A Sip Of Forever

CHAPTER4

It was another beautiful day for Camella, but today was a very special day. It was her birthday and also the award-giving day for her school, Sterling High school. It was the day when the valedictorian gets honored by the school and the student gives a valedictory speech on graduation day. As she went about her chores, she sang and danced while at it. Elara could not contain her excitement as she made a cake for Camella. “ I'm happy for you darling, Happy Birthday” Elara said as she dragged Camella to the living room. Camella smiled and teared up as she saw the extent her sister went for her. “Thank you, Elara,” Camella said, bouncing up and down. She excitedly pulled her sister in a tight embrace. It took an effort from Elara to avoid being choked. “Blow out your candles” Elara said in a low voice, still struggling to breathe. Camella blew the candles and gave her sister a cut from the cake. After the celebration, Camella went into the room and got prepared for school. “ I will see you at my graduation, Sis” Camella said, and pecked her sister on the cheek. She bid goodbye and left the apartment. Elara went on with her house chores before going into the room to get ready for her sister's graduation. When she was done, her eyes darted to a small note on the dresser. It was a note from camella “Don't be late”. Elara smiled and threw the note in her black purse. “Camella Cruz, I'm never going to understand you” Elara mumbled and checked herself out in the mirror. She packed her hair in a ponytail and applied foundation to her face. Her pink gown fits her so perfectly, showing off her hips and curves. She was impressed with what she saw in the mirror, as she kept smiling at herself. She applied her lip gloss finally and then left her apartment. As she walked down the street, she noticed some guys staring at her. She rolled her eyes and got into a taxi. “Where to Ma'am?” The taxi man asked. “Take me to Sterling High school,” Elara said, without looking up. The taxi man nodded, and throttle down the street. Elara got to school on time. The hall was beautifully decorated with colours and balloons. She saw camella sitting at the head of the table, with her head bowed, clutching tightly to her graduation gown as if it was her most precious possession. Her expression, anxious and worried as she gazed across at her principal who was seated beside a dark lady. She made a sign of a cross on her forehead as she fixed her eyes on the beautifully decorated stage. Elara smiled inwardly as she admired the beautiful academic gown of her sister and her classmates. Elara found a space and sat at a distance, far enough to seem detached, yet close enough to hear every word that was being said. She exchanged glances with Camella. Her eyes gave Camella all the assurance in the world that she would definitely be awarded. As Mrs Becker Stormont mounted the stage, the silence that fell in the large auditorium was deep,so deep that one could hear a pin drop on the floor, hearts racing so fast. Everyone held their hearts to their mouths as they waited in anticipation for the principal to announce the Valedictorian. Mrs Becker Stormont cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention more to her. “We are gathered today to appreciate our students who have done well in their academic pursuit and to give honor to whom honor is due”, she began, her voice firm and authoritative. “And the Valedictorian for the year goes to………..” The Valedictorian for the year is the student with the highest rank in the graduating class. The honor is traditionally based on a grade point average and credit taken. A person with the highest grades in all the subjects is considered the Valedictorian and given an instant Scholarship at any educational level of her choice. Camella clutched tighter at the helm of her graduation gown as she made secret prayers in her heart. She suddenly felt the urge to urinate but suppressed the urge in order not to miss out on the most important time of the announcement. Camella smiled hopefully at herself as she had always wished for the title and had worked hard for it. Mrs Becker Stormont adjusted her spectacle to her nostrils to observe the anxious faces of the students staring at her. “And our Valedictorian goes to none other than our very own Miss Camella Cruz. Camella screamed loudly and fell to the floor crying. Elara teared up as she held her sister in warm embrace, not wanting to let go. She has made her and their parents proud. She kissed Camella on her cheek and motioned her to the stage. The entire graduants cheered and chanted Camella’s name widely. Camella's joy knew no bounds. She danced and hugged her friends who were there to celebrate her victory. “Oh Lord! I made it!! Camella shouted, as she teared up. The gold medal on the stage and the cheering all made her shed tears of victory. “Kindly come forward, Miss Camella” Mrs Becker Stormont said. Camella jumped up and began walking majestically to the stage, but as she walked, she suddenly felt dizzy. She tried to keep her eyes open to walk, but it was difficult, but somehow she managed to get to the stage. Upon getting to the stage, everything suddenly went blank. Camella collapsed on the floor. The gasps of Elara and her classmates were the last thing she heard.