Chapter Twenty-Two: Testing.. Attention, Please

"What do you think you're wearing? And why is your hair pulled back like that?!" My mother scolded as soon as I got down the last step of the staircase.

"I don't think my clothes will matter, Mother. Its going to be covered by the graduation dress robe anyway!" I protested.

I think what I'm wearing is presentable enough for graduation. It was only graduation anyway, I don't see the point of dressing up.

"I need you to wear the new clothes I just bought you. People will be arriving here as soon after your graduation ceremony is finished to congratulate you, so as the Hood family!"

"But I don't want to-"

"Just do as I say!!" She exclaimed loudly and I stomped my shoes against the cold hard steps.

I groaned in frustration as I enter my room. Opening my closet one more time I grabbed all the paper bags that was on my closet floor and dragged them all out. I noticed the duffel bag that I prepared a few days ago.

Its tonight.

I sighed. "Tatum, chill out. You're going to finish graduation first before you think of running away." I gulped as I feel my hands tremble in nervousness.

I took out the clothes and shoes out of the paper bags. It was a black dress that was only up until my knee and the skirt was ballooned, the neckline was revealing it was shaped like a V showing my cleavage, it was cut until the middle of my torso where a laced belt was and was connected to a huge black ribbon resting on the small of my back. The sleeves were fitted until my elbow, the dress was beautiful but it was too much. It was too revealing for me but I don't have a choice.

I ran towards my make up table and stared at the mirror.

Jesus H. Christ, the neckline of this dress is ridiculous. I gulped as I stare at myself on the mirror, pulling my hair tie off of my hair.

My hair was damp and lifeless today, I've washed it with conditioner a few times but it just wouldn't cooperate. Out of all the days in the week.

I decided to tie it in a messy stylish side braid.

Strands of my hair freely fall in different places and I had to admit it looked good framing my face.

I wore a light colored lipstick, popping my lips checking if the color was even.

After a few more adjustments, I made my way back towards my bed to grab the shoes beside the paper bags, it was a white pointed stilleto that could kill an old man from Aldo.

I wore it before heading down. As soon as my mother saw my appearance her face lit up.

"Much better than the hobo clothes you were wearing awhile ago." She smiled as she placed her hand on my shoulder, "Let's go, before the good seats get taken." She pulled away before settling herself in the car.

I followed behind her rolling my eyes at what she was wearing.

She was wearing a red blazer that matches her red pencil skirt and her hair was on a ponytail, a proper ponytail with not even a single strand of hair sticking out of her head. She smelled like acetone and expensive perfume. Her fingers complete with all kinds of jewelry as well as her neck.

The car ride was silent after she asked Kimberly, our driver or should I say chauffeur to turn off the stereo that was playing this rock song about a girl named Stella.

"So what do you plan on doing after graduation?" My mother asked trying to break the ice that was forming between us.

"I uh-I haven't thought about it yet." I lied, looking away and stared out of the window, somehow counting all the trees were passing by.

"Are you going to pursue Art School? Your wedding is not until two months, you should apply to some university first. I could handle the wedding preparations since Joy is a big help, she's excited for the wedding as much as I am. She's really looking forward to be bonding with you."

Too bad this is the last time you'll see me, mother.

I sighed, "Mother, can we please not talk about this now?" I asked, my voice calm.

Just as she was about to answer, the car stopped. We were already in front of the school.

Cars were lined up to drop off parents and the graduates.

My classmates wearing colorful floral dresses while I'm here looking like I'm about to attend a funeral. I guess I'm really attending a funeral tho.

Mother and I parted ways, she made her way to find herself a seat and maybe some people where she could brag her life about.

I walked my way towards our old classroom to get a graduation dress robe. I saw my classmates fitting some and throwing some that doesn't fit on the floor. I rolled my eyes at them as their shrill voices suffocate me inside the room.

As soon as I got what I needed, a robe and a hat, I immediately step out of the room, these girls are unbearable. They talk to each other like they're never going to meet again and fake cry and freak out when their make up run down their face. They're so annoying.

I didn't check if my dress robe or if the hat fits me, I just recklessly made my way towards the gymnasium and sat on the chair provided for the graduates.

I saw my mother talking to our principal.

What's new about that.

After a few more time waiting the 50 chairs provided for the graduates was almost occupied but I think there were two or three empty seats. The gymnasium was starting to be crowded as relatives and families of some of the graduates have arrived, seating on the cushioned bleachers.

"Testing..testing, mic test 1,2,3" Ms. Howard from the science department exclaimed on the microphone. "Well, good afternoon everyone. It is such a delight to see all of your smiling faces-" She exclaimed and went on and on. She explained a lot of things but I didn't listen to any of it. My mind being bugged by a lot of things at the moment. Her speech went on for a couple minutes and I was distracted by my thoughts when everyone started to give her a round of applause.

After her speech she asked our principal to give her words of wisdom and another long ass speech about everything about education being the key to ones success and etcetera.

I remained spaced out and worried the whole time.

What if running away cause a huge problem? It could kill my mother.

At least you wouldn't have any problem anymore if that happens. My subconscious laughed,

What if I'm just being aggressive? What if I'm making the wrong decision?

What if I runaway with Luke and he gets all messed up with his life because of me?

What if mother caught Luke and I eloping?

Are we eloping? I mean, eloping means running away from everything with the person you love to build your own family, right?

So..will Luke and I build a family after all of this?

I shook my thoughts away once I heard everyone clapping their hands again.

Kasey Smith went up the stage and delivered her valedictory speech.

Once she finished her speech our Adviser, Mrs. Anderson started calling out our names on stage to receive our diploma.

All of us graduates stood by the stage waiting for our names to be called. Some were already crying and it felt really weird, weird because it feels like I'm the only one here who thinks all of this is bullshit.

Where the fuck is my graduation spirit?

"Tatum Malory Beck" Ms. Howard exclaimed thru the microphone.

I cautiously walked up the stage, tightly gripping on my graduation dress robe and hoped that I won't fall off to my death with this ridiculously high heels.

I walked my way towards the platform thankful enough that I didn't brake a single bone.

Principal Montgomery handed me a certificate and my diploma before shaking my hand. Ms. Howard and Mrs. Anderson as well.

I took a shy bow on stage before going down, seating back on my chair.

After the ceremony was over, Kimberly was waiting by the car, opening the doors for my mother and I.

Once we got in I didn't know what came over me but I waited for my own mother to congratulate me or even hug me if she couldn't say it. But she didn't. She never acknowledged me.

When we arrive at the house, guests were already arriving the same time we did.

The backyard was once again filled with snobby people holding champagne glasses.

I made my way through the sea of people to get myself a drink when I felt a slight tap on my shoulder.

"Hey! Congratulations!" Calum wrapped his arms around my tiny frame.

I was taken aback by his sudden gesture.

"Thanks, Cal." I exclaimed before pulling away.

"These are for you" He handed me a bouquet of violets.

"Wow these are beautiful. Thank you." I smiled as I watch him scratch the back of his neck, a gesture I've always seen him do.

"Do you want something to drink?" I asked, gesturing him over the beverage table.

"Sure." He trailed behind me and we both grabbed a can of diet coke.

"I have to say something-" I started but was cut off,

"Me too but let's not talk here, do you know a place where we could talk in private?"

I nodded.

We walked passed the crowd and I suddenly bumped unto Nana.

"Do you want me to get those hanged for you, Miss?" She asked referring towards the dress robe and the hat I'm still wearing.

"Oh, sure. Thanks!" I smiled handing the clothes and also the flowers to her before grabbing Calum by the hand leading him up my room.

"What are you going to say?" I asked right after I locked my door shut.

"I was going to ask you if you're going to leave tonight." He took a seat on my bed.

I nodded.

"Where are you going then?"

"I have no idea." I bit my lip.

"What? Are you going alone? How could you just-"

"Actually I'm not going alone, I have someone who is going with me and preparing everything." I blurted,

"Are you eloping?"

I nodded, I couldn't hide the blush on my cheek from the embarrassment.

He shook his head smiling, "I thought you were innocent the first time I met you." He mocked and I rolled my eyes at him. "What time are you leaving?"

"Any time by now." I shrugged. "Any news about Cassie?"

"I confirmed that she was living with her grandmother. I'm going to give her a visit next week and sort things out, hope everything works out well."

"Im sure it will." I gave him a reassuring smile.

It was silent between us, we could hear nothing but the cluttering of some plates and the loud classical music being played outside.

"We should head down before they start looking for us." I suggested and he agreed.

I almost dropped my can of soda as soon as I opened my door.

"M-mother-" I stuttered,

"Well, well, isn't it too early for the both of you locking the doors behind us?" She smiled but the sarcasm in her voice was prominent.

"Its not what it looks like, Lisa." Calum butted in.

"Shush now, I was only kidding. Go back down, the guests are looking for you."

We did as she say and went back to the party.