COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 16

GRADUATION DAY

After a long drive, we finally reach the school. How many people will be here today? Before I can even ask myself, I see a massive crowd at the entrance, all heading toward the field where the ceremony is about to begin. I can already tell it’s going to be packed.
​Once we arrive, I’m speechless. There must be over a thousand people—everyone looking elegant and wearing bright smiles. In the center of the field, they’ve set up a huge stage where the faculty and the principal are already seated. We are surrounded by countless banners reading #GraduationDay or #Class2018. I wonder what the point of having so many is; it’s not like we’re in danger of forgetting why we’re here. Emma, hold your tongue, I tell myself. Don’t be a bitch today. This is one of the most important days of your life. But I can’t help it; a part of me wants to run away right now.
​My mother seems to read my mind and pushes me toward the right side of the stage, where people have already gathered. It’s total chaos. No one can stay still. Most of the kids are taking selfies to post later, while on the other side of the field, parents are bragging about their children.
"My son is top of his class!"
"My daughter is going to Yale to study law!"
In different circumstances, my mother would have been right there bragging about me too. But now, what could she say? "My daughter was supposed to go to Juilliard, but since she needs to 'find herself,' she decided to quit everything and now doesn't even know where she’s going." It’s the truth and I’m not ashamed, but it’s better to stay out of the spotlight today.
​"Smile!" my mother exclaims, snapping me back to reality. She’s holding my father’s camera.
"Do we really have to do this now?" I ask, irritated.
"Are you joking?! You’re graduating today! Did you really think I wouldn't take any photos?!"
I knew she’d force me. My father begs me with his eyes to just do as she says, so I decide to avoid another argument.
"Fine, take the picture!" I say, resigned. I force out my best smile and strike a perfect pose. She keeps snapping away as if she’s trying to use up every bit of memory.
​"Mom, I think that’s enough for now."
"Hey, look! There’s Nick!" Paul shouts, pointing toward the opposite side of the field.
Nick! Where?! And there he is. After two days that felt like an eternity, I finally see him. He’s wearing an electric blue jacket that matches his tie, a white shirt, and black dress shoes. His hair and eyes look brighter, reflecting the sunlight. He flashes a dazzling smile at his family while putting an arm around his mother’s waist. He is truly handsome. No, remember you’re mad at him. Don't think like that.
​After a few seconds, he looks around and finally locks eyes with me. I’ve missed him so much. We need to resolve this immediately. But he doesn't seem to think the same way, as he quickly puts on his gown, stops staring at me, and follows his relatives to their seats.
Why is he acting like this? Have I lost his friendship too?
I need explanations, and I’m going to get them. But just as I decide to confront him, the principal announces for everyone to take their seats. Great.
​My parents and Paul are already seated, while I go looking for mine. Found it. I’m two rows in front of them.
"Meeting again, huh?" Aria says, sitting down next to me.
"Yeah," I reply with a laugh. "Let’s finish this chapter of our lives together." Her words warm my heart and calm me down. I smile at her, and she immediately smiles back.
​After various speeches, it’s finally my turn. I walk onto the stage, shake the professors' hands, and finally, Mrs. Sanchez hands me my diploma. "Well done, Hamilton!" she whispers with a wink. I look for my parents in the crowd; they’re crying with joy, just as I suspected. Paul is clapping, and so is Nick. In that moment, I feel truly happy.
​But it doesn't last.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am extremely happy to present this year's graduates, the Class of 2018! Now, without further ado, I leave the floor to our quarterback, Leonard Huston!"
Everyone applauds, except me. I’m forced to listen to him talk about his dedication to the school and the team. At one point, his eyes meet mine. Don't you dare. I don't exist to you anymore. He finishes his speech and steps off the stage.
​Then, the unthinkable happens.
A girl rushes toward him, throws her arms around him, and kisses him passionately in front of everyone. It’s Sasha.
I freeze. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me. The whispers start instantly. It’s a public humilation.
"What a bitch!" Aria whispers, disgusted.
I am petrified. I hear the murmurs, the gossiping. It’s intolerable.
I have to get out of here. I stand up so fast that my chair flips over with a loud thud. I start running toward the exit.
"Emma, wait!"
It’s Leo’s voice behind me. Don’t follow me. Go to hell.