Page 5 of Dare to Need

Great.

Just one more piece of my private life being broadcasted for others to see.

I could feel Paulina staring at my back and I hoped with everything I had that she didn’t try to talk to me again. As President Walker wrapped up her speech, I glanced over my shoulder and released a long exhale. Paulina was gone. And I was alone again—this time I felt thankful for it. I tried not to think about it too much as the line ahead of me started to move as seniors’ names were called out one by one to walk across the stage.

It didn’t take long for the girls in front of me to reach the staircase by the edge of the stage. They all gave each other hugs before the first of their names were called. Seeing them together made my throat clog with emotion. I wished, more than ever, that Drema was here with me.

It was finally my turn to cross the stage. As I handed the announcer my name card, I took in a deep breath and rolled my shoulders back. The only person who could ruin this moment was me. I didn’t have to let the anger or hurt in. I could bury it away for now. Let my future self deal with it.

My legs were steady as I placed my foot on the stage and began the walk across. The announcer said my name and cheers erupted from the front row of the audience. My gaze darted to the crowd and a smile broke across my lips as soon as I saw them. Both my mom and dad were dressed to the nines, standing tall and proud as they both whistled and clapped.

Then my eyes were drawn tohim. The biggest smile I’d ever seen was radiating from his handsome face. My heart skipped a beat as I stood there, on that stage, in front of thousands of people. At that moment, I realized I had never truly been alone. They were with me the entire time.

The world started turning again as a woman ushered me forward to where President Walker was standing in front of the podium with a large black rectangle in her hand with the university seal embossed into the front. I made my way over to her and she reached her hand out to me.

Smiling from ear to ear, I took her hand in mine and she pulled me into a swift, tight hug.

“I’m so proud of you, Eva, darling. You deserve this.”

Happy tears welled in my eyes as I said, “Thank you so much.”

“I’ll see you at dinner,” she whispered and shot me a wink.

I took the large black rectangle from her and edged closer to the exiting staircase. After a few pictures, I made my way to the graduate seating area to the left of the stage. Sitting down, I ran my hand over the university seal. The symbol of so much change and growth. Of the fight I gave every single day, making sure that my chance of higher education didn’t go to waste. A symbol of my dreams that had finally come true.

“I’ll see you in a few days, mom,” I said as she took me in for a tight hug, the subtle scent of crisp apples and salty air floating from her.

As she pulled back from me, her eyes were glossy. “I’m so proud of you honey.”

“Mom, you’re going to make me cry.” I smiled through the tears threatening to spill over.

“We’re both proud of you, sweet pea.” My dad’s gruff voice had both my mom and I looking up at him just as he wrapped me into a giant bear hug.

“Thanks, dad.” I managed to say as he squeezed me tight against his chest.

When he let me go, he turned to Garth and said, “Make sure you get her to us safe and sound.”

“Her well-being is always my number one priority, Mr. Barnes.”

“As it should be,” my dad said through a smile as he took Garth’s hand and shook it.

“I love you guys.” Sniffling through my tears, I waved to my mom and dad as they walked off toward their car. They both turned around and waved back before my dad tucked my mom under his arm and kissed the top of her head.

My chest swelled with gratitude as I turned back to where Garth was standing with his mom.

“Thank you so much for coming, Mrs. Walker, it means a lot.”

“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world, darling. What you’ve accomplished is no small feat. You should be so proud of yourself.”

“I am. Thank you.” My cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but I couldn’t stop. I’d really done it. Accomplished the very thing I set out to do.

Mrs. Walker turned to Garth and said, “Well, I’m going to get home to rest. I have an early flight out tomorrow to visit your father in New York.”

Garth pulled her in for an embrace. “Drive safe, mother. Thanks for coming out.”

When Garth let her go, Mrs. Walker came over to me and gave me a gentle hug. “Congratulations again.”

“Thank you.”

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