Some Say the World Will End in Fire |l.s.|

twenty seven

I hurry into Harry's arms with tears in my eyes, feeling my chest swell as I take in his appearance. His cap pushes his hair down adorably and his gown makes me realize just how far he's come. He went from not even entering to school to doing so much extra credit work and going to every single class without fail, and now he's graduated.

He wraps his arms around my middle while mine are around his neck, his face shoved into my shoulder.

"Thank you," he mumbles repeatedly into me, and I just shake my head. I pull away, grabbing his face in my hands as I look into his eyes.

"You did this, Haz. Don't thank me, it was all you," I assure him.

"You're the reason I passed my finals," he argues. "Thank you so much, Louis."

"Of course, babe," I smile, hugging him again and kissing him deeply. Our lips connect, feeling like puzzle pieces as our kiss is mixed with pride, love, and joy. We pull away, still grinning at each other like idiots before I snatch his cap off him, placing it on head with a smirk. He rolls his eyes, laughing as he releases me from his arms, looking me up and down.

"I think I like this look on you," he hums. "Actually, I've never seen you wear a hat."

"Really?" I ask. "Weird."

"Soon, this'll be you," he says, and I just roll my eyes at the thought. 

"Two years, Haz. Soon my ass," I retort.

"C'mon, I made it. If I can, anyone can," he says.

"Yeah, but I don't skip half the year like some people," I scoff. "I actually deal with the pain of sitting through class."

"Well now you don't have to do all that extra credit and the tutoring sessions," he says. Before I can respond, the microphone sounds off as the principal steps up, everyone silencing.

"If I could have everyone's attention," he says, finding the right distance from the mic. "I'd like to say a word or two before I invite a student speaker up. As you all know, this has been a very difficult year for all students attending. I'd like to voice how proud I am for everyone still pushing themselves to graduate this year. It shows honorable character and perseverance, and I couldn't be prouder to be your principal during your final year in high school. Now, if everyone will give Louis Tomlinson the floor." Everyone turns in my direction and Harry gives my hand a soft squeeze as I nervously make my way towards the stage. I wait for the clapping to stop as I step up to the microphone before I begin to speak, despite my heart hammering in my chest.

"Hello, everyone," I smile. "So, if the event that took place during the school year is triggering, no one holds it against you if you step away." Several people leave, and I smile sympathetically before continuing. "So, I wanted to come up here today and speak in honor of those who aren't with us anymore. I was in the classroom across the hall from where it all started. Actually, I was in the classroom where a few of my friends took their last breaths." 

I have to pause, blinking back tears as everyone realizes the seriousness of the speech I'm given. It makes me feel a sense of pride for getting a silence so loud from an audience, and to know they respect the event and the victims as much as I do.

"I witnessed it all go down, and to say I went through it when it was all over is an understatement. I had so much trauma that I'm still not fully okay with it. It's the painful truth, but looking at all of you, I know I'm not alone and I never have been. I've worked hard to deal with it and face my fears head on, and I couldn't be happier that I did. My family, especially my boyfriend, helped me so much and I want you to know that whoever it may be, your friends and family will help you get through this. I also want to pay my respects for the victims during this who couldn't be here today, so if you will, I'd like to have a moment of silence."

Everyone bows their heads, closing their eyes as the silence fills the area. I can hear some sniffling and shuttered breaths, and my heart clenches for everyone. My mind runs over everyone's names, listing them off to myself in my head before I open my eyes, looking up.

"Thank you," I say quietly, and everyone's head raises. "I'd like to continue on by saying that I knew every single one of them, and not a single person deserves what happened to them. They deserve to be remembered, not as victims of a school attack, but as bright students who made a difference during their time here with us. I may cause some anger by saying this, but I always want to talk about Anthony, the reason for this whole event."

Gasps are heard, as well as whispers. I wait for the crowd to settle down, wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans before looking to where Harry stands, searching for reassurance. He gives me the smallest nod, holding eye contact with me. I gulp, nodding back and taking a deep breath before deciding to continue.

"I knew him as the boy who sat next to me in one of my classes, and also as a boy of few words. I would always try and make conversation with him, to cheer him up because hard days seemed to come often for him. I could always tell he wasn't happy, and what he did about those feelings shows it. For the longest time, I blamed myself for all those lost lives, including his. If I could've tried harder, made Anthony smile just once, this could've all been avoided." I sniffle, wiping a tear that's only barely left my eye. "It wasn't until my boyfriend told me that some people just aren't meant for this world. That some people can't be saved, and that it isn't anyone's fault in particular, but just a devastatingly simple fact. Anthony wasn't meant to be happy with his life, and he wrongly dragged so many people down with him.  I just think that's an important thing to note, and it helped me when I finally came to terms with that. I only wish he could've had the life he deserved, instead of hurting so many people around him. I refuse to let this event dictate my life for any longer, and I'm working on gaining back control. I encourage you to do the same, because even though I struggle day by day, I'm better than I was and that's good enough for me. I'm proud of each and every one of you, and I can promise you that you matter to everyone around you. You will all have an important impact on others, and I am confident that you will do amazing things outside of school. Congratulations, you've just graduated," I smile, and everyone claps as I make my way off the stage. The principal announces that the graduation is over, and is speaking about the cake and drinks, as well as where pictures can be made and whatnot.

Harry engulfs me in the biggest hug, tears in his own eyes while I let mine fall into his shoulder. We release after a few minutes of silence, and I've regained my composure as I wipe my eyes for any last tears that fall.

"I'm so fucking proud of you, baby. You did so amazing," he tells me. "You had the crowd captivated; you really did. You have no idea how many people's lives you've just influenced in such a positive way. I really think you brought a lot of people some closure they needed."

"I wouldn't be able to if you weren't so patient and understanding towards me. Thank you, Harry, so much."

"I believe I should be thanking you, Louis Tomlinson, for helping me graduate," he says.

"And thank you, Harry Styles, for saving me."

The End.