Chapter 1 ; Graduation

Shouts of joy filled the 700-seat auditorium as the Rector of Endicott College, Beverly Hills ascended the stairs to present his farewell speech.

“Good day, my colleagues, elated parents, and very excited and outstanding students. On this bright and beautiful day, I'll be letting go of one of the most outstanding students. You all have come thus far thanks to your commitment and persistence. It was great bonding with you but the world needs you. I do not doubt that the knowledge you all have acquired here will take you to high places and beyond. It is with much pride that I let you go. Without much a do on this day, I celebrate the graduation of the 6th batch of this college. Strive on and do not be weary. Before I end my speech I’ll give the floor to the rector herself to announce the Valedictorian of this batch..”

Another roaring sound of screams and shouts left the mouths of excited students who had endured at least 3 years each of college life. Students had their speculations about who it would be but until the name was pronounced no one could be sure.

“Good morning Dear parents, invitees, colleagues, and students. Thank you for this opportunity to announce the valedictorian. This year the results were excellent, the competition was tough but as usual, there must be a winner. Let's put our hands together for our very own Emily Baker.”

As Emily mounted the stage the crowd gave out shouts of appraisal. Her certificate was handed to her first then to the rest of the students.

“Nessa we made it” Emily lunges at her friend for a quick hug. “You can say that again baby girl. We’re a degree richer,” replied Vanessa, Emily’s best friend as both walked in search of their relatives.

“Emily! Nessa! This way” both girls turned to see Mrs. Jenna Baker waving at them.

“I tell you, your mum is way more excited than you are “ joked Nessa.

Both girls scrambled through the crowd struggling to get to their destination. As soon as they arrived, Jenna hugged them and dropped kisses all over their faces.

“Ew Mom that's gross!” complained Emily as other students gave them a weird look.

Nessa couldn't complain seeing as she loved Jenna and she was never a shy person.

“What's gross? Can't I kiss my Baby? I mean am I not the Valedictorian’s mother? I'm so proud of you baby.”

Alas, Mr. O’Brian Baker gave out a small cough to announce his presence.

“Dad!” Jenna jumped into her father’s embrace as he spun her and both laughed heartily.

“Congratulations my baby. Three years is not 3 days, and you aced it. I'm so proud of you “

Emily’s eyes teared up at her father’s words.

Mr.Baker was not an easy man to please, but that was never an issue to Jenna as she always found a way as his only child to make him proud.

Their bubble burst when he turned to congratulate Nessa. “And congratulations to you too little miss, good friends are hard to find but I’m glad Emily found you.” Turning towards Emily, he asked

“ What about Liam? You guys broke up already ?”

Emily’s face turned into a scowl at her father’s question. It was no news that her dad disliked her boyfriend, Liam.

Nessa knew it was time to leave the small family to attend to their issues so she slipped away in search of her relatives.

“Dad! How can you even -”

“It's okay everyone! Today is all about smiles .”

Jenna stepped in to lighten the mood.

A notification popped up from Emily’s phone. It was Liam asking her to meet him behind the auditorium.

With a bright smile, she excused herself and left to find Liam.

Finding Liam was not an easy task. She had to struggle to make her way between families that were busy laughing, discussing, taking photos, and even couples sharing their goodbye kisses. A last she spotted Liam but then he wasn't alone. Instead, he was with Rebecca Torry her nightmare, and also Liam’s ex-girlfriend.

With rage, she increased her footsteps towards them but what stopped her dead in her tracks was the kiss that the duo later shared. With teary eyes, she scrambled through the crowd and went to meet her parents.

Jenna noticing the change in Emily’s demeanor, hugged her tightly. “Let's talk about it at home honey. It's your big day.”

“Come on let's go home already. I made delicious meals for this celebration .”

Jenna clapped hastily announcing the news to her husband and daughter.

They exited the Grande Auditorium and headed towards the parking lot, where they got buckled up in their car seats and left for their home.

Upon arrival at their home, Emily ran upstairs without uttering a word.

“Come on Brian what did you do? Huh? You know how soft your daughter is and yet you still thought it right to hurt her more so on her graduation day? How could you ?” Jenna lashed out at her husband who showed no sign of remorse and rather made himself comfortable on his expensive leather couch.

“You made her angry and I’m also very angry. The least you can do is act sorry and apologize .”

“Apologize? For what really “ asked Mr.O’Brian.

“Don't feed me that trash. What do you mean by that?”

“So what? I was supposed to allow her to continue tagging along with that piece of scum? Jenna, we discussed this already so I don't even see why you are overreacting. She has to know. One way or the other .” Argued Mr.O’Brian.

“What do I have to know?” asked a tired Emily.

Her father just gave her a neutral look and left the sitting room.

Jenna exhausted, plunges onto the couch and carries her head in her hands, deep in thoughts.

Emily moves towards her mother with gentle steps and asks

“What's wrong Mum?”

“ Baby it's nothing just parenting issues,” Jenna replies

Emily feeling unsettled looked at her mother thoughtfully.

“Emily!! Come to my office “ barked her father from upstairs.

Emily had no problem going to meet her father but what scared her were the tears that left her mother’s eyes and rolled down her chicks.

“Mum, what's the matter?” asked Emily.

“I'm sorry baby, I'm sorry I tried.” cried Jenna.

“What do you mean Mom?”

“It's nothing baby go and meet your dad.”

Emily had never been this confused. But what awaited her upstairs?