desertion

92

LYDIA

The folding chair beneath me creaked slightly as I shifted, my cap threatening to slip off my head if I moved too much. It felt surreal, sitting here with Miles and Nathaniel, dressed in our caps and gowns, waiting for our names to be called. The gym looked different—no crowded bleachers or loud cheers. Just a small group of graduates, spaced apart, our families watching through a livestream because of COVID.

I tried not to let it bother me, but it did. This was supposed to be a big moment, one where Dad and Chris would be in the crowd, cheering me on. Instead, I had to settle knowing they were watching from a screen.

"Hey, you okay?" Miles whispered, leaning over slightly. His voice was quiet, careful not to draw attention.

I nodded, offering a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Nathaniel gave me a knowing look from my other side. "Don't lie. You're upset."

I shrugged. "It's not a big deal. At least I'm here with you two."

"Damn right," Nathaniel said with a grin. "The dream team."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the laugh that slipped out. They always knew how to make me feel better.

Name after name was called, and each time, the graduate would rise, walk across the stage, grab their diploma, and leave. It felt impersonal, almost robotic, but at least we were graduating. That was something.

Finally, I heard it.

"Lydia Diaz."

I stood, smoothing out my gown and adjusting my cap. My heart thumped in my chest as I walked down the aisle, the small shuffle of my steps echoing in the otherwise quiet room. I reached the stage, climbed the steps, and approached my principal, who handed me my diploma with a kind smile.

"Congratulations, Lydia," he said.

"Thank you," I replied, nodding politely before returning his smile.

I stepped off the stage and moved off to the side, clutching my diploma tightly. For a moment, I wished I could look out and see Dad's face, see him clapping proudly. But I reminded myself he was watching, just not here.

Miles' name was called next. He shot me a quick grin before walking up the stage, exuding confidence as always. When he returned to my side, he gave me a playful nudge.

"See? Easy," he said.

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, rolling my eyes.

Nathaniel's name was called, and he followed suit, his stride relaxed and casual. When he joined us, he raised his diploma triumphantly, making both Miles and I laugh.

Before we could leave, a small group of people I recognized all too well approached. They were classmates—people who made high school harder than it needed to be. They were outright bullies, but their comments and actions had left scars.

"Lydia," one of them said, flashing a fake smile. "Congrats. I guess you finally made it, huh?"

Miles tensed beside me, but he managed a polite response. "Yeah, she did. We all did. It's a big day."

Nathaniel didn't bother with pleasantries, his sharp glare fixed on the group.

One of them, a guy who had always been particularly annoying, smirked and stepped a little closer. "Must feel good, huh? Being up there, even after... everything."

I clenched my jaw, refusing to give them the reaction they wanted. "It does, actually."

Miles gently grabbed my arm, starting to guide me away, but as I took a step, one of them shifted their foot, attempting to trip me.

It happened so fast. Nathaniel's hand shot out, pulling me back before I could stumble. His grip was firm, protective, and his eyes burned with anger.

"That's enough," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

The guy who had tried to trip me chuckled, as if it was a harmless joke. "Relax, man. It was nothing."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened, and I could tell he was seconds away from losing it.

"Nate," I said softly. "It's fine. Let's just go."

"It's not fine," he snapped, but his gaze softened when he looked at me.

Before me or Miles could stop him, he turned back to the guy and swung. His fist connected with the guy's jaw, sending him stumbling back a step.

"Nathaniel!" I hissed, my eyes wide.

He didn't say another word. He just turned and walked away, leaving the group stunned.

Miles and I exchanged a look, both of us suppressing laughter.

"Well," Miles said, his lips twitching into a grin. "That happened."

I couldn't help it—I laughed, shaking my head as we followed Nathaniel. "Of course it did. It's Nathaniel."

When we caught up to him, he was standing outside, his arms crossed.

"You okay?" I asked.

He glanced at me, his expression softening. "Yeah. I just couldn't let them get away with that."

"I know," I said, smiling. "Thanks for having my back."

"Always," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

As we walked to the parking lot together, I felt lighter. Graduation wasn't exactly how I imagined it, but I realized something important. It didn't matter who showed up or who couldn't. What matters was the people by my side—the ones who always had my back, no matter what. And for that, I was grateful.