Trust in Her Tricks

Chapter 15: A New Beginning, Together

The gymnasium of Maplewood High was packed with students, parents, and teachers, the air buzzing with excitement. It was graduation day, the moment they had all been waiting for—yet, somehow, it felt surreal. Ethan stood in his cap and gown, adjusting the tassel that kept slipping into his eyes, his heart racing with anticipation.

"Can you believe it?" Eris's voice came from beside him. She nudged him playfully with her elbow. "We're finally graduating."

Ethan glanced at her, the familiar warmth spreading through him. She looked radiant in her cap and gown, but it wasn't just her appearance that made his heart skip a beat. It was the fact that after everything they had been through, she was still by his side, smiling at him.

"I know," Ethan replied, grinning. "It's hard to believe we're actually done with high school."

"Not done just yet," Lucas said from the row behind them, leaning forward with a smirk. "We still have to sit through a million speeches."

Ethan rolled his eyes but smiled. "You're just mad you didn't get picked to give one."

"Oh, please," Lucas waved him off. "I'd rather listen to you butcher it than stand up there myself."

Juan chuckled, his quiet laughter echoing from beside Lucas. "I think you'd surprise yourself, Lucas. You've got more to say than you think."

Eris raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing glance with Ethan. She had picked up on the subtle change in Juan and Lucas's dynamic over the past few weeks. They had always been close, but recently, there was something more—something they all saw but didn't talk about.

Finally, the moment came. The speeches went by in a blur, with the usual reflections on the past and hopeful aspirations for the future. Ethan only half-listened, his thoughts drifting to everything that had led to this point—the friendships, the struggles, and most of all, the moments with Eris that had shaped him in ways he hadn't expected.

When it was time for the students to walk the stage, Ethan felt a knot of excitement and nerves in his stomach. His name was called, and the applause echoed in his ears as he made his way across the stage to receive his diploma. His gaze flickered toward the audience, where his family sat, cheering him on, and then to his friends, who were just as loud.

"Ethan Michaels!" the announcer called out, and Ethan took a deep breath, shaking the principal's hand. In that moment, it all felt real—like he was closing one chapter and stepping into a new, unknown future.

Eris was right behind him, and when she walked across the stage, she beamed with pride. Ethan couldn't help but smile, knowing how hard she had worked for this moment. As soon as they were both back in their seats, she leaned over and whispered, "We did it."

"Yeah," Ethan whispered back, squeezing her hand. "We really did."

After the ceremony, the four friends gathered outside, surrounded by the celebratory chaos of families and classmates taking pictures. Ethan was still riding the high of the day when he noticed Lucas and Juan standing a little off to the side, talking quietly. There was something about the way they were looking at each other—soft, nervous, yet full of unspoken emotion.

Eris, ever the observant one, nudged Ethan and motioned toward them. "Look at them," she whispered, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's about time."

Ethan grinned. "Think today's the day?"

"I'd bet on it," Eris said, crossing her arms, watching them with interest.

As if on cue, Lucas took a deep breath, shifting nervously. Ethan could see the tension in his shoulders as he glanced at Juan. "So, I've been thinking," Lucas began, scratching the back of his neck. "We're about to start this whole new chapter of our lives... and, uh... I was wondering if—"

"Lucas," Juan interrupted, his voice soft but certain, "you don't have to ask. I've been waiting for you to say something."

Lucas blinked, his nervous energy fading as he processed Juan's words. "Wait... really?"

Juan smiled, taking a small step closer. "Yeah. I've always known."

Ethan and Eris exchanged a glance, both grinning like proud parents as they watched Lucas's face light up with relief and surprise. There was a brief moment of hesitation before Lucas reached out, his hand brushing against Juan's.

"So... what now?" Lucas asked, his voice quieter now, more vulnerable.

Juan didn't hesitate. "Now? We figure it out. Together."

Lucas smiled, his usual bravado softening into something more genuine. "I can work with that."

And just like that, they were together—officially. Ethan felt a rush of happiness for his friends, knowing they had found something just as special as what he had with Eris.

Later that evening, as the sun began to set, the four of them found themselves in their usual spot by the windows of their favorite café, a place they had spent countless afternoons together. It was fitting, somehow, that they ended their high school journey there.

"So," Eris said, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied smile, "we made it through high school, and now Lucas and Juan are finally a thing. I'd say today's a win."

Lucas rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "You guys act like it was some big secret."

Juan chuckled softly. "It wasn't exactly subtle, Lucas."

"Whatever," Lucas muttered, though he couldn't hide his happiness.

Ethan looked around at his friends—the people who had been there for him through everything. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for each of them. They had all grown, changed, and faced their own struggles, but somehow, they had all ended up right where they needed to be.

Eris caught his gaze, her smile softening as she leaned closer to him. "Hey," she said quietly, "we did it."

"Yeah," Ethan replied, his heart full. "We really did."

They had come a long way from where they had started. And though the future was uncertain, one thing was clear—they would face it together.

As they left the café and stepped into the cool night air, Ethan slipped his hand into Eris's, feeling the weight of the past four years lift off his shoulders. This was just the beginning.

And he couldn't wait to see what came next.