Page 185 of Steps

I feel an instant prick of sorrow, but the greatmemories with my gran quickly diminish it.

“She’s here,” I mutter, stepping out of the hug.“She’s always here.”

After Daniel gets in a quick hug and peck on mycheek, he snaps a photo with all of us before we head to my school.

I find Kenya in the schoolyard with otherclassmates. Her makeup and long red-polished nails look professionally done.Her fresh Marley braids are styled neatly under the cap.

“Hey, girl!” she yelps. “We’re finally here!”

We pout and giggle before giving each other tighthugs.

“Gosh, can you believe this is it?” I say when Imove back.

She raises her shoulders in a dramatic shrug.“Yeah, feels like we’ve been in high school forever.” There’s a smile at herplump red lips, but her brown eyes droop and glisten as if near tears. Iglimpse Mr. Jackson and her little brothers talking with Daniel and Mom.

“Come on, let’s take pictures,” I suggest beforewe both end up emotional and ruin our makeup ahead of the ceremony.

“Definitely.”

I drape my arm around her, and we walk overtogether. It’s so sad that Tracy can’t be here for Kenya. Perhaps being aroundso many people might freak her out. Seeing the slight sadness on Kenya’s face,I know she’s missing her mom dearly.

We snap a bunch of pictures before taking ourplace with our graduating class.

I’m a ball of nerves throughout the ceremony. Whenit’s time to walk across the stage and collect my diploma, my legs shake somuch I fear I’ll fall on my face. But my anxiety melts away when I seeeveryone, especially Varen, stand and cheer for me. Happiness sprouts in myheart and makes me smile broader than ever.

Following the ceremony, we take more photos withthe professional photographer hired by the school. Varen finds a way to sneakin beside me, placing an arm at my back and causing me to shudder as thephotographer snaps away.

Then we have dinner at a fancy restaurant in thecity. I’m happy that Daniel invited Kenya and her dad and siblings to join us.It’s cool celebrating with my best friend since childhood.

Later, we say our goodbyes. Varen and I stroll tohis car in the parking lot.

“So, still in the celebrating mood?” he asks as hestarts the car. “Any parties you want to check out?”

I shake my head. “I am in the celebrating mood,but I rather it just be you and me now.”

He winks at me. “Okay, what do you have in mind?”

A sneaky grin reaches my lips. “No, what doyouhave in mind? It’s my day. Treat me.”

Varen bites his bottom lip and growls. “Ooh. Yes,ma’am.” He pulls out of the lot as quickly as possible.

48

It’s summer now. I push myself to not think aboutCalifornia. Savoring the bliss of being with Varen, having girl time with Mom,Alison, and Kenya, and joining our parents to celebrate their first weddinganniversary.

I’m grateful that no one mentions the abnormalityof our relationship and allows Varen and me these moments before I leave forcollege. But as August comes around, I start to feel anxious. I’m excited to befollowing my dreams, but at the same time sad that I’ll be so far from my love.

It’s now the day before my flight to California.Varen has taken time off to spend the last few hours with me.

We should probably get out of the apartment and dosomething fun and memorable. But neither of us want to leave the bed or thecomfort of each other’s arms.

By midday, it starts to rain, a steady drizzlepitter-pattering on the window.

“You could come with me,” I whisper beforespreading soft kisses across his chest and tattoo.

Varen lifts my chin with his index finger. “I’llvisit when you’re settled in,” he says, then kisses me on the lips.

“Or you could get a job out there,” I suggest. “Wecould rent an apartment together.”

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