Breaking Boundaries
Page 24
Locating my car keys on the kitchen counter, I dangled them in front of Lauren. “I am ready to go,” I said in a steady voice. “I will drive; you are way too nervous to get behind the wheel of a car,” I stated.
This made her pause and give me a strange glance. “Who would have thought three years ago I would be the one needing someone to drive for me,” she joked, trying to poke fun of our situation.
She was right. This time a year ago I would never have been able to be the calm one to drive. My fear of driving and storms had prevented me from living my life. Now, as I stood before my engaged best friend as we prepare to graduate, I realize that I am ready to handle whatever punches life throws my way.
“I guess we both have changed,” I replied, throwing my arms around her and enveloping her in a tight hug. “Thank you for always being there for me. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Hugging me back, Lauren wiped away a tear. “Well, you can repay me by getting back from that crazy vacation to help me plan for my Fall wedding.”
“Fall is my favorite season, and I thought that would give you enough time to get back and help me plan. I can’t get married without you.”
We hugged again as I promised to always be there for her, especially during this monumental point in her life. I wouldn’t miss helping Lauren plan her wedding for anything in the world.
Almost forgetting the most important detail of our ensembles, I quickly ran back to our bedrooms and grabbed our caps and gowns still placed on the hangers. I looked like I was a flying blue and white kite as I ran back to the front door.
Opening our apartment door, we walked into the sunshine that seemed to provide a spotlight for us as we traveled to Rupp Arena. The large coliseum, where the graduation ceremony would be held, was only a few blocks away from our apartment. The infamous building was a University of Kentucky trademark. I thought back to the countless University of Kentucky basketball games I had attended from childhood and even through college. The circus performances and Disney Ice shows were all witnessed at this very place where I would find myself including another memory. We walked hand-in-hand down the busy Lexington streets as we reminisced about all the times we had walked this very same route over the last four years. Our lives had taken some unexpected twists and turns along the way, but neither one of us would trade our experiences for anything.
***
“Miss Lauren O’Connor.” The Dean of Students announced Lauren’s name as she walked across the stage. Her smile seemed to radiate off her face and reflect on Isaac’s. I had spotted him sitting next to Lauren’s mother who was crying like a baby while Lauren reached for her diploma and smiled for her father who stood and snapped a million pictures at once. My parents were seated next to Lauren’s, and I caught both my mom and dad dabbing their eyes as they caught the happy tears flowing from their proud faces. As I continued to scan the room, I saw several students who I had met over the years and had classes with as freshman and all the way to my senior year. The student section looked like a sea of blue as we all sat nervously awaiting the moment we would be announced as college graduates. The arena was packed with family and friends of the graduates, all prepared to celebrate the future leaders of tomorrow.
When the Dean announced for all English majors to rise and prepare to cross the stage, I felt my stomach drop and nausea take over. I walked behind my classmates and slowly made my way to the stage. I watched one-by-one as people smiled and received their diplomas, excited smiles flashing from their young and naive faces. My legs shook and my palms sweated as I continued to wait my turn. I had never been someone who was comfortable in front of crowds and I was quickly realizing I was about to walk in front of several thousand people. My heart raced as I took the step onto the stage.
As I came up to the stage, my heart felt like it was about to jump from my chest and run across the stage. I clenched my fists to my side as I scanned the room one more time. Cole’s face was nowhere to be seen. Tears pricked my eyes and I refused to allow them to flow. This was my moment and I was going to get my diploma and smile for my parents. I could cry myself into a frenzy later when I was alone.
“Melanie Lee Aver...” The announcer was interrupted as he attempted to pronounce my name. I had just taken a step forward when I heard a familiar voice echo throughout the arena.
“Way to go Melanie!” Cole’s deep voice boomed over the applause and cheers of fellow classmates, as I stood frozen in place. My head quickly snapped to the left as I saw Cole standing near the large double doors leading into the arena. His midnight black hair was perfectly messy on top his beautiful head. His navy blue T-shirt clung to his abs and his loose denim jeans fit perfectly below his waist. I looked straight into his sparkling gray eyes as I found myself smiling, for real this time.
My heart fluttered and butterflies danced in my stomach as I watched Cole clap with such pride; it almost brought tears to my eyes. He was here. He was really here. After one terribly painful week without him, he had come back and selected me. He loved me enough to support me today and deep down I knew that meant he loved me enough to support me through anything. I wanted to scream out his name and run to him, but I was nudged from behind.
“Hurry up and get your diploma. Then you can get to that sexy man,” she giggled. I turned to see a short, brown haired girl I had seen in a few of my English Literature classes over the years. Returning her smile, I began a fast pace walk to the Dean of Students. Receiving my diploma, I smiled for the crowd but kept my eyes locked on Cole.
The rest of the ceremony seemed to take forever to end. I stole glances of Cole every few seconds, ensuring he was really here and not just a figment of my imagination. I wanted to make sure this was all not just evil dream. After all the names were announced, we all stood ready to throw our caps in the air and officially be titled, college graduates.
Instead of partaking in this, I took the opportunity to escape from my middle row seat. Climbing over my fellow peers had been a difficult obstacle, but after kicking a few legs and feet out of my way, I slowly began walking toward the back exit, where my dark dream stood.
Each step I took; I would add momentum until I was finally running to him. Cole seeing me, took only a few steps forward before I was now sprinting down the aisle way toward him. I could hear the crowds erupting in cheers as I ran. Through all the madness, I ignored every sound and image except for Cole.
When I reached Cole I threw myself into his arms and wrapped my body around him. He held me so close, we almost became one.
“You came,” I whispered in his ear as I held his face close to mine. I was afraid if I let him go, he may disappear.
“I came for you,” he said, his deep voice sending chills down my spine.
He leaned in and placed his lips on mine, a touch so electrifying my body almost went into shock. Our lips collided and nothing else in the world seemed to matter. Once we separated, I felt like I was missing a piece of my heart.
“I know you were upset with me...” I began.
“Stop. I have thought a lot about what you said. You were right. If your dream is to go to California and see about this job, then that’s my dream too. I will be here waiting for you every step of the way. Who knows, maybe one day I can open a shop in California. I hear they have cars there, too,” he chuckled, as he turned his head toward mine.
“Really? You will stay with me?” I asked, unsure if even I knew for how long it might be.
“Yes. I can’t lose you. I will do anything to keep you.”
And with that, my dream became my reality. Cole would travel with me. He would explore my opportunities with me. He would allow me to dream, and live through it all– he would love me. I knew that our decision would include difficult times, but after everything we had overcome together, I knew there wasn’t anything that could stop us now.
My life now depended on Cole. I didn’t need him to save me anymore. I had somehow saved myself because of his influence in my l
ife. I was smart enough to understand that it was my inner strength and me that overcame my weakness, and broke through the darkness to find the light again. I didn’t need Cole, but I wanted him. I wanted his love. I wanted his support and encouragement. I wanted his companionship as I faced a difficult journey ahead. I had found myself again, hidden among the debris from the storm that had once ripped through my life. I was Melanie again. I was alive. I was in love. I was bound and whole again. I wasn’t sure what my future held, but I knew everything would work itself out in the end.
THE END
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M.A. Lee resides in a small Kentucky town and enjoys writing tales of romance that includes the bitter and sometimes ugly truth of love, angst, heartache, and desire that all come with falling in love.