CHAPTER 19 - Lunna Rivera
***One year later - Graduation - Part 1***
Today is the big day! The girls and I are getting ready for our graduation. I haven't given my answer to Kim yet, whether I'll stay here in Boston or go back to Nicaragua. I know this is where I belong, especially now that Romolo and I are getting along so well. He's very respectful; I talked to him about my traumas, about what happened in my childhood, and he agreed to wait. He said that when I'm ready, I'll know, and it will be perfect. I had a meltdown, imagining all the things that could happen when I told him about everything that happened. I was anxious and worried, and then the panic attack came without asking permission and left me feeling terrible. I don't really remember much of what happened; I just remember waking up in a different room with the girls by my side. Finding out that Adam was there and that he helped me made me see that he cares about me. Hearing him say that he'll be there for me, whatever I need, made me happy.
I snap out of my thoughts as Kim enters our dorm room.
“Wow! You all look amazing!” she says, approaching and hugging each one of us.
“You look beautiful too!” I say, and Kéfera and Jully agree.
“Shall we? The ceremony will start soon,” Jully says, and we leave the room.
“Will Romolo meet you in the hall? Adam asked if he'll be there,” Kéfera asks, as we all link arms.
“Yes, we'll meet there!”
“And why is Adam interested in your boyfriend?” Keké asks.
“I don't know!” I shrug, even though I know Adam wants to ruin everything, and I don't even know why. He's been really sweet to me, but he's starting to annoy me and meddle too much in my relationship with Romolo.
We head to the venue, engaged in lively conversation with the girls, and I keep thinking about whether I'll stay or not. But I think I'll follow my heart. Later, I'll bring my mother and grandmother to live here with me. I stop, causing them to stop too.
“I've made up my mind,” I say, making them look at me.
“Kim, I accept your offer to live with you!”
“Really?” she says, smiling.
“Yes! I have some money to help you with the expenses, and once my internship is over, I'll be able to sign the permanent contract with the company. Then I can bring my mother and grandmother to live with me.”
“Oh!” she exclaims. We hug and start jumping around like crazy, then we separate, smiling.
“But you know you can help me with just the expenses, I don't pay rent because the apartment is mine… It will be wonderful. I wish you were here too, Kéke and Jully.”
“We'll all be close to each other. It's just a flash from here to New York,” Kéfera says, making us smile.
“Now I want a promise from both of you. Jully, you don't need to make it because I'll tear her liver out if she distances herself from me.” I look at Jully, who widens her eyes.
“Never, my fairy! I am your humble servant,” she says, bowing and then smiling.
“I'm serious. I want to stay in touch with all of you. I don't want us to drift apart. You are my best friends, and I don't want you to move away. Are we agreed?” she says, placing her hand, palm down, in the middle of us.
“Agreed!” we all said, placing our hands on top of each other. We look at each other and smile.
“I have something for you,” Jully says. She takes a small box out of her purse and opens it. Inside are four necklaces with the infinity symbol. She takes the necklaces in her hand and smiles, looking at us with teary eyes. “This necklace is a gift. I want it to be the symbol of our friendship, and know that… I will always be here for each one of you. No matter the distance, if you need anything, I'll come running,” she says, handing each of us a necklace. I was already in tears, thanking goodness that Kéfera's makeup is waterproof. “I love you, girls, and know that you are my sisters. I'm grateful for each of your lives, for appearing in my life and for being these extraordinary friends!” I say, and we embrace.
“Now, enough with the tears. Let's go, or our speaker will be late for her speech,” Kim says, looking at Kéke.
“Don't even mention it! I'm nervous, and it feels like my stomach will come out of my mouth, but let's go.”
“Don't make me cry anymore, please,” I say, pointing a finger at Kéfera, who smiles, indicating that she'll cause trouble. We head inside the hall, separating as Kéfera goes to join the advisor, and the girls go to their parents. I walk towards my class, and I see Romolo leaning in a corner. I approach him, and as soon as I get closer, his expression changes from happy to worried. “Is everything okay? Why were you crying?” he says, caressing my face.
“The girls made me cry. They are such sweethearts, and we promised never to drift apart,” I say, holding the infinity pendant on the necklace around my neck.
“Friends like that are hard to find. They're lucky to have you.”
“Yes, but actually, I'm the lucky one to have them in my life,” I say, smiling. He leans in and gives me a peck on the lips. We hold hands, and Romolo leads me to my seat, kissing my hand before joining his classmates. He still has a few more years before graduating. And so, the graduation ceremony begins.
“Good afternoon, everyone. It is an immense pleasure to commence yet another celebration that is so important for our graduates,” says the dean, being applauded. After the applause subsides, he continues speaking. “I don't know if it's just me being very nervous and anxious, or if I'm more distracted today, as I barely heard the speeches. However, hearing Kéke's voice greeting us literally brought me back from the clouds.