Prologue

Scarlett Knew that this was her day. She brushed her long blonde hair back and then placed her graduation cap on. Her family was supposed to be there but she knew they probably wouldn’t show up. They didn’t understand why she had needed to go to the university in the first place. A long line of people who had no need for a secondary education and according to them they had all turned out just fine.

Scarlett wanted more out of life and right now the world was at her feet. At least in her mind for today it was. She had done this all on her own. She had worked two jobs to get here. Not to mention the crushing student loans she had taken out to be able to do this all in four years.

Her life was finally hers. She was so happy to be free from all the hard work it took to get here. She knew she had to find a real job in the next month or so be able able to really living her life but today was nothing but sunshine for her.

As she finished getting ready she walked out of her tiny room in the apartment she shared with her friend Marie. Marie was like her in so many ways. They had met the first year of college but Marie had some issues with her family and she couldn’t continue with her studies. This day was bittersweet for them both because of that.

“You look good.” Marie said as she turned away and then went into the kitchen, “You don’t want to be late. I probably won’t be here this weekend so you have the place to yourself. Have fun.”

“Thank you.” Scarlett said as she continued to get the rest of her things and then she was ready to head to the school. She had worked so hard to get here. To this one day. The day she would hear her name echo through the speakers and she would get a piece of paper that also had her name on it. She knew it was worth it. Even if the ones closest to her wouldn’t think so for whatever reason.

She got tot eh school on time surprisingly as she had to take the bus a few places to get there. She then moved through the staging area where everyone was gathered. It was surreal to Scarlett to see herself there. This was a dream come true.

As they class entered the seating area she was ready to hop up and make her walk though she knew it would take hours. She looked at her phone and there was nothing from her family. She knew this was an example of how her parents saw her and her dreams but it was also a way for her sisters and brother who were younger than her to see that they could do anything if they  tried. Even if that meant going against what some people thought.

Her parents had been hard on her. She knew as the second oldest she had to be an example to the younger ones. Her parents both hard working both in the home and out of it had barely scrapped by on most months. Scarlet and her older brother had helped out as much as possible but it was never enough. Now she could help more if she chose too.

That was still in the air though. She wasn;t sure if she even wanted to help out. They couldn’t even act like they were proud of her. That stung. That stung really deep in ways she had not prepared herself for. Thoguh she was not going to let it effect today for her. Tomorrow was another day.

The line moved slowly but soon she was there at the front of it. She closed her eyes and then she heard the sound she had waited for four years. “Scarlett Longette.” Was said and the crowd cheered. Though it was people being nice to everyone she felt like it was just for her. She walked across the stage and smiled broadly as they took her picture getting that piece of paper she had worked so hard for. Then as she walked down the steps she knew. It was all worth it. Now was for the rest of her life.