The Devil's Angel

31. Officially an Adult

The auditorium was buzzing with excitement as students and families filled the seats. The smell of fresh flowers and the hum of chatter created a vibrant atmosphere. Today was the day I had been working towards for almost four years: graduation.

I took a deep breath, smoothing down my graduation gown and adjusting my cap. My black hair cascaded over my shoulders, contrasting sharply with the bright blue tassel hanging to one side. I glanced at my reflection on my phone screen and saw my bright blue eyes staring back, filled with a mix of pride and melancholy.

As I stood in line, waiting for my name to be called, I glanced around at the sea of proud parents and supportive friends.

Parents... that's right. My parents weren't here. Heck, I didn't even tell them that I was graduating today. The last time I even talked to them was two years ago when I still had hope to repair our broken relationship, but even that didn't end well.

"What do you want?" was the first words that came when the line finally connected.

"I just... wanted to know how you've been doing. H-How are you and mom?" I still tried to be polite.

"Why do you care?" my father spat, "Why? is France not working out for you? regretting everything now?"

"No, that's not-"

"So why now, huh? after years, we didn't even know if you were still alive," his voice softened only slightly before firming again. "You've made it very clear that you don't want anything to do with us when you left. So why do you even bother to call?"

I hang up after that, not able to take any more of his words. I wonder how my young self was able to do so. My heart would ache when I remember it, wondering why they were always so cruel to me when all I've ever did was exist.

My parents practically hates me, and William...my brother, my own flesh and blood, had betrayed me in ways I could never have imagined.

I shook my head, trying to focus on the moment. This was my day, and I couldn't let the past overshadow it.

"Evelyn Moore."

The applause was loud, pulling me from my thoughts. I took a deep breath and stepped forward, walking across the stage with as much confidence as I could muster.

"WOOHOO! THAT'S MY GIRL!" Lily cheered loudly, standing not far from the stage in her graduation gown as she was also graduating alongside me.

I smiled. That's right, I wasn't alone.

As I accepted my diploma, I glanced out into the audience, my eyes meeting Cyrille's. His proud smile gave me the strength I needed to keep going.

With my diploma in hand, I walked to the podium, the nerves in my stomach churning. This was it-my valedictorian speech. I had practiced it countless times, but now that I was here, it felt different. More real.

"Good afternoon, everyone," I began, my voice steady. "Today, we stand at the culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and countless sacrifices. We've made it through, and now we look towards the future with hope and excitement."

I paused, taking a deep breath. "For many of us, this journey was not easy. We faced obstacles and challenges that seemed insurmountable at times. But we persevered. We learned, we grew, and we became stronger."

As I spoke, my mind wandered to my family, wondering if they would be proud of me now, despite everything that had happened.

"I know that for some of us, today is a reminder of those who couldn't be here," I continued, my voice trembling slightly. "It's a reminder of the sacrifices we made and the people we left behind. But it's also a testament to our resilience and our determination to build a better future."