Wakanda's Marionette (Erik Killmonger Fanfiction)

Chapter 3: Graduation

Solana POV

GRADUATION DAY

I want the moment where I'm on stage to last forever because I don't know where life will take me after I leave the stage. I don't even know how I'm heading back to where I'm staying. Unfortunately, my mom tried to take time off from work but she wasn't able to and being that she's half way around the world it's not like it's a day trip. But I understand, my mom is working at her dream job and I support her and her happiness. My best friend, Eva, graduated last semester and is already in her medical school program so she couldn't leave which is so bittersweet but I'm so happy for her. And that's it, they are my people.

Omg my group is next. I started to feel nervous but grinned at all the people ecstatic to receive their diplomas. I saw several people dancing and posing. I saw a couple people vlog their whole walk. I smiled at them again. I'm so boring though I'm not planning anything big.

The Chair of my department spoke, "Solana Themba."

I walked, I shook the dean's hand, he told me congratulations and I got my diploma. Now I'm off the stage. It didn't last as long as I hoped it would. I started walking to where it was less crowded.

"Nomathangla." Wow someone is speaking Xhosa that's pretty cool. It is sunny out today.

"Nomathangla." I kept hearing.

"Solana!" I looked around and there was Lulama with a man by her side. "Oh my god Lulama." We ran into each other and hugged.

"Congratulations." Lulama hugged me tightly.

"Thank you so much. I- I sent you those tickets but I didn't expect you to come." I started getting emotional. I really needed someone to keep me centered with the way I was feeling when I left the stage.

"I absolutely had to come. That letter that you wrote was so amazing." The guy next to her was super lowkey with his hat low on his head.

"Hi I'm Solana." I extended my hand.

"I know who you are. Congratulations."
He lifted his hat. "I'm T'Challa."

I gasped. Oh my god, The King of Wakanda is at my graduation and knows who I am. He's here for me. I felt like I was about to hyperventilate. "Your highness." "Do I bow?" I whispered over to Lulama.

"It's okay you can just give me a hug." I hugged him immediately.

"How did this happen?" I let him go.

"Ive tried to keep this a secret but I've actually known T'Challa for a while and after you sent me your thesis on Wakanda and the letter, I had him read it."

"After reading your work it didn't take much convincing from her."

"Wow. I'm in front of a king." I said to myself.

"So we would like to give you your graduation gift." Solana mentioned.

"You guys got me a gift?" I smiled. "You didn't have to. Your presence is a gift in itself."

"Yes but we would like to give it to you in private. Do you mind going into our SUV and we can give it to you there?"

"No I don't mind. You really shouldn't have. But wait before we go, I'd like a photo with you all."

I got someone to take photos of us and I was so excited about it. "Thank you." I feel like I'm dreaming. I walked to the SUV with them.

We got in the car and T'Challa handed me an envelope. "You should read it out loud." She smiled. "I'll record it using your phone." I unlocked my phone and gave it to her.