Every ceremony has to come to an end,' that is often said. But the reality of the matter is how the ceremony was. Enjoyable? Lovely? Or was it one enough to bring joyful memories.
There was no doubt Joy, Andrew, Kevin, and Rachael enjoyed their day. Their graduation brought memories of how their life had been especially as teenagers who faced different challenges.
Andrew was shown love as he did not feel the absence of his parents. Since his stepfather had been sentenced to life imprisonment, he was more relieved and hope for the best in his own life. Rachael's and Joy's mums graced the occasion, as they showered them with advice, gifts, and prayers.
Kevin felt his father's absence slightly. He could still remember how his father had promised him two years ago to grant him any of his wishes if he graduates from high school. For now, the promise will be on hold. It still amazed him that his father was sentenced lower compared to what he thought. Not only is his father to be free in the next five years, but his foster mother is also on a radial by the Investigating Team.
It can only be God's doings. Kevin never doubted that one day, nemesis will catch up with his foster mum for all the suffering and heartache he made him and his father go through.
Rachael was able to give a beautiful speech, and she no doubt gave justice to her words. She advised on how life should be spent the right way, being motivated, and keep pushing oneself in doing the right thing at the right time. After all, life with no proper planning is like building a house without calculating the expenses first.
Principal Mullins no doubt made the occasion better, as she admonished parents not to force their children with courses they do not like. After all, there is a musician out there that does not need chemistry, a doctor that does not need to know history.
Andrew, Kevin, and Rachael were given the BEST STUDENTS AWARDS both in terms of academic and good conduct.
Pictures and a lot of dancing marked the end of the day. It was a beautiful sight to see and enjoy. The four including Grace were together as they conversed together at the far end of the hall.
"Hey guys," they stopped their conversation as they all turned to the last person they expected.
"Um, can I see Joy for a second?" Joy almost choked on her saliva, seeing how polite she was.
The others looked at Joy who simply moved forward to Maya as they walked a few distances away from the others.
Maya stood in front of Joy, as she fiddled with her fingers, guilt eating her up slightly. Ever since her secrets had been exposed, she had been on a low-key. She was more than happy when she was allowed back to school and the awful videos of hers deleted.
Even tho she suspected Lydia, the investigation made did not lead to her. It was rather pointless.
"Instead of fiddling with your fingers, can you please speak up?" Maya got out of her trance at Joy's voice.
" I...," She clasped her hands together.
"I... I am sorry for all that I did to you during high school. Bullying, bad-mouthing, abuses, attacks, and harassment. I'm sorry for everything. I hope you forgive me. I will appreciate it," Joy looked at the fellow in front of her, quite surprised she was apologizing.
She felt awed, as she pulled her closer into a hug.
"You are forgiven. You shouldn't blame yourself, because all those things you and your crews did to me only made me stronger." She withdrew from the hug, holding her hands.
"Maya, I'm glad you came clean. I admire your outfit. It looked simple and great for the occasion. Congratulations to us," Joy beamed with a smile as she said.
Maya was more than happy Joy accepted her apology.
"Thank you. You look beautiful too," she complimented.
The two kept talking for a while. Meanwhile...
Rachael's smile concocted into a frown as she saw her dad and stepmother walking towards them. 'He is no longer my father,' Rachael reprimanded herself inwardly as she was about to leave, only to be held by Kevin who pulled her to his right side.
"Good day sir and ma," they all greeted.
Turning his face toward Rachael, Mr. Jenkins said:" Congratulations Rachael. I do hope you change your mind about our previous discussion. Anyway, enjoy the rest of your day," They walked away as Rachael finally breathe out.
She felt tensed slightly but managed to smile. Noticing the change in atmosphere, she spoke up.
"You do not have to be disturbed by what he said. Today is a happy day. Selfies?" They all laughed as they took a posture to take pictures.
"Leaving me out of a group picture. You are sure daring to pay a huge fine," Joy joined them as they laughed at her words.
The whole place remained lively again, as they enjoyed the rest of their day.
- AT NIGHT TIME
Lydia and Zack could be seen drinking in one of the best club sites located on the faraway side of their homes.
For some reason, they were beginning to enjoy each other company, relieving themselves of the alcoholic drinks in front of them. In no time, they were beginning to get drunk.
They had left the graduation hall in the evening. They decided to whirl away time by drinking to relieve themselves of the heartache they were facing.
"Why does that Rachael even act all bitchy? Always loved by other guys. She has trapped Kevin, the love of my life with her love charm," Lydia spoke out gulping down another cup of alcohol.
"Stop saying that. Rachael is special, lovely, strange, a masterpiece. She is original. You should probably warn Kevin to leave her for me," Zack spoke in a rather drunk state, as he laughed out.
Lydia ruffled her hair as she laughed like a maniac.
"Wow, wow, wow. Loverboy is speaking. You seemed rather love-struck," Zack simply smiled, taking a cup of his drink
"Whatever I am feeling is none of your business. Just be warned, not to lay hands on her, or you will face the consequences." Zack raised his middle finger towards her, as Lydia grumbled.
"Whatever. Rachael is yours and Kevin is mine." Lydia giggled as she tried to stand.
Zack stood up too as they bumped into each other. Zack held her, preventing her from falling, as their eyes met with each other.
"You look beautiful," Lydia's face blushed slightly as she closed her face with her hands.
They held each other hands as they walked rather sluggishly, requesting a room. The receptionist seeing the huge amount of money dropped by Zack did not hesitate to give them a key to a room.
They both found themselves in the room, as the loud sound of the door marked the beginning of something else. Their lips synced in as they made their way towards the bed, consummating in their sham of immorality.
.....
The sun from the open window jolted Lydia out of her sleep, as she sat up on her bed. She felt a pang of headache hitting her as she hissed loudly.
Her eyes fluttered open as she realized she was naked. She almost jumped out of the bed, as a flash of what happened the night before hit her.
She gritted her teeth in anger and regret, as the figure of Zack came into view, remorse on his face.
"What did you do?" Seething her teeth, she asked angrily.
"It was a mistake. I don't even know-how. I never knew you were a virgin. I am sorry," Zack apologized.
"Like seriously? How will sorry change everything that transpired between us? Are you nuts?"Lydia was more than angry.
"We both were drunk, and we slept together. I would have controlled myself but I was under the influence of the alcohol." Zack explained.
All he could remember was seeing Rachael in his arms, and then sparks flew. He never knew he was having sex with Lydia. He felt his heart even sink, realizing he just disvirgined her. It was rare to him since the girls he had often slept with were nothing close to virgins.
"Get out. Get out of here," Lydia screamed, tears flowing down her eyes.
Zack felt guilty and not bothering to beg her again, he resorted to picking his clothes, as he hurriedly put them on and left.
Lydia finally gave way to tears as she wept. It felt as if all her dreams got shattered. Now and then, she had always imagined Kevin as the only guy she would keep herself for.
As long as this was a weird fantasy, it was among the things that makes Lydia more determined than ever to claim Kevin to herself. But all this was suddenly going down the drain.
Her tears gradually stopped.
"Rachael, you are one of the reasons why this happened. I promise to make your life a bittersweet one. You will never be with Kevin no matter what," she declared, anger in her eyes.