Chapter 122 Caps, Gowns, and Goodbyes
Chapter 122: Caps, Gowns, and Goodbyes
The days for the exams flew very fast and it came to an end.
On the last day of the exams, the students agreed to dress in color codes to celebrate their last exams in OCU.
On that day, there was visible happiness and joy radiating as the students strode to the exam hall in their white T-shirts and black pants.
They only had one final paper left and it was a three hour long paper but they didn't seem to mind.
They went in for the exam and after three long hours, they began to troop out.
There were hugs and kisses and tears of congratulations flying everywhere.
The students held markers and were signing on each other's shirts. And music was blasting through the speakers in the hall way.
It was a time of reconciliation between friends and foes. They had spent four years together as classmates and had fought and danced together.
Like the saying “there are no permanent enemies ” Linda approached Golden and handed her a marker to sign on her shirt.
“Congratulations Nixon, care to sign on my shirt?” She asked surprising everyone around.
“Sure Miller, why not? It's been a crazy four years and this is a lovely way to end it.” Golden said as she took the marker and signed on Linda's shirt.
She handed Linda her marker and she also signed on her shirt. And then everyone signed on everyone's shirts.
Someone ordered pizza and soda and it soon turned to a pizza and soda party.
Two weeks soon flew past and it was time for graduation. And as expected, Golden had emerged as the Valedictorian and was prepared to give a speech.
She still hadn't told anyone about London and planned to do it at dinner.
She stood in front of the mirror as she put finishing touches to her looks.
She was wearing a royal blue patterned pants suit with silver heels. Her hair was styled in a high ponytail, enhancing her facial features.
She wore her diamond bff infinity necklace and bracelet and a matching studs earrings.
As she stared at her reflection in the mirror, she fought back a tear trying to escape. She missed her parents and wished they were here to see their baby girl graduate.
She picked up her graduation gown and cap from the chair and headed downstairs to join Varney who was waiting to take her to school.
At the bottom of the stairs, she was surprised to see not just Varney, but Allan and even Florence waiting for her.
Allan was holding a bouquet of flowers and smiling at her as she slowly descended the stairs.
“Congratulations Gigi.” Allan said handing her the flowers and giving her a hug.
“Thanks Allan. Congratulations to you too, I'm not the only one graduating you know.” Golden said with a smile. “Where's your gown and cap?” She asked.
“It's in the car. I would put it on once we get to school.”
“Congratulations Gigi. I'm so proud of you. Valedictorian huh! Unlike some people.” Florence said giving Golden a warm hug and sneering at her son.
“Ma! Not everyone can be valedictorian. I came out with very good grades, you should be proud of me.” Allan said grudgingly to his mother.
“Haiz! Let's go. You know we still have to pick up the kids before going to your school.” Florence smarked Allan on his head.
“Gigi I made a chocolate mint cake for you. You can have it later in the night. I will see you at the school, Tavia and Rema are waiting at home for us.” Florence said, pulling Allan so they could get moving.
Chinatown
“Wow baby, you look so beautiful. You look just like your mum.” Chen said trying to clean a tear trying to drop.
Rosa patted him on the back and handed him a tissue to clean his eyes.
“It's Alex's big day, aren't you a little too big to be crying?” She asked.
Turning to Alex she said, “you look absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations on graduating with honors.
You made the Dean's list, that's no small feat. I'm sure your mum is super proud, because I am.”
“I wish these little ones inside would just stay quiet for a moment and not keep trying to burst out.” Rosa said as she supported her big stomach, trying to get up from the chair.
“Thanks dad, thanks Rosa.
Dad, tears, really?
Sometimes I wonder who really is carrying the pregnancy because you seem rather more emotional these days.” Alex said as she approached Rosa so she could let her wear her the gown and cap.
“Alex let your father be. He's going through a lot more so now that the babies would be arriving any moment.” Nana said.
“Now all of you stand together so I can take a picture for my album.”
Nana Chen took a group picture and they left for the school.
Getting to the school, Alex, Golden, Fab, and Allan all met outside the auditorium.
They exchanged quick hugs and commented on how they all looked before they made their way into the auditorium.
Alex, Fab, and Allan made their way to their seat. Alex and Fab sat with the students on the Dean's honors list on the far right hand side of the podium.
Allan although wasn't on the Dean's list, finished with distinction and sat on the first row. While Golden made her way to sit with the members of the faculty.
On getting to her seat, Golden noticed Linda sitting right beside her.
Unlike everyone else who was shocked, Golden had sort of expected it. Linda had worked twice as hard as anybody else and did deserve to be on the stage.
“Are you seeing what I am seeing?” Alex whispered to Fab by her side.
“You mean Linda? Why are you surprised? She's really smart you know that right?” Fab said.
“Yeah I know she is. It's just that I forget how intelligent she is because of all the vile things she does.
Do you think she's co-valedictorian with Gigi?”
“I'm not so sure. We would find out wouldn't we? Now shush before they send us down from the stage.