Bound To Break

Chapter 24: Graduation

"Skyler Stone!"

The smile on my face can't possibly be as big as the applause I get. I can't believe most of these people actually grew to like in the short year I've been around. But hey, guess what... I'm finally graduating from highschool!

After what's been a hell of a year if I do say so myself.

I collect my diploma, shake hands with the staff members, Mrs Lee gives me the brightest smile, which I return before I leave the stage. More names are called and when it's finally Caleb's turn, I notice Barb scrunching her face. Caleb didn't seem happy either when his girlfriend's name was called. I wonder what's up with these two.

Bruce Han, the principal's stepson, gives the valedictorian speech which is full of jokes about how we've lived past the best years in life and are now about to go into the real hell, he is of course cut short by Mrs Lee when he starts cursing. When it's time to throw our caps, I don't throw mine, not wanting to lose it.

Out of nowhere, I'm engulfed in a bear hug by a jolly Caleb.

"Finally!"

"Finally," I smile.

"We should go celebrate," he suggests.

"I think that's what they are here for." I motion to our parents with a laugh.

"Aww look at you!" Jana, Caleb's Mom comes in to hug her son. "I'm so proud of you, both of you." She grips my hand, smiling softly.

Caleb rolls his eyes, "it's just highschool Mom, not the end of the world."

"My baby's all grown up." She squeezes his cheeks, and I can't help but burst out laughing.

"Congratulations sweetie," Dad hugs me awkwardly.

Our relationship isn't yet completely mended, but man am I glad he didn't bring his snobby girlfriend.

"Thanks, Dad," he hands over some flowers and I gasp when I see them. "Tulips!"

A soft smile touches Dad's lips, a few wrinkles appear on his face. "Your Mom's favorite. I wanted you to feel her presence since it's such a special day."

My eyes start to water. "Thank you."

"Okay, enough with the water works," Caleb side hugs me, "let's go get wasted!" And of course that doesn't sit well with his mom. "I mean church," he corrects, "let's go thank the Lord for this... Beautiful miracle."

We all burst out laughing before finally heading to the waiting cars. We hug a few of our friends, congratulating each other until we reach the parking lot. Barb with some of her minions are taking pictures at a distance and when she makes eye contact with Caleb, they both look away and it's so weird.

"You guys good?"

It takes a few seconds before he responds. "We're good."

Doesn't seem so but I don't push it.

"Oh--kay."

                               ★

"Caleb, I heard you got into UCLA?" Dad asks.

We're having burgers at a local diner, since Caleb and I are going out later at Mason's party we decided to spend the afternoon with out folks. I'm not really looking forward to the party since that Mason guy has been on my neck since I moved here, but Caleb asked we go together and I couldn't say no to him.

"Stanford actually," he smiles shyly.

"Following his father's footsteps," Jana puts a hand on his shoulder, looking proudly at her son.