When you tell the world you're mine

Chapter 25: Graduation night

June 24th, 2017

She couldn't believe it.

She breathed in and out in total awe. She was actually here. After almost going crazy and countless sleepless nights, she was finally graduating. All her four years of dedication brought her here, to this night. She was thankful and emotional and already missing her classmates and some of her teachers. She was getting ready and she couldn't wait to wear her robe and cap. They'd be her new trophy just like her new earned degree. She was nervous, she was excited and she was happy. So fucking happy that no one would ruin her day. Hailey had gifted her a day-spa and she spent all day being pampered and dotted on. She had her nails done, her hair, makeup and the ladies helped her to put on her dress. She had chosen a brown sequined dress, with a thin strap, a sheath cut, a bareback and a medium cleavage. She styled her hair like a movie star from the 1920s.

She was waiting for Flavio and Maria to go pick her up and take her to the graduation ceremony. She was fidgeting in her place when they arrived and her mom instantly started crying when she saw her in that dress and ready to go.

"Você está tão linda, vida!" she said hugging her daughter and minding her hair. "Estou tão orgulhosa de você, meu amor." she said drying Carol's tears. [You look so beautiful, vida. - I'm so proud of you, my love.]

"Mãe! Você já está me fazendo chorar!" Carol said cleaning her face with a tissue. [Mom, you're already making me cry!]

"Eu não posso fazer nada se meu bebê está se formando hoje!" Maria said opening her bag and taking a small package from inside. [I can't help it, my baby is graduating today!]

Carol looked at the package and then at her mom. Maria gave it to her and waited for her to open it. Inside there was a beautiful pair of earrings that were intertwined between themselves and that would compliment her dress. She soon changed from the ones she was currently wearing and asked if they could go. She wanted to say Hello to her guests before the ceremony started.

Flavio was looking like a proud father and also teared up a bit when he saw her. They hugged and she thanked him for everything. She knew he helped her mom to pay her last semester at school, she knew he was helping them financially but nothing would mean more to her than his everyday presence in her life. He took his time to get to know her, he'd always ask for a date and it could be a dinner or simply going to the nearest bakery to buy them something for breakfast. He was by her side when she needed him the most, he took care of them, he loved them and Carol was so grateful for him in her life that she sometimes forgot he wasn't her real father. She had invited him to the ceremony, but he was pretty clear he wasn't going to attend. Her relationship with her father was a sour one and she didn't know if she had the courage to try to make it better.

They got into the car and Carol admired the city lights. It was almost evening and she wanted to get there soon. She wanted to see her sister, she wanted to see her best friends and she wanted to see her friends that had flown over to watch her become officially a journalist.

Flavio parked his car and opened the door to his girls, he linked arms with both of them and minding their heels, walked slowly and carefully to the venue's entrance. It was looking like a movie red carpet, with flowers, an actual red carpet and lots of photographers. Carol got her phone to see if her guests had arrived and groaned when the first call went straight to voice mail.

They decided to go inside first, so Carol could take her portraits with calm and while her make up was still intact. She knew she'd cry her eyes out and she knew she'd dance the night away. Flavio and Maria were half hugging each other and watching their girl smile at the camera. She was stunning and happy.