Code Red

Epilogue

Epilogue

A few months later.

"Nina, we're going to be late!! Hurry up!" My sister screamed at the top of her lungs up the two sets of stairs. I rolled my eyes and finished applying the last swipe of lip gloss. Today was finally graduation, we were free of Tenafly High School and would be off to college in around two months. It would be our last summer together with everyone home before we separated and went our different ways. Of course I was scared, but friendship like the ones I have will not easily disappear due to some distance. We would be alright.

I slipped on my tan wedges and took one last look in the mirror making sure I looked alright. I had on a light blue flowing dress that ended right above my knees and had an open heart in the back showing my skin. My hair was lighter due to the sun so the small curls I did shone in the light. I smacked my lips together and then hurried down the stairs to meet my impatient brother and sister and parents.

"Finally," Ryder groaned, dropping his head back. He was adorned in nice khakis and a black button down shirt.

"Sorry! It takes time to look this good," I smirked jokingly.

"Alright, let's take this picture and then let's go. I want to be over with high school," Amber mumbled before coming over to me and placing her arm around my shoulder. She was in a light pink dress that had lace short sleeves covering her shoulders and the lace pattern continued until it reached her knees. She had on white wedges and she straightened her hair, pulling it towards the back.

"Let's take the picture outside! The background is so much nicer than our boring kitchen," My mom exclaimed, obviously hyped up on energy that all her three kids were graduating from high school. Amber groaned and dragged her feet through the front door, getting ready in front of one of the big trees by the door.

I placed myself next to her and Ryder walked to the right of me, draping his arm around my shoulder. Amber did the same, except around my waist, placing her free hand on her hip. We all smiled as my mom counted down from three and waited until the snap went off, telling us the picture was taken.

"Okay, can we go now?!" Amber didn't wait for a response as she rushed towards Ryder's car and jumped into the passenger seat. I ducked into the back seat and of course, Ryder hopped into the driver's side.

"We'll meet you there," My dad waved, pushing my mom to their car.

"Are you guys ready to graduate?" My brother asked as he pulled out of the driveway and started towards the school.

"Sort of," I answered truthfully. Of course I was happy to finally move on from high school, one step closer to the real world. But that was actually my dilemma, I was one step closer to the real world and I just didn't know if I was ready. Was I ready to leave everyone behind, my friends and my family? I was going to be in a new school with new people that I have never met before. There would be wild parties and hard classes- nothing like high school, that's for sure!

Who knew if four years from now everything would be the same? Of course I would still be friends with everyone, but how close would we actually be? There were a hundred things I had to worry about, and there was one little nagging thought in the back of my brain.

I would be leaving Dylan.

***

"Hey beautiful," I felt strong arms wrap around my shoulders from behind and a low voice whispered in my ear.

"Hey Dylan," I rolled my eyes but smiled, turning around and wrapping my arms around his waist. He pulled me close, kissing my hair. I took a step back to admire the view, a gorgeous view might I add, and saw he was wearing khakis just like my brother and a dark blue button down shirt.