Undying Love

GRADUATION

It was graduation day. Kathy was grateful for the oversized gown because she was starting to get a baby bump. She just barely fit into her graduation dress.

She and her mom headed into the auditorium. Everyone was seated. The principal made an opening speech. When he finished, he introduced the valedictorian. He was one of the computer lab students. He gave his speech, and at the end he said, “As we all go our separate ways, you will remember some of us. But I think I speak for our graduating class when I say we will all remember Matt Donner.” A picture of Matt came up on the screen behind him. Kathy started to cry.

There was a very long applause. He went down and took his seat. The principal and vice principal went over to a table full of diplomas. One by one, names were called to the stage. When they called out Kathy’s name, the class stood and applauded her. Matt’s family attended for his diploma. Then they got to his name. It was announced, “Matthew John Donner. Accepting on behalf of her brother, Charlene Donner.” Everyone in the auditorium stood and applauded.

Char took his diploma and left the stage. She went over to Kathy and gave her a big hug. She whispered, “I miss you. Call me.” She knew her mother would be pissed, but she didn’t care.

After all the student's names were called, the principal excused the graduating class. Caps flew up in the air. Kathy and her mom exited the auditorium. Matt’s family was just outside the door, and his mother just glared at Kathy. She couldn’t get out of there soon enough.

A week after the commencement ceremony, Kathy gave more thought about telling his parents about the baby, but with how they behaved towards her, she decided against it. She also had a long talk with her mother and decided she needed to get away from there at least until the baby was born. Her mother was sad, but supported her. “I'm going to accept the UCLA offer.”

“You do what is best for you sweetheart. I will support your decision.”

“Thank you so much Mom. I just can’t stay around here and eventually rumors will start when I start showing.”

“I understand.” She teared up and asked, “You aren't coming back, are you?”

“Oh Mom, don't cry.” She wiped her mom's cheek. “I can't answer that right now, but you'll know where I am and can come visit anytime you want. And I expect to see you when the baby comes.”

“Of course, anything for my little girl.”

Kathy made arrangements to begin college after accepting the full academic scholarship, including housing. She scheduled her classes to begin right away to get a head start on her nursing degree and occupy her mind.

Kathy knew she had to cut all ties with Matt’s family regarding the baby. She didn't want Charlene to worry about her and the baby. She felt his parents didn’t deserve to be the grandparents of her and Matt’s baby. They treated her horribly after he died. She would miss Charlene, but it had to be all of them or none of them.

A few days later she called Charlene as promised. She had to make up a plausible reason for the call, and she wanted it to be quick. She figured eventually Charlene would just stop contacting her after she was told there was no more baby.

“Hello?” Charlene answered the phone. Kathy was in tears. “Kathy, what’s wrong?”

“Char, I feel so broken.” She sniffed. “I lost the baby.”

“What? Oh god no! Are you alright?”

“No. That was the last thing I had of Matt.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“I know you are. I’m not sure what to do now.”

“I’m here for you, you know that, right?”

“Char…”

“What Kath?” she asked.

“I’m forever grateful to you for keeping the baby a secret. You were always so kind to me.”

That comment struck Charlene as odd. It felt like Kathy was saying goodbye. “You’re always going to be family to me.”

“I know. I’m gonna go rest now.”

“Ok, I’ll check on you in a few days.”

“Ok.” Kathy ended the call. She didn’t like lying to Charlene, but if she was going to make a clean break, it had to be done.

Kathy also made time to visit the guys before she left. They had no idea they were really saying goodbye to her. Scott would probably try to talk her out of it. Besides Matt being his best friend, he got very close to Kathy as well. He treated her like a little sister.

Before she got up to leave, she told them how amazing they’ve been to her. “You have no idea how much all your support meant to me.” She gave them all hugs and pecks on the cheeks.

Scott walked her to her car. “Kath.”

“Yes Scott?”

“Are you saying goodbye?”

“No, I just never told you all how much you guys helped losing him more accepting.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes Scott," she said. "We can do lunch next week.” She drove away. Scott didn't believe her. He watched her drive away until she was out of sight.

Afterward, she stopped to get some flowers, white roses. She went to the river to say goodbye. It took her a moment to get the courage to go down to the dock. She stood at the edge looking at the water. Her eyes filled with tears.

“Matt, my love, my life,” she whimpered. “I miss you terribly. My heart hurts so bad, and at times I can't even breathe. I have to leave here, too much reminds me of you, of us. I'm sorry I never got to tell you we are having a baby. And I'm heartbroken that our baby will never get to know you.” She placed the flowers near the edge of the dock. She kissed one rose and dropped one in the river. “Goodbye my love.” She watched it until it floated out of sight, then left.