5 ½ Months Later
It’s finally graduation day. After today, I begin the next chapter in my life. I’m going to spend the next week with my mom then travel to Los Angeles for a few weeks, and then I’ll be off to my grandmother’s house for a week. I’ll head back to Montgomery to spend the last week of summer with my mom before going to college. I received a few acceptance letters, but I chose to attend Moody College of Communication at The University of Texas in Austin. I don’t analyze the reasons why I decide to attend this college.
The craziness of the last several months has died down just a little. The press has dispersed, in their eyes, the story is old news, but the recent events will never be forgotten by the community. The scandal has rocked the town of Montgomery to its core. So much more came out than anyone could imagine. Apparently, Mr. Carter made a deal with several families for lighter sentences in exchange for sexual favors with wives, daughters, granddaughters, etc. My heart hurts for the little girls who were sold by their own families. Maverick’s house sits with a ‘For Sale’ sign displayed outside.
It’s profound how one man can have an effect on the lives of so many people. There was no trial. The evidence was too overwhelming for any hopes of a not-guilty verdict, mistrial, or acquittal. Victoria was in one of the videos. I was not shocked by that bit of news. She was a willing participant. Too embarrassed about the scandal, she left town with her family. Mr. Carter was sentenced to forty-seven years in prison. He has faced several lawsuits from his victims, but he settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
I haven’t seen Maverick since that day in the parking lot. I learned he lives with an uncle in Minnesota. With Maverick gone, the press descended on Dee and Nix for answers, but they would not answer any questions. They would not betray their friend. I know they’ve been in constant contact with Maverick since his departure. I do hang out with them sometimes. They come to the pizzeria often, and I see them when I visit Kayla. I wonder if he’s ever asked about me or thinks about me. He’s always in my thoughts. I really miss him. I haven’t dated or even looked at another guy, and it’s because of him.
My mom confronted me about the change in my behavior. When Maverick moved away, it was like a part of me left with him. The flood gates opened, and I finally told her everything. No detail was spared. I could barely talk through my tears. She didn’t judge me. Instead, she offered comfort and words of wisdom.
“Come on Cocoa, or you’re going to be late for your own graduation,” says my mom from the entrance to my room.
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” I reply as I place the red cap on my head. I pull on the gown of the same color with the school’s logo on the right.
I’m wearing a satin sleeveless white dress and high heels the same color. My curls hang around my face. I decide to forego makeup, just wearing a little lip gloss. When I leave my room, Mom and Michael are waiting at the front door. My mom is more excited than me.
“You look beautiful,” Michael says, kissing me on the cheek.
“Thank you.”
We bustle out of the door, walking to the car to head to Montgomery Academy for my senior class graduation.
Three hours later, graduation is over. Family, friends, and students cover the school grounds, socializing and taking pictures. After my mom is satisfied with the three dozen pictures she’s taken of me, I walk over to Jamal, Kate, and Lucy. We talk a little and take more pictures. Kayla runs over, latching onto my arm.
“Come take pictures with us,” she says, pulling me to where Dee and Nix are standing.
“Welcome to adulthood,” I tell them.
“Congrats Cocoa, we made it,” Dee yells, picking me up to swing me in a circle.
I take even more pictures with them and Kayla.
“Congratulations.”
All conversation within our group ceases. I would recognize that voice anywhere. I turn in the direction of the voice I’ve been dreaming of for the last several months.
“Mav,” shouts Nix in happiness.
“You didn’t tell us you would be here,” says Dee.
“I wanted it to be a surprise.”
I speak to them, but my eyes are on her. The image of Cocoa I have in my memory doesn’t do her justice. There wasn’t a day that went by I hadn’t thought about her. I asked Dee and Nix about her nearly every day. I came back here for her. I was given a glimpse of paradise and now I can’t live without it.
Dee, Nix, and Kayla all surround me with hugs of excitement, but Cocoa just stands there, watching me. She doesn’t make a move or say a word.
“Oh, did you buy these roses for little ole me?” jokes Nix.
“In your dreams,” I reply.
I walk over to Cocoa to give her the dozen red roses I brought for her. She accepts them but still doesn’t say a word. She looks like she can’t quite believe I’m here.
“Can I talk to you alone?”
Cocoa nods but stays where she is. I grasp her hand, pulling her towards my jeep. Dee, Nix, and Kayla watch us openly, making no attempt to hide their interest. I open the passenger door for Cocoa, helping her inside before closing the door. I climb into the driver seat then exit the parking lot. Cocoa’s cell phone rings.
“Hello. Yes, Mom, I’m sorry. I’m with a friend. I know, we can have a celebration dinner another time. I’ll be home soon. Bye.”
