Romeo On and Off the Court
Chapter 34 – Gold Medal
A medal awarded for highest achievement.
Bella
A little over 2 years later – June 14, 2025 – Graduation Day
Sunlight filtered in the room from around the edges of the curtain. Today Edward and I graduate, continuing our busy month. In twelve days, Edward and I will be at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New Jersey waiting for his name to be called and finding out where we will be moving. He and I, along with his agent, had met with many NBA teams. Out of all the teams we entertained, he was hoping either Houston, Brooklyn, or Philadelphia would select him. When I inquired why those cities, he wouldn't tell me. There was only one condition he insisted on and that was his jersey number… it had to be the number three.
A week and a half after the draft, we would finally be getting married. The venue where we wanted to get married had been able to accommodate us before our junior year started, but Edward asked for time before putting the down payment down. After a lengthy discussion, and without our parents, he and I decided to finish our degrees first. Our parents were supportive once we told them our decision.
Edward and I got closer during the last two years and created memories around Seattle. Pictures adorned the walls of our apartment of the two of us. I rolled onto my side and eyed the framed photo on my nightstand. It was of Edward kissing me the first time he was named Most Outstanding Player. I hadn't even been aware there were reporters and cameramen in the throng around the stage. When Edward gifted me with the picture for my birthday, I was flabbergasted, and tears formed. Out of all the gifts he has given me, that picture was the second best. My engagement ring was at the top.
"Sweetheart," Edward called, bumping the bedroom door open.
I hadn't noticed it was ajar.
He came in with a tray. "Breakfast is served," he said as I sat up.
Edward pecked my lips after he placed the tray over my lap.
"I'll be right back."
Returning one minute later, he had another tray and settled in bed next to me.
"I thought we were meeting our families for breakfast."
"Change of plans. We'll meet them at the club for late lunch, early dinner after the ceremony."
~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~
Hand-in-hand, Edward and I walked into Husky Stadium staging area with our graduation gowns and stoles of gratitude in garment bags. We were reluctant to go to our separate check in spots. He gave me a peck on the cheek saying he would see after the ceremony. Of course, I hadn't told him was graduating with Summa cum laude honors nor that I was named Valedictorian. None of our family knew. The only person who knew was Jessica, and she had my honor cords.
I couldn't explain why I hadn't told Edward. He would have help me with my speech and given me tips on how to beat the nerves. Taking a deep breath, I made my way down to where the "S" graduates were to line up.
Jessica was waiting for me and help me pin my cap on.
"Did you tell Edward?" she asked as a draped my honor cords around my neck and over my shoulders.
I shook my head. "It's not that I don't want him to know," I admitted.
"You have time to text him." She pointed to my hand where I gripped my phone.
It buzzed in my hand. A picture from Edward. He had gone with the gold stole, where I had gone with the purple. He had remembered, not that I had any doubt. I handed Jessica my phone and she snapped a picture of me. Before I sent the picture, I typed… Edward, I should have told you this before we went our separate ways, I was too nervous… but I'm graduating with Summa cum laude honors and as Valedictorian. I'll be at the front of the line and sitting on stage. I love you.
"Ms. Swan," one of the graduation officiants called. "Ms. Isabella Swan."
"Yes," I said, moving toward her.
"Follow me."
My phone buzzed again. And I pulled up Edward's text.
Edward
A smile split my face as I read Bella's message. I had wondered when she was going to tell me. If I hadn't glanced at her laptop screen, I wouldn't have known about her being named Valedictorian. I was proud of her, and it was clear she was nervous. And that was why I had called our family and asked to postpone getting together until after the ceremony last night after she had gone to bed. Not that Bella knew the reason the plans changed.
Mom had sent us breakfast, and Bella had picked at it, barely eating.
Hitting reply, I wrote… Sweetheart, I knew. I saw a draft of your speech one night and found the letter about the honors. I'm proud of you. Just take a deep breath and center yourself. You'll do great. I love you.
It wasn't long after I sent the message that Bella walked by following an officiant. My hands itched to reach out and grab her hand, but she was gripping her gown. Her nerves were showing.
"Breathe, Isabella," I called out.
She glanced over her shoulder, a soft smile on her lips. Her shoulders lifted and she pursed her lips as she released the breath.
~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~
My phone buzzed as I took my spot in front of a padded folded chair. I waited until we were instructed to sit before pulling out my phone.
Why didn't you or Bella tell us she was the Valedictorian? Mom
Mom, she didn't even tell me until after I checked in. I knew though. Explain how later. She is nervous and I think that's why she didn't tell anyone.
I sat bored as the President of the University spoke followed by the Board of Trustees representative. Finally, my future wife was introduced.
Breathe, I whispered.
Bella's eyes scanned the graduates, searching. She released a breath and started speaking. Her speech was inspirational, the ending brought tears to my eyes.
"As we walked out into the world, let us strive to make it better, to heal it. It starts with each of us. Be the helping hand, the shoulder to cry on, and the ear that listens. Most of all, be the change."
Applause erupted and like a wave, everyone stood.
~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~
I walked up the ramp as my name was called. Bella stood and I pulled her into my arms, hugging her before moving to receive my degree, well, more like the empty holder. The actual degree would be mailed to my parents in about eight weeks. I shook each hand as I crossed the stage.
I moved back to my seat and sat, waiting for the ceremony to be over.
"And, finally," I presenter announced, "your Valedictorian, Isabella Marie Swan."
I wished I could pull her into my arms again, I thought as I watched her walk up a proud smile planted on my face.
