C3 Pre-Graduation

The air inside the classroom felt too heavy for a day that was supposed to be filled with excitement. Students whispered among themselves, their laughter echoing against the cream-painted walls, but there was a subtle tension hanging above them like an invisible thread ready to snap.

Cecilia didn’t need to guess where Vivian’s attention was. She followed her best friend’s gaze and, as expected, found it glued to Victor. He sat carelessly at the far end of the room, leaning back like he owned the place, scrolling through his phone with zero regard for the moment.

“Typical,” Cecilia muttered under her breath, lips curling in a mixture of disgust and disappointment.

At the front stood Mrs. Viza Victoria, the elegant and respected Dean of Business Administration. Everything about her…from the way she held her tablet to the calm authority in her posture…commanded respect. Her voice flowed smoothly through the room.

“These,” she announced, lifting the tablet slightly, “are the students who are…” she paused briefly, refining her words with precision, “…permitted to walk the stage and receive their certificates during the graduation ceremony.”

A quiet hush fell. Even the students who had been giggling a moment ago straightened unconsciously.

“Of course,” she added with a gracious smile, “everyone is welcome to attend and support. But only those named will be officially acknowledged on stage.”

Vivian held her breath.

Please… let his name be there. Please, God.

She didn’t even know why she was praying. Even after everything Victor had done… even after the insults, the manipulation, the way he treated her like a backup plan instead of a partner… a part of her still wanted him to win. Because in her heart, his failure felt like her failure too.

After few minutes she was done with the names.

“Congratulations to you all,” Mrs. Victoria concluded. A polite wave of applause followed, though it was more restrained than cheerful.

The Dean turned to leave.

That was when Victor stood.

“And why,” his voice cut through the air like a sharp blade, “didn’t I hear my name?”

The applause died instantly…killed in mid-air.

Vivian’s heart dropped.

Mrs. Victoria stopped at the door and turned slowly, not startled, not even upset…simply unbothered. “Mr. Larry,” she said with poise, “your name is not on the list. You can verify this on your student portal.”

Students exchanged glances, some whispering, some smirking.

“If there is a technical issue,” she continued, “you may report it. However, this list has been reviewed multiple times. Errors are… highly unlikely.”

And with that, she left.

Victor muttered curses under his breath, his jaw clenched so tight a vein pulsed visibly in his neck. Then he stormed out, shoving a chair out of his way. A few students laughed quietly behind their palms. Others shook their heads.

Vivian didn’t think twice. She grabbed her bag and rushed after him, her heartbeat crashing against her chest like thunder.

⸻

“Victor! Victor, wait!” she called, nearly tripping over her own feet as she chased after him in the open hallway. “Please, just stop for a second…”

He spun around so abruptly she almost collided with him.

“What?!” he snapped, eyes blazing with humiliation and rage.

Vivian flinched. “I…I just wanted to talk. Calm down, baby… this isn’t the end. You can try again next year. It’s not too late…”

“Try again next year?” His voice dripped with venom. “What the hell makes you think I need your pity?”

“I’m not…!” she tried to say, but he cut her off.

“Do you think I need your pathetic words of encouragement? Do me a favor and shut up.”

The slap of those words was worse than a real slap. She felt it echo inside her chest.

“I’m sorry…” her voice trembled. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

He exhaled sharply, anger shifting into something colder, more dangerous. Then, just as quickly, his tone softened a fraction. “Fine. I forgive you.”

Just like that, he dangled forgiveness like a reward he graciously offered. Vivian’s heart, foolish and desperate, leaped with relief. She smiled weakly, reaching for his hand.

He stepped back.

“Now,” he said, voice flat, “where’s the money you promised?”

Her smile froze. “Victor… I already sent you some. After graduation, my dad will give me more. You just have to be patient.”

He scoffed. “Don’t tell me what to do. If you don’t have the money, just say it. Don’t feed me empty promises. When you have it, you talk to me. Until then…” his eyes slid away, looking through her like she was nothing more than a delay in his plans, “…leave me alone.”

And then, he walked away.

No backward glance. No hesitation.

Just gone.

Vivian stood there, the world blurring around her. It felt like her heart had been hollowed out with a cold, metal spoon. She didn’t know how long she stood like that…minutes, hours, or just the longest few seconds of her life.

A voice finally pulled her back.

⸻

“I thought you’d gone already,” Cecilia’s voice came from behind.

Vivian blinked, wiping at her eyes quickly. “Uh….yeah, I was just… waiting for you,” she lied, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Cecilia raised an eyebrow. “Waiting for me? Vivian, don’t lie. Not today.”

“Ceci…” Vivian whispered, but Cecilia cut her off with a slow exhale.

“I’m heading to pick up my graduation outfit,” Cecilia said, adjusting her handbag. “Mom said everything’s ready.”

Vivian latched onto that like a lifeline. “Then let’s go together. I want to greet your mom…it’s been ages.”

“No need,” Cecilia said simply. “I’ll send your regards. You’ll see her at the ceremony.”

Vivian stopped. “Since when did you start extending greetings for me? Are you… avoiding me?”

Cecilia finally stopped walking. She turned, facing Vivian fully. Her voice, when she spoke, was calm… but heavy.

“You want honesty?” she said. “I don’t want to be known as the friend of a girl who’s blindly in love with a guy like Victor. It’s embarrassing, Vivian. People think I’ve lost all sense if I can’t talk sense into my own best friend.”

Vivian’s throat tightened. “But… you always told me not to care what people say.”

“I did,” Cecilia said softly. “But this… this is too much.”

She turned and walked to her car, unlocking it without a second glance.

Vivian moved without thinking…stepping in front of the car dramatically. “Run me over then,” she said, tears stinging her eyes despite the forced half-smile. “Either we go together, or you run me down right here.”

Cecilia stared at her, emotions flickering behind her eyes…anger, pity, exhaustion, love, helplessness…all tangled together.

Then… she walked around Vivian, got into the car, and drove off.

Vivian stood there, shoulders shaking with silent heartbreak… then pulled out her phone.

She activated the location tracker she had secretly linked to Cecilia’s device… and followed.