all the what could've been

CHAPTER IX

The months flew by in a blur of classes, assignments, and late-night study sessions. Before I knew it, graduation day had arrived. The campus was buzzing with excitement as students hurried around in their caps and gowns, taking pictures and sharing memories. It felt surreal to be at the end of this journey, a mix of pride and nostalgia filling my heart.

Lucas and I had managed to stay close despite our busy schedules. He was always there, my constant support and confidant. As I stood in line with our fellow graduates, I spotted him in the crowd, talking with some of our friends. His smile was infectious, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of affection.

"Cali, over here!" Jenny's voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see her waving excitedly. We had become good friends over the past few months, and she was a much-needed addition to our little group. And about her and Lucas, the story is long gone.

"Hey, Jenny! Can you believe it's finally happening?" I asked, joining her.

"It feels like a dream," she admitted, her eyes shining with excitement. "I'm so glad we met and got through this together."

"Me too," I agreed, giving her a quick hug. "Let's make sure we stay in touch, okay?" I said while pointing my finger at her like I'm warning her.

"Absolutely," she said, smiling warmly.

The ceremony began, and we took our seats. The speeches were inspiring, filled with messages of hope and encouragement for our futures. As our names were called one by one, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. When it was my turn, I walked across the stage, feeling a mix of nerves and pride. I spotted Lucas in the audience, cheering loudly, and it gave me the boost I needed to walk confidently.

After the ceremony, we gathered outside, taking countless photos and sharing hugs and congratulations. Lucas found me in the crowd and pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Congratulations, Cali! I'm so proud of you," he said, his voice filled with genuine pride.

"Thanks, Lucas. I couldn't have done it without you. Congratulations fellow graduate, you make me so proud," I replied, feeling a surge of gratitude.

"Nonsense, you did this all on your own. You're amazing," he insisted, pulling back to look at me.

"Speaking of amazing, how does it feel to be a graduate?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"It feels incredible," he said with a wide smile. "We did it!" he screamed.

As the celebrations continued we decided to go to the park, the park that is now a part of our lives. Lucas and I found a quiet spot away from the crowd. We sat on a bench, watching our friends and classmates revel in the moment. The oak tree, our tree, stood nearby, a silent witness to our journey.

"This tree has seen so much of our lives," Lucas said, his voice soft with nostalgia. "It's hard to believe we're here, at the end of one chapter and the beginning of another."

"I know," I agreed, looking at the carved initials on the tree's bark.

"It feels like just yesterday we were carving our names here." Lucas reached out and touched the carving. "We've come a long way, haven't we?" He asked with a wistful smile on his lips

"We have," I said, feeling a lump in my throat. "And I'm so grateful for every moment." I continued then Lucas turned to face me.

"Cali, there's something I've been wanting to tell you." His expression serious.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Is this it? The moment I had been both hoping for and dreading?"

"What is it, Lucas?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He took a deep breath, his eyes locked onto mine.

"I—" Before he could continue, a group of our friends approached, interrupting the moment.

"Hey, you two! Come on, we're taking a group photo!" Xander called out.

Lucas sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

"We should go join them," he said, his voice returning to its usual lightness.

"Yeah, let's go," I agreed, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment.

We joined our friends for the photo, but my mind was still racing with what Lucas might have been about to say. As the sun set and the festivities wound down, we all said our goodbyes, promising to stay in touch and meet up whenever we could.

Later that evening, Lucas and I sat on the porch of my house, sipping on cold drinks and enjoying the quiet of the night. The stars were bright above us, twinkling like little glimmer of hope.

"Lucas," I said, breaking the comfortable silence. "What were you going to say earlier, by the tree?" He looked at me, his eyes thoughtful.

"I just wanted to say how much your friendship means to me, Cali. You've been my rock, my best friend, and I can't imagine my life without you." He said and I can feel my shoulder loosen as I let out a breath that I've been holding for I don't know how long.

"I feel the same way, Lucas," I replied, my heart aching with unspoken words. "You mean the world to me." I smiled.

"You mean the world to me, Lucas. Literally!"

"Hey, I have an idea," he blurted out of the blue.

"What?" I asked with a silly smile on my face.

"Let's go for a drive, just outside the city. I know a place," he replied standing up. He grabbed my hand and motioned me to stand up as well. "Grab the food and drinks, I'll go get a blanket and start the car." He commanded and I just stood there with my arms crossed. "Move shorty pants." He stormed off laughing and I grabbed the throw pillow and threw it at him.

"Head shot!" I shouted and we laughed.

Lucas decided to drive out to the countryside to stargaze, away from the city lights. When we arrived on top of the hill, the night sky was a breathtaking canvas of stars.

"Wow, it's incredible out here," I said, lying back on the blanket we had spread out on the grass.

Lucas lay down beside me, his eyes scanning the sky.

"It's amazing how many stars you can see when there's no light pollution."

We pointed out constellations and made up our own, laughing at the ridiculous shapes we imagined.

"Look, there's a shooting star!" Lucas exclaimed, pointing to a streak of light across the sky.

"Make a wish," I said, closing my eyes and making a silent wish for our happiness and future.

As the night grew colder, Lucas draped a blanket over us, and we lay there in comfortable silence, until Lucas decided to break it.

"Sit down, Let's have a toast!" He said and pulled me.

I smiled, and we clinked our glasses together in a silent toast to our future. As we sat there, side by side, I knew that whatever came next, I would face it and get it together, just as I always had. And maybe, just maybe, one day I would find the courage to face the feelings that have been lingering in my hearts for God knows how long.

"But for now, I have you, and that's enough for me."