Elona’s POV
It was the day of our graduation. I was wearing my cap and gown as people entered the school auditorium. I was so happy that this chapter of my life would be ending, and then I get to move away from home. Away from Tristan and pursue my dreams. I scanned the crowd, but my nerves became evident... I was seeking Tristan out in the crowd.
“Everything will be okay,” my dad said as he stood in front of me. “If you see Tristan just don’t let him get to you. I know he can be okay one moment and then a hot head the next. I think you bring that out of him,” he said, as he now scanned the crowd too.
“Yeah, I guess I bring that out of him.” I sighed.
“I’m here!” my dad and I turned around to see Cris running towards us. “Hey,” she said as she stood in front of us.
“You look beautiful,” my dad told her. Redness crept up into her cheeks.
“Thank you,” she replied. She was wearing a champagne-colored mini dress with her graduation gown and cap on.
“Where’s your father?” he asked.
“He is with the staff. He has to make a speech,” she rolled her eyes.
“I guess I better take a seat. Good luck girls.” He said before he walked away to sit where all the guests were seated.
“There are two seats open,” she moved past me, and as I turned to follow her. I caught a glimpse of Tristan as he took a seat on a chair on the stage with the staff. His eyes burned into me, unbothered. His eyes then briefly moved down my body, taking in my attire. I wore a white mini-dress under my gown which was partially open, and then his eyes found mine again as he leaned back in the seat, crossing his leg over the other. I could feel that heat as if that chemistry had never left. I broke eye contact to take my seat.
I sat next to Cris, who seemed miserable because she now sat next to Spooky. I looked ahead as Mr Esau stood in front of the podium and addressed us all. A few guests made their speeches and I refused to look at Tristan, but that was short-lived when I looked at him again, he was listening intently to the current speech, he was staring at nothing on the floor. I took that opportunity to take in his attire. He wore a black dress shirt that was tucked into his black dress pants. His leather shoes were...shiny. The top of his shirt was unbuttoned.
I looked at his face and then my eyes found his. They were already on me. I swallowed. “So, are you still going to the party at that Manor tonight?” Cris asked softly.
I looked away from Tristan to focus on Cris, “Of course,” I replied.
“I know you’re leaving soon and what a great way to spend it...partying one last time together.” Spooky was awfully quiet next to her.
“We will see each other when we can,” I said.
“... Tristan Crane!” Mr Esau announced as the crowd applauded. Tristan had gotten up from his seat and now stood in front of the podium.
He scanned the crowd, “I was invited to give a speech, not only as a sponsor to this school but also because of my daughter. She is my world. After my late wife passed away, it just made me realize that we shouldn’t take anything for granted,” his eyes found mine for a brief moment before scanning the crowd again. “We should cherish moments with our loved ones because tomorrow isn’t promised. Our kids are growing up and they will pursue different dreams. They have unique talents and that is what makes them unique. To the class of 2024, do not let anyone tell you what you can and cannot achieve in life.” I snorted, and it echoed in the crowd. I looked at him, and he briefly glared at me. He heard that. Cris then chuckled softly beside me. Well, he was the one who tried to stop me from pursuing my dreams, and now he is preaching that no one should tell us what we can and can’t achieve. This was hilarious coming from him and made me see why I didn’t want to give him another chance.
“Live your dreams to the fullest. Do what you love to do. Do not waste time on something that you don’t enjoy. Sometimes life can be difficult and there are times when life doesn’t go our way and that is life. We can plan things, but sometimes things just don’t go according to plan. Sometimes things change and we find joy in other things. But life moves on. So congratulations and never give up on anything.” He said and the crowd applauded as he stepped away from the podium. Mr Esau spoke again.
After the ceremony was concluded, Cris. Spooky and I headed to my father. “Okay, we need a picture of the three of you.” He said, scrolling through his phone and then the three of us stood next to each other while my dad snapped a picture and then Tristan appeared beside him, and he took his phone out of his pocket, also taking a picture of us.
“So, we are going to a party tonight, and we will not be stopped, Dad,” Cris said to Tristan. He sighed as he looked at me briefly before looking at his phone again.
“Do whatever you want but be back home at 11 PM. I will give you a talk at home before you leave,” he looked at Cris.
She rolled her eyes, “Fine, Dad. But at least Elona has a chilled Dad.” She grinned.
“I better get going, see you guys around,” Spooky said before he started walking away.
“Excuse me,” I walked after him, feeling Tristan’s gaze on me. I caught up with Spooky. “So, are you joining Cris and me at the party later?” I asked as we came to a stop before the exit.
“I don’t think I should be there. You two should have fun,” he said.
“Please come with us, I feel like our circle wouldn’t be complete without you,” I begged.
“Okay, I will be there.” he gave me a weak smile.
“Thank you.” I smiled. When I looked towards Cris, Tristan was still staring at me.
“He still wants you,” Spooky said.
“Well, he accused me of sleeping with Luca. I think that was low of him, and it just made it worse. Somehow, I still feel that chemistry but... I don’t want to get hurt again, and he proves to me why I keep a distance from him, especially after this accusation.” I said as I focused on Spooky.
“I get it. Soon you are away from that street, and you won’t have to see him again after this. But if you don’t mind, I would like to head back to the hotel.”
“Sure, I don’t want to keep you from anything,” I said.
“See you later,” with that, he walked away.
I remained in my spot, not wanting to go back to Cris where Tristan was standing. So, I took a seat on a chair. This part of my life will be over once and for all. That includes Tristan.