

I found out that her wife was going to John Hopkins and decided to meet her. Angela has become my best friend and my supporter throughout medical school. It has been a hard road but today is graduation for my Doctorate degree in Neuroscience and Molecular Biology. I have worked hard for this moment I am so excited that I haven't been able to sleep all night. I got up, showered and ate breakfast. I made Mack steak and eggs while I had pancakes, sausages, and eggs. I just put the plates down when Mack came through the door sweaty as hell from his morning run. 

"Hey, babe!", he kisses me on the cheek.

"EWWWW! Go take a shower sweaty. Your breakfast will be down here waiting for you." He goes upstairs to shower and get dressed and I get up and wrap our plates and put them in the oven so it can be warm. I decided to go upstairs and get dressed so when we are done eating we can just leave. I walk in and Mack is on the phone, I start to lay out our clothes for my graduation.

"Yes...Are you serious...I got it...thank you so much...See you on Tuesday...thank you so much...bye."

"What was that?", I ask. I think he got a new gig.

"You remember that show we were watching the other day?"

"You talking about that show called "Cables", I say jokingly.

"The Wire, babe.", he facepalms...he still can't tell when I'm joking. Duly noted.

"Yeah, that's what I meant."

"I got a role in the show."

"You deadass?!"

He laughs at my slang and picks me up and twirls me in the air. I secretly love when he does this. 

"Facts, my Queen.", he smiles. 

"Congrats baby! I'm so proud of you.", I peck him on the lips.

"Uh Uh you gotta give me more than that. We gonna be making enough to move into a house. A couple of cars. White picket fence if you want it." 

"Oh really?"

"Hell yeah girl. When I told you we were going to be good I meant it."

"I know you did. I just didn't know how you were going to do it.",  I state honestly.

"Shit. To be honest with you, Syd, I didn't know either but obviously, God has a plan for our lives.", he looks me in my eyes. We sit down on the bed. We are just staring at each other in the eyes. Not talking just staring. For some reason, this is better than talking. Just my King and I expressing whatever we fell without words. We are like this until I can't take it anymore. 

I straddle him, "We have to get ready or we will be late." 

"They can wait. You have something you need to take care of."

"Oh, I do? You have some work to put in."

"Oh okay. Let's get!"

After a 1 hour, hot, steamy, sexy shower, we got dressed and left for my graduation. 

We finally get to the arena after fighting through Baltimore traffic and finding a parking space. I go to the waiting area to find Angela and Mack went to find my mom.

As I walk down the aisle of the auditorium with Angela by my side, I start to think about my life and all that I've been through leading up to this moment. I start to get a bit emotional. I have been through so crazy things in my life and here I am about to walk across the stage with my bachelors and masters degree in Neuroscience. I have been blessed beyond what I deserve and I am grateful and humbled by that. We finally get to our seats, which are located in the middle of the auditorium. 

"Girl, you good.", Angela asks as she hands me a tissue.

"Yeah. I'm just getting a tad bit emotional."

"Why?"

"I was just thinking about everything I have been through up to this moment and I'm just grateful."

"Awww, girl, stop before you make me cry.", she sniffles.

I chuckle and it is time for our row to stand and go to the stage.

"Amanda Leigh Porstachia. Psychology B.S." 

Oh God, I am next. I am anxious...I think this is what Angela calls FOMO.

"Sydney Nicole Porter. Neuroscience B.S, Neuroscience M.S., Molecular and Biology B.S., Molecular and Cellular Biology M.S."

Everyone screams and cheers for me as I grab my diplomas. I am excited. I turn to look at Mack and my moms face. They are speechless. Neither of them knew I was double majoring the whole time.  I walk across the stage with a smile on my face. I am so happy to be finished with my education. 

"Angela Simone Portman. Molecular and Cellular Biology B.S., Molecular and Cellular Biology M.S., Biomedical Engineering B.S., Biomedical Engineering M.S."

Everyone cheers and I swear I am the loudest one. We both decided if we are spending a lot on education we might as well be the best at it. We are both in the top 1% of our degrees and we both are the only two students who doubled majored and have our bachelors and masters on the same day. 

I look over at her wife and she is crying and smiling at the same time. They are so cute and encouraging. Angela grabs her degree and runs down the stage steps and hugs me while screaming, "WE DID IT. WE DID IT." I just giggle and scream in agreement. 

The commencement ceremony is over before we realize and we stand to throw our caps in the air. We exit the building. Mack sends me a text that says come outside. I grab Angela and head outside. I wonder what is going on. 

When I go outside, I see Mack standing there with our families and friends all around us holding balloons and smiling like Cheshire cats. 

"Um...why is everyone smiling like they're crazy?" Mack walks up to me and stands closely.

"Because they know what I'm about to do."

"What do you me-?"

Mack gets down on one knee and all I hear is people gasping, laugh-crying, and cheering.

"Syd," he grabs my tiny hands and holds them, "We've been through a lot together these couple of years we've been together. Though we have our disagreements, happy times, and sad times. We always choose each other. I just hope..."

He takes a black velvet box out of his hand and opens it. A fucking diamond ring appears. Jesus Christ. This is really happening.

He continues, "you will choose me forever. Will you marry me Sydney Nicole Porter?"

I smile and say jokingly, " Yes, Mack, Whatever you want." 

He smiles as everyone cheers. He grabs me and twirls me around in a hug.  

This is the begging of our life together I'm excited for us. Just a little bit though...