Melanie took a section of my hair gingerly and closed the straightener on it. I watched her work from the mirror on the bathroom wall.
"You know you don't have to work so hard on my hair," I said. "Hardly anyone will be able to see the style under my mortarboard.
"Well, if we are invited to any parties afterward, you'll be thanking me," she replied.
She busied with hair and makeup until, I had to admit, I looked stunning. She nodded in approval of her work. Then she slid the red graduation gown over my head, careful not to mess anything up, and then slid hers on too. The mortarboards were perched on the crowns of our heads.
"Wow, we look awesome!" Melanie cheered.
"We do! Thank you!" I wrapped her in a tight hug.
The high school band played the beginning of "Pomp and Circumstance" and the principal began to call student's names in alphabetical order.
I squirmed in my seat, eager to finally graduate. The six months went by surprisingly fast, although, there had been no word from Brendon. I shook away the thought; today I wasn't going to worry about him, I was going to celebrate.
"Melanie King," the principal, Mr. Rowling, called.
Melanie bounced up and trotted happily to the stage. Our eyes met and she flashed a giant smile, her whole face glowing. She shook Mr. Rowling's hand, taking the diploma from his other.
He called through some more names until he called mine.
"Ella Michaels."
I walked as gracefully and carefully as possible up the stairs and shook his hand. I smiled over at Melanie and my family in the crowd and, with a racing heart, walked back to my seat. That hadn't been so bad.
The rest of the students were called and the valedictorian, some dorky boy named Craig, made his speech. A shower of mortarboards rained over us as he came to a close. We gathered around one another, saying our goodbyes and good lucks. Then, the parents started to pour in. Of course, most had fat, crystal tears rolling down their cheeks.
"Congratulations!" said my mother, wrapping her arms around me.
"Thanks, Mom."
"Yes, congratulations," said a deep voice.
I turned, expecting my father, but it was someone else. A tall man in a dress shirt, a red nylon sports jacket, cargo pants, and large, thick sunglasses stood in front of me. His whole outfit seemed like he had picked it out in the dark. I guessed he was a superintendent but I didn't think the superintendent would ever dress like that. Maybe a staff member I didn't know?
"Uhm, thanks?"
"You're welcome!" Then he walked into the crowd, disappearing from sight.
"Who was that?" my mom asked.
"I'm not sure…"
I socialized a little bit more. Soon, I was almost ready to leave. I was just walking to my parent's car when…
"Hello again," said that deep voice.
I sighed. It was that creepy guy again. "Hello."
"My friend just wanted to congratulate you too."
I glanced at the man next to him. He also dressed oddly. He was in a baggy t-shirt that fit loosely around his waist, flip flops, plaid pants with a brown belt, and a pair of sunglasses, just like his friend.
"Congratulations!" he thrilled.
"Thanks." He went to shake my hand and I noticed the tiny black letters on his wrists….
