In progress

Chapter 13

As Emma walked across the stage, her heart swelled with pride and anticipation. Her eyes navigated through the sea of jubilant graduates and proud families, her heart raced with excitement and anticipation. She couldn't shake the feeling of elation that washed over her as she clutched her diploma tightly, a tangible symbol of her hard work and perseverance. The sound of applause filled the auditorium, but amidst the sea of faces, her gaze found familiar ones.

Spotting her foster parents amidst the crowd, Emma's smile widened. Mary Margaret's tear-stained cheeks and David's proud grin mirrored her own emotions, filling her with a sense of warmth and gratitude. They had been her rock throughout her high school journey, supporting her every step of the way, and she couldn't have asked for better guardians.

Amidst the joyous chaos, the sight of Miss Mills was what truly captured Emma's attention. The smile the teacher was sporting, the warmth in the brunette's warm chocolate colored orbs sent a flutter through her heart, and she couldn't help but return the smile. For a brief moment, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of understanding and affection – a moment that Emma wished would never end.

However, duty called, and Emma stepped forward to accept her diploma, the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. As the ceremony continued, she couldn't shake the excitement bubbling within her. High school was finally over, and a new chapter of her life was about to begin.

After the last student had received their diploma, they ventured down the stage and filed out in the big ocean of parents, siblings teachers, and friends. Each student searching for their own friends and families. Emma joined her friends Belle and Ruby as they made their way down from the stage. They navigated through the bustling crowd, searching for their families amidst the chaos of hugs, cheers, and congratulations.

Eventually, they found their parents and Granny engaged in conversation, their faces lit up with pride and joy. Emma exchanged hugs and words of gratitude with her foster parents, feeling a surge of love and appreciation for their unwavering support.

But as she scanned the crowd once more, her eyes found Miss Mills, who was now standing alone, a serene smile playing on her lips. Emma's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the brunette, and she knew that she couldn't let this moment pass without seizing the opportunity.

Excusing herself from her friends and family, Emma made her way towards Miss Mills, her heart pounding with nervous excitement. As she approached, she couldn't help but notice the way the older woman's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Miss Mills," Emma greeted, her voice tinged with excitement and uncertainty.

"Emma" the brunette replied, her smile widening as she met the blonde's gaze. "Congratulations on your graduation. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you," Emma said, her cheeks flushing with warmth. "I was wondering if, now that high school is over, maybe we could... go out sometime? Like, on a date?" Her voice trembling slightly with nerves.

"I... I was wondering if... if you'd like to go out with me sometime. You know, on a date?"

The words hung in the air between them, and for a moment, Emma held her breath, waiting for Miss Mills' response. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the anticipation almost unbearable as she waited for the older woman's answer. Neither could she deny the flutter of nerves in her stomach, but beneath it all, was a flicker of hope – a hope that the older woman felt the same way she did.

Miss Mills blinked in surprise, her composure faltering for a brief moment as Emma's words registered. Her smile remained, but it had taken on a softer, almost tentative quality. The brunette seemed to be weighing her response, her gaze flickering to the other teachers and families nearby, then back to Emma's hopeful eyes.