Chapter 9 #3
Only then did I realize—if this was the last time I saw him, it would be my last chance to thank him. He deserved to be thanked again for loaning me that book, giving me the power supply, and everything else over the past year.
The photographer finally released us, and I turned to speak to Ni. Our eyes met, but the press of bodies tore us away from each other before I could open my mouth. I’d find him after the ceremony.
We were funneled into the backstage area where I’d previously met Charisse to encourage her before each of her plays.
The teachers lined us up. Though Ni’s last name began with G and mine J, he wasn’t anywhere in front of me.
It appeared they were making two lines on either side of the stage to alternate the entrances.
Charisse was unmistakably trying to contain an explosion of excitement not far behind me, but Lin was nowhere to be found.
She must have been somewhere on the other side with Ni.
I ignored the nervous chatter around me as our teachers walked up and down the aisle, shushing us and keeping us in line. It was like we were back in grade school.
I heard them call Ni’s name, then several others—some I recognized, some I didn’t—and then finally, it was my turn.
The stage lights were blinding, and just as hot as the sun had been outside.
A sheen of sweat coated my neck. This building always made me uncomfortable, as I recalled being forced to sit next to Ni through Charisse’s first performance.
I mumbled, “Thanks,” and waved in the general direction of the blob that was the audience—Mom somewhere out there, taking pictures, Dad couldn’t be bothered to show—before they handed me my diploma.
I exited the opposite side of the stage from where I had entered as they continued with the next person.
Until we were finally released into the fresh air and open grounds.
The first person I found, or should I say found me, was my mother. We met in a patch of shade, thank goodness.
“Congratulations!” she squealed as she hugged me and handed me a bright yellow wrapped bouquet.
“Thanks, Mom.” I hugged her back. Enveloped in the lavender scent of Mom, I felt myself unwind. Her scent was like taking a healing potion.
Then, Charisse and Lin joined us with their families and there were introductions all around. It was strange how many times I had been to Lin’s house without actually meeting her parents. They were as busy as Mom.
“So glad you girls stay with our Lindsay during college.” Their bright smiles and nods made my stomach sink like a rock. I still didn’t know if I could. Unless a miracle occurred over the summer, it wasn’t likely. Luckily, Mom didn’t say anything about it that would ruin the mood.
“You get in picture. Just three of you.” Lin’s parents were adamant they got pictures of me, Lin, and Charisse. The other parents joined in the fun. We posed seriously, then silly, then making the “V” for victory. There were smiles and giggles galore. Mostly from Charisse.
I set my diploma and flowers to the side so we could wrap our arms around each other. A good fifteen minutes later, all the parents had the pictures they wanted and released us. I reached to pick up my stuff, and there was an extra bouquet.
This one was wrapped in my favorite color, purple, and filled with my favorite flowers: daffodils and scented lilies. After we’d all collected our things, the perfect bouquet was still lying there. Hoping to discover its owner, I picked it up. There was a card. “Congratulations, Molly.”
My stomach swooped as I recognized the beautiful, cramped writing. How did he know me so well, or had he just been lucky? My eyes scanned the crowd. Wait—what were Lin’s parents doing chatting with Stephanie’s?
Lin must’ve noticed my gaze. “I hate that they’re friends.
It’s why Stephanie can be such a pain, like the sister no one wants.
” She turned, pointing something out to Charisse, but my eyes finally landed on Ni.
I pressed my lips together. He was surrounded by a group of girls waiting for him to sign their yearbooks and get pictures with him—like a celebrity—and he leaned right into the flirting.
A little girl, maybe eight or nine, stood nearby with her mom, staring up at him like he was a star.
Poor, impressionable young thing. Bouquets, cards, and small wrapped gifts piled up beside him.
My breath stuck in my ribs as an image of Dad cuddling with Val flashed before my eyes. I didn’t need the attention of a playboy like Ni. Besides, he had enough people thanking and congratulating him. He probably didn’t even remember how he’d helped me.
I stuffed the card into my jeans pocket, added the bouquet to my arms, and forced a smile.
I’d figure out how to please my best friends and go to the college of my dreams, even if it wasn’t right away.
Rejoining everyone, I wrapped one arm around Mom and tucked myself against Lin, as we all leaned in close to sing our school fight song, off-key, for one last time.