The Surreptitious Mr. Wolfe

Part 15- The Box

The next morning had been especially exciting for Ella as she reminisced, as well as reenacted, the scenes of last night's ball, but it was Victor's unheralded appearance that took the cake. She spent a while gazing at her ceiling while clasping Victor's locket close to her chest. She found it difficult to comprehend all that had happened, she had various feelings bubbling about in her brain.

To make matters worse for her state of mind, she would actually be able to know what nestled in the box Victor gave her on her birthday. The box that had piqued her curiosity so many times would actually be opened today.

She checks the clock on her bedside table, it is just fifteen minutes before her scheduled alarm. She decides to get up to get an early start. When on her feet, she peers over at her desk chair- over it drapes her dress from last night. It shimmers in the young rays of the morning sun that danced its way through her window. She smiles as she picks it up from the chair and holds it against her chest, savouring all the memories it brought her.

Her alarm finally goes off, leaving her stunned as to how long she was dreamily embracing the detailed dress. As every second passes, she feels her soul wanting to depart from her body in anticipation. Before leaving for school, she places Victor's unknown gift box in her bag.

Today was graduation, Christine, Eric and, upon severe insistence, Mrs. Valour would be in the crowd as Ella receives the coveted document. Ella had not heard a word from Victor and it left her feeling on edge.

When she arrived at school, it was filled with seniors and faffing parents.

"No, Lola, let your hair down, you look prettier like that!" Scolded a mother to her daughter with a digital camera in hand. "My boy is growing up." Said the father of another senior as he proudly pats the back of his towering son.

She gazed around and spots Jace with his parents. They appear to be a contented family, smiling and taking pictures. She decides not to barge in on their blissful moment

Every year, Ella would watch from her classroom as the seniors prepared for their tasks of the year, as well as feel a little envious to the perks they received. Seniors had an aura about them, something that made you able to tell they were seniors- besides the senior jackets they wore. This year, she had felt what it was like that made her so envious, and despite ultimately being in the shoes of the final grade of high school, she didn't know what it was.

"All seniors, report to your respective classes to receive your graduation robes. Parents, please make your way to the school hall. The ceremony will begin in thirty to forty minutes." Headmaster Dunn announced through the intercom system.

Ella takes a final look at the parking lot, hoping to spot Christine, Eric and hopefully, Victor. She collects her graduation robe, walks to the school hall and takes her assigned seat on the stage. Parents begin to flood in and soon she spots Christine, Eric and Mrs Valour take their seat. They give her an excited wave, she returns it, but she internally wishes it was Victor who walked in.

The ceremony begins and it is as prestigious as ever. Parents were teary-eyed as well as some students. Ella managed to bag awards in every subject except one, but it didn't bother her too much. She peers through the crowd, still no sign of Victor. It was starting to worry her, he promised. When the ceremony draws to a close, all students are allowed to meet up with the parents in the lobby to take pictures. With a heavy heart, Ella meets up with the Harrison's and Mrs Valour.

"Ella, look at all those accolades! You make me so proud." Mrs Valour exclaims as Ella approaches.

"Thank you, ma'am." She humbly replies as she tries to prevent the awards from falling from her hands.