Am I nervous? Too right I am, standing in front of everyone, making a speech, accepting my diploma.
Yadda yadda yadda
I spent ages practicing my speech, checking to see if I had bad breath and dandruff.
Thank goodness for Ginny. She helped me through it all.
In fact, as a little memento, I decided to paint her portrait to go in our new home.
I have some bad news though. Mom and dad can't make it to my graduation. Mom's really sick and dad's having to stay behind to look after her.
That's a shame really, as I know they were looking forward to seeing me all dressed up and stuff.
Oh well, at least I know mom's in good hands anyway. Dad can be obnoxious and stuff, but I know deep down he loves her.
She insisted that I put together a small album for her, so that she can look at it and smile.
So, I was looking through all the family photos and came up with these.
BEHOLD
Ambrose Graystone through the years.
As a baby. Mom fell in love with me from the moment I was born.
A toddler. With my favourite teddy bear. Just look how bit that thing is, bigger than me!!!
A little boy, celebrating one of my birthdays and making a really silly wish (as you do at that age)
A teenager, shy and awkward, studying hard to get good grades and managing to snag a place in private school too.
and now, a grown man, ready to start a family of his own.
As the ceremony approaches, I try to find other things to occupy my mind.
In fact, one of them was maxing out yet another skill.
This time creativity.
All thanks to that beautifully crafted violin. (Which will be coming with us, once Ginny and I graduate).
Well, the ceremony is over, the speeches all done, the degrees handed out. Now it's time to party. And there's no better way to let off steam, that's for sure.
I know I'm goofing around, but I feel a sense of freedom now. No more studying, no more exams.
I'll be setting up an entirely new life now, outside of college.
With Ginny.
Halfway through the party, Ginny even asked me to call her as soon as I get a phone installed.
Of course I'll call her. She's the most important thing in my life now and I want to make sure that we're settled down in a secure place.
The party is well under way, with everyone having a good time.
I managed to dance with my Professor, which was fun, to say the least.
But then I got a little tired and had to rest a while. So I flopped my aching bones on that old settee and closed my eyes for a little while. And ruminate about the past four years.
The thing I'm going to miss about college, is all the friends I've made. The quiet study times, where we sat quietly, discussing anything but our assignments.
Ah, those were the days.
Well, the party was a 'not bad' one. And it soon became time for the moment of truth.
What will I be wearing?
With a little twirl and an explosion of confetti....
Hmm, not bad. A soccer strip.
It could have been worse, much worse.
Well, the taxi awaits, and home I shall be going.
I really will miss this place and all the interesting characters I've met.
As the door slides closed, I look across at Ginny and she tips me a cheeky wink.
I was worried at first, but I know now that she's going to be okay.
Besides, it's only another year and she'll be graduating too.
Signing out, and looking forward to my new life in Riverblossom.
Ambrose.
