VIER

Our graduation day arrived. I am dressed in the most elegant gown I could afford. It was a halter dress in beige. I drove to the car that I had managed to rent. As I approached the University, I wore my graduation coat over my gown and cap.

Since our school's color is maroon, I paired it with a skin tone color, despite my pale complexion. I got out of the car and walked towards the event venue. "You're here?" said a man who appeared to be President Silver. I gave him a friendly smile. "I am always present," I said.

He took my hand in his, and we sat in the front. The Student Body was seated in the front. Every officer was seated, with only two empty seats available. The President will sit in the front, while I will sit in the back; I am only a representative. I am not sure how I would react if the other empty seat were beside Theodore.

I am still uncomfortable about what happened yesterday. I suppose I can talk to Theodore about it later. As I sat beside him, he cast a glance at me. I need to apologize, and since this is the last time I will see him, I might as well say what I am thinking. I do not want to have any regrets about the end of my college career.

"Uhm... Theodore, may I speak with you after the ceremony?" I asked first. "What is the point of talking?" he asked, still not looking at me. Is he upset because I left him without allowing him to finish what he was about to say?

"I have something to say to you, also about the other day," I explained. "Meet me in the observatory." He nodded. He was utterly uninterested in me. My heart will burst if I think about yesterday. "I will see you later,"

The graduation was about to begin when a man and a woman in their mid-30s arrived in luxurious cars. Everyone bowed their heads. I am not sure what is going on or who these people are, but I believe they are royalties rather than elites or upper-class people. Everyone raised their heads as they sat in the seats on my front stage. That is why there were opulent chairs in the front.

The Master of Ceremonies then took the floor. "Greetings, Citizens of Ylury! We are pleased to announce the arrival of The Right Honorable, The Noble Lord of Ylury, Thomas Schwarzburg, and Lady Madeleine." Oh, that is why everyone bowed and curtsied. Then we took our seats. The Noble Lord stepped up to the podium. "Greetings, Citizens! I am delighted to be here today; I could not refuse because someone asked us to oversee this day's event. Rejoice and exult; I congratulate you all." The Noble Lord returned to his seat, and the graduation ceremony began.

The Graduation Ceremony concluded after we received our diplomas, certificates, and a message from our School Director. I made my way to the observatory. The astronomy club uses this location to observe celestial bodies.

It is also getting dark, so this is the appropriate time to express my feelings. I waited for about an hour and a half. Theodore walked in. "You waited, huh?" I asked, nodding. "So, what do you want to say that seems so important?"

I inhaled deeply. I get butterflies in my stomach just being alone with Theodore. "First, about what happened the other day. Please forgive me for being clumsy, for letting you do almost all of the work. I feel bad about it, and I was also frustrated because of what happened with Leila. Thank you for always helping me. I'll pay you back next time." I bitterly smiled. "If I ever see you again," I mumbled.

He gave me a puzzled look. I am guessing it did not bother him in the least. I need to get my thoughts in order. "Is there anything else?" he asked, keeping a straight face as I returned his gaze. I am feeling nervous. No, I am terrified. "If you do not have anything to say, I will go; I'm a busy person," he said as I softly grabbed his clothes. I can do it, even though it has been seven years. This is something I can let go of.

"What?" He looked irritated this time. He appears to be impatient and waiting for something. "I-"

"I?" he interrupted. "Uhm, I- I-"

His phone abruptly rang, possibly with a call. He was about to respond when we were approached by five or more men dressed in suits. The men helped him; he caught the last glimpse of me, then appeared to be regretful for a split second. He vanished in an instant. All of my efforts were futile. Well, fate will put it in place if we are right for each other, no matter what obstacles and hurdles we face. If that occurs, I hope it is not too late.

My phone rang as well. President Silver's phone number appeared on the caller ID. "Where are you? Have you gone home yet?" he inquired. "I'm in the observatory because I had a business to attend to."

"I'll take you home if you want to join us for dinner," he said with glee, "but no thanks; it's a family affair after all, right? No need to put me in it."

"Hey, stop saying that, we're already family, of course. Besides, I have something to tell you. It's really important, so please spare me a moment." He persisted, "You already know President; you're really bad at lying, right? You don't need to lie to persuade me. No need to convince me. I want to celebrate too, but I want to do it alone. Just me and no one else. I'm hanging up, Silver." I pronounced his name correctly, without any awkwardness.

I went in my rented car, then to a convenience store near our school. I suppose I should celebrate as well, even if I am alone. On the way home, I bought beer and chicken and barbeque, which is not bad. In preparation for the next challenge. The examinations. To obtain my license, I must pass the exam. After this, I want to work in the House of Commons. Furthermore, I intend to live my life to the fullest.