The moment Madeline had returned to the house, Chloe grabbed her firmly by the arm and pulled her aside from the rest of the girls bustling about, preparing for that night's excitement. "Well?" The strawberry brunette was on edge. "Did you tell Pepito?" Madeline giggled, "Not quite." A coy smirk formed on her face. She quickly checked on both sides over her shoulders to make sure nobody was within earshot. "But we kissed!" Chloe gaped for a second before breaking out in a wide grin. "Oh, Madeline! I knew it! We all did! Ever since we were just little girls!" Madeline felt bittersweet all of the sudden. Yes, they weren't little girls anymore, were they? That would be made official tonight, the moment they had all received their diplomas. "That makes eleven of us," was all she said in response. Nicole chuckled, "Come on! We have to get ready!" She pulled Madeline up the stairs, where the rest of the girls were headed.
That evening, at around six o'clock, all twelve girls had all but stripped their beds, a task they would save for the next morning, when they were to depart. It was sure to be a tearful parting, but they all tried to save any dread for when they awoke that day. Madeline sighed when she took a good look at her nearly completely packed suitcase. All that was left was her nightgown and her toothbrush, without counting the blue dress she was currently wearing.
It was one hour before the graduation ceremony was to begin. Soon, Miss Clavel would be fretting over making sure the girls were all in place outside, caps and gowns and all. But Madeline had at least a few minutes to see her alone, which was all she really needed now. "Miss Clavel," she called softly when she found her teacher in the study. Miss Clavel looked up toward the doorway immediately and smiled when she saw who was there. "Madeline! You look lovely, my darling!" "Thank you, Miss Clavel. We're almost ready to go." Miss Clavel's eyes started to water as the redhead continued, "But before we do, may I talk with you a moment?" "Of course you can," the teacher answered. "What is it, dear?"
Madeline was at a loss for words at first, but after a brief hesitation, she finally spoke, "I want to thank you. For all your help." "It's no trouble, mon petit. Just so long as all of you are ready to-" "That's not what I mean, Miss Clavel." Tears started to sting Madeline's eyes. Miss Clavel had been a second mother to her, especially after the little one lost her blood family. She had helped Madeline in ways for which the redhead would never be able to repay her. But Miss Clavel seemed to know that by the understanding expression that now formed on her face. "I'm going to miss you," was all Madeline said before hugging her teacher. "I'll miss you too, my angel," Miss Clavel returned sweetly. "But we will see each other again! You know that."
Madeline let go and nodded, wiping the tears from her face. A bright smile found its way back to her countenance as she turned to join her friends in the front hall, waiting for the order to head out to the courtyard, where the graduation ceremony was to take place. Immediately afterwards, they would go back inside to have their last dinner as a class. The girls all knew that their lives would start to change only the very next day, and they hardly had any time left in this familiar setting, but they'd come to terms with the impending transition by reminding themselves and each other to focus on it just a little bit at a time. First they would go about their morning routine as usual, then they would pack, then they would eat lunch, and now they would wait for the next step.
"Are you ready for your speech, Madeline?" Nicole piped up. "Oui," Madeline grinned. "More than ever."
Sorry I took so long to update! That was quite a hiatus, huh? The last chapter should be up before the end of the month.