June, Friday 5pm, TSU
Finally, the moment of truth came. I was in my room getting into my gown. Michael was downstairs waiting. I rushed down the steps as John came through the front door.
“You ready, darling?” John asked, pulling me close.
John was dressed handsomely in a navy-blue suit and flashy tie, the second time I had seen him in such clothing. The first time was the dinner I had failed to attend with Dr. Nicholson. I had to stop and fingered the tie. Curious, I then began to trace the fabric of the suit.
Are you ready, Miss Belle?
I smiled back. After today … are we …? The question lingered in my thoughts.
John knew what I meant and nodded.
I tried to picture it. Would we leave under the cover of night, or would it be right after the ceremony?
Are you afraid?
A little, I admitted. Have you spoken to Joseph?
John froze, paralyzed by the sudden attention I was giving him. I don’t know what drew me in, but he looked very well put together. His brown-blond locks were neatly and freshly cut and brushed to the side of his head. Clear, piercing green eyes were focused, bold, and magical, staring deep into mine.
We were connected, and it was getting stronger. We answered each other in thought without trying to project, felt feelings and merged mentally. Between us there was a web of energies and surges, mostly from me. There was a constant, smooth flow of currents pulsating between us. I was the conductor. He was the connection, the wire of our current. Like the fuel for a flame—he was the flame, I was his fuel.
John nodded slowly, hypnotized by my gaze and my eager hands still handling the fabric of his suit.
He hasn’t told me much of what he plans. He wants the element of surprise when he does … whatever it is.
I thought that was odd, but he was the guardian. In a way, I guess it made sense. Dr. Nicholson was hard to convince.
You trust him? I asked, which surprised me. I trusted him, but I had never read his mind to know what he thought about, or what he felt.
There was a slight hesitation, which I wouldn’t have noticed it if I hadn’t already sensed his stirring emotions. You have doubts?
No, it’s not that, Miss Belle. He was downplaying it.
Grabbing his tie, I pulled him close; I could feel he liked that. He looked intoxicated, focused on the moment, as my lips neared his.
Maybe, he finally admitted. A little.
I grinned. It was obviously on his mind. He didn’t have to say more. “You look very handsome,” I whispered.
I heard a throat clear; Michael was opening the door. “You can do that later; we have to get going. Come on, or you’ll miss graduation.”
John grabbed my hand and pulled me out the door while Michael stood aside and then ushered us out.
My cheeks reddened slightly. He motioned and we hurried to the side street where John’s car was waiting. Michael walked over to his own car.
“I thought he was coming with us?” I asked John.
He shrugged and opened the door for me.
Michael glanced over, noticing me look back. “You kids go; I’m taking my car. I’m the Assistant Principal; I have responsibilities. I doubt your uncle would like it if I’m late, John.”
“Naw, you’re his number two, sir.”
That seemed to catch Michael off-guard. He was lost for a moment, considering the meaning of John’s words. Was there some truth to that his eyes asked?
I nudged John. “Is that true?” I whispered.
“Of course,” he said nonchalantly.
I climbed in.
John walked around and got into the car as well. He gazed over and smiled. “You ready?” His green eyes sparkled. A hue of gold began to emerge from the outer iris, creating a wonderful magical dance.
We were both ready, dressed in our blue graduation gowns. We were ready for the biggest day of our lives.
John started the car and we began to move. Michael’s car had already pulled away from the driveway and was far ahead of us.
We arrived fairly quickly, found a parking spot, and hurried inside. John took hold of my hand as he pulled me with him into the university building where Milton would hold graduation.
Inside, it was chaotic; students were everywhere, along with their parents, family members and family friends.
John led me away; he seemed to know where to go. I was happy for that as I had no idea. I was lost in the many minds and thoughts. The crowded place put chaos in my head.
The auditorium was so large it looked like a stadium. I caught sight of some teachers I recognized; then, I spotted Mr. Claypool and Mr. Vasquez.
There were signs at each entry. A line started at one end, where Mr. Claypool and Mr. Vasquez were directing students to move into the center of the auditorium where we would be seated.
John led me in that direction, handing me my cap as we hastened toward the assistant principals. A woman came to block our path and John and I nearly ran into her.