78

Ophelia Keaton.

Four years later/

The time I had been waiting to come for the longest time had finally arrived. As I sat in my cap and gown, waiting for my name to be called, my heart raced with excitement. Graduation day had finally arrived, and I couldn’t believe that my academic journey was coming to an end. All the late nights of studying, the stress of finals, and the countless hours of hard work had led me to this moment.

“Ophelia Keaton,” the announcer called out, and I stood up with a mix of nerves and pride. Walking across the stage to receive my diploma, I couldn’t help but smile as I thought about all the memories I had made during my time at school.

I wave at my family and friends, who cheered me on as I collect my diploma. Tamia and Olivia had graduated a year earlier and next year will be Harper’s graduation because her course was for five years. During the years we have been through so much and had so much fun. Tamia finally moved in with her husband, but we visit each other whenever we can and even travel on our holidays, including Olivia, who still hates to travel but has no other choice.

After the ceremony, I met up with my friends and my fiancé, Kain. He proposed to me last year with a ring he’s been carrying around for years. He had to get it resized because I was no longer the stick figure doll that I used to be. I gained a few pounds in all the right places.

We decided to celebrate at our favorite restaurant, a small Italian place that had become our go-to spot for special occasions. Later, I will be meeting up with my family. Mom and Aunt Nia were preparing something special for dinner.

As we sat around the table toasting our accomplishments, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the amazing people in my life. Harper, with her mysterious air and unwavering support. Olivia, with her, kill them with kindness, attitude and useful talent of styling hair. Tamia, with her rude yet easygoing nature. And Kain, with his love and encouragement.

“Cheers to us, the Class of 2025!” Harper exclaimed, raising her glass.

We clinked our glasses together, savoring the moment and the freedom that awaited us as we prepared to embark on the next chapter of our lives.

“I can’t believe you did it,” Tamia said, her eyes shining with pride. “For a moment, I thought you were going to drop out and move back to Miami.”

“I considered it a few times,” I confessed with a laugh that they joined in on. “But I didn’t give up because you guys were there to cheer me on.”

Kain squeezed my hand under the table, a silent gesture that spoke volumes. I turned to him, feeling a surge of emotion as I realized how lucky I was to have him by my side.

“I couldn’t have done it without you, baby,” I whispered, and he smiled, his eyes full of love.

“Get a room!” Gunner yells before throwing his arm around Tamia’s shoulder and taking a sip of his drink.

“Piss of man,” Kain tells him with a small laugh.

Parker, Harper’s sweet boyfriend, sat quietly watching us. He was the newest addition to our group, having joined us only about five times since we all first met him. I remembered that first meeting vividly, the night my badass friend took down a few troublemakers. Caleb and his friends, whose fate remained a mystery. It was almost as if they had vanished into thin air that night, never to be seen again.

As we finished our meal and paid the bill, I felt a mixture of sadness and excitement. Graduation day was bittersweet, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. But as I looked around at my friends and my boyfriend, I knew that no matter what the future held, we would always have each other.

And as we walked out into the night, the world at our feet, I felt nothing but gratitude for the memories we had made and the adventures that awaited us.

Harper Rostov

~San Francisco~

I meticulously adjusted Parker’s tie as he stood before me, his nerves evident in the slight tremble of his hands. Today marked his first day working at my father’s company, and the weight of his apprehension hung heavy in the air. As I straightened the knot, I couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes searched mine for reassurance.

“You have absolutely nothing to worry about, babe,” I whispered softly, wrapping my arms around his neck. I leaned in, pressing my lips against his in a gentle kiss. “Everything will be fine. You’re going to do great.”

Parker’s eyes bore into mine, a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty reflecting back at me as he hugged my waist. I could sense his desire to prove himself, to make a good impression on my father and his colleagues. His determination was palpable, and I admired his tenacity. Soon we will both take over from my father, who said he wants to have an early retirement.

Taking a step back, I smoothed down his suit jacket and gave him a reassuring smile. “Remember, you’re capable, smart, and hardworking. You have all the qualities needed to excel in this role.”

Parker nodded, a flicker of confidence returning to his features. “Thanks, hon, I love when you motivate me. What would I do without your support?” he replied, his voice filled with gratitude.

I shrugged and pretended to think about his question. “As long as there’s breath in my body, I’ll always be there to support you.”

Parker takes my hand and kisses the back of it while staring into my eyes. “You’re so cheesy,” he told me.

“But you love me,” I replied with a smile.

As we made our way to the company together, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for Parker. He had come a long way since we first met, at that fast-food restaurant he used to work at. I remembered how I used to go there every day after going or whenever I ditched just so that I could see him. If it wasn’t for Niyler then I wouldn’t have found the courage to talk to him.

I knew that he was destined for success. With his determination and dedication, there was no doubt in my mind that he would make a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Arriving at the office, I watched as Parker took a deep breath, steeling himself for the day ahead. He leans down and gives me a passionate kiss before pulling away. “I’ll see you later, baby.”

“Have a good day,” I smiled at him before he entered the building, ready to embark on this new chapter of his career. Luckily for him, he would have his cousin-in-law Stefano to guide him on his way.

I ended up spending the rest of my day with my cousins, Niyler and Madison. They have been so busy with their lives and we all have different schedules, so it was hard for us to meet up as often as we used to when we were teenagers. We had lunch together and did a bit of shopping before Madison had to pick up her son, Malachi, from school. She could have his babysitter to do it, but she said she doesn’t want to be that mom who would leave her child for someone else to take care of.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city, I waited anxiously for Parker to emerge from the office doors. And when he finally appeared, a sense of pride swelled within me as I saw the determined gleam in his eyes.

“How was your first day?” I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

Parker smiled, his expression filled with satisfaction. “It went better than I could have imagined. I think I’m going to like it here,” he replied, his voice tinged with excitement.

“Of course you will. We will be the boss one day.”

Parker scratches the back of his neck. “Don’t remind me,” he says before wrapping me in his arms so that he could pull me closer. “Although with you by my side, we will be the next power couple.”

“Ah,” I say, considering his words. “I don’t want to be ‘thee’ power couple, like my aunt or uncle, my parents or my cousins. I’m happy with us just being ordinary Harper and Parker. The couple who sticks together and fights all odds.”

Parker kisses my forehead. “I’ll be happy with that too, babe. It doesn’t matter as long as we are together.” He reaches out and brushes my hair over my shoulder.

I chuckle softly as I wrap my arms around him, feeling a warmth spread through my chest as his muscular arms envelop me. His touch is like a gentle breeze on a summer day, one that always manages to calm my nerves and soothe my soul. As I nuzzle my head into the crook of his shoulder, I feel my mind begin to quiet and my thoughts grow hazy. It’s as if my entire being melts away, becoming one with the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat. In these moments, I lose myself in him, and it’s as if nothing else exists but the two of us.

“I love you more with each passing day, Parker,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart. The words feel like a truth that’s become more profound with each passing moment, and I know that I’m not just speaking from my heart, but from every fiber of my being.

As I pull back slightly to gaze up at him, I see the same love shining back at me from his eyes, like two bright stars guiding me home. His eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles, and I can sense the deep affection and adoration he has for me. It’s a feeling that fills me up to the brim, leaving me feeling grateful and blessed to have found this love.