MY NAME, IS SIR [HARRY STYLES]

~~04~~

I guess in a way, it was my own personal thank you to my professors and mentors here as well.

Coming through this course without the support from my family, I felt that extra craving for confirmation and encouragement from my peers and advisors. I was lucky to be taken under the wing of some of the most incredible, inspirational people here, leaving out the other end now, I feel well prepared for my future ahead.

We had assigned seats in the auditorium, something the faculty had made us run rehearsal for during the week, they were expecting some very respected members of the community at this event.

As excited as I was, I was slightly disappointed that no one was here today watching me graduate, my parents never agreed with creative passion being a stable source of income and they had hoped I aspired to a more business-like profession. Become an accountant like him, or a midwife like her. Part of me thought that they may have surprised me and turned up today. Wishful thinking that was.

As I entered the hall, I trace my eyes over the line of seats behind where the graduating class was sat, catching contact with Tabitha who was waving her hands about in my arrival. I giggle under my breath and reply with a small, hidden wave. She was definitely the outgoing one in this little duo we had going on.

Shuffling past a few of my respected peers who had already taken their seats, with a last name Bailey I was in the second row, roughly middle.

The ceremony began right on schedule, I appreciated its timely manner, it was something the college way always known for. The works that were on display were absolutely incredible; the talent that we have in our community is insane.

It came time for the photography component, the knot in my stomach tightened as I fidget in my seat.

This was it.

This is the moment I had spent the last 4 years working up to.

From the moment the first picture flew across the screen, I hitched a breath and held onto it for the entirety of the slideshow.

As each picture holds it's dramatic pause on the screen, I hear the whispers of reactions from the audience, unsure on how to differentiate between the gasps of horror or sighs of appreciation.

Once the pictures of Harry presented themselves to the audience, the intensity and volume of the mumbles were increased by all, the name finally had a face to it, and what an appealing face it is.

I was finally able let go of my breath once the last photograph faded out to black and the audience erupted in an appreciative applause. I could feel my lungs tingling from how tight they were from holding the breath.

I could feel a few nudges and squeezes from a few of my surrounding peers and I couldn't help but feel actually proud of myself. For the first time, I think in forever, I was actually proud of what I had done, but it was completely temporary as the realisation of my reality set in.

No one that I actually cared about was here to see my work, and that sense of under achievement was a rude awakening for me.

My photographs had just been on display to over 200 people, the applause they granted me was overwhelming, yet I felt nothing because they people who were offering that support, didn't have any personal attachment to me, and I needed that.

Sure, Tabitha was here, Tabitha was always here, she had always been for me, but I knew that after graduation, everyone moves on with their lives and I wondered if my friendship with Tabitha was temporary.

What if everything was temporary?

When it came time to receive my diploma, my row was escorted to the steps by the stage and this would be it. This was going to be the final moment of my younger years, somehow I felt like after this night, everything would change.

I would change.

Callum Backer

Fleur Bagley

Naomi Bailes

All of the names before me were read out and I found myself standing at the base of the stairs, no students left in front of me.

I take one last glance back toward Tabitha, feeling almost excited to be finished with this place. She gives me a comforting thumbs up.

Charlotte Bailey

My heart drops.

I swallow hard before taking a hesitant step up onto the stage, making me way across the wooden platform toward the college professor.

"Congratulations Miss Bailey, your photographs were lovely, I know you will achieve greatness in whatever you do." Professor Woodwick compliments as he shakes my hand, handing me that single piece of paper I had sweat through the last four years for.

"Thank you" I appreciate as I exit down the other edge of the stage.

That was it.

It was officially, finally, all over.

As the entirety of the hall transformed before our eyes into some form of reception area, foods and drinks were brought out as I shuffle my way through the crowds, offering friendly smiles and thank you's to the weightless 'congratulations' come from fellow students and staff.   

"Charlie!" Tabitha's voice echoes over the top of the arbitrary chatter, as she makes her way to me, embracing me in a tight hug.

"Congratulations darling! You're pictures were breath-taking, absolutely incredible. You should be so proud" she gushes, her arms still tightly around me.

"I just can't believe it's all over" I spurt.

"I know, you're not even going to know what to do without yourself now" she mocks.

"I know, I just can't.."

"Excuse me, Charlotte"

I'm interrupted by a voice present from behind me.

The knot in my stomach tightening at the familiarity.

I turn around to gain visual on what I already knew would be present behind me.

"Congratulations on your graduation, I quite enjoyed your photographs, you have an incredible eye for detail" he appreciates.

I could feel how my lips were slightly parted in shock.

"Urgh, thank you" I hesitate. My voice shaken.

His eyes dart toward to Tabitha and then back to me, his body language giving off the impression that he felt a little uncomfortable.

"I'm in town until tomorrow" he begins to state, once again reaching into his jacket suit pocket handing me yet another business card. Something that seems to have become our thing.

I wasn't too sure what was required with that information. Looking at card, it was yet another elegant restaurant.

"Join me for celebratory dinner tonight, 8pm." I could tell it wasn't a question, and much more an order. 

Like it was last time.