Forbidden Friends

Graduation

Ruby

It's graduation day and i need to start getting ready. Monse isn’t able to help me today, so I’m on my own. I started with my make-up. I only put on foundation, contour, highlights, a little bit of shimmering eye-shadow, mascara and red lipstick to match my dress. Once I’m finished, I put some setting spray. Next, my hair, since it's an elegant dress, I go with a messy bun but neat and pull out some curls from different sections to give it an elegant look.

I grabbed the necklace that had been given to me, and put on my dress, bought some red open toe strappy heels. I put everything on, I give myself a once over in the mirror. Man, I look good! Then I started walking to the living room to see if my parents were ready.

“Mija, I can’t believe you are graduating today, we are so proud of you. What will we do when you go off to university?” Dad said with a sad look in his eyes.

“Everything is going to be ok papa! I will come visit”

“It won’t be the same, you have grown up to be a remarkable young woman. How did we get so lucky?” Dad said.

Tears were flowing now. I didn’t expect to be so emotional but papa was right. Things will be different. I will miss them dearly. I’m going to study at the University of Mexico in Mexico City. One of the biggest cities in Mexico. Luckily, Monse will be going with me. We are renting a little studio apartment and planning on finding jobs. We are both on scholarships, so we don’t have to worry about paying for school.

We took a few pictures, and started heading for the car. We had to be a graduation at 8:00 pm. Once we arrive, my parents head to the auditorium and take a seat in their assigned spots. They share a table with Monse’s parents. Student had to meet in the cafeteria to do a final run through the entrance.

Our class isn’t very big, since it’s a small town, only 70 students graduate. We did a quick run through. I was walking behind Monse. We started making our way into the auditorium. The director started calling our names one at a time. We could hear the parents and students cheering everyone when names were being called out.

The ceremony was finally over. We were taking pictures with their families and friends. We couldn’t believe that it was coming to an end. Parents started heading out and students finding their spots at the tables, caters taking food to each student. I was sitting with Monse and Sebastian, of course.

“Por fin Ruby!” Monse says.

“I know Monse! On to the next chapter of our lives, in a few months we will be off to the university”

“Don’t remind us, Ruby!” Sebastian said, with a frown.

“It will be OK, mi amor, we will come visit during the holidays” Monse reassured Sebastian.

“I know, but I will still miss you”. Sebastian said.

We had all finished our food and DJ started playing. We hit the dance floor celebrating and having a good time.

“Monse I’m going out to get some air”

I started walking out to get some fresh air. As I was standing outside, I heard some footsteps behind me.

“Hola Niña hermosa” Carlos said in a deep voice.

I just stood there frozen, not knowing what to say.

“Don’t be afraid I’m not going to hurt you, I just wanted to see you and talk”. Carlos said

“ Talk about what? We shouldn’t be seen together”

“Tranquila (be calm), I see you are wearing the necklace I got you! You look beautiful by the way, like a princesa (princess)”. Carlos said

“What? It was you, but why?”

“I’ve always thought you were beautiful, since we were kids, and even more now. You are all grown up”. Carlos said

I was in shock, still in disbelief. Trying to put it all together. What just happened? I went to remove the necklace. There is no way I could accept it. Especially for him. What would everyone think if they even found out it was from the most dangerous man in town?

“Here Carlos, I can’t accept this”

“No! you keep it, I got it for you” Carlos says

“No Carlos I can’t”

I grabbed his hand and placed the necklace. But he just grabs my hand and pulls me towards him. My heart was beating so fast. My hand was placed on his chest. I could literally feel his toned chest. I could feel his breath on my cheek. My stomach was in knots and I could feel his hand on my neck and out of nowhere his lip land on mine. I started trying to push him away, but he was so strong and just held his tight grip on my waist.

“Suéltame Carlos” as I punch his chest.

“No, I love to see you like this. Your body close to mine. I could feel every inch of your body” Carlos says with a grin.

I could start to feel his hand trailing down my back, my heart was beating so fast and panic setting in. As he pulls me in again and starts kissing me again. This time I kneed him in b**ls. He started yelling in pain, and I was finally able to separate from him. I took a step back and slapped him so hard.

“Don’t you ever do that again. I’m not one of your p***s”

I threw the necklace at him, and started walking back to the auditorium.

“Asi me gustan” (I like them like that) Carlos said with a sinister laugh.

I ran to the bathroom, I looked at myself in the mirror. My red lipstick smeared, I wiped it off and pulled myself together, trying to take in everything that had just transpired. I couldn’t believe what just happened, even though Carlos was a dangerous man, I couldn’t help but feel butterflies. My stomach was in knots. It was something I never felt before. I headed back to the crowd. Everyone was having a great time. I didn’t tell Monse what just happened, I didn’t want to ruin the night. Monse kept looking at me and giving me this look. She knew me better than anyone and knew something was wrong.

I'm sure she will remind me about it later.