Page 17 of Extracurricular with Mr. Abbot
God, it’s going to be a long year and a half. I have to look at the end goal. When it’s over, I’ll have the man that I love and a future that I have craved.
NINE
ERIN
Sixteen months later
I’m giddy with excitement. Today isthefreaking day. I’m graduating today. I’m actually graduating. The past sixteen months have been crazy and not in a good way. Going back to college was hard, the stares and gawking was almost enough to send me back home. If it wasn’t for Stasi, I would have. She’s been a huge support for me over the months.
I have a counselor, one that encouraged me to go to a group meeting. It was an eye opener. The women at the group meeting have all been through something similar, some were lucky like me, and the attack was stopped before we were raped, and other women weren’t so lucky. We’re all on a journey to healing, and mine has taken longer than I thought.
It’s being alone while outside that sent me into anxiety and panic attacks. The first one I had, led to me being bedridden for two days as I tried to figure out what happened. Thankfully, my counselor was on hand to guide me through some techniques to help.
“Anastasia Brynn,” I hear Stasi’s name called out. I can’t help but smile as I see her family along with Jacob cheering her on. She and Professor Peterson are so happy together, and their daughter—my god daughter—are a beautiful family. Having them in my life is a blessing.
I cheer along with everyone else as she makes her way toward the dean to receive her diploma. My gaze firmly on the man that I love, he’s standing on the stage, smiling and clapping with everyone else.
Today, we finally get to be together without any repercussions.
We never exchanged cell numbers, and I’m glad. I’d have caved and called him on numerous occasions, so today, I’m giving him my number.
“Erin Chandler,” the Dean calls my name.
I reach for the note that’s in my hand. I hold my head up high and smile. I’m so freaking happy, I don’t think anything could ruin this day. I peer out onto the crowd and see Gary sitting not far from Stasi’s family, he’s proud as fuck of me. He’s been so worried about me, I may have kept the worst of my recovery from him, along with my meltdowns. I didn’t want to worry him. But seeing him here and so proud makes my heart fill with happiness.
I shake the Dean's hand as he congratulates me and hands me my diploma. I thank him and move on, stopping at Jared. I pass him the note. “Call me,” I say loud and huskily.
My man doesn’t bat a fucking eye. He smirks at me, pockets the note and gives me a wink as I walk off the stage.
My heart is beating a mile a minute. That went better than expected.
“Erin,” Stasi squeals as I reach her. “You are impossible.”
“Girl, you taught me to go after what I want, and he’s exactly that.” I’m going after what I want, and it’s always been Jared.
She beams at me. “Well fingers crossed he calls you. Now, let’s go, we’ve got a party to go to.”
We do have a party to go to, but first there’s something special happening for her, and I’m so glad that I get to watch.
Once the ceremony is finished, we congregate outside while Stasi’s mom and the photographer get everyone to pose for pictures. They even have some of me and Gary together, my brother is looking every inch of the proud father, and I’m so damn lucky to have him in my life.
I stand with Gary as Stasi and Theresa take photos together. Her little girl is the complete double of her mom with a few bits of her dad. She’s such an amazing child that you can’t help but smile whenever you’re around her.
My heart is in my mouth as Jacob gets down on one knee and proposes to my best friend. Stasi’s crying before she can even say yes.
“Want to tell me what that was about on stage?” Gary asks while everyone is congratulating the happy couple.
I sigh. I should have known that he would have been asking me about it. I don’t lie to him. I tell him everything from the moment I met Jared until today.
“I can’t say that I’m happy,” he murmurs. “But I appreciate that the man put his daughter first and wanted you to graduate before you moved your relationship any further. But did you have to say it in front of the entire school?”
I laugh. “What? I gave him my number, Gary, it wasn’t as if I kissed him on stage.” Although, that would have been freaking cool.
He shakes his head. “I’m staying in Brightmore this weekend, I’ll be at the hotel. If you need a ride, call me. You’re not to go anywhere alone, Erin. I mean it.”
“I know,” I say softly. “I’ll be having one drink, Gary, just one. I’m not going to go off the rails, and I’ll message you when I’m at the bar and if we’re leaving and where we’re going.”
I’ve learned a lot since that night with Danny. It’s shit that I had to learn these things. That night changed my life in a big way, I’m no longer carefree, everything I do when alone is carefully planned out, and every scenario has been played out in my head. He’s awaiting trial, I hate that it’s been dragged out, but more women have come forward, as of today, there’s twelve of us.
