I slip on my light blue robe and my graduation cap. I walk over to the mirror and I gaze at the girl staring back. I bask in my reflection until my phone disturbs me. I walk over to my bedside table and I quickly answer my phone.
“Hello mom,” I say in a gentle voice.
“Hey sweetie, are you excited about today?” She says in a very proud voice. I smile at her enthusiasm and I quickly reply.
“I am excited but I feel a little sad that college is ending.”
“That’s a natural reaction. You spent three years of your life at Columbia but now it’s time for the next chapter of your life to begin.” My mom gushes. I again smile at her words as my mind flashes to Adrian. I forgot to mention to my mom that I would be spending some in London. I feel that now is the time to tell her.
“Speaking of my next chapter, I am going to London for two weeks.” The phone is silent as I await my mom’s reaction.
“When are you going?” She asks in a firm but gentle voice. I nervously clear my throat as I respond.
“Tonight after graduation,” the phone is again silent.
“Well you are an adult and I cannot tell you what to do anymore. But sweetie, please be careful. Look after yourself and make sure that you are home before your birthday.” I gently laugh at my mom’s reaction and I am glad that she did not challenge me on my decision.
“I don’t know if I will be home in time for my birthday.”
“Alanna, do you know what I have been doing the last two months?” I lightly sigh as I have a feeling of what she is getting at.
“Let me guess you have been planning some huge party?” I say in a sarcastic voice.
“Yes that’s exactly what I have been doing. Therefore, you must be back in New York before then. Promise me Alanna?” I roll my eyes at her words and I know that I cannot challenge her on this. Every year my mom insists on throwing me a massive birthday party. She plans the night, months in advance, and it always has some elaborate theme. Last year it was a circus theme and I dread to think of what it will be this year.
“Okay mom, I will make sure that I home in time for my birthday.”
“Good and Alanna this year it’s going to be phenomenal.”
The commencement ceremony concludes and now I am a college graduate. The cheers are loud as the president confirms our status. I gaze around and everyone is ecstatic. Sophie, Marco, Katharine, Leo and Chace are beaming and I cannot hold in my smile any longer. I rush over to my friends and I rejoice in this moment with them.
“We finally did it,” Sophie gushes as she wraps her arms around me. I break free from her as I begin to congratulate the others.
“Congratulations babe,” Leo says as he grips me. He moves swiftly and Marco takes his place.
“Hey Alanna,” he pulls me towards him.
“College is over, can you believe it?” He says as he smiles at me. I gaze at him and I remember the last time that we talked. He was hurting over his parents break up but now he seems happy. I am curious about him and I have to ask to him how he is.
“I know it is surreal, Marco how have been?” He again smiles at me.
“I have been good Alanna. I am spending the summer in Italy with my mom.” I beam at his words and I am glad that he has forgiven her.
“That’s great I told you that everything would work out.”
“Yes and it has. Portia will be keeping me company over the summer.” I widen my eyes at him.
“When did that happen?”
“About a month ago, my friend was having a party, Portia was there and we instantly clicked.”
“Portia is a wonderful girl and I am so happy for you.” Marco takes me in his big, strong arms. I bask in his grip for a moment and then I pull back. He smiles at me as I walk away. I make my way through the overjoyed crowd. I walk freely past everyone and I know exactly who I am looking for. I gasp as I see him in his dark grey suit. He smirks at me and I begin to run towards him. I reach him and he lifts me up. I grab his head and I jerk it towards me. His eyes are sinful and I cannot resist his lips.
“Adrian,” I say, as I lean in and kiss him. He holds me tight as he kisses back. I run my fingers through his light chocolate hair and I am in heaven. There are hundreds of people around us but I could not care. I do not see them, I do not even hear there loud cheers. All I am aware of is Adrian and his lips, his touch, his thick tousled hair and his strong cologne. He pulls back from me and whispers.
“Baby I am so proud of you.” I cannot contain my smile and I kiss him again.
I open my eyes and I see my family. My dad is walking towards me as he holds onto Penelope. My mom follows behind them, and I instantly jump from Adrian’s grasp. He looks at me as we await their arrival. My mom is wearing a bright blue skirt suit and my dad is in a black tuxedo. Penelope is dressed in pink and her hair is flowing as she walks.