Smiling happily, I thought, today is the day. At last, 12 years of school would come to a climax and I would graduate. I had even won a prize for Maths. I was ready to celebrate in a wild way, especially considering my 18th birthday was three weeks ago and I couldn't celebrate it properly then because it fell in the middle of exam week.
Adjusting my mortar board to sit firmly on my head, I gazed at my reflection in the full length mirror in my bedroom. My long, blonde hair, which was normally straight as an arrow, tumbled luxuriously over my shoulders. It was worth the hassle of sleeping in curlers to create this style. The bedroom lights made my hair gleam and shine like satin. The effect was stunning.
The royal blue of the graduation gown and mortar board seemed to be made specifically to highlight my flaxen curls. The gown draped in folds over my slim frame and hung perfectly to mid calf. It was exactly the right shade to make my emerald eyes sparkle even brighter and appear more piercing. My lips glimmered with pale pink lipstick - Innocence - my favourite shade and curved into a satisfied smile. I looked perfect and I looked that way for my father.
Dad was my shining light. Throughout my life, everything I did, I did with the express purpose of pleasing him. I couldn't bear to think he would ever be disappointed in me and my achievements, I couldn't handle the shame of letting him down. So I learned my school work and I learned to bring him joy. To this end, I grew my hair long because he thought it looked more feminine. I only used pale pink lipsticks and nail polish as he said that anything else looked trampy. My whole life, I studied as hard as I could. I didn't always achieve top grades but I tried my best. My Dad knew I worked flat out and he loved me for trying so hard.
I only ever dated boys I knew that he would approve of and I never let them do anything more than kiss me. Some people thought I was a tease but I didn't want to lead them on. If they thought they would get it all from me, I wouldn't be able to stop them. So I never let the boys think they had a chance. I was saving myself.
And today, finally, I could reward Dad's faith and trust in me. He took the day off work to come with me to the afternoon ceremony and promised that in the evening we would do whatever I liked to celebrate. I was so excited. It was his 40th birthday in a couple of weeks so we had decided to roll all the parties into one big bash.
"Beth? Are you ready to go yet?" His voice floated up the stairs to my room.
"In a minute Dad. I'll be right there."
I slipped into my black heels, took one final glance in the mirror, and headed downstairs, ready to make my grand entrance.
Dad was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. His face broke into a huge smile, showing his dimples to their best advantage.
"Oh Beth. Honey, you look wonderful. I am so proud of my little girl."
"Thanks Dad. I am glad you're happy."
I brushed a quick kiss across his lips and then reached up to wipe away the smudge of Innocence I left there. "Shall we go, Dad?"
"Soon darling. I just want to take a few photos."
After 15 minutes of posing and shutters clicking, we were finally on our way. I could barely sit still in the car. Nervous, excited, happy - I couldn't decide what I felt most.
I glanced across at my father, assured and in control in the driver's seat. His black blazer showcased his hard chest and strong arms. His legs moved powerfully, changing the gears and riding the pedals with ease. I was so proud of what he had achieved. He owned the local gym and worked there part time as an instructor. As well as instructing, he also managed the place single handed and had the complete respect of all his staff.
I adored gazing at his perfect body. His muscles were toned and taut, but he wasn't bulky like the huge body builders. He gave me a sense of security, protection. I never need be afraid in his presence. His eyes were the same piercing emerald as mine and his hair was only a shade or two darker than my own locks. Dad's hairline hadn't started to recede yet and it was thick and lustrous. I often ran my hands through it just to feel how soft it was. It made him smile dreamily when I brushed and stroked his hair. I reached over now and stroked his hair lovingly. He smiled and glanced at me. "I love you Dad."
"I love you more, Beth."
We arrived at the school hall, along with hundreds of other people ready to celebrate this milestone. The ceremony went off without a hitch. Everyone had a great time and got carried away eating the refreshments. We threw our mortar boards in the air, as per tradition. Funny though, they never tell you how hard it is afterwards to find your own hat again. But we survived and returned our gowns and mortars in tact after another lengthy photo shoot. "Just one more, one more shot," seemed to be the most heard cry on the front lawn. The parents just couldn't get enough of their darling children who were turning into adults before their very eyes.
I said a teary goodbye to all my friends. The whole event was so incredibly emotional. The speeches were inspiring and the class clown lived up to his reputation.
At last, I was alone with Dad. I hugged him tightly, and pressed myself against his toned chest, making full body contact. Now that I had given my gown back, Dad could see that I was wearing a short, tight red skirt and a loose filmy cream blouse. It complimented my tanned skin and showed a hint of cleavage. I was ready to party hard!
"Let's get this party started, Dad!" I cried enthusiastically.
"OK, baby. Don't bust your girdle!" he teased.
"Hey! You know I don't need to wear a girdle." I fluttered my lashes at him. Would he understand that I was trying to seduce him? That I was no longer playing the innocent daughter?