Chapter 15:All You Had To Do Was Stay

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The summer sun blazed high in the sky as Travis's high school gathered on the football field for the graduation ceremony. Rows of chairs were neatly arranged on the freshly mowed grass, filled with proud families and friends. Taylor sat with Andrea, Scott, and Austin, her heart swelling with pride as she watched Travis walk onto the field with his graduating class. 

He looked incredible in his deep navy cap and gown, the tassel swinging slightly with every step he took. Taylor couldn't help but smile as her eyes followed him, picking him out from the crowd easily. He glanced her way briefly, their eyes meeting, and he gave her a small, confident grin that made her heart race. 

Andrea leaned toward her with a knowing smile. "He's looking at you like you're the only person here." 

Taylor flushed slightly but couldn't tear her gaze away. "I'm so proud of him," she whispered. 

--- 
As the principal began the ceremony, calling out names one by one, Taylor listened intently, clapping for each student but waiting anxiously for Travis's turn. 

"And now, our star athlete and a leader both on and off the field... Travis Kelce!" 

The crowd erupted in cheers as Travis walked across the stage to receive his diploma. Taylor stood, clapping loudly, unable to contain her excitement. 

"That's my boy!" Austin called out, earning a laugh from the group. 

Travis shook hands with the principal, holding his diploma high for a moment before stepping down. He looked back at Taylor again, his smile wide and proud. 

--- 

When the ceremony ended, the field transformed into a lively sea of hugs, laughter, and photos. Taylor wove through the crowd with a bouquet of white roses in her arms, searching for Travis. She spotted him near his teammates, his cap now perched at an angle and his smile brighter than ever. 

"Travis!" she called, and his head turned immediately. 

He broke away from his group, jogging toward her. "There's my girl," he said, pulling her into a tight hug. 

Taylor laughed, holding onto him as tightly as she could. "Congratulations, graduate," she said, pulling back just enough to hand him the roses. 

"These are for me?" he asked, his eyes softening. 

"Of course. Only the best for you." 

Travis grinned, leaning down to kiss her gently. "You're the best gift I could ask for." 

Austin appeared out of nowhere, clapping Travis on the back. "You did it, man. High school's officially in the rearview." 

Travis laughed. "Yeah, finally." 

Andrea and Scott joined them, pulling Travis into a family hug. Andrea's eyes were misty as she smoothed a hand over his shoulder. "We're so proud of you, Travis. You've worked so hard for this moment." 

"Thanks, Andrea," he said, his voice quieter, the weight of her words sinking in. 

--- 
Later that evening, after the celebrations had quieted and the sun was setting, Travis and Taylor found themselves sitting on the tailgate of his truck, parked near the edge of a lake. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, and the water shimmered in the fading light. 

Travis was still in his graduation gown, though he'd taken off his cap. Taylor sat beside him, her head resting on his shoulder. 

"I still can't believe it's over," he said, staring out at the lake. "High school feels like it lasted forever, but now it's done." 

Sunsets and Second chances (a short Tayvis Story) Where stories live. Discover now