taylor swift + joe alwyn: story of us

Graduation

This was it. Highschool was finally coming to an end. Taylor played with the small tassel on her cap as she filed into the football stadium with all the other students. She sat down in one of the chairs, sandwiched between Abigail and Joe. She felt Joe's fingers slowly lace into hers as the principal shuffled around on stage, trying to get the projector to work. 

She gave his hand a squeeze as 'pomp and circumstance' begins to play. "Nervous?" Joe asked.

"A little," Taylor admitted. "Just praying I don't fuck up the speech."

"You'll do great," Joe assured her, kissing her cheek. There was a squeak from the microphone, and the principal began to speak. Joe began to space out, the principal's words becoming background noise. Before he knew it the first valedictorian had already gone up on the stage, and was speaking. 

There were three valedictorians chosen, since they all had equal GPA's. Of the three, two were Taylor and Joe. They were all required to give a speech, much to Joe's dismay. 

He noticed Taylor's knee bouncing up and down, and rested his hand on it. "It's going to  be okay," Joe said to her, kissing her cheek. "I'm sure you'll be amazing."

Soon Taylor was walking up to the stage, and settling at the podium. Adjusting the microphone to her height, she began to speak. "Good afternoon, ladies, gentlemen, and nonbinaries. It is a great honor to be here. I would like to express my appreciation to all of my teachers, friends, and family members who helped to get to where I am right now: standing here in front of you."

Taylor adjusted her footing on the stage, finding her rhythm as she spoke. "Almost exactly four years ago, I remember leaving my middle school class for the last time and heading into the exciting (and sometimes scary) world of high school. High school can be intimidating, for sure. But it can also be a place for growth. You had the opportunity to meet and mingle with thousands of other students. You got the chance to share ideas, passions, and strengths."

"I will admit, when I was freshman, I was a bit apprehensive. I was entering a whole new high school, and while I've lived in Nashville for most of my life, this couldn't have been more different then what I imagined. But the students I met that first year did not conform to my high school musical-esque bully expectations. Instead, they were kind and welcoming, smart and creative, athletic and determined." Taylor made sure not to even glance in Hailey's direction as she said this. 

"Your vast talents range from the performing arts to athletics to vocational endeavors to various fields of academic study. We have been given such rich opportunities in a safe and happy environment, and for that reason I believe that we can overcome any obstacle. It is time to set goals for your future. Before you can do that, however, you need a vision. A dream. Over the next few years you may end up at a college or trade school. You may begin working full-time or even start a family. No matter what your dream is for the future, you can get there with the dedication, determination, and focus that you have learned while here at this very high school." 

She gave the crowd a warm smile, "We, the class of 2019, are a powerhouse of innovation and creativity. We will push boundaries to make this world a better place even in small ways. Always remember where you came from. And always remember where you are going. Congratulations, graduates."

There was a round of applause, and Taylor walked off the stage, sitting back down. Joe grinned at her, "You did such a good job!" He gave her a hug, "I'm so proud of you."

Taylor blushed, "Thanks. Now c'mon, it's your turn."

He walked up to the podium, wring his hands together. As he stood in front of the microphone he let out a nervous chuckle, "Wow, maybe I should've gone first. I hope I'm not too much of a letdown compared to the other two." This elicited a laugh from the audience, and though Joe posed it as a joke, there was more honesty in his sentence then he'd admit.