-Many years later: College graduation-

-Jackie's POV-

I giggled as I twirled in my graduation robes. Underneath I was wearing my favorite dress, the fushia knee-length one that Christina had given me for Christmas two years ago. The huge, silly smile remained on my face as we were herded to our seats. I scanned the huge auditorium, looking for Christina and my parents in the sea of unfamiliar faces. I soon spotted my parents, who were in the 3rd section waving enthusiastically to catch my attention, but there was no sign of Christina. I frowned, worried. There was no way she would willingly miss my graduation, not after all these years of love and support. I sneakily pulled my cell out of my bra and texted her, asking Hey, where are you? It's going to start soon. I hit send, then set it to vibrate and slid it back into my bra.

I continued to anxiously scan the room, hoping I'd just overlooked her somehow. Jason, a friend from freshman year, nudged me and asked, "Who're you looking for?" I glanced at him then took a deep breath, and told him, "I'm looking for my girlfriend, Christina. She said she'd be here, but I haven't seen her." He nodded thoughtfully, and patted my shoulder. "If she said she'd be here, then she will be. Just be patient." I sighed. What he said made sense, but my worry didn't lessen. Where was she? Something must have happened. Just then, the principal strode onto the stage and adjusted the microphone, clearing his throat to catch our attention.

I reluctantly faced forward, after scanning the auditorium one last time to see if Christina had magically appeared since I'd last checked. She hadn't. Jason patted my hand reassuringly as the principal began his speech about how far we'd come, and all that jazz. I couldn't concentrate, the words slipping by as soon as he said them. Suddenly, in the midst of my worry, I felt my phone buzz. Descretely, I pulled it out and checked it. It was from Christina! Sorry, it read, I got stuck in traffic. I'm here now, look to your left. I snuck a peek, hoping the principal wouldn't notice, and saw Christina, not far from where my parents were seated. She waved and smiled, and my heart felt immediately lighter as I smiled back and turned back to the stage. Finally, I was able to relax and pay attention to the principal's speech.

My heart had started to pound as they finally got to the Ms. Five people left.. Four people.. Three.. Two.. One.. "Jackie Annalise Matthews." I stood and began the long trek to the stage, feeling thousands of butterflies in my stomach as I walked towards the result of all my hard work, all the late nights and early mornings and frustrating finals, towards my future. This was the moment I'd been working towards my whole life, I thought as I accended the steps. This was it. I almost couldn't believe it, as I shook the principal's hand. But the moment the scroll of paper that was the gateway to a successful future touched my hand, I knew it was real. And I had earned it, I thought as I made my way back to my seat.

It was one of the happiest moments of my life.