Chapter 4

Time passed, and it was morning again. I woke up pretty early since it was my graduation. I didn't know what I should wear or who would do my make-up, but I can rest assured that they are the best of the best.

As I stood out of bed, I saw a bouquet of flowers on the nightstand. It contains a card saying,

'Congratulations on this wonderful day. We are proud of you, Kianna.'

I smiled. It's from my grandparents. Unfortunately, they can't go since they are outside the country.

Having a travel trip and medication somewhere there. Hopefully, my mom will be there with me. So does my dad, as he promised.

They did promise, but I don't have high hopes since... I already know what will happen. They will not be there.

It would probably be just like before.

A sudden gloom reaches my emotions. Well, I guess I'll just try to be happy since, once again, I will be getting my diploma alone. I was waiting for my parents, who would probably not be going to attend that ceremony anyway.

The dresser and stylish knock at my door. I let them in. As they prepared the things needed, I took a shower.

This big mansion is so pathetic. It might be quite big, but yet, it's not a fun and warm place compared to another simple house where the commoner usually lives.

I've been living here for a very long time, and yet, I can't even remember when the last time this house was filled with joy and happiness was.

It is huge and full of different types of furniture, yet it feels empty.

I didn't realize it before since I'm always focusing on how to get Francis's love. But now that I have time to think about things like this, I somehow regret realizing it.

I cover myself in the bathrobe and head outside. I didn't bother to be embarrassed around them because they were all female. I sat in the chair they had prepared.

And so they started to fix my make-up and hairstyle.

"Make it more natural," I requested.

I just sit there and play with my phone. Scrolling through my social media, I saw my friends' posts captioning...

'Baby diploma, here we go! '

'Make yourself pretty'

'Simple things are the best.'

And so on and so forth. I yawned and covered my mouth using my left hand.

"Still sleepy?" A familiar voice was heard. I think I should visit the security personnel.

They put too much trust in my friends! They should let me know they are coming first. It's still my house; I'm the owner of it too, you know?

"Congratulations to me. Yey~ I will graduate now, yey~"

I boredly said and heard Serena's laugh. She is wearing tight pants, a white wedge, a sleeveless, plain white top, and a necklace that is both emerald and gold.

She has her hair let down since it's barely touching her shoulder. I smiled as I saw the paper bag she was holding. She giggled and came near me.

"Shinyu! Congrats!" She cheerfully said as she stretched her arms to give me her present.

Even if I know that it's the limited edition Nexus Camera, I'm still happy with her present. It's so hard to get! Also, the price is no joke. The reason is that it is a really valuable camera.

The scientists say that this camera is close to perfection. Well, since I used it, I can't even contradict their statement.

Well, camera aside, Serena herself is a wonderful present already. The camera may just be a bonus, if I may say so.

"Thank you, Shinyu; I'll use it well," I said. She raised her eyebrows.

"You know what's inside already?'' She asked, and I giggled.

"Of course, I knew you very well," I explained. She then pouts.

"It's done, perfect," the stylist said as she finished her work with my hair. Serena gasped as she looked at me.

"Awww, you're so glamorous and perfect!" She said. I gazed at myself in the mirror. I have long blonde-brown hair.

It is curled perfectly as if it were natural! The makeup is not that dark and thick, yet it shows every good point of my face.

"We didn't put much makeup on since you are already gorgeous. We just applied makeup slightly to make it look more natural, just like you said," the worker explained.

 I nodded and walked to change my clothes. Before going inside the closet room, I said.

"Good job, nice work."

I can hear their happiness as they receive my compliments.

They surely did a great job. It's not bad to give compliments from time to time.

***

The graduation ceremony starts without a hunch. Various people are attending this ceremony, and to sum it up, they all have great backgrounds.

This is a prestigious university that only those with powerful and honorable backgrounds can attend. Graduating from this school implies that that kid will surely have a great future.

I patiently wait for this tiring ceremony to end. To be honest, I'm not that excited about this.

Why? Because I've experienced this already!

But... I thought back to what happened that day; surely there was nothing special that happened back then.

"Kianna Amanda Hinsen"

As the speaker called my name, I walked onto the podium and got my diploma. I can see all the other families happy with their children's achievements.

I wonder if my mom and dad are also happy about me getting my diploma.

The event was finished under no other circumstances. I congratulate Seki and leave her since she is going to celebrate with her family. I bid them farewell.

"Congratulations too, Francis." I heard Mazie's voice coming from afar. She is with Francis.

"Ow, Kianna! Hello! Congratulations! Kianna. Why are you alone?" She said innocently.

 I looked at Francis, and he was waiting for my response too.

Ahh, it did happen in the past too. Back then, I was mad because my parents didn't come. So, I give all of my attention to Francis. It was my way to escape the loneliness I was feeling. But, even if it was a worthwhile day, it was never a happy occasion I can cherish in my memories.

Right at this moment, Mazie talked to me as if she were a harmless person. But to talk like that to someone who doesn't have parents attending their graduation, she is quite talented at making my mood much worse.

I remember being about to slap her due to my anger, but that didn't happen since Francis was flexible enough to block my hand from touching her face.

"It's none of your business, but congratulations too." I somehow felt weird because Francis's hands were about to move. Or did I just imagine it moving?

"Don't be so cold, Kianna. We can celebrate together if you are alone. It would be my happiness," she replied.

So this was your move if I didn't slap you? Are you really fixed on making me mad?

I can't even remember why I treated you as my friend. I even asked for your forgiveness because of this incident.

How foolish I am to actually think you are nice when you are basically a fox with sheep's skin.

"No need to bother. I'm much happier without you around."

"Aren't you being too mean? Mazie is just concerned with you. Why can't you be grateful for her kindness?" I was left dumbfounded by the words I heard.

I thought he was smart? So why can't he see her malicious intent?

I looked back at them as if I were looking at unsightly beings. They are indeed a good match. A fool and a bitch.

"I just don't want to see you celebrate alone, Kianna."

"Who's celebrating alone? Kianna? Sorry, but I'm with her."

A bouquet of sunflowers was presented to me. It was the voice that spoke from behind me.