Lily's Insecurities (COMPLETED)

10. Graduation

Don't Give Up On Me
Andy grammer

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Since I declared my feelings to Jayden, we were getting closer. I always filled my weekend with him, not just on weekends, but rather every single day. We spent our time together. But... We didn't date. I don't know why, but we were more comfortable having a relationship with no status.

I was jubilant. Even though, Liam and his friends were still disturbing me. But, Jayden was always there for me.

Don't you know? This was graduation day. All students of twelfth grade assembled in the auditorium school by wearing white graduation gowns. We sat in our respective seats. My seat was a bit far from Jayden's seat. But, I still could see him.

It was unbelievable. Yesterday I was just a high school student, and at this time I was gonna be a college student.

The graduation ceremony has started. I tried to listen to the headmaster's speech, but Jayden kept on staring at me, I could see it from out of the corner of my eye.

".... Now, I will call the names of honor students. And if I call your name... step forward to the stage to take your honor. First, a student who has talent in academic studies is.... Emma Carter."

All the people here gave her applause. It couldn't be denied that Emma was really clever at all subjects, even she was a wise girl. I'm really proud of her.

"But, we have one more. Give applause to.... Jayden Maverick."

I didn't smile, but rather let out a sigh. As I said, Jayden kept on staring at me, so he didn't stand when his name was called.

I stared at him as I gave him a pointed look. "Go!" I said without making a sound.

He beamed instead, making me roll my eyes.

"Jayden Maverick? Are you still alive?" The headmaster made all the people laugh..

I let out a long sigh. "Jay, your name is called." I told him bravely.

Jayden automatically stared around as he stood up. "I'm sorry." He muttered.

All the people, including me, laughed at him again. I watched him step forward to the stage, standing beside Emma. I smiled at her, and so did he.

After they accepted their honor, they got back to their seats. Jayden sat as he showed off his certificate to me, making me chuckle and raised my thumb.

"Next, a student who has talent in non-academic is... Lily Daxton."

It startled me, so my eyes widened. But later I smiled, stepping forward to the stage confidently.

"Nice try, Lily." The headmaster complimented me as he gave me the certificate.

"Thank you, sir."

I thought I was too stupid, so I couldn't graduate. Even my mom was too frustrated with me because I never get good value in academic subjects. Thank God.

I got back to my seat, listening to the other names of honor students.

"And last, we have good news. Congratulations to Nathalie Grey Ralph for a scholarship at Columbia University."

I opened my mouth with my hand as I stared at her beside me. My God, Nathalie.... She didn't even get the honor, but she got a scholarship. Ugh I almost cried.

"Congratulations."

She beamed. "Thank you."

"You nailed it." I still couldn't believe it.

"Yeah, so it's your turn."

...

After the graduation ceremony ended, all the students dispersed, taking some photos to save as memories. Likewise with me. I intended to take some photos with Jayden, Emma, and Nathalie.

I already took photos with Emma and Nathalie, so then I asked Emma to take photos of Jayden and me. In the first photo, I smiled as I put my head on Jayden's shoulder, meanwhile Jayden only stared at me as he smiled thinly.

Then in the second photo, we stood side by side as we glanced at each other. We intended to just show our cool faces, but in the end we laughed together. I couldn't see his face like that. It was funny.

Next, I was actually confused about what kind of pose I had to be, but Jayden suddenly tugged me, put his arms around my waist.

"Smile." He whispered.

I gulped, couldn't do what he just said.

"Raise your smile."

Slowly, I smiled at him, and he did likewise, as we stared at each other.

"Ugh, can you guys stop flirting? I'm envious." Emma nagged.

I immediately kept away from Jayden. "Okay, done."

I walked to Emma and Nathalie, but again and again Jayden tugged me.

"No, not yet."

He bowed a bit then kissed my cheek. My eyes widened, my mouth opened a bit, as I held my breath.

"I really want to leave you guys if y'all ain't my friends."

"Just Lily is our friend, Jayden isn't our friend, I don't acknowledge him as my friend, he makes me envious, don't you know, boy? We're single. Ugh!" Nathalie added.

After Jayden had kissed my cheek, I walked to Emma.

"Don't tug me again!" I told him loudly.

He chuckled. How mischievous he was.

"Lily." Someone called my name suddenly. So I turned my head.

Liam, and his friends.

They intended to approach me, but Jayden blocked the way.

"Don't start a fight." Jayden reminded him.

"No, I don't. My friends and I want to apologize to Lily."

I was speechless to hear him say something like that. Like seriously?

"Why all of a sudden?" I asked him.

"I don't know too. I suddenly feel guilty to see you. So, I and my friends apologize for what we've done these three years."

I didn't say anything for a moment. They seemed so sincere. But... it was not easy. So I let out a sigh.

"I don't intend to be conceited. But to be honest, it's really hard to forgive you."

"I know it." Liam said quietly.

"Ok. I forgive you although not completely. But on one condition. Gimme your number. I'll text you when I need you."

"Really?" Liam's eyes widened. Then I nodded.

"Thank you, Lily." Liam was grateful.

"If so, go. And don't repeat the same mistake."

They nodded. "Thank you again." James added.

"Have fun," said Austin before he and his friends left us.

"I'm really shocked." Emma uttered.

"Me too." Nathalie agreed her.

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February 20th, 2021

📍Maros, Indonesia

Next is the end :)