Written in the Stars
By Tvdfanpam
Chapter 15
Graduation and Beyond
Ana was still floating on a cloud so much so that she didn't even see Kate when she walked into the gymnasium for graduation. The graduates were supposed to gather together and walk in as a group during the opening song. Kate ran up to Ana and hugged her. "Let's take a picture of us in our caps and gowns." She had her phone out and grabbed Ana's hand to pull her closer. They posed for a few selfies then Ana held up her hand. Her beautiful one of a kind ring sparkled in the light.
"I'm engaged! My mom is having a baby and you were right about Jose. He asked me out for drinks!" She threw herself at Kate sobbing. Kate hugged her best friend close. "This is the worst day of my life and the best day of my life."
"Oh my god Ana." Kate was appalled. "OH MY GOD ANA, you're engaged! That is great news! I'm so happy for you." Kate said. The girls hugged again. "Focus on your speech, you can think about your mom's news later. Compartmentalize." She coached her friend. "You can do this. Your speech is very good and heartfelt, don't let her ruin this moment for you." Ana nodded. "I am so proud of you for graduating Summa Cum Laude. No one, not even your mother can take that from you. You did that all on your own. Be proud of yourself, you deserve this moment of success." Kate should really think about going into motivational speaking, she is that good at it.
Ana took a few deep breaths. The graduating class was called to form the lines so they could walk into the gymnasium. The girls hugged one more time then took their places in line alphabetically. The music started and the program began. Ana was behind Kate in line so she could see Kate march in and saw when her family recognized her. The entire Kavanagh family cheered her when they saw her enter.
By the time Ana marched in, she was several rows behind Kate and couldn't see her friend anymore. Ana chose to sit with her class instead of on the podium; she would make her way to the front when she was introduced for her speech. Ana almost cried when her fiancé and her father cheered for her when they spotted her in the line of graduates.
The Chancellor of the University welcomed everyone and announced the first speaker: one of three student speakers. He was also graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Engineering. His speech was funny and lighthearted much like he was. He was the class clown of his high school graduating class four years earlier. He introduced the second speaker and Ana sat there and mentally rehearsed her speech while the second speaker from the Computer Science Department spoke.
Ana's name was called as the final student speaker. She rose and made her way to the podium so thankful that she didn't wear the high heeled shoes that Kate wanted her to wear. She would have fallen flat on her face if she had. Her legs were numb and she didn't know how she was able to walk she was so nervous.
"Thank you Chancellor for the opportunity to speak before the graduating class today." She nodded in his direction and he smiled back at her. She faced the audience. "For three weeks, I tried to come up with something profound to say to you today and couldn't think of anything. This is actually the fourth draft of my speech. I kept a journal of my college experiences and in desperation, looked through it hoping to find something interesting. What I found was this: the first week of my freshman year, I wanted to go home every day. I would call my dad crying and he would say, you made it through this day, try one more day. So I would try one more day. Then I would call him the next day, crying and he would say the same thing. This went on for a whole week. On Saturday, I was going to call him and tell him that I had my bags packed and I was ready to come home when my now roommate Katherine Kavanagh knocked on my dorm room door and asked me if I wanted to go to the Freshman barbeque with her. She said she had a terrible first week herself and had heard me crying in the bathroom (she was in there doing the same thing) and didn't know if she would be able to stay at school if she didn't make one friend. Her mother also said she would come get her if she couldn't make it. I knew then that I wasn't alone and that everyone experiences uncertainty and loneliness at some point in their lives and we made a pact to talk to each other when we were feeling like we were overwhelmed.
We both overcame our uncertainty of being in a new place all alone and forged a friendship that is very strong. I know when I come to my 25th Class reunion it will be with Kate because we will still be friends. We helped each other by encouraging one another to do things we were passionate about for the experience and the opportunity to meet new people. We also talked to other freshmen girls who were having a hard time making the transition to college life and started our own club. We met once a week for the last four years.
One thing I learned from the group: Embrace your inexperience and your not knowing how to do things because you'll try more things than you ever thought or imagined if you do that. We each had to have one thing new that we tried every week. Some were epic failures some were great successes. All were learning experiences. Don't let your fear of failure stop you from trying something once. The worst that can happen is that you will fail. More than likely you will succeed.
My college experience here at WSU Vancouver has taught me to 1. Be true to yourself and no one else can claim your success. 2. Follow your passion. If today was the last day of your life would you want to do what you're about to do today? 3. Life your life with integrity. Remember that we each touch other people's lives simply by existing.
Ana had a standing ovation from her speech and tears in her eyes when she stepped down from the platform. The chancellor hugged her and told her in her ear he was so proud of her and her accomplishments. The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. Kate and Ana's families were waiting for them after the graduates got their (fake) diplomas (the real diplomas would be mailed out next week). They all had drinks in the big white tent set up expressly for that occasion.
Ana's mom and step dad stood back awkwardly; they didn't want to be there and Ana had forgotten they were there in the excitement of giving her speech and getting her diploma! Christian whispered in her ear that she should tell them goodbye since they were obviously waiting for her. She hugged then both and thanked them for coming. Her mother said she would keep in touch and let her know when the baby was born.
They were walking off when Elliott Grey ran up to Ana and grabbed her in a big bear hug. "Congratulations soon to be little sis!" His sister Mia and his mom and dad were trailing behind him.
"We could see your door knocker ring from the nose bleed section!" He gave her a smooch on the cheek. Christian shook his hand and his dad's hands then got hugs from his mom and sister.
"This has been a great day for you both." Grace said. She was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. "Ana, we are so proud of you. That was a wonderful speech and it looks by the beautiful ring on your finger that you said yes to Christian's proposal." She couldn't help herself any longer and she grabbed Ana in a tight embrace. "We are so happy for you both." Ana returned her hug.
"Thank you Grace. I didn't know you guys were coming today."
"When Christian told us how proud he was of you for graduating top of your class and you were one of the speakers, we couldn't stay away."
That was all it took for Ana to cry. She leaned in to Christian and he held her why she sobbed quietly into his chest. He took her over to a secluded corner of the room where their families gathered around them. "I think we are going to head out. Ana's had an eventful day and I think she needs for it to be over."
Grace walked over and took Ana into her arms. "When you are feeling up to it, I would love to help you plan your wedding." Ana just nodded, still crying. Her dad came over and hugged her next.
"Call me later Annie. I am going to head out. I love you and I am so proud of you. See you soon."
Everyone else left and Ana was trying to fix her face discreetly when a reporter spotted her and Christian. He boldly walked up to them and asked for a picture of the two of them. They stood together and as he was positioning them for the picture, he spotted her ring. "Have the two of you recently become engaged?" He was breathless with anticipation. This would be an exclusive shot. No one else even knew about it yet! They nodded yes. He took a deep breath and took three shots, hoping one of them would be good. "Would it be okay to say that you are engaged?" He was trying not to freak out.
"What is your name?" Christian asked. He wasn't sure if Ana was ready for that yet. The reporter said his name was Chad Plein and he was from the Portland Printz. "If you will sign this non-disclosure agreement we will allow a picture and the announcement of our engagement. But, we want you to wait until Monday to do it." He signed the form that Taylor had and agreed to the terms. He walked away happy.
"Let's go back to your apartment now Ana." Christian said. Taylor and Sawyer followed them out. Ana was still emotional and suddenly tired.
"Thank you for handling things Christian." She grabbed his hand when they got in the car. "Today was a little bit overwhelming for me, first my mom springing her baby news on me then acting like such a bitch then the speech and graduation. Then your mom telling me how proud they were, I wish that was my mom telling me that." She started to cry again. Christian gathered her close to him and just let her cry.
They pulled up in front of her apartment building and got out. He ushered her into the apartment and they sat down on the sofa. They sat quietly for a few minutes. "Do you want to change clothes before we leave for Seattle Ana? You might be more comfortable in your yoga pants." She agreed and got up to go change.
"Please come with me." She led him into her bedroom and shut the door behind him. "You know what would make me feel better?" She slowly unzipped her dress and let it fall to the floor. He stood there in awe of her as she walked over to him in her pretty lingerie. "You. I want to celebrate our engagement by making love. I want you right here, right now." She started unbuckling his belt and took it out of the belt loops and let it fall to the floor. He took her hands in his, stopping her for a moment.
"I want to make love with you too Ana. Are you sure you are ready?" She nodded. There was a knock on the door.
"Ana are you in there? The movers are here." Kate said from out in the hall. Ana sighed then leaned down and grabbed Christian's belt off the floor and handed it to him wordlessly.
"I'll be right out. I'm changing clothes." She kissed him softly then grabbed her clothes off the bed and he watched her while she got dressed.
A/N: Do you really think they would have a quickie for their first time together? LOL We'll hear more about the engagement and they go on vaca!
