Chapter 24
Twenty-Four
G raduation day brings an ultramarine sky dotted with clouds, and I breathe easier knowing our commencement ceremony can be held outdoors as scheduled.
Boston’s “Don’t Look Back” blares its apropos message throughout the condo as Jas, Kit, and I put the final touches on our appearance. There’s no dimming the mile-wide smile on my face.
School’s over. Degree? Earned. Employment? Secured. Heart? Intact, even if by a thread.
Kendra and I move into our new apartment in the city next week, and my job starts right after. I’ve quit smoking—I think—and it hasn’t even been so terrible. After the first few days, it was more about fighting the habit of it.
I snag my cap and gown and head downstairs to wait for my roommates. We’re carpooling. Our parents are meeting us at the university and we’re all going out for a meal afterward. The doorbell rings and my heels echo against the tile foyer as I approach the door.
A wiry, gray-haired man holds a long, rectangular box in his arms with a clipboard tucked under one. “Delivery for Jacqueline Hall.”
“Really? That’s me.” I’m shocked silent for a moment. Who’s sending me flowers?
“I just need your signature,” he says.
Once our transaction completes, he hands me the box, and I take it inside.
Kit walks downstairs as I’m setting it on the dining table. She looks lovely in a mulberry dress that’s formfitting up top and flowy on the bottom.
“Oooh. Who are they from?” she asks.
I shrug, lifting the lid. I’m momentarily stunned by the dozen long-stemmed red roses tied with an ivory bow.
Then I fish out the card.
My world tilts on its axis. I’m wholly unprepared for what’s staring back at me.
I’m so proud of you, Jax. Fly high, baby.
Love,
Mick
My heart thumps wildly. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. Mick sent me flowers. Roses. He communicated. He… what is he doing?
I hold out the note for Kit, then drop into a chair.
“Wow,” she murmurs.
“I know.”
Except I don’t know. But I do. It’s nothing…and everything. It’s so fucking typical of Mick. A gentleman. My biggest fan. The love of my life. He hasn’t forgotten me. It tugs at me, launching a tenuous hope. A sliver of light that maybe he…wants more?
“Why does he have to be such a magnanimous asshole?” Kit remarks .
I snort softly. She’s a hundred percent accurate. “Will you put these in water for me? I’m about to go to pieces, and don’t want my mascara running.”
Kit’s gaze spears mine. “You are not shedding one more tear over that man.”
I bite my lip and nod, swallowing anything resembling emotion that’s trying damn hard to escape.
She swipes the box from view and gets busy in the kitchen filling a vase at the sink.
My insides swirl with longing, and a little satisfaction.
He’s still thinking about me. He’s still rooting for me.
He still wants the best for me. I squeeze my eyes shut and remind myself of the sobering reality.
Nothing’s changed. He doesn’t want to get back together.
He’s not making any promises. He doesn’t really want me.
The dam swells, lodging behind my sternum, and I breathe through it.
Jas joins us, stunning in a sapphire blue jumpsuit that contrasts perfectly with her skin tone, dark hair, and onyx eyes. “What’s going on? Who got flowers?”
“Later,” Kit says, sending Jas a pointed look, probably because she thinks I’m fragile. “We need to motor or we’re going to be late.”
As I sit through the ceremony, it’s easy to zone out.
Even though my roommates and I are all part of the School of Mass Communications, we’re still seated alphabetically and there are thousands graduating today.
Now that speeches are over, students are queuing by schools to walk onstage to receive their degrees and shake hands with the muckety mucks.
Thoughts churn as I await my turn. I’m proud of myself for earning a bachelor’s degree.
After working hard, scoring the magazine job seems like a hell of a payout.
Living with Kendra adds icing on an already epic cake.
When they finally announce our school, I’m all smiles as I inch my way to the stage, up the steps, and collect my diploma. My roommates’ obnoxiously loud cheers amidst polite applause make me grin even wider. I totally return the love when it’s their moment.
Once all the diplomas are distributed, we’re directed to cross our tassels to the opposite side, pronounced graduated, and we launch our caps to the heavens.
It’s a grand sight, and the symbolism isn’t lost on me.
Each one of us is taking flight. When the caps fall to the earth, our journey here is officially complete.
Our families congregate, sharing hugs and congratulations while Jas, Kit, and I luxuriate in the attention and our accomplishment.
“You did it!” my mother says, looking remarkably clear-eyed.
She’s still wafer thin, and her attempt to camouflage it with her A-line dress doesn’t fool me.
But when we hug, I gasp. She’s bony and sharp angled, covered by a nearly translucent layer of flesh…
literal skin and bones. Hiding my distress—this isn’t the time or place—I don’t squeeze her too tightly.
My father steals me next, holding me at arms’ length.
“I’m proud of you, Jacqueline. You made it to the finish line, and now you’re moving to the city and starting a terrific job.
You’re really on your way.” A genuine smile crosses his face, and I can’t help my answering grin as he pulls me in for a close hug.
After more congratulations, we disperse and reconvene at Original Joe’s.
My boss saved us a table and treats us like royalty.
I’ve already worked my last shift, and he had nothing but praise for how much he appreciated me being a part of their close-knit staff.
I’ll never forget the people or incredible chow.
Our three families mesh well enough. Despite my worry about how my parents will come across to others, they put on a good show, and our dirty laundry stays buried, where it belongs. Jas and Kit’s families have known each other for years, and it’s my pleasure to finally meet them in person.
It’s impossible not to be dazzled by Jas’s parents.
Mr. Singh sports a ruby turban with his navy suit, and has a pitch-black mustache, long beard, and striking eyebrows.
His wife is resplendent in an amethyst sari and flat sandals.
Her hair is as dark as her husband’s and coasts down her back.
I’ve never seen a woman of her age with hair so long.
Jas told me once they don’t cut their hair, something to do with their culture.
Her parents also had an arranged marriage—and even descend from Indian royalty.
It’s honestly fascinating. Kit’s parents are dressed similar to mine.
Mr. Varisano wears a black suit, and I easily see the Italian in his facial features, olive skin tone, and dark brunette hair.
His wife is the opposite with fair skin, blue eyes, and brown hair that veers auburn.
Our graduation is celebrated by our collective parents in style, with easy conversation, heaping plates of food, and delicious desserts.
My roommates and I say our goodbyes a week later. It’s rough. In our own way, we were also the Three Musketeers, and our little band of heathens is breaking up as we begin our next chapter of life. There are tears shed, promises made, and hugs we can’t seem to end.
Even so, as I drive to my new home, my heart brims with excitement, anticipation, and the thrill of the unknown.
One thing is certain. I’m desperate for change—anything to take my mind off what I’ve lost…and show me everything I stand to gain.