Vault

Epilogue

Trigger warning for mentions of sexual assault and abuse

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I looked over my reflection, making sure I looked alright before I glanced behind me where my cap and gown were sitting on my bed. Graduation day. It's finally here.

I smiled at the top of my cap that I had decorated with a photo of my parents and the words, "I did this thanks to you."

To say I was nervous about graduation was kind of an understatement. I grabbed my speech and my cap and gown before I left the bedroom. I had to leave to get back to Wilmington in time for the rehearsal before the ceremony.

The drive was almost bittersweet, knowing I had nothing to really tie me to Wilmington anymore after today. Today was my closure.

When I got to campus, I made my way to the courtyard where the ceremony was going to be held. My fellow graduates were all standing around in a group, waiting for rehearsal. We all listened to the dean of students as he walked us through the rehearsal of how today was going to go.

And then it was time. Friends and families of graduates filled the chairs and we waited for the processional to begin, queuing us to begin the walk. The dean of students gave his speech before I was called up as the nominated student speaker for the honors program. I gave my speech, looking out at the crowd of people who were here in attendance.

One by one, students were called up to receive their degrees. After which there were parting words before we were congratulated and released.

I bid farewell to my professors, shaking their hands and receiving congratulations before I started to make my way through the crowd to find my people. My family. My love.

"Hello Avalon," his harsh voice made me freeze in my tracks as the blood in my veins turned to ice.

"Nathan Roe," I mumbled only to myself, knowing my voice was not even close to audible.

"I was supposed to graduate today, but they denied my graduation application because of a certain restraining order," Nathan spat, "but that restraining order expired at the beginning of the year."

I didn't respond. I couldn't. Until I felt a hand touch my shoulder.

"Don't touch me," I commanded as I flinched away from his touch.

"You don't tell me what to do bitch," Nathan seethed, "you ruined my life with that restraining order."

I was about to come unhinged in anger. I ruined his life? I think the fuck not. He ruined my life.

"Ava," Jimmy smiled as he and the guys walked up to where we were.

Jimmy could see the look on my face. This is not a kind of look I give unless it's real, and right now I really feel like I'm going to die. Jimmy stepped forward, creating a wall between Nathan and I.

"That's him, the guy who raped me," I whispered to Jimmy.

"Hey man, I think maybe you should go somewhere else," Jimmy suggested calmly.

"No I don't think so. She ruined my life and I want to get even," Nathan insisted angrily.

"Yeah I don't think so. She didn't ruin your life, you ruined hers. Now wipe that entitled smirk off your shit-eating face and get the fuck out of here or we'll take you out," Jimmy threatened angrily.

"This isn't over," Nathan threatened before he slowly walked away.

"What happened to the restraining order?" Jimmy asked as he watched to make sure Nathan left.