"We all have dreams, Devon Parker!"
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Hadley Carter's life is a mess. That is, more of a mess than usual. The unexpected return of her ex creates a storm of chaos Hadley is left to battle alone. Ha...
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six months later
"My little girl is all grown up," Mom wails softly as she blows her nose into a tissue, appraising me with awestruck eyes.
I laugh, my cheeks pink with embarrassment. "Mom!"
Mom rolls her eyes playfully as she leans into my father's arms. "I know, I know. I just can't believe my baby is already graduating high school. It feels like just yesterday you were this tall." Mom gestures to her knees, pointing out that forever ago I used to be, like, three feet tall.
"You still have me," Reagan mutters from where she stands at my side, crossing her arms over her chest in mock-aggravation.
Mom reaches out to tousle Reagan's hair lovingly. "And I'm never going to let you move out!"
This time, it's Reagan's turn to laugh in embarrassment.
I linger in the school parking lot with my family for a brief moment before saying my goodbyes and joining the crowd gathering in the school yard. I can hardly believe how fast time has flown. It feels like just yesterday was the start of senior year, and today I will be graduating. I can hardly wrap my head around the realization.
I spot Mason and the rest of my friends huddled in a circle amongst the large crowd that only seems to keep growing. My friends offer waves and call my name, so I return the gesture as I join their sides.
"Hadley!" Bianca coos as I approach, pouting as she takes in my appearance. "You look so pretty!"
I'm beaming. I adjust the red cap atop my head, fiddling with the matching gown I wear. "So do you all!"
"Very pretty," Kai speaks up as he eyes Mason. I can't help smiling to myself. She's totally oblivious to his stare.
Grace is the next to join our little circle, and we all give hugs as we greet her. Then comes along Clover, who has decked out the top of her cap with images of skulls–in true Clover fashion. After a while, I spot Sloane climbing up the hill. I don't hesitate to wave her over.
"Hi!" Sloane says as she joins my side, grinning from ear to ear.
I pull her into an embrace, fondling over how pretty she looks on our big day. Ever since that night at the party, she and I have been on great terms. It's like all the tension that once lingered between us never existed. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't pleasant, having her as a friend once more.
"I can't believe it," I say to my friends in disbelief. "We're graduating high school!"
"I know!" Mason exclaims. "Weren't we little freshmen, like, a day ago?"
Clover snorts. "I feel like that was forever ago."
Bianca chuckles. "I'm excited. I'm ready to be done with high school."
