Hard and Harder to Stay

"I must report. He thinks he can just end it with me because my parents are absent and I choose it. Never! No one leaves me without my permission" with stern facial expressions, and elegant strides on wedge heels. Shirley walks into the airport waiting area.

"Passengers for Italy, your flight will be delayed for an hour. Please forgive us for the inconveniences" the loud speaker announced in repetition and she sighed while taking her seat.

"They just like ruining people's schedules" she took out her phone from the blazer jacket she's wearing.

Searching for updates and other leisure activities to kill time.

Soon, a message pops into her phone.

[Hey darling. Don't worry about your affairs with Blake. Maintain court orders, when we return all these will be settled. Please, do not meet us here yet.]

It was a message from her father which she ignored as soon as she finished reading it.

"I know you are never on my side. I will come there and purge you out! Blake needs to be called to order" she muttered to herself, vividly.

She's already running impatient like her affair with Blake wanted instant help. Another notification pops on in her newsfeed.

"Miss. Christine Blake Thompson graduates today with pride" a small smile crept from her lips even when she tried harder to hide it.

Even if she doesn't love Christine for real, she misses her child. At least one word with her will give her heart warmth. She deleted the feeder out of inferiority and soon the viral airport speaker made some creaking sound.

"Italy passengers, get ready to leave" and the individual(s) who were waiting for this call begin to arrange themselves.

Back in the elementary school of the U.S, Emerald curbed the Venza car into the allocated spot and alight from the car with Christine.

Christine's wearing a purple colored graduation gown with a little cap that had some slim rope like cheerleader's dancing wriggles. With Christine's thin legs on her heel, she begins to walk skeptically in order not to fall.

As for Emerald, she wore a sparkling red body fitted gown and beautiful heels. Unnoticeably, she looked like a first class citizen.

Other parents flooded the school with their dazzling children who were excited to be leaving elementary school into the next level.

"Aunt Em, are you sure my dad is going to make it? I really want him to listen to my speech" Christine said in a rhetorical tone with her sad eyes, she caressed her cheeks wearing a warm smile.

"I'm here for you, Christy. Though your dad is busy, he will also try his best to make time for your happy day" she assured her love, pushing some strands of hair behind her ear.

"Thank you very much for this encouragement" and they embraced each other tightly, Christine exhaled deeply in relief.

She has found her most peaceful place. Holding hands together, they entered the glamorous hall.

Walking widely, Blake rushed into his office with a furious gaze - and Jason made sure to stand far from him so as to avoid any kind of dangerous wrath.

"How is this possible? How is it possible for him to run away after being claimed to be insane? Did he con Shirley without her notice? How could she not have noticed?" he questioned Jason impatiently in a livid tone as he paced around the office.

"Now I'm labeled as a killer, how did he die?" he turned to Jason, anxiously.

"According to an internal source, I think someone deliberately let Ashton loose and while on the run he crashed with a car that took his life" Jason tried his best to explain the crazy situation in a meticulous way yet it was still repugnant to Blake.

"And the CCTV camera footage?" he questioned.

"It was perfectly deleted, leaving no trace" Jason informed him courteously.

"I think it's time to visit that so called head of department in the precinct" he adjusted his tie looking at his large panoramic view like he could see himself through it. Jason cleared his throat nervously.

"What is it?" he asked, turning back to him.

"Today, today is Christine's graduation," Jason reminded him, wearing a creepy forced smile.

"Graduation?" At first, he looked touched and sad but like a chameleon; his demeanor changed.

"What has her graduation got to do with the matter on ground?" he sighed heavily, brushing off the topic.

Meanwhile, in the school a large hall gleamed with colorful lights. Everyone was now seated.

"... And I must comment that every child is gold. Whether good or bad, dislocated or fitted. Every child is proud of their parents" the school head mistress said.

She looked advanced and matured in age with wrinkles catching vacation on her face and hands. She's a chubby woman.

"Today, our dear children are leaving their first level into the next. It is an honorable ceremony and they need nothing but our trust and guidance" she halted, the audience nodding in affirmation.

"No parents should judge the capability and ability of their child. Every child is different, unique and has their own special skill. They must not be the same as their peer" she smiled brightly and the audience applauded. The head mistress wasn't talking out of point, she used the right words that they needed to hear.

"Please, do not persaud your child to do what you know they can't do nor what they refuse to do. But note, with your words of encouragement they will be happy to excel in life using their talents" she continues smoothly.

The whole time, Christine has been smiling at Emerald. All she was thinking is the peace she's found since her arrival, and the happiness there of. Christine wanted her to stay longer with her and have obviously seen her as a mother figure. She turned to Christine smiling happily and back at the head mistress.

"Now, at this point in time. We shall invite one of the best graduating students out of the rest, for her speech" the head mistress said with a brief pause.

"Let's welcome the heir of the B Group, Christine Blake Thompson" as the head mistress announced, thunderous applause followed.

"I'm fine with just Christine Blake Thompson, you know" Christine winked at Emerald before leaving her seat.