Endless Summer

June - Chapter V - Graduation

I shut the front door. Carter sat on the stairs waiting for me. I was wasted, my makeup smudged from the pool water.

He stood up abruptly whispering to not wake our parents. "Brooke. What were you thinking!" I could see and hear his frustration.

"Whaat? You told me live free tonight at party, that's what I did! You ruined it." I was slightly louder, not realizing.

"Shh. Do not wake up mom or dad." He stopped. "I didn't ruin anything, I stopped before anything was to happen."

I threw my hands in the air. "What! You think I was just going to strip in the pool and fuck Keith!? You're insane."

"It damn well looked like that! People are posting about it Ke. A lot of people." He was worried.

"Good." I caught Carter by surprise. "I'm sick of being just your little sister. Senior year is going to be much different, better." I smiled.

He sighed. "This is my fault, I made you go to the party."

"-And I'm grateful. Thanks!" I rushed to the stairs.

I was stumbling up them when Carter grabbed my arms are helped me. "Here, come on, let's go to bed."

"Thanks bro," I appreciated him doing that for me.

I changed out of my bathing suit and into my silk pajamas. I knocked out in my bed.

***

Today is Carter's Graduation. I woke up extremely hungover, my head throbbing and the feeling of throwing up. Not the best thing to wake up to.

I took a cold shower in hopes of it waking me up. It helped a bit, but not enough for me to look presentable at the ceremony.

My mom walked into the bathroom when I was applying my makeup.

"I see the party was nice," she said as she leaned against the wall.

"Yeah, I'm just super tired." I couldn't keep it together.

"Hungover, I've been there. Here, drink this." She handed me water and a tablet. "That'll help."

"Thanks, mom." I always love when she is understanding. I feel like I can tell her anything.

"Mhm." She hung around. "So, anything fun at the party? Any cute guys?" It was cute that she was asking me.

"Yeah, I met this really, really nice guy. He drove me home last night from the party, too." I spoke.

"Ah, yes. What's his name?" She smiled.

"Keith." I smiled back. His named ringed happiness in me.

"I can see your fond of him, love you sweetie." She gave me a hug.

I embraced her warmth, my favorite.

"Now get ready, fast! We don't want to be late." She walked back to her room.

I slipped into my dress, and we headed to Carter's graduation.

There he was, in his school robe that matched with everyone else in the crowd. He deserves this, as he did so much to get to where he is right now. I'm proud of him, even if we have our differences.

Our principal called his name; "Carter Lovaeno, attending the University of Miami with a full ride in lacrosse." The audience and seniors went crazy, immensely participating in loud claps and celebration.

I saw Keith sitting in his section, as he wasn't called up yet. He looked handsome, wearing his black dress pants and a fancy shirt under his robe. He so happened to look back and lock eyes with mine. A smile scaled over his face, and he gave me a wave.

I was still feeling confident from Ava's party. I blew Keith a kiss, and he pretended to catch it, holding it dearly. I smiled and giggled. My mom looked at me confused, me just shrugging back to her quickly.

Keith laughed to himself. It was his turn to walk up. Our principal continued, "Keith hernanae, attending Boston College for business." Most cheered, not as much as they did for Carter though. I clapped, staring at only him for the duration of his walk back to his seat. He locked eyes with me, paying close attention to only me.

The tension we had was undeniably prominent. I had fallen for him fast, but I'm okay with it. I want to spend my nights with him, go to him when I need anything, and just be with him.

The ceremony had ended. All the seniors had now become alumni and I was officially the next one to go this upcoming year. This is it.

We got family pictures and Carter got some with his friends too, of course.

Keith came up to me, excited to be in my presence. "Hey," he spoke in a tender tone, soft enough to catch my full attention.

"Hey," I smiled going in to give him a hug. "Congratulations, you did it!"

"Thank you, yes. I'm outta here!" He laughed, me joining in.

"How are you feeling from last night?" He asked me.

"Well, hungover but hope I'm hiding it somewhat good. I truly had an amazing night."

He laughed. "You are." Then he grinned, forming a half smile. "I love that you had a good night, I did as well. You are stunning, Brooke. I don't want to lose whatever this is."

I stared at him with passion, my eyes chasing his. "Me either, Keith." He looked at me with the pursuit of kissing me, but didn't. I would've kissed him if we weren't at an event, since I wouldn't want to ruin anything for Carter.

"So, is everything okay with you and Carter?" I asked.

"Uh, yeah. I haven't talked to him about it yet." He replied. "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Yeah. Let me know, okay?" I stated before initiating my depart from our conversation.

"Of course." He began walking away as well.

I stopped, and turned around. "Keith?"

He spun around. "Yeah?"

"Could I get your number?" I was hoping for a yes.

"Definitely. Here," he spoke then handed me his phone.

"Perfect, thank you."

He smiled, giving me one last look. "I'll see you later Brooke."

"You know where to find me."