Bolton straightened his tie for what felt like the hundredth time in the last ten minutes. His shaky fingers brushed over his hair and graduation gown. It was all a little surreal, if he was honest. He'd never thought this day would come, but here it was.
Three years ago, he had been lying in a hospital bed after trying to end his life. The world had felt bleak and pointless and his heart was broken beyond repair. He had felt there was no way out, other than to die.
Now, three years on, he was graduating with a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Science. In a few months time, he would be doing his PGCE to become a Secondary School PE teacher. He couldn't wait! In the blink of an eye, his life had changed dramatically. He was no longer the twenty-year old that had a broken heart and had lost his faith in the world. He was an adult, with a past that had tried to kill him, but in the end, had only made him stronger. He was no longer lost and had found his path in life, his purpose. The future was no longer bleak and empty; it was full of light, possibility and hope. He felt like Bolton Smilie again.
Going to University had changed his life in more ways than he had expected. He was surrounded by friends that he knew would be around him for the rest of his life. He'd worked hard and learnt things about himself and others that he probably wouldn't have if he hadn't gone to University. The world was colourful and full of opportunities again. His smile and laugh was no longer forced and came to him naturally. Finding somewhere and finally feeling like you belonged was a magical thing.
His heart was mending slowly. The death of his Mother would leave a scar there that would never fully heal. Not a day had gone by in the last few years that he didn't think of his Mum. He missed her, and some days were harder than others. But he knew he had to carry on, for her. All of this was for him yes, but it was for her too. He knew that this was what she'd wanted for him. To go to University and to be successful. He hoped that he was making her proud.
A knock on the door of his flat pulled him from his thoughts. He glanced over to the clock, noting it was 10:30AM. Time to go. A mixture of excitement and nerves rushed through him.
He glanced at the photo frame on his bedside table. His Mum's brown eyes and radiant smile stared back at him. He smiled at the photo, picking it up.
"I love you, Mum" he whispered, placing a kiss against the glass
The knock came again, a little louder this time. Bolton put the photo frame down, making his way over to the door. He smiled at Rachel.
"You look great!" she exclaimed
"Thanks" Bolton laughed
"Are you ready to go? Eddie and Annabelle are in the car" she asked
He nodded, stepping out into the hallway and locking the door.
"Nervous?" Rachel asked as they headed down the stairs together
"A bit" he admitted
"You'll be fine. Just don't fall over!" she laughed, causing Bolton to laugh too
He shivered as they stepped out into the chilly November morning. His lips curved upwards into a smile as he saw Annabelle waving at him frantically from the car. He waved back.
"She's missed you" Rachel told him
"I've missed her too" he replied, heading over to the car
"UNCLE BOLTONNNNN!!!!!" Annabelle squealed when he climbed into the seat next to her
"ANNABELLEEEEE!!!" Bolton squealed back, mirroring her tone and energy as he wrapped his arms around her
"Morning, mate. Are you ready?" Eddie greeted as Rachel clambered into the passenger seat
"Yeah, just about" he nodded
Eddie smiled.
"Let's get going then"