Threads Deep Within

One-shot: Graduation Night

"Ladies and gentlemen, the class of 2022!"

I threw my black and white cap to the sky, my friends throwing their either blue or white ones. Our school colors shimmered in the field's glorious light, its openness lifting the weight of all our struggles. We were no longer seniors.

We were successful graduates.

I strutted my way across the football field, phone in hand, and found my friends. I hugged my dearest and closest brother and best friend.

"I couldn't have done it without you," I said, with a chuckle. My family came over and gave me flowers. My younger friends who had yet to graduate took pictures with me. For a glimpse, I swear I saw my mothers reflection off my aunt's phone, and I began crying.

"谢谢我的朋友。" I said to my best friend as he comforted me.

"是。" He replied.

We took some pictures, but I couldn't suppress my tears.

Suddenly, I jumped as someone grabbed me from behind.

It was our other friends and their families!

We all gathered today, me still holding my flowers and shaking at the sight of all of the people. I forced my self to stop crying. I was looking down the line of people. Our younger friends, already graduated friends, all of our families, everything about everyone.

And that's when I saw her.

We had some history, we were once friends and well... need I say more? Those close to me know, therefore I won't elaborate.

She looked so pretty.

Yet so different yet similar.

I missed her.

 I exchanged glances with my best friend; he knew everything. Eventually we were all done with pictures and the whole gang hung out. She made her way over, leaving her family;  all of the parents gathered, taking to each other as the sun set. She inserted herself in the group and it couldn't have been a worse time.

It was all me, talking about my wack ass fuckery in all my years of high school. I was the spotlight, eventually would be talk of this small town. Hair flowing in the wind, makeup stamps on my face; it all made me a literal hot mess. After I was done my little show and everyone made their remarks, I turned to talk to my friend, but he wasn't there!

"Shit shit shit," I cussed quietly, "Where is that faggot?"

She spun around.

Of course, she was the closest one to me. Great.

She gasped, "Don't say that! That's so mean."

"Uh girl... do you.. not.. okay."

"Oh my god wait- ?  Is that you??"

"Yeah, it's me. You're....? 

"Pft, yeah! Forget me so soon?"

"Um no, I didn't."

"You just couldn't, no?"

"Nope, not ever."

A silence came over us.

Suddenly, she began speaking again, "You know, I've been wanting to reach out but..."

"Yeah well, it's over now, you know?" I interrupted.