The Love Rectangle

Chapter 18

May rolls around faster than a speeding bullet. I swear my trip to Greece feels like last week, and yet graduation is only a few days away. I have no final exams at all. I do have one very big speech to give today, however. Dr. Kelly chose me and another student from the initiative to speak at the City Civic Center as part of a panel on community activism. I am pleased and privileged to represent Haverhill College at the event, and will certainly add it to my resume.

I've French tucked a navy blouse into fitted white slacks, slipped into navy pumps and added a gold belt. I rotate somewhat compulsively in the full-length mirror.

"Ladies, all hands on deck!" I scream.

My three suitemates fly into the room waiting for the emergency.

"Do I look ok? What does a panelist wear? I want to look young and professional not matronly. Help!"

They all agree I look completely appropriate. Sam offers to paint my nails in case there's a camera projecting me onto the jumbotron. Shelby hasn't heard my speech, and she can't be in the audience today so she offers to help me rehearse instead. Kat offers to curl my hair loosely with her awesome curling wand. These girls are the most thoughtful friends, and I need to think of a way to repay them all for this very moment.

I arrive at the venue, and the civic center seems cavernous from the floor. I can only imagine how awestruck I'll be from behind the podium. Must. Not. Think. About. That. Now.

"And now I'd like to introduce Carter Evans. Ms. Evans is a founding cooperator of Haverhill College's Social Action Initiative, and will speak about the economic impact young adult activists have on their communities," the panel moderator announces.

My voice is shaky at first. The initial 60 seconds of my speech is quieter than I'd like, but it doesn't take long for me to own it. My confidence builds, and I deliver the speech near perfectly in the end. I've never been applauded by an audience of this magnitude before, and I wonder if I ever will be again.

I leave the stage, and make my way to the main concourse where I told my roommates I'd meet them. Kat and Sam are waiting with the nicest compliments. In the distance, I see Sean walking toward us. I had no idea he was coming. I didn't exactly ask him too. I merely made mention of the panel in casual conversation.

"You came?" I say in disbelief.

"You shined up there, Princess."

He compliments then hugs me.

I'm at a loss for words over their support. Before I can catch my breath, Chad appears behind us.

"You came, too?"

I'm bewildered by the whole picture before me.

"This kind of thing is exactly up my alley. Besides, I was in the neighborhood," Chad says mischievously.

I laugh knowing he wasn't arbitrarily nearby, and then my giggling turns to crying. Tears trickle down my cheeks, and I can't stop them. I can't express my gratitude properly.

In the corner of my blurry eye, I see another figure purposely watching from afar. It's Connor.

"When did you get back?" I ask breaking through my entourage to hug him next.

Connor meets me halfway, but I can tell he won't join the group. After all, he and Sean have a bit of bad blood.

"I see you really moved yourself to tears up there, Car-Car. Impress yourself much?" Connor quips.

He's such a sarcastic snot, and I'm so glad he's back in town.

I wipe my eyes, and laugh at the spectacle I've made with my emotions. I step back to view all five of my friends at once.