Hilary had set her alarm for 7 to be ready for Greg coming at 9:30. The actual ceremony started at 11, but there were class pictures before.

She got into the shower and washed her hair, shaved her legs. After scrunching her hair, she started on make up. By the time she finished she had 5 minutes before Greg came. Her plan was to stay in her room until she absolutely had to leave; she didn’t want to risk running into her dad.

When she heard the car pull in front of the driveway she grabbed her cap, gown, and a small purse with lip gloss and the necessities in it. Hilary ran out the door and got into front seat of the car with Greg.

“Where’s everyone else?”

“Oh they’re coming after we take the pictures; it’s just me and you.”

“Okay. Thanks again for this, I appreciate it.”

“No problem. Look, I was wondering, oh never mind forget I ever said anything.” Greg stopped talking and just drove.

When they got to school there were people everywhere. It was crazy!

Finally the pictures were done and everyone was in place for the ceremony. Students’ names were being called and after 45 minutes they only started the D’s. Hilary was looking in the audience at parents of friends she remembered from Elementary school. She drifted off thinking about her younger years. One particular day reminded her of her dad when they were shopping at the mall. They had gotten into a big fight over a pair of shoes.

“But daddy I want these shoes! Not those!! Those are ugly!” Hilary was 6 and stomping her feet around. Mr. Dock was very patient at that time and didn’t start drinking until Hilary turned 13.

“Silly Hilly these are the ones you need though, not those. Come on, I’ll get you an ice cream if you try these on.” He had to bribe her. Hilary remembered how patient and kind he was.

Just then, she could have sworn she saw him in the audience. No way! That can’t be him. No way, he didn’t even know about this day. She told herself. But she was so wrong, that was him. She rubbed her eyes trying to get the picture of his face out of her mind, but it was so real. Her father, sitting there. How did he find out? She was so caught up in thought she didn’t even hear her name being called.

“Hilary Dock. Miss Dock are you present?” she stepped down from her place on the risers and took her diploma, then went back to her spot.

Then she watched as Greg got his. He looked so happy, so sweet. All she could do the entire time was stare at her father. She couldn’t believe it was really him there. Was he really sober for this occasion? He’ll probably be drunk after, if he isn’t already. He better not embarrass me here. I’ll shoot him.

After all the names were called a girl from the class did a speech, then they were all free to go. It was like a mob everyone running off the risers to greet their family. Hilary slowly made her way down to where her father was standing and Greg watched from the distance.

“Um, hi dad.”

“Hilary I’m so proud of you!” he was playing Mr. Nice Guy and smiling.

“Uh, how did you know about this?”

“You think I’d miss my baby girl’s graduation? The invitation came in the mail 2 weeks ago. I can’t believe you thought I’d forget or not come, if only your mother could see you now. She’d be so proud of you!”

What is his problem?? She thought to herself. Bringing up my mother like that. She looked at him with disgust in her face.

“How dare you bring up my mother like that!”

Greg started walking towards her to see what was going on.

“Hey Hilary, we’re leaving, you still coming? Or are you doing something with your dad?” he tried to act casual.

“I’m out of here,” she looked back at her dad, “Whether you care or not, I’ll be home later tonight, um, thanks for coming?”

“Where are you going Hilary?”

“Greg’s house, why do you care anyways?” she grabbed Greg’s hand, “Let’s get out of here,” she whispered.

After Hilary and Greg walked away, Mr. Dock yelled at Hilary. She pulled on Greg’s hand tighter and walked faster. When they got to Greg’s car, he opened the door for her and the two of them sat in the car for a couple minutes.

“I can’t believe he would do that! Not only did he embarrass himself in front of the school and parents, he embarrassed me!” she told Greg.

“Aw, Hil, come on, we’ll go back to my house and we’ll have fun.” He tried to cheer her up.

“You don’t understand Greg! I know you try to, but you don’t!”

“Hilary I-“ he started.

“Greg! I’m ashamed of him!” she screamed. He didn’t know what to say. He started the car and pulled away from the school.

“I never want to see this place again-ever. I’m not coming back.” The rest of the ride was quiet.

When they got to the house there were cars and people everywhere. There was a big banner across the door saying “Congratulations Greg”.

“I don’t belong here Greg, this your family.”

“What are you talking about? Hilary, you are family to me. They love you,” he stopped, “I love you.” she smiled and leaned in to kiss him, but he pulled away. “Come on, we have to go pose for pictures.” He smiled and got out of the car.