"...Izabella Romero...!"

My thoughts are interrupted as I hear my name being called by the President of the University. I started walking across the stage to shake hands with him and receive my College diploma. It was my Graduation Day and I couldn't be more excited.

From the distance I hear my name being screamed as my family and friends scream and cheer me on! I stand in the middle of the stage and smile for the cameras, move my tassle to the other side of my cap and continue my way off the stage heading back to my seat.

After four long years today was it...I had Graduated with Honors after my heartbreak and...loosing the Love of my life Rafael...I wish nothing more than to have him here Celebrating with me and this accomplishment. But that is one wish and Prayer that would NEVER come true...he was gone forever!

An hour and a half passed by and I was with my family and friends chatting an taking pictures outside the auditorium.

"My little girl! I can't believe that you are finally a College Graduate...I am so very proud of you!" My mom beamed hugging me tightly and I did the same.

"Thanks mom! I couldn't have done it without you and every body else's love and support!" I say breaking out of the hug and glancing at my loved ones.

"We are very proud of you...!" they say and we head out to the restaurant that we have reservations in.

"...to Izabella...May God continue to Bless and watch over you! May you enjoy your new career, embark in new adventures and may you laugh harder and Love every bit of your life! Cheers!" My uncle said raising his glass as he made his toast.

"Cheers!" everyone yelled in unison and tapped their glasses.

Taking a sip of my drink I look at everyone at the table and smile...

"I know you miss him very much mija."

Looking over I glance over at my grandmother who smiles softly. She always knows what I'm thinking or feeling.

"I wish he was here abuela...I miss him so much that my heart still hurts...!" I whisper looking down at my lap trying to hold my tears.

She grabs my hand and kisses it like she always does when I'm sad...her kisses makes my pain go away.

"I know mija...but, I know he is here in Spirit and very Proud of you!" she smiles again and kisses my cheek.

Hearing her words brings me a bit of comfort so I just nod my head and kiss her cheek giving her a tight hug like I always do!

Pulling away I hear my phone ringing so I pick it up. I don't recognize the number but I answer it anyways stepping away from the table walking over to the side of the area.

"Hello?" I ask.

"Hello...Izabella?" I hear a man's voice ask on the other line.

"Yes..."

"Corazon, it's me Amado! How are you?"

"Senor Boudou! Hi, I'm doing well and yourself?" I ask Rafael's father, surprised he is calling me being Vice President of Argentina and all.

"We are hanging in there considering! I am calling you to Congratulate you on your Graduation! We are so proud of you! I know Rafael is and is watching from up above with a huge smile on his face!" he says cheerfully.

I stayed silent for a few seconds as I felt tears stream down my cheeks. I missed him so much.

"Thank you Senor Boudou! It means a lot to me...!"

"You know Izabella...he loved you very much... the whole family does! If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to call. We miss you mija!" he tells me.

"I loved him very much too...I still do and I miss him very much like I miss all of you! I appreciate your offer!"

"Anytime Izabella! Well I have taken up your time and it sounds like you are busy, so I will let you go and I hope you do keep in touch in the near future! Take care of yourself mija...oh and by the way, I have sent you a gift which you should be receiving this week!" he tells me before hanging up.

"No problem, thanks for calling me with your busy schedule and all...I will keep in touch and I will keep my eyes open for the gift which you didn't have too send me!" I say.

"I had too, it belonged to you! Well mija, enjoy the rest of your day! Ciao!" he says ending the call.

"Ciao!" I reply and end the call. I wonder what he is sending me that belongs to me? I guess I will find out when I get it! I look up to see my family still chatting away so I decide to head to the bathroom.

On my way there I notice a man to the side looking at me. Has he been there the whole time? Feeling weird I nod my head at him as to acknowledge him while he did the same but as I pass him I could feel his stare behind me. Picking up my pace I make it to the bathroom finding an empty stall.

After doing my business I wash my hands and dry them. I stare at myself for a while in the mirror not recognizing the girl staring back at me. I can't believe I graduated today and I'm beginning my journey to adulthood...to think I almost gave up after Rafael was killed...my sadness consumed me and so did the nightmares of that horrendous night. It's been six months since he was killed and though it has gotten better, my heart still longs for him and I miss him so much! He was my first love...my forever love. I never thought that he would not be here sharing this huge accomplishment with me! All those talks and plans we made. Travelling, exploring and living life. Our future together...married with kids and everything that comes with it! We were meant to be together from the moment we saw each other. Love at first sight, fated together...but Fate had other plans and it didn't include our future!

"I know you wouldn't want me to give up on my life Rafael...so I will try to move on from you my love...Por Siempre!" I say aloud and turn to leave the bathroom.

I open the door looking around to make sure that man wasn't around, maybe it was my imagination but he send out a bad vibe.

Seeing that the coast is clear, I step out and make my way back to my family until I feel a cold hand grab my wrist...

A/N: Hello my readers. I had time to update the second chapter of my new book. Here's an intro to Izabella Romero. I know it's not much but as the story evolves, things will tie together.

Izabella graduates from college and is still mourning Rafael's death, her first love. Later I will go more into details of his death.

If you haven't read my other stories, go check them out on my profile.

Thanks for Reading, Voting and Commenting! Have a good day!