Where She's Supposed to Be

Chapter 1: The graduation

Willow stands in her bathroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She takes a deep breath and grins as she places her dark purple graduation cap on her head. Her long, auburn hair falls in neat curls down her slender back.

"Willow! It's almost time to go!" Willows best friend and roommate, Autumn, calls to her from the other room. Willow takes one last glance in the mirror before retreating out the door, "Hey there, Miss Chemist!" Autumn smiles, "Your hair looks amazing!"

"Thanks, love," Willow giggles, "Are you ready to go?"

"You know it! I was born ready!" The two friends link arms and leave their apartment with wide grins on their faces.

Five short minutes later, Willow and Autumn arrive at the Rocky Mountain University arena, sporting their purple graduation gowns and black sashes. The vast Rocky Mountains are picture perfect behind the arena. Their peaks are still decorated with snow. Excitement pulses through the air with intense energy as the two best friends walk through the doors of the arena. Students stand in small groups anxiously chatting about the commencement.

"Willow! Hey!" A voice from behind Willow calls to her. She turns to see her friend Jamison quickly approaching. Autumn jabs willow in the ribs with her elbow while winking slyly and chuckling beneath her breath. Willow jokingly rolls her large, emerald green eyes at Autumn.

Jamison and Willow met their first year at Rocky Mountain University in freshman chemistry. They have been best friends and lab partners in all their courses ever since. It's no secret that Jamison is in love with Willow, even though he always denies it.

"Hey, Jamison!" Willow smiles. Jamison wraps Willow in a tight hug, pressing her face softly into his chest.

"You look beautiful as always," Jamison says sweetly as he smiles down at her. He combs a hand through his wavy, light brown hair. Willow blushes. Autumn notices and shoots her a mischievous grin.

"Thanks, Jamison," she looks into his deep, baby blue eyes, "I can't believe we're here! It's crazy how fast these four years have flown by."

"I know! In just a few hours we'll officially be chemists!"

Autumn clears her throat, startling Jamison.

"Oh! Hey, Autumn! I didn't notice you were there."

"I know I'm short, but I'm not that short!" Autumn replies sarcastically, "C'mere and give me a hug, Jamison!" He obliges, laughing to himself.

There is a sudden shift in the crowd of students surrounding the three friends.

"Oh! Everyone is starting to line up! Here we go, guys!" Autumn exclaims, bouncing up and down, giddy with excitement.

Willow, Jamison and Autumn take their place in line, beaming with happiness. The doors to the arena open wide. At the far end, a stage embellished with purple, black and white decorations comes into view. The floor is covered in hundreds of chairs for the soon to be graduates. The stands are filled with friends, and family, eager to see their loved ones graduate. The students being to pour in to the arena, talking their assigned seats while the commencement music pumps through the speakers.

Soon the students are all seated and the commencement is underway. Willow zones out as she watches rows of students approach the stage and walk across it to receive their diplomas. She begins to reflect on the past four years: all that has happened, how much she has persevered and overcome countless obstacles, how she landed her dream job, and ultimately, how much she has grown.