Page 215 of Plaything

It took me a second to realize what I meant. I finally didn’t look like a blobfish... but I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of saying it first. “I love you more,” I smiled down at him.

A dazzling smile broke out across his face as his eyes lit up. “That’s impossible,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’d actually like it noted on the record that I fell first. Back when the other three were hesitant about their feelings, I knew you were meant to be ours,” he admitted.

“Maybe you’re just obsessed with me?” I teased.

“Entirely,” he agreed, placing another lingering kiss against my lips. “Sore?” He asked as he pulled out of me, cleaning himself and me off with clean napkins he had in the middle console.

I winced while maneuvering back to the passenger seat. “Very,” I sent him a doe-eyed look. “Did you actually try to give me a limp?” I accused.

He smirked in response before beginning to drive again.

Sure enough, that jerk gave me a limp, completely for his own sick pleasure. Truthfully, I could tough it out long enough to walk normally around the crowds, but it was uncomfortable.

I’d also be lying if it didn’t turn me on. It was like he stamped ‘Niko was here’ on me, advertised by my wonky walk.

The speeches were over, and it was almost my turn to collect my diploma and shake the dean’s hand.

Some reporters were in the crowd, but security shooed them away. Reesia, Collin, Jamie, and Vincent were also present and sat in the front row of the stands. I waved to them when my row stood to walk.

During the speeches, Dominic was given a special acknowledgment for his years of service and achievements and a warm farewell to his next career. I think he was caught off guard by this, as he cracked a rare smile in front of the entire graduating class.

He and my other professors stood in a lengthy line that wrapped around the graduating class. They were ready to shake the students’ hands and bid their farewells as we passed by with our diplomas in hand.

“Chelsea White,” the announcer called the woman in front of me for her turn to walk.

I took a deep breath, preparing to take that first last step. Unless it was from my guys, I really hated attention. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing I wasn’t valedictorian after all.

“Odette Whitlock.”

My feet moved by themselves, and I chuckled as Reesia practically screamed bloody murder for me. I only glanced at the stands once, wanting to preserve my composure. Seeing all the eyes on me was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Reesia was literally standing, jumping with her hands in the air. Jamie and Vincent let out some hoots and whistles, and Collin politely clapped with everyone else.

Just as I reached the dean, I sneakily looked past him at my professors. My heart melted at their proud smiles and looks of adoration that only I could pinpoint.

“Miss Whitlock,” the dean greeted as she reached for my hand. “We’re very proud to call you an alumni. If there’s anything you need in your future endeavors, you have the university’s full support,” she winked.

“Thank you,” I said, taking my well-earned piece of paper in a case, shaking her hand, smiling for the picture, and walking away (hiding my limp).

That was it? All the homework, stress, effort, and time for a ten-second handshake. Oddly enough, it was worth it. I wasn’t expecting anything more, but I was surprised at how easy and quick it was. My education and time at the university were officially over.

“That’s my girlfriend!” Reesia shouted as I passed by the group on my way down the line.

I blushed and subtly shook my head at her before nervously laughing. She was crazy. If the sneaky reporters in the stands were listening, the world would think I was a lesbian tomorrow.

That wouldn’t be the worst thing. Over a third of the population would leave me alone and stop trying to pursue me romantically. Maybe, just maybe, she was an evil genius.

It was then that I noticed the fierce shaking of cowbells in the crowd. Braving through my nerves, I looked up into the stands, seeing none other than Pops and Mama. They were on the very top row, standing up, ringing the cowbells, and cheering like... hilbillies. Wonderful, noisy, loveable hillbillies.

My heart swelled as I laughed and waved at Wyatt’s parents. The lump in my throat was strange—I wasn’t sad; I was overjoyed. I had no idea if Wyatt had invited them or if they’d come themselves. Knowing them, I bet the latter.

“Way to go, killer!” I heard Chester holler over the crowd.

“Woo! Go, Dotty!” I faintly heard across the bleachers. My attention flicked to the voice, knowing only one person ever called me Dotty.

In the middle of the stands, Anthony and his parents stood clapping, smiling excitedly down at me. They waved enthusiastically when they saw they’d captured my attention, and I couldn’t help but cheese back at them as I waved. They drove over two hours for 10 seconds...

I’d always thought it was hard to love people—that love was scary and made-up. Looking around the crowd, I loved so many people effortlessly. Not only that, I realized how fortunate I was to have so many close friends and family.

Making my way down the long line of professors, I politely shook their hands. I took a few extra seconds with professors who’d put in some extra effort with me over the years. I completely walked past Mr. Ridley when he came up, and he seemed to understand as he couldn’t even look at me.

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