°Philophobia
Is the fear of emotional attachment that often leads to expectations that end up in disappointment.

~Paige~

I woke up at ten a.m. and noticed I had a missed call from Chloé. I called her back and we spoke for about an hour. She is going for a tour tomorrow around Paris in the morning because in the afternoon she has a meeting with the head manager. She seemed to be so busy with her internship.

"I'm also really busy with the preparations for the graduation," I said.

"I wish I could be there to help you, but you know how busy I've been with this internship. And the head manager will be only coming for a day and that's when the graduation is. I'm really sorry Paige," she said sadly.

"Don't worry Chloé. The most important thing now is that your meeting goes as planned," I said trying to cheer her up.

"Are you sure P?" Chloé asked.

I couldn't feel a little sad that she won't be there. But after all she has more important things.

"Yes it'll be me and Kendall, don't worry," I said, not wanting her to feel bad or guilty that she wouldn't be able to make it on time

"Isn't Dylan going to be there?" She asked.

"No.. uh he has some kind of important meeting," I said trying to hide my disappointment that he wouldn't be there. Chloé noticed the uneasiness in my voice.

"Ohh it's okay. I'm sure it's something really important or he wouldn't have missed your graduation," she said.

"Yea....I know," I sighed.

•The Next Day

I woke up early for my makeup appointment. I did a little black eyeliner and mascara to make my eyes look bigger and make them stand out. I then had a little beige glittery eye shadow on my upper eyelid to contrast the black eyeliner. I also had a wine colour matte lipstick.

While I was doing my nails and hair, I received a picture from Chloé.

The graduation hall was filled with students wearing their black graduation cap and gown. Parents and guests were still filing in. The hall was majestic. The graduation ceremony began with music. Authorized professors and chancellors gave their speeches. Then it was time to give out the awards which is the part every undergraduate awaits. I watched as the host called each person's name and they came to the podium, shook hands with the chancellor and then got their diplomas. Finally it was my turn to take my diploma. I and a few other students presented a speech, a student from every faculty and I got picked to represent the business and economics faculty.

I took pictures with everyone at the end of the ceremony before the cocktail and exchanged souvenirs with my friends as we said our goodbyes.

I saw someone down the hall approaching me with golden platinum hair down her shoulders. She looked like Chloé- from her movements to her dressing style. As she got closer I became more suspicious that it was Chloé. But it can't be her, she's supposed to be in Paris. I immediately gave a big sheepish smile when I finally made sure it was the one and only Chloé Carter- my bestfriend.

"Oh my God Chloé you made it," I said as I laughed and hugged her, it was all a surprise.

"I would never miss your graduation. Remember, we never miss each other's graduations," Chloé said as she hugged me back.

"You look marvelous," she said winking and I turned around showing her my dress.
I wore a short, navy blue, lace dress that went down to a bit above my knee. It was a bit puffy at the waist and had a very detailed chest. The top chest area was made up of glittery little flowers, creating a low v-neck. It was perfectly detailed creating a perfect contrast between the top and bottom area.

"So do you. How was your flight? Did you meet someone?"

"Now is not the time, let's go," she said dragging me towards the crowd.

☆☆

After the ceremony my parents and I were speaking with the dean. He was congratulating me.
Chloé arrives after a few minutes. Her eyes looked like she had something she wanted to say.
I excused myself and headed towards Chloé.

"Come with me."

"Where to?" I asked as she pulled my hand and dragged me towards the exit door of the hall.

"Dylan.. I thought you couldn't make it," I said surprised with his presence.

"I finished everything on time and came. You thought I'd miss your graduation? I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said smiling.

"I hope you didn't cancel anything," I said. I'm sure he did; he always does.

"Priorities," he said as he held my hand and dragged me with him.

I couldn't stop my smile from forming.

"I'll tell them you're sick," Chloé shouted as she waved and winked at us.

"Thanks Chloé," Dylan said winking as he looked at my puzzled expression and opened the door for me.

"Chloé knew?" I asked as he powered the car engine. He nodded and then I shook my head as I smiled.

"Where are we going?" I asked halfway through the ride.

"You'll see."

He opened the door which led to the rooftop. I gasped at how the simple arrangement looked with the view and lights. Everything seemed to go perfectly together.

"Oh my," I said taken by the marvelous arrangement infront of me.

Dylan pulled out the chair for me and sat in front of me as the waiter came and poured champagne rosé for each of us.

"I've always loved prom and always looked forward to it. Look at me now.. I ditched prom," I said as I took a sip of the crisp champagne.

"For me?" He asked giving a proud smile. I couldn't help but smile back after rolling my eyes.

Did you have to push it Dylan!?

"What do you do at prom?" He asked shyly.

"You've never gone to prom?" I asked surprised and I could see him shift uncomfortably in his seat. He took a breath and said,"No."

"No? How come the Dylan Sparks has never been to prom. Why?" I asked teasingly and I looked at his face to see a tormented frown.

"I uh..," he paused, took a sip of his champagne slowly and then took a deep uneasy breath and said, "My mom died a week before prom," he said as he lowered his head.

I couldn't see him like this. I reached out for his hand and held it as I caressed it with my thumb. The shine in his eyes disappeared and they suddenly became dull.

His eyes were unfocused for a moment, lost in thought.

"She was so excited for my prom. She even bought me the suit, shoes and surprised me with a car. Unfortunately, she left just a week before prom. I couldn't go; I stayed at home and got drunk. My Dad wasn't there. No one was. We were in a mess after she died; she was everything to us.. I skipped the university's prom too because I couldn't go."

He had a small frown yet he still smiled as he remembered his mother.

"Oh.." was the only word I uttered whilst I sat motionless as my heart was being smashed into a thousand tiny pieces. Each time I held his hand tighter to make him relax.
I looked up at the sky blinking slowly to prevent the tears that had filled my eyes from falling.

Dylan and his father have been through a lot.

If only life wasn't full of hurtful and beautiful surprises. We never know what life will place in front of us, but behind every storm there's a rainbow. We just have to have enough courage and power to continue.

We continued our meals in silence and after a few minutes, Dylan stood up and gave a small smile, stretching out his hand. I gave a puzzled look.

"Don't you want to dance?" he asked. I nodded, placing my hand in his. He pulled me up and took me to the side, a few inches from the table.

"Just like prom," he said giving a sweet smile as he raised my hand, twirling me.

"Just without the music," he said winking and I giggled.

After a few minutes, he wrapped his hand around my waist and pulled me closer. I wrapped my hands around his neck and I rested my head on his chest. We danced for a while not caring that we were dancing without music, not caring about a thing.

As much as I hate to admit it, it felt right, it felt so amazingly right. So perfect and I wouldn't mind staying like this forever in his arms so close.

I've met hundreds of people and none of them really meant anything. But then when I met Dylan, my life changed forever. Everything I feel with Dylan is different, the times spent, the feelings I feel are all different from all the feelings I've ever gotten. Not even in my teenage years did I feel this way.

I've never wanted to be in love and I have never ever pictured my life to become like this; being in a romantic place and actually enjoying it.

"You scare me," he whispered jolting me out of my thoughts, still holding me close.

"Why?" I asked confused.

"Because I can tell you things I can't even tell myself."
I removed my head from his chest and lifted my chin making me look up at him. "I-"

"Sir," a voice said interrupting us.

I turned my head, separating myself from Dylan to look at who the source of that voice was.

"Why are you here?" Dylan asked the waiter, irritation present in his voice.

"Sir you told me to set the desert table thirty minutes after your arrival..I-I'm just following orders," the waiter said. I could see fear and worry in his eyes, but he tried to disguise it with a smile.

"Thank youu," I said giving him a small smile. He then pointed at our left, exposing a small perfectly decorated table for two.

There was a table beautifully arranged for two. It had two wine glasses and roses in the middle. The setting overlooked all of the city.
The table was filled with all kinds of desserts ranging from the little sweet chocolate desserts to the fruity ones.

Just as we were about to start with our desserts,I heard my phone vibrate. I tried to ignore it. I didn't want anything interrupting this perfect moment. My phone continued vibrating and then Dylan looked at me and said,"I think you should answer it."

I picked up the phone and brought it to my ear without looking at the screen to find out who the person calling is.

"Kendall, hi."

"Hey Paige, I asked about you. Chloé told me you're sick. How are you feeling now? Better?"

"Yes better, thank you for asking."

"I hope you'll be fine before the racing competition."

"Oh I will, even if I'm still sick I'll go.. I'm going to bring the trophy home this time," I said. Dylan then looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"I've got to go D-*cough* Jane brought me the soup..... Alright, I'll see you on Friday."

"That was Kendall. He asked about me-."

"Of course he did," Dylan muttered sarcastically interrupting and I rolled my eyes slowly and continued, "so Chloé told him I was sick. He was checking in on me."

"Too bad you aren't," Dylan laughed.

"You're making me feel guilty for lying to him," I said.

"There's nothing to feel guilty about. Let's forget about him... Taste this," Dylan said as he lifted his fork and brought it towards the chocolate cake which was topped with vanilla ice cream and Nutella melt.

"Fondant-"

"The best fondant you'll ever taste" he said as I took a bite.

He used the spoon to cut a piece in the middle of the lava cake, allowing the hot melted chocolate to slide down the sides. The heat from the cake rose and the mouthwatering smell reached our nostrils.

Colliding with my tongue, I felt the hot chocolate along with the rich, flourless chocolate cake.

The night was full of laughter, desert tasting, deep conversations and smiles.
It was amazing.

When we pulled up in front of the entrance of my house, I felt sad that the night with Dylan had ended, I pulled out my keys from my small bag as I looked at my house to check if Chloé's room was lit or dim to know whether she had slept or not, though I had a feeling she wouldn't be asleep rather waiting to find out about my night with Dylan.

"Thank you Dylan..It was worth ditching prom," I said as I smiled. I removed my gaze from my house and looked at him then back to the house. Just as I was about to open the car's door Dylan said in a soft voice "Paige," so I turned and nodded.

"Uhhm this is a little thing for your graduation," he said as he placed a Tiffany & Co. bag on my lap and smiled.

I took the blue bag which had the brand written on it in black and peeked into it.

"Whats this?" I asked curiously.

"Just open it," he said as he rolled his eyes.

I opened the bag and got out a middle sized box which also had the brand name written on it. I opened it, revealing an impeccable silver bracelet with dazzling diamond studs.

"It's lovely. Thank you Dylan...For everything," I said softly as I leaned closer and pecked his cheek. His jaw tensed, leaving him still after my sudden move. I smiled before opening the car's door and waved before I got the key and tried to unlock the door.

As I was unlocking the door with the key, it swiftly got opened by Chloé "hii," she said extending the word, giddiness and curiosity filled her face. I greeted her back and rolled my eyes as I entered the house.

Oh of course she wouldn't sleep without hearing what had happened. Get ready for some interrogation, annoying suggestions. I wasn't in the mood for this. I was happy and I didn't want to get bothered with interrogative voices and judgmental faces.

"Mom!" I said surprised as I saw her coming from the kitchen holding a plate full of strawberries dipped in chocolate. Jane was behind her coming in with a tray which had two glasses half filled with wine and an open bottle of Henri Jopé. The three of them had huge smiles plastered on their faces.

"We're all waiting for the gossip," my mom said winking at Chloé.

"With details," Chloé said and they all giggled. I gave Chloé the 'I want to kill you' glare as I walked towards the direction my mom headed to.

Oh great! Chloé told her, I mean why did I think she wouldn't? It's Chloé, my mom and Jane waiting for me to speak up about Dylan and I, what a joy.

"Did he give you that?" Chloé came and snatched the box from me and then sat next to my mom as she opened it and removed the bracelet showing my mom and Jane.

"Did you guys kiss?" my mom asked and they all focused their attention probably expecting a yes.

"No."

"When will you guys kiss!? You guys have known each other for like two months and haven't kissed," Chloé said exasperated receiving a nod of approval from both Jane and my mom.

"We can't kiss, we shouldn't as much as I want to. I keep on preventing myself and escaping before we do," I admitted.

"Why?" Jane asked.

"I don't understand you. Never will!" Chloé said pissed at me as she raised her hands in the air.

"Paige and her thoughts," my mom said narrowing her eyebrows as she took a sip from the wine glass.

"Because I'm scared!" I sharply said as I stood up swiftly and walked towards the television, receiving three pairs of confused widened eyes.

"Scared! Scared of what!?" Chloé uttered.

"Scared of ruining things between us. We are just friends."

"But 'just friends' don't look at each other like that," Chloé said as she raised her two fingers to gesture the quotation marks as she said just friends.

"True, I've seen the way you guys look at each other," my mom said. Jane agreed with her and said "me too."

"I don't love him," I said assuring them as I stood up Angrily and headed towards my room, leaving them and their judgments behind.

"Sure you don't," Chloé shouted from behind sarcastically.

Hello lovely readers, how are you?

I want to thank you all for nominating the story in the fictionawards❤❤

°Oh and here's a little something for you and your friends(to make up for the delay😉😉❤) 😋😉

You're welcome😍😜