A Harsh Reality | ✓

Chapter 39

Amanda

"Amanda Taylors!" I heard my name and instantly walked forward. The Principal handed me my diploma before we both posed for a picture. I strutted off stage and sat down in my respective chair, joining everyone that had received theirs as well. When we all had our diplomas in hand, I placed a hand on my cap.

"Congratulations to the graduates and family of the class of 2019!" the Principal exclaimed into the microphone. We all threw our caps in the air, cheering and screaming like crazy. Hailey, Pilar, and I had a group hug as soon as we caught our hats again.

"Goodbye, high school!" Hailey squealed, "I can't believe it!" I smiled when, suddenly, I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist. They lifted me off the ground and spun me around, making me laugh.

"You just did something I never did, Amanda," Tyler said as he put me down, "I'm very proud of you." I hugged him tightly.

"Thank you." I then proceeded to hug my mother, who had tears in her eyes.

"I'm so happy for you, Amanda," she said, smiling, "So brave." I chuckled.

"Amanda!" Hailey screamed in the distance, "Get over here!" I grinned and gave my Mom an apologetic look before joining my friends again.

We posed and took a million photos because Pilar didn't like any of them. As soon as we got the perfect picture, our mothers joined us and took a million more.

After that, I left the group and went looking for Noah. The football field was buzzing with newly graduated students and their families chatting animatedly. I searched everywhere, but I couldn't find him. I thought he had gone home already, so I walked back towards my family.

When I met them again, we began strolling to the car. Hailey and I's families had agreed to celebrate our graduation together at Pilar's house, so we all headed over there. Riley joined us a few hours later since she still had school.

"Oh my God!" she pulled us into a group hug, "I can't wait to wear one of these!" She looked at our black gowns.

"You're acting as if you still have a long way to go," Hailey laughed, "You are graduating in like two days."

"I mean, you're right," she replied, "I just need high school to be over already."

"Hey, Riley," I touched her shoulder, "Did they contact you back?" She stared at me, and I knew she had realized what I meant.

Her eyes stuck to the ground as our friends gazed curiously at us, waiting for an explanation. Riley suddenly smiled and, when she looked back up at me, she had tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Yes!" she exclaimed, "I'm going to New York!" I gasped, wrapping my arms around her.

"I'm so happy for you," I stated.

"Wait," Hailey said, "New York University?" Riley nodded, grinning like a child before they both squealed and hugged each other. Pilar joined in, laughing at their happiness.

"Aw, Amanda." I hadn't noticed I was crying until Hailey pointed it out for me.

"I'm just-" I started, wiping at my face, "I'm just going to miss you, guys." We were all cascades of tears when my brother came back from picking up his girlfriend.

"What in the actual f-" Tyler began but was interrupted by Heather.

"Amanda! Oh wow, look at you," she ran over to me, making me laugh. She was always running everywhere, a habit she had picked up from being a waitress in a busy diner. "I love your dress!"

I was wearing a short dress with an asymmetric neckline since the school had required us to wear something nice under our gowns. Its color was a soft red, and I had slipped on a pair of beige heels to keep the focus on the dress.