Addicted Nymph

Graduation Day

Graduation day was fast approaching and everyone was anxious about it. It was weeks away now. I was so excited. I knew it was just a matter of time before I left this school. I was so tired of seeing the same faces every day. Mr Salami the janitor, Miss Isabelle the guidance counselor, but most of all it was a relief that I would not be seeing any more of Mr Bagshaw. Yes it was true that I would not miss one bit, but there are people I would miss so much.

Miss Matilda was one of them. It was saddening to think that I would not set my eyes on her. I only hoped that she would not stop calling mom to check on me. Liz was another person I couldn't bear to lose. We had been friends since nursery two. We have gone through a lot together. Faced bullies together, did our homework together, shared our foods, planned each other’s birthdays every year. We had sleepovers from time to time and even had friendship bracelets.

It is a week to graduation day now. What seemed only like a dream was becoming reality. Everyone was excited about the day, probably more than I was. My Dad had taken leave from work. He did not want anything to hinder him from seeing his baby girl graduate. Daddy had worked so hard so as to see me graduate. He took on different jobs to make sure I did not miss any days at school. It was only right that I returned the favor with a glorious result. He had planned an after-party for me. He even had invitation cards printed and shared them with everyone in the neighborhood. It was like he was the one graduating. I had never seen Daddy this excited in my whole life.

My mother was another person who was excited, though she did not show it as much as father did. Anyone who knew her would describe her as a quiet person. She was more like a silent admirer. She was filled with joy that her daughter was graduating from high school in a few weeks' time. A lot of her friends had been watching her. Most of them, including her parents, did not want her to marry my Dad. They wanted her to marry someone from a rich background who had social status but she had decided to marry Dad. To her, love was more important than finance. People wondered how she was going to cope with being married to a factory worker. Now all her enemies were about to be put to shame. Her daughter was graduating despite all odds. I remember any time our eyes crossed paths, she would let out a large smile. I would smile back because I knew she was proud of me.

Two days before graduation day, I was tasked with going to school to pick up my graduation gown and seeing Mr. Bagshaw. You see, I was an honor student and so I was made the valedictorian and he wanted to see how my speech was going. Mama, on the other hand, had woken up early that morning to go to the market to get groceries and food stuff to prepare for guests.

Finally, it was graduation day. I woke up with a big smile on my face. Today was my last day in college, I said to myself. No more uniforms, assembly. The smell of the fresh air brought with it a sense of freedom. I quickly stood up to get prepared for school. We students were instructed to be in school early in order to prepare for the ceremony. Coming down the stairs, I was greeted with smiles from everyone. I was wearing a pink gown. It was short sleeved, and the bottom part of the gown was made with net. It was my favorite piece of clothing. Dad had got it for my last birthday.

School was as lively as one would expect. The non-graduating students were around to assist with decorating the environment. As I was about to enter the school premises, I heard someone shout my name. I turned around and saw Elizabeth shouting my name. Pam! Pam! She shouted while walking towards me hurriedly. As we entered the auditorium we were in awe. Ribbons were everywhere, balloons floating in the air. I have attended this school for 5 good years but this was the most beautiful hall I have ever seen this hall.

It was 4:30 pm and the ceremony was about to start. I was anxious as I was the valedictorian. I had never stood in front of such a crowd. Climbing the stage, I could hear Liz encouraging me, repeatedly saying the words “you can do this.'' Standing facing the crown three me in a trance. My lips were stuck. My hands clenched tightly at the podium. Looking at the audience, I saw Dad, Mama and everyone clapping for me. Slowly I began to feel my confidence brewing. It was then the words ``Good evening ladies and gentlemen, fellow graduates and esteemed guests” came out of my mouth. From there on, I felt the courage and started talking. And in no time I had finished my speech. Everyone in the school gave a standing ovation as they clapped for me. Walking down the stage was far easier than climbing it. After the principal had said some words, it was time for the award ceremony. To my amazement, I collected 2 awards. They were best in science and the best students overall. As I was collecting the award, I could see the smile on Dad’s and mama’s faces. After that, it was time to collect our certificate. From thereon, it was all about taking pictures.

As we returned home that evening, the house was already filled with guests that had come to congratulate me. That evening I remember there were lots of handshakes. I felt honored daddy then made a toast to me. And afterwards it was music and food. Mama made fried rice and chicken. She knew it was my favorite. After the party, I went to my room. That night was one of the happiest days of my life. But as I lay on my bed, all that came to my mind was college. It didn’t take long before I dozed off.