the one that got away// a jack harlow story

and this is just the intro

*8 years earlier*

(Courtney's POV)

It was Graduation day for the Class of 2016 at Atherton High. I was finally going to be leaving Louisville and going to Juliard! I gleefully walked down the hallway to practice our grad walk with my boyfriend Jack. Part of me was excited to be starting this new chapter of my life, and the other half of me was anxious and dreading the end, because that meant I was leaving Jack here and going to focus on my dancing; and unfortunately due to my college schedule i'd have to begin my drive as soon as graduation finished. We'd decided it was easier for the both of us if we separated once the move happened, due to the distance and me focusing on my dance and Jack focusing on his music, it just made sense? To be completely honest, I didn't want to leave him, we've been together since we were 16, and he was my best friend; but maybe we'll see each other again. Unlikely.

We walk into the gymnasium and start to put on our caps and gowns, as everyone takes pictures before we have to do the real thing in 5 hours. Jack pulls me in, goofy as ever to say "That white gown makes you look like an angel." as he smirks and brushes past my waist. They pair us up for the walk, because ironically both of our last names start with "HA" Hardin, and Harlow, it worked for me. We walk the isle, stage and take seats as our principle makes sure everyone has the routine down. After practice I grab my things and head to Jack's car.

We get in the car, and things are unusually quiet for us, normally it's it's all joke's and laugh's. Today was different. He finally speaks up and says "yanno we still have tonight before you have to leave." I speak up "I know, I just can't believe it's already time" as I peer off out the window. He grabs my hand and rubs it with his thumb as we arrive to my house.

*5 hours later*

I put on my flowy knee length nude dress and smile at my mom in the mirror as she finishes my hair. "are you ready?" she asks. "I wanna say yes, but my heart is racing faster than an indy 500 racer" we laugh. "It's almost over, don't worry." she says. "that's the thing, I dont want it to be over." I say as a tear rolls down my cheek. She wipes it off and hugs me and tells me it's time to head to my school so we can be on time. I slide on my nude heels, and walk to the car.

We arrive at my school, and I separate from my parents to go to my homeroom and find Jack. I walk down the hallway and look to the left at my homeroom as I read the sign *Room 203* "hey beautiful" I jump as Jack approaches. "oh my god, you scared me!" I scream as I slap his arm laughing. "All right guys! It's time! Get into two lines, left side young men, right side young ladies, and stand in your assigned order!" Jack and I line up side by side grabbing each others hands as he laughs about something with his friend in front of us. We all begin to walk to the gymnasium door hearing the grad intro music begin playing. We walk in, line up right by the door as begin to walk as our names are called. Jack and I walk up together, accept our diplomas, get pictures for our mom's and take our seats. We watch our Principle, Dean, and Validictioran gives speeches before we were released to our friends and family. We go to see our families and grab food in the cafeteria to eat before I'm sent off. Everyone was more sentimental than normal, knowing what was to come for all of us. Unfortunately time crept up on us as I finished my food and it was time for my parents to drive me home so I could grab my car and begin my drive. "Alright guys, it's that time for me." I say as I stand up to hug everyone, my parents stand as well. Jack walks over. "Can I drive her?" My parents nod in sync with me.

*In The Car*

We drive back to my house while glamorous by Fergie plays on the radio, as we sing along. He turns it down as we pull up to my house, and puts the car in park. He looks at me and sighs. "i'm gonna miss you." he says. "I'm gonna miss you too." a tear rolls down my cheek. He gets out to come open my door, pull me out, and hug me. I embrace him and cry as he kisses me a few times on my lips, and then my forehead. "I hate that you have to leave right now." Jack says as his voice cracks the tiniest bit. I hug him as tight as I can. "I'll call you when I can, just to talk." I say as we kiss one last time. "Bye Court, Please be safe." "You know I always am" we both chuckle a little as I walk to get my keys and change to get on the road. Juliard here I come...