Chapter 260 I am in pursuit of greatness.
Chapter 260 I am in pursuit of greatness.
CHAPTER 260
I am in pursuit of greatness.
MILLY
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Mom asks for the third time, staring at herself in the mirror.
It is awards night, and she is my only parent. We always knew that this day would come. I didn’t expect to go to Prom, but I was never going to miss tonight, not after all the hard work I’ve put in to be the best student in the entire school.
“Yes, Mom, you look stunning,” I assure her, because she does.
She is wearing a stunning pastel yellow dress. Her hair is styled in a low messy bun, with curls on either side of her face. It is simple, but elegant. She looks stunning.
“Are you sure?” She is uncertain, and it makes my heart ache.
“Yes, Mom. I am sure.” I take her hand in mine. “You are my mom, and I want you there with me. Now, stop freaking out. We have a long night ahead of us, and everyone is waiting for us.”
She nods and looks at my dress. “You are beautiful too, always so beautiful.”
I’m wearing one of the dresses Romeo got me a few months ago. It is mini, with a flared wrist. We leave my room and join everyone in the large living room. The Sinclairs and Collins are coming with us. Pandora, Jordan and Darcy will meet us there. Jordan’s sister will watch the kids for the few hours we’ll all be gone. Her work is half done because they’re already asleep.
Romeo smiles and meets me halfway. “You look beautiful, Lilah.” He compliments my mom.
She blushes and kisses his cheeks. “Thank you.”
She walks away, and I press my lips to his.
“You look lovely.” He runs his hand over my hips, and I sigh softly.
“Thank you, baby. I love the suit.” I beam at him and glance at his parents. They’re dressed complementarily, not over the top, but in a way that speaks before they do. Kai’s parents are the same too. He winks at me, and I grin. We are aware that we’re packing awards tonight.
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The award show is held at the restaurant where we had the football banquet, but the hall has been decorated to match the occasion. It is alluring and welcoming. My friends and I head to the graduating class section of the hall. Pandora and Darcy also have short dresses on. Romeo links his hand with mine, and Kai is on my right.
My eyes meet Ms Olive’s, and I wave at her happily.
I will miss her so much, for everything she has done for me, all the times she has been with me, her words of encouragement, the times she told me to persevere when it looked grim, and now, here I am, graduating in a few months. I have come so far.
I turn to the parents’ section and wave at my mom. She waves back and blows me a kiss.
“Welcome to Riverfield High Awards Night.” Principal Beaumont takes the stand, and it begins in earnest.
Soon, she returns to announce the academic awards. “I am glad to have been with the current graduating class from the beginning. I have watched them leave the boxes people tried to shove them in and become better versions of themselves. A lot of our students were lucky enough to get scholarships; some will go on to continue their football legacy across the world, as well as their scientific exploits. As much as we love all our students, there are some we need to recognise for their exceptional behaviours.”
Romeo kisses my hand, and I smile, knowing I’d be called up there soon.
“In English and Literature, Millicent Stark.” She declares loudly, and the hall explodes in applause.
“MILLY!” My friends cheer, and I melt from within.
“You deserve this and more.” Romeo kisses my cheeks, and I stand up on weak knees.
I make my way to the podium and try not to become too lightheaded. I am standing in front of everyone: the board of directors, the parents and the teachers.
Kai’s name is called after mine for the Mathematics Award, and I cheer so loud for him. Romeo is called for Athletic Excellence. Jordan is called for Football MVP and Leadership Award. I’d thought they’d skip over Pandora and Darcy because they joined us late, but surprisingly, they do not. Pandora is called for the Science Research Award and Track Star of the Year. Darcy is awarded for Academic Excellence and Creative Achievement.
However, I am tense when they have to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
I need it to be me. It might seem prideful, but I don’t care. I have worked hard from the beginning, and I deserve it. I deserve to be recognised for all my academic achievements. I have always been in pursuit of greatness and will never shy from it.
“For this year’s Valedictorian.” Ms Olive is the one to make the announcement, which instantly makes me want to cry. I think about all the time I spent in the library, all the times she defended me, the times she motivated me. I will miss her so much.
“She is a very important student to me, and in the past year, I have had to watch her growth. She turned her life around. She stepped out of her shell, and now flourishes before us. Please let's give it up for Millicent Stark, Valedictorian.”
My ears are ringing hard from the deafening applause. I walk to her, shake her hand, and we take a few pictures.
Unsurprisingly, Kai is called as Salutatorian, and I clap even louder for him.
We stand side by side, taking pictures, shaking the hands of the school board. We made it to the last lap, and now, we only need to cross the finish line together. I glance at Romeo, and he blows me a kiss. I love my life, and I am ready for whatever happens next.