Olivia (Logan 5)

breeze came in from the ocean, and the sky was

turquoise with puffs of clouds moving imperceptibly

across the horizon.

It had been decided that Belinda would attend

the same finishing school I had attended, only she

would go immediately and start with their summer

session. Daddy thought it was wise to get her away as

quickly as he could, and get her into formal training to

make her more of a lady. His intentions were clear: he

wanted her to be a prize for the right young man. My graduation couldn't be held outside. It had

occurred on a rainy day. The auditorium was stuffy

and very uncomfortable with dozens of small children

crying, flashbulbs going off everywhere, proud parents and grandparents waving and gaping like visitors at a zoo. I had felt like a caged animal, squeezed in with my classmates, waiting for the

speeches to end.

Belinda's graduation was more like a grand

picnic.

Streamers and balloons decorated the grounds.

Sunshine made everyone look bright and alive, full of

happiness. Young children could go off and play, out

of the way of the adults. The "Pomp and

Circumstance" march flowed melodiously through the

warm air. Everyone rose and the graduates, all

looking cheerful and excited, came down the aisle to

take their seats on the platform.

Maybe because it wasn't my graduation, it also

seemed to go a lot more smoothly. The speeches

weren't as long and before we knew it, they were

handing out the diplomas. Daddy surprised me with

his excitement, behaving just like all the other proud

fathers, rushing down the aisle to take a picture of