Addicted (Billy Hargrove)

- twenty six -

- Billy Hargrove -

Song: Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds

Graduation Day

I am sitting in the crowd of people wearing the same dark green caps and gowns as me. I did not want to wear mine, but Stacy insisted that I should for the 'memories'. I am sure she just wanted to see me all dressed up just for her, but either way, she is probably right.

I am somewhat near the front of the large line of people since my last name starts with an H, and I follow the line to the side of the small stage. I am not high up enough to find her in the crowd, and it bothers me so much.

"Who you looking for?" Tommy says next to me, since his last name is right by mine.

"Harrington's sister" I reply half-assed. I don't really want to talk to him anymore since I heard he messed with Stacy and continued to harass her about it.

"So you really are committed to her, huh?"

"Yeah, I am."

They start calling names and soon enough I am up to the front of the stage. The principal gives me my diploma, and him, along with some other people who got me in trouble this year, shake my hand. I turn to the crowd, scanning through it until my my eyes meet with the brown ones I love to stare into. Stacy is shouting to me, the loudest of the crowd, and a huge smile is on her face. She sits with her mom, them both supporting me as they support Steve. It honestly means a lot, considering my dad didn't care to show up. Max is here, though, with her group of friends since one of the kids is Nancy Wheeler's brother. I guess I should thank her for coming or something. For Stacy.

I make my way back into my seat and painfully sit as they go through what feels like a thousand other names. Realistically, there are not very many, only about a hundred or so in our class considering how small the town is. But it feels like forever.

Once they finish handing everyone their pieces of paper, we get released. I immediately make my way over to Stacy, who is tightly hugging Steve as her mom stands next to her with tears running down her face that she continuously tries to wipe away. I smile at the sight and walk over to them. When Stacy pulls away from her brother, she looks at me, her face glowing with excitement. She runs to me and I open my arms to her, enveloping her in my hold. I grab onto her, lifting her up and twirling her around before I set her down.

"You graduated!!" she says, full of excitement.

"Yeah, now I can finally be free from this hell hole."

She nudges me in the arm and it makes me chuckle. "Oh come on, you aren't going to miss it even a little?"

I pretend to think for a moment before shaking my head. Then I stop and smile. "Well, I will miss seeing you in the hallways every day." Her face drops and her once optimistic expression turns into a sad one. "I will miss you hugging me every morning when you show up on that stupid bike."

"I will miss that too" she pouts. She looks really upset all of the sudden.

"But it's okay" I try to cheer her up. "You can't get rid of me."

She smiles again. "I know I can't."

I look behind her to her mom, who is smiling at us. "Congratulations" she says to me before, surprisingly, coming up to me and pulling me into a tight hug. It startles me for a moment but I return it cautiously. I honestly did not expect it.

"Thank you" I say to her once she lets me go. I look over to Steve, who is standing next to Stacy, them both watching my exchange with their mother. I cough out, making the scene awkward. "Congratulations, Harrington" I say to Steve, making a huge grin appear onto Stacy's face.

I have less trouble talking to him now. We talk a bit more, and he has given me more trust with Stacy since I haven't 'hurt' her like he thought I would. I mean, I guess he is a decent person. Still an ass though.

"Thanks" he says, smiling back.

I go back over to Stacy and pull her over to the side, giving her a big kiss before telling her something that has got me thinking all day. I want to do something, but I need to tell her about it first. If she supports me, I have something to give her.

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what do yall think it is?? 😜

OMG THIS IS ENDING IM GONNA CRY IM SO EMOTIONAL AHHH

thanks for reading yall <3

-Liz <3