HeartBLOOD

Chapter sixty-seven

Give it up for the class of 22!, Luke cheered into the microphone, applause flooding the NYABM parking lot- the renovation of the NYABM main building was still not complete yet, so it wasnt safe to have the seniors walk the main stage like it was traditionally done during their graduation celebration. But, they decided to conquer the parking lot instead- after all, it held countless memories, too. The steps leading up to the building replaced the stage, and the rest of the students as well as some family members stood right where the ambulances had parked a few months back.

Congratulations to our seniors! Easily some of the most dedicated and strong-willed people I have ever had the pleasure of mentoring., Valentine added, You guys have proven yourselves over and over again- you did this, so you can do anything.

Lets see them!, Luke exclaimed, giving the signal for everyone to come out from behind the corner of NYABM and walk across the stairs, This years graduates are: Jonathan Morgenstern, Aline Penhallow, Gretel Monroe, Raphael Santiago, Alexander Lightwood, Maia Roberts, Magnus Bane and Camille Belcourt.

The cheering of the crowd intensified as all of them appeared, in suits and dresses, covered in glitter and tears and ready to leave the best years of their lives behind, celebrating the memories they had created.

These incredible dancers outgrew all of our expectations, they have matured, evolved and became stronger in all aspects. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you and cant wait to see where life takes you whilst wishing you all the best.

Thank you for your kind words, coach., Maia smiled as she stepped up onto the stairs and took the microphone out of Lukes hand, turning back to the audience.

Her curls were loosely dangling around her face, a magenta bow tying just the front pieces together behind her head, matching the long tight magenta silk dress she wore, the slit on its right side revealing her beautiful toned leg.

Looking into the crowd, I see so many joyful faces of lovely people, people from both inside and outside of the NYABM family, but nothing sparks my heart just quite like looking to my right and seeing the people I have spent those past three years with- my dearest friends, my biggest inspirations and my greatest supporters. As scary as moving on is, knowing I have a family that always has my back makes it a whole lot easier- those are people with whom I have shared so many smiles yet so many tears, those are people that have been by my side through some of the brightest and the darkest days of my life, which I cannot thank them enough for. And whilst other people were in college, I was here with all of you, sweating into these dancefloors and leaving my footprints on these very stairs I stand on- without all of you, I wouldnt have made it, so I thank you all for the strength that held us together as dancers, but more importantly as people. And as grateful as I am for all of you, I cant help but notice that some people are missing- I would like to take this minute to thank Sebastian Verlac, Clary Fairchild and Maureen Johnson for the roles they have played during our NYABM journey- all three of them are walking their own ways now, but despite that, they hold a special place in all our hearts for being a part of our time here. Moving on, as well as our incredible coaches Valentine and Luke, also want to honor coach Jocelyn Fray today, one of the most amazing, badass and strong women I have ever met. But another very important person I want to remember in this moment is our beloved friend Simon Lewis, who is looking down on all of us tonight from the realms above. Therefore, I hope we can all take a few seconds of silence to remember all the greatness he has blessed us with.

Taking a deep breath, she looked up to the sky, seeing the sun break through the clouds: We miss you, Simon.

Alecs eyes turned glossy whilst following Maias example by looking up into the sky, trying to convince himself that this was not going to be a goodbye, although it sounded like one. And maybe theyd all meet again sometime, somewhere, but everyone secretly knew it was not going to be the same anymore. It couldnt.

Suddenly, he felt a hand squeezing his, but he didnt even need to look to the side to see whose it was- this place was where he had met Magnus, the biggest blessing of his life. And whilst Alec was sure that their bond was not tied to a place, his heart twisted in pain knowing they had outgrown college. They had outgrown being teenage kids in a dorm room, watching the stars and gossiping at night. They were adults in an adult world, and that had every right scaring him. Though he knew, with him by his side, he had nothing to fear.

***

We made it!, Maia exclaimed after the official part of the graduation ceremony was finally over, throwing herself at Alec who whirled her around, squeezing her as hard as he could.

Surprise, huh?, Alec laughed, putting her down onto the marble floors of the NYABM hall, the place he had asked Luke for directions three years ago, glancing at the stairs on which they had just taken their yearbook photo.

I thought about what you said before the performance., she smiled widely, squeezing his hands, Its the right thing to do. Good luck, you wont need it.

Thank you., Alec chuckled, Ill try not to fuck it up.

You better., she grinned, letting go of his hands, Catch you on the big stages, brother. Youve got what it takes.

You do., Raphael smiled, approaching them and sinking into Alecs arms, burying his face in his friends shoulder.

I wouldnt have made it without you., he whispered into his ear, And Ill forever owe my life to you. Just so you know.

I wouldnt have made it without you, either., Alec chuckled quietly, There is no one that gets me quite like you do.

Then I guess this bond is for life., Raphael smiled, letting go of Alec and looking into his blue eyes, You and me. Through anything.

Through anything., Alec whispered, his heart pounding as if it was about to jump out of his chest- those people were worth any misery this school had put him through.

***

Congratulations!, Isabelle smiled, pulling Alec into a hug as he stepped outside to catch a breath.

Who would have thought Id make it?, he grinned, holding his sister in his arms as if she was the only thing to hold on to.

I did., Isabelle smiled, a tear escaping her eye, I always knew youd make it.

You did? Why didnt you tell me?, Alec chuckled, his voice cracking, trying not to cry.

Shut up., she sobbed, her tears wetting the shoulder pads of his suit, Shut up and go enjoy your life already.