Skinny Love

Chapter 21

"Noelle Pierce." I walk up the steps to my diploma. As I take it in my hand I look out into the crowd to see Mark sitting in the first row, I try not to make eye contact but I do and he gives me a big smile and then I notice it's not actually him just some random guy sitting in the first row. Mark doesn't even go here, I remember.  And there I see my parents way in the back with Sam who stands clapping wildly with mom, then there's dad who has his arms crossed. I look over next to them and there's Lindi and Parker, Ledger he's extremely tiny and I have no idea why they brought him. He could get sick! I continued down the line and shake hands nodding a 'thank you' to each of them. I pump my fists in the air and scream "Woo Hoo!" as I walk down the steps I glance over at Nat who'd already gone before me, up with all the P's. I step over feet and make my way toward him, he'd even saved me a seat. I slump down and fall into the plastic chair relived to stop standing. The air conditioning was on to it's highest setting so I shiver in my gown. Nat's arm settles on my shoulders and we listen to them call names P through Z.

Our graduation isn't extravagant we throw our caps take a piece of cake and are expected to then leave. So that's what we did we threw our caps took pictures with and without our gowns and then off to some fancy restaurant that we'd probably never go to if it wasn't graduation. It was a classy seafood place I wore a dress that I bought yesterday from a second hand clothing store near the mall. Just a plain floor lenght maxi dress that's popular in the summer, I figured I could wear it multiple times so why not? It was plain black with a red belt line just under the bust, while Nat wore a black vest and dress shirt and pants like his dad and brothers. We all took up two large tables in our own party room that my mother have reserved for us. This would be the first time I've officially met his parents and coincidentally his younger brother that graduated with us today, because apparently he skipped a grade or two. His name was Dylan, and I could tell when they all walked in his father was not too fond of me. I looked over at my mom. "I'll be right back, order me a water okay?" she nodded and I walked out of the rooms propped open glass doors.  I look around the crowded restaurant and can't tell where a bathroom is so I just wander around. I'd never been here before so that was no help. I walk around the bar and finaly see a door to the womans restroom. I make my way toward it but see a second exit door and wander off in it's direction. I open the door and feel a hand on my shoulder so I quickly turn around to slap it off of me. 

"Can we just talk for a second?" I look up as I smack his hand and pull him outside, closing the door. His dark hair shined blue in the lights outside and his eyes were worried. Mark.

"My God what is wrong with you?" I whisper yell as I take him in a hug. Just a quick one and pull him away. He stands in a plain dress shirt and black pants, his hands in the pockets. "So, are you following me now?"

"No, I'm actually with Cherrie. . ." I make a 'ha' and turn to go back inside. 

"So why are you out here talking to me?" 

"Why aren't you in there with your family and that pansy of yours?" my mouth drops open, when did he get so rude? I take a step closer and give him a shove.

"Okay, douchebag. You are the one not talking to me!" I point to myself "You have no idea what my life has been like for the past couple of months so you can shove it!" I turn around, but he grabs my wrist and I turn back to him pissed off. "I came out here to take a break for two fucking seconds! Leave me the hell alone, I don't want to hear about Cherrie! I don't want to hear how happy you are now!"

"How am I not talking to you?" he drops my hand and I cross my arms. He stumbles a little as he takes a step back. "You are the one who dropped what you were doing and changed schools and ignored me and then you went and started dating that faggot! You left me!" Does he not think I know that!