Unexpected

• Epilogue •

"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings." ~Lao Tzu

                              • • •

Seven years later

I walk out of the university grounds with a PhD degree in Psychology. This officially makes me a real and proper psychologist and also a sort of doctor in a way. That has been what I wanted for a long time now and to finally achieve this goal feels absolutely amazing.

I look up towards the sky, take a deep breathe of the summer warm air and smile happily. All my hard work has paid off and I'm honestly proud of myself.

"KEZIAH!" A loud shout forces my attention away from the sparse clouds and towards the person running towards me. Of course it is none other than my best friend Anastasia.

Even though we went our separate ways after secondary school, we've always kept in contact and made sure to visit as much as possible. She's always been there for me through everything; especially when Abel left without any warning. I have to admit that I went through a phase where I just felt lost; like I was just going through the motions.

Not only was I completely heartbroken, but I also felt like I wasn't worth much you know? Abel left me behind and didn't even bother saying a word to me about it. What kind of person does that?

I'd like to say that I was over it, but it's hard to forget him. He was my first love and I felt so deeply for him at such a young age. I think what made it more intense was how unexpected it all was; he came into my life without any warning and just kind of stuck.

But that was years ago anyway. I haven't heard anything about him since then and I guess that's for the best. Me graduating is just the beginning of everything and that excites me enough to not dwell on the past.

"ANASTASIA!" I meet her halfway as we both collide with one another.

"You graduated!" She exclaims once she pulls back.

"I know!" I reply equally as happy, "I can't believe it's finally over." I sigh out loud.

"Not really. Especially if you still want to start that whole clinic of yours." She points out.

"Of course I do and it'll be a challenge for sure but I'll enjoy it."

"Good for you Keziah. We should celebrate later."

From the corner of my eye, I see my family walking up to me, their loud chatter reaching my ears despite the thousands of other students around us.

"Congrats baby sis." Marcel pats me on the back with a smirk while Nolan wraps his arms around me giddily. Despite reaching the age of 13, his love of hugs hasn't reduced at all.

Omari joins in on the hug and laughs along with all of us once my parents join in too.

"Oh my baby! You've grown up so fast!" My mum blurts out in a teary voice. I refrain from rolling my eyes since I know she's just happy for me. "You've made us so proud Keziah and I couldn't be happier."

"You're going to do great things Keziah." My dad starts. "And you're going to be even better than you already are."

I smile softly at both of them, "Thanks guys."

We all head back to my house to celebrate my accomplishment and although my parents think they've planned a sort of surprise party for me, they really haven't. Nolan accidentally spilled it to me over the phone a few weeks ago so I guess I'll just have to act surprised. Not that I mind, it's the thought that counts.

When we arrive, my mum ushers me forward first while clapping her hands together in glee. If I didn't already know about the party, I'm pretty sure that would have given it away.

"SURPRISE!" A large group of people shout as soon as I step through the threshold.

"Oh my gosh!" I exclaim in false surprise. "I can't believe this!"

Several people walk up to my saying their own forms of congratulations along with a few hugs and pats on the back. I thank each and every one of them with a smile and make my way to the table where an assortment of food is scattered about.

"You knew about the surprise didn't you?" A voice speaks suddenly behind me making me jump in shock.

I turn around and find Rolo smirking at me in that familiar way of his.

"Rolo! I didn't think you'd be back by now!" I shout as I throw myself at him for a hug.

He wraps his arms tightly around me and laughs. "I got back this morning. There's no way I could have missed my best friends graduation party."

Along with Ana, Rolo has also always been there for me in the best way that he could. No matter what, he was always able to make me laugh and that's something I never took for granted. The bond I share with Rolo will always be there and I'm glad about it.

Just like Marcel, Rolo went to America for university since he got the chance to play football over there. The difference is Marcel transferred for his 3rd and 4th year while Rolo has been there since the beginning. This was all possible because of how good they are at football; if that wasn't the case then no university would have even glanced at them.

It was a great opportunity and it would have been stupid for either of them to refuse.

Marcel and Rolo finished their course a few years ago and crazily enough, got scouted into the same team.

"Isn't it weird that we're at this point right now? It doesn't feel that long ago that we were still taking our A level exams." I say while reminiscing.

Rolo snorts, "I'm glad we're no longer like that anymore. I was an idiotic child."

I give him a blank look, "You're still like that now."

He shoves me away with a laugh, "Shut up."

At that point, Ana walks up to both of us and and smiles, "This is it guys. The start of everything."

Before I can reply, my dad picks up a glass and taps a spoon against it, "I'd like to make a toast." Everyone turns to look at him standing at the front of the room. "To my daughter and her new beginnings. To my family and where we are now. To everyone in this room who means something to all of us. Now let's celebrate!"

Everyone cheers and as soon as the music starts up, there's not a single person who's not dancing.

Whilst moving about with Ana and Rolo, a sense of contentment washes over me. But that's all i am; content. It's not the same as being overjoyed but it's more like I'm in a satisfied position. There's no doubt that I'm happy but I can't help but feel like somethings missing. Like I'm not complete yet.

I don't know what I seem to be searching for but maybe I'll figure it in the future.

No one truly knows what's going to happen and I guess that's why life is unexpected.