I never thought this day would come.
These past four years have been filled with so many fun and unforgettable moments, but I’ve also faced some hard times, and seriously considered quitting more than once.
But, here I am, graduating from Redfield University, surrounded by my best friends.
I glance at them as we line up, ready to walk onto the stage. Madi’s fidgeting with her gown, and breathes out a sigh. “Are you guys nervous?” she asks.
“Nah,” I reply with a smirk. “I’m so excited to get out of here.”
They let out a soft laugh, but Rosie purses her lips. “I really loved the past four years,” she admits. “I love who I’ve become here.” Her brows furrow as she looks between us. “I’m really going to miss you guys.”
My eyes burn, but I blink it away, my lips curling into a smile. “I’m going to miss you guys too,” I tell them. “You’ve become more than just friends,” I admit, swallowing hard as their eyes turn to me. “You’re my sisters.”
Rosie’s eyes well with tears. “I’m going to cry,” she says, her voice cracking.
“Rosie, don’t… Fuck,” Leila groans. “Now I think I’m going to cry.”
I chuckle. “If Aiden heard that, he’d race over here.”
“Funny,” Leila says, narrowing her teary eyes at me.
“You think I’m kidding?” I ask, arching an eyebrow. “That guy is totally whipped for you.”
She rolls her eyes, knowing it’s true. “Like you can talk. Chris would die before he ever let you cry.”
I purse my lips together. He’s seen me cry more times than I can count. He’s seen every part of me—the ugly, broken mess—and he always managed to pull me out of the darkness. But I could see how much it hurt him, how it killed him to see me like that and how powerless he felt.
The truth is, Chris didn’t have to do anything. Just being there was enough. All I ever needed was him beside me, holding me, playing me his new favorite song,loving me.
When he left all those years ago, I thought my world would end. Without my lifeboat, I felt like I was sinking.
But here we are. Five years later.
Together.
Finally.
I look up, spotting him standing in line, running a hand through his hair nervously. I wish I could have been there beside him, holding his hand. After all, he transferred schools just to be closer to me.
“Christopher Hudson,” the announcer calls.
He lifts his head, and a smile spreads across my face as I watch him step confidently onto the stage to receive his diploma. The girls and I stand, clapping as he walks across the stage, and I whoop, shouting his name.
He turns towards me, his face lighting up with a grin. He reaches down and touches the tattoo on his wrist. I mirror the gesture, our eyes locking. I silently mouth ‘I love you.’
His smile sends my heart somersaulting, and he mouths back, ‘I love you too,’ before walking off the stage.
“Someone fix my cap,” Leila grumbles. “It keeps getting in my eye.”
Rosie chuckles and reaches over to adjust Leila’s cap, tucking the string behind her ear.
“Rosalie Whitton.”
Her eyes widen, and she freezes. “Oh crap. That’s me.”
“Go,” we all encourage her, and she finally remembers how to move her feet, walking onto the stage, her white heels clanking on the ground.
I turn my head at the sound of a whistle, spotting Grayson clapping and grinning up at his girlfriend. I wasn’t the biggest fan of him initially, especially after what happened between him and Rosie. But seeing how much he adores her—and all the candy he’s bribed me with—I can’t help but smile. It’s clear how much he worships my best friend.
