Grown ish: Zoey and Aaron's Story (BOOK 1)

Part 41: Celebrate

Zoey narrates.

We're coming to the end of our Junior year, and what a tough one it's been. Aaron, however, is graduating this week.

I'm in the kitchen, when Aaron walks in.

'Hey.' I say, smiling.

He takes my waist and spins me around, before taking my lips in a kiss.

'How are you feeling about your graduation tomorrow?' I ask, as he sits at the breakfast bar.

'Its bittersweet. I can't believe it's coming to and end.' He says, and I smile faintly.

Whilst I'm worried about the future of our relationship, now that Aaron won't be at Cal U, I'm excited to spend the summer together, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him.

'Oh, I have a surprise for you!' I say, as he looks confused.

I quickly go to grab a sleek, navy blue suit, which is covered in it's protective case.

'This is for you. I picked it out a couple months ago. I want you to wear it for your graduation.' I say, nervously awaiting his reaction.

He smiles, taking it from me, and admiring it.

'Thank you. I love it.' He says, as he pulls me into a hug.

_____

The next day, the crew and I are waiting at Hawkins hall for Aaron. We were meeting him there, before heading to his main graduation ceremony. Of course, we'd all dressed up for the special occasion.

Aaron finally walks in, wearing the suit I'd brought him, and we all cheer and applaud for him. He laughs, and walks over to me.

I hug him and kiss the side of his head. Pulling away, he keeps his hands on my waist.

'I'm so proud of you.' I whisper to him.

'I love you.' He says.

'I love you too, Aaron.' I reply, and he leans in to kiss me.

Later, as Aaron's name is called on stage during the ceremony, I can't help but feel so many different emotions.

I'm sad that Aaron won't be at Cal U, I'm excited to spend the rest of my time with him, I'm proud of everything he's overcome this year, and everything that we've been through together.

When Aaron's on stage, I see his eyes lock with mine from a distance, and I know it pains him when I cry, so I give him the widest smile possible. God, I love him.

_____

Back at home, that evening, we've thrown a massive party to celebrate Aaron.

I've just finished getting ready, so I head downstairs where the party has already started. I join Aaron and the rest of our friends in the centre of the room.

Aaron smiles at me, as I stand beside him, his arm snaked around my waist. He leans down and kisses my neck, softly.

Doug hands me a glass, before raising a toast to Aaron.

'To my brother, Aaron. What a tough ride it's been. For being the first one to graduate, we couldn't be more proud of you.' Doug says.

'My turn!' I say, excitedly.

'To my incredible boyfriend, Aaron. Here's to the most hard working person I know. I'm so proud of everything you've achieved this year. And I know that it's been a wild one. I thank you for everything you've done for me, and our friends. And I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you.' I say, with a smile, as Aaron pulls me into a tight hug, and kisses my forehead, then my lips.

_____

We dance the night away, and everyone celebrates Aaron's success. As the night goes on, I decide to take Aaron away for a moment.

'Can we go upstairs for a minute?' I whisper in his ear.

'Sure.' He says.

I take his hand, and he grips on to mine tightly as I lead him upstairs.

'Is everything okay, Zoey?' He asks worriedly, when I take him into my bedroom, shutting the door behind me.

'I want to give you something.' I say, as I take his shoulders, making him sit on the bed.

I go over to my wardrobe and take out a gift box.

'This is for you. It's a graduation present.' I say.

He looks at me, as I eagerly wait.

'Open it.' I say, resting my head on his shoulder, momentarily.

He opens the box slowly.

'Zoey this....'

_____