Ever After Awaits

“And last, but not least, this year’s Academic Excellence Award winner, Layla Kincaid!”

I step onto the stage & accept my award and graduation certificate from Mr. Anderson, our Principal.

As I’m standing next to him to have my picture taken, my eyes slip across the crowd, looking for my mother’s auburn head of hair just to come up short. I honestly don’t know why I expected anything different.

In the last six months she has become distant, she’s never home and when she is home, she can barely deign to say a handful of words to me.

It’s because she’s met a new man, but I can’t help but feel that there is something else that I’m missing.

After the crowd cheers and claps, we all scatter through the crowd looking for our friends and family.

Becca, my best friend since kindergarten, comes hurtling towards me with a huge smile on her face, her arms spread wide.

“We’ve finally done it!” she screams in my face just before she jumps into my arms. I can’t help but smile at her.

In relation to my 5 foot 8 inch stature, her 5 foot 1 inch is basically miniature. The fact that I’m voluptuous and thick and she’s slim and lean, does not help our size differences in the slightest. But we wouldn’t want it any other way.

I lock eyes with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Montgomery, over her shoulder and they both have huge, proud smiles on their faces.

Since day one, they welcomed me into their home and treated me like an adoptive daughter. Mrs. Montgomery is the one who taught me how to create mouthwatering dishes, bake amazing cookies and cakes, and even how to balance a household budget. Mr. Montgomery is the one who taught me how to change a tire, fix a lightbulb, hang a shelf, and even knot a tie (just in case).

“Your mom probably got stuck at work.” Mrs. Montgomery whispers in my ear when she leans in to hug me. I appreciate the sentiment but we both know that’s not the real reason she is not here.

We all pile into the Montgomery’s car and head to the local seafood restaurant that is known for its amazing dishes and superb service – Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery’s treat for our special day.

We are at the restaurant and as we wait to be attended to by the hostess, my eyes scan across the space to take in its amazing décor and atmosphere as I’ve personally never been here before.

My eyes catch onto a pair of stunning green ones that are staring right back at me. My breath catches and my heart skips a beat when the force of our stare hits me like a battering ram. What in the ever-loving-skittles is that?

As I come back to my senses, other features come to my attention: a strong jawline that could cut diamonds, golden flawless skin, dark brown (almost black) curly hair that is cropped closely on the sides but longish on top (perfect for my fingers to glide through and grab on to), a tall muscular figure that gives off swimmer vibes and a sinful mouth that is currently tipped upwards into the most delicious, panty-melting smirk. Oh my!

Becca tugs on my arm to get my attention so I can follow them to our table. I glance back one last time but he has slipped away. It might be for the best; I can’t afford any right now.

Our server comes over and introduces herself as Meghan takes our drinks orders, and hurries away to give us a few minutes to peruse the menu.