7
24th May, 1987
If she knew what she wants
(He'd be giving it to her)
If she knew what she needs
(He could give her that too)
If she knew what she wants
(But he can't see through her)
If she knew what she wants
He'd be giving it to her
"It's heavy."
"Welcome to the academic world." Gil smiled with amusement as Catherine adjusted the mortarboard on her head.
"It's going to slide down my head and my head is going to disappear into my shoulders."
"A little melodramatic, aren't we?" Gil asked, arching an eyebrow.
"I'm nervous."
"Nervous? What for? You've already done all the important things. Now all you have to do is go up there and get given a piece of paper."
"In front of everybody!" She narrowed her eyes. "And don't you dare remind me of what I usually do in front of people."
"I wasn't even thinking it." Gil looked around. "Where's Jimmy?"
"He's sitting up the back with his wife."
"Your mother? Nancy?"
Catherine shrugged. "I told Mom. I also told her that you, Jimmy and Eddie were coming."
Gil almost groaned at the mention of Eddie's name. "Where is he?"
"He's talking to a girl he knows over there."
Gil turned around, glancing at Eddie talking to the girl. For some reason, he never completely trusted Eddie.
"Gil?"
He turned back to her. "Yes?"
"Do I look okay?"
Gil smiled broadly. "Catherine, you look beautiful. Just like a graduate."
She blushed slightly and twirled a little like a giddy schoolgirl. "I'm glad you like it."
"I'm so proud of you, Cath. I always knew you could do it."
A flash of mischief flickered across her face. "Did you know it when I was six?"
"I can assure you that in the first few minutes of meeting you when you were six, that I knew you could do anything you put your mind to. And that you would."
Catherine took his hand and squeezed it. "Thank you, Gil. That means a lot to me."
Before he could lavish anymore praise on her, another student called her, telling Catherine it was time to line up and get ready for the ceremony.
Gil leant over and kissed her on the cheek. "Congratulations, Catherine."
As Catherine retrieved her diploma and made her way offstage, she turned to face the crowd. Jimmy Tadero and his wife were applauding her heartily. Eddie was talking to someone sitting next to him.
And Gil.
Gil was watching her, looking like he was about to burst with pride. He was still clapping and a wide grin stretched across his face.
She grinned back at him and started down the stairs.
TBC
Song used: "If She Knew What She Wants" - The Bangles
