Liquid Courage

The Day (Epilogue)

The Day
Epilogue

“Oh my, you look so stunning Margaret!”

I blinked my eyes open and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My high cheek bones became more evident with the help of blush and contour. She colored my lips with a nude pink which went well with the natural brown eyeshadow on my lashes.

Athena, my former make-up artist, did a wonderful job at hiding my eyebags. My parents did not hire her for me—it was Ly and she said it’s her gift for me. And I’m glad she did ‘cause my skills in make-up is very limited.

“I love it, Athena!” I beamed at her.

“Oh, dear,” she said softly and brushed my hair. “You used to be so little but now you’re already a woman.” It’s true. Athena has witnessed how I grew up because she’s been the one doing my look eversince I was a kid.

“Don’t cry on me please.”

“Of course, I won’t! I’ll reserve my tears on your wedding day, Margaret.”

Athena left after giving me tips on how to fix my make-up when it gets oily. I took a quick glanced at my wall clock and panicked when I saw it’s already 6:30 AM. I have to be there at exactly seven!

I volted to my dresser and immediately stepped into my graduation gown (toga). It is black with a red lining on the collar because it’s the color of our university. There, my red velvety dress was now covered. Slowly, I put the graduation cap on top of my head.

It was hard pinning the hair pins on the cap. Tsk, why did I let Athena leave?

After a quick once-over on my attire, hair and make-up, I clutched my purse and locked my pad. My parents texted me that they’re already at the hall, they didn’t stay at my condo yesterday. They were supposed to—but my dad had a sudden emergency in his new business.

Yes, my dad just opened his small grocery at the province. It was just last month and I’m so happy that we are slowly getting back. But maybe we’re not gonna push for something huge, my parents were already contented with small ones.

And well, a big company is always a headache. My family had enough of that.

I hailed a cab on my way to the university. And as soon as I stepped outside, Ly was already running towards me. Running while she’s on a platform shoes? This girl, really!

She instantly enveloped me in her arms. “Margaret! I can’t believe this!”

I did not reply, I just smiled while hugging her. It feels so nice to have her with me on this special day. When the incident between me and Tobby happened, I thought our promise of graduating together will no longer happen. But look at us now, we’re still best friends!

When I heard her sniffing, I removed her hands on me. “Ly! Don’t you dare cry because you would look so horrible with smudged mascara!”

“But it’s hard not to!” she complained.

“Save it for later, okay?”

Hand in hand, we walked to the function hall. Yes, Ly is so clingy that she wanted me beside her. But I love her so I’ll endure it. Her parents were already inside, probably chatting with mine. Ly said that she really waited for me outside.

I’m touched…but I didn’t tell her. She will not stop talking about it if she knew.

We met with the gang outside the hall. They were already complete taking a bunch of selfies—or being forced to do selfies by Matt. That dude really loves taking photos.