Chapter Four

Fortunately for Chloe, she arrived just in time. She had no idea how many road code rules she had broken to get there, but thankfully they had made it in one piece. Practically running, her and Selina made their way towards the open field where the ceremony was held. An old guy was standing at a podium in the middle of the stage talking about the history of the school. Praying silently that she wasn't too late, she scoured for her reserved seat in amidst the rows of graduation hats. Finally eyeing an empty seat, Chloe made her way over. Selina had taken a seat in the back already Chloe realised, as she saw her friend give a wave of encouragement. Chloe was sitting behind a very tall and large man and so couldn't see half the stage including the podium. All she saw was the other half of the stage and on it were a few important people with suits on sitting quietly facing the audience and listening to the guy at the podium. Chloe felt nervous and excited all at the same time. AAAH, I'm finally going to graduate! her mind screamed at her. The realisation began to sink in. Her life-long dream was coming true right at that moment. She was graduating from one of America's finest design schools, the California School of Design. Sirens and horns blasted through her head. Tears of joy were forming at the creases of her eyes. I'm finally going to graduate! With a clammy hand she tucked a wisp of hair that had fallen in front of her eyes back behind her ear. "...and before I bore you any further ladies and gentlemen, let us proceed with the ceremony!" Everyone started clapping after the old guy had spoken, and gentle piano music filtered through the air. After the applausing had died down, the old man began to speak again. "We have a fine reputation here at California's School of Design and we are proud to say that a large number of our students have been able to graduate this year. Many receive Merits, and a number of exceptional students receive Honours for their outstanding work they've achieved. We'll start now, working our way up to the Honour level." Chloe could hear the soft notes of the piano filter through the sky once again, it's sweet harmonious tune setting the mood. Chloe sat there for what seemed to be ages before the Merit awards had finally been given out and the Honours were next. "Next, the Honours. These extraordinary students who have achieved this high a level are highly commended for the fine work they have done throughout the years. We wish them all the best for the future" the old guy briefly stated. He started calling the Honours up. One by one each filed up onto the stage smiling as the old guy shook each hand and gave out their certificate. "And lastly California's School of Design's greatest achievers, Chloe Robinson and Jeremiah Brown, both scoring the highest Honours. Congratulations to both of you" the old man said. Chloe's heart was beating fast, it was an awesome exhilirating feeling. She shook the old man's hand firmly as they both exchanged smiles. He handed her her certificate, which she gratefully took with a polite "thank you". Walking over to her position on stage, she stood, posed like she had been told to do so many times in dress rehearsals. But this time it was for real, and the sensation of holding her own graduation certificate made Chloe feel better than she had ever felt before. She looked at the audience and the audience looked back at her, smiling, clapping for joy. She could see Selina happily cheering... and over to the right she saw the Carters. All of them were there... except for Nick. Chloe felt a bit disapointed as she smiled at them. They all looked so happy. And where was Jesse? He said he'd be there. Chloe panicked as she surveyed the audience. Where was he? He said he'd be here, he wouldn't miss this for the world! Where was he? Frantically Chloe surveyed the scene one more time before her eyes glided over to the carpark, hoping to see his car. But her eyes stopped short as they rested on a tall lean figure about 7 metres away from the crowd. The lone figure was leaning on a tree, shaded by it's branches. Breathing a sigh of relief, Chloe realised Jesse did come after all. Chloe looked closer, hoping to catch his gaze. The figure was gazing intently at her. Slowly, as if in slow motion, the figure raised it's head towards her own. His face was blanketed by a mask of seriousness, his lips unsmiling. Ohmygod! Chloe's breath cut short as she realised at an instant that familiar head of flowing blonde curls, those piercing clear blue pools of water that stared back longingly at her own eyes. The wind played at his hair, causing it to dishevell, before reaching Chloe and made her stray wisps dance around her oval face. Before realising what she was doing, Chloe began to cry... not tears of joy, but tears of remembrance... tears of pain and betrayal. Opening her mouth, she mouthed out the word.... his name... Nick.