Broken Hands

102. The jewelry thief

Finally. That word rang loud in Grayson's mind, echoing through his thoughts like a victory bell. It had taken forever, but he was here at last.

He was on the same roll as Timothy, who'd looked just as eager, practically bouncing in his seat. It wasn't just any graduation ceremony. It was a ticket to freedom. Real freedom. No more sticking to arbitrary rules, no more teachers hovering over him, and no more biting his tongue while being challenged and provoked. Grayson was done.

Thinking back, he almost hadn't made it to this point. A few weeks ago, it all hung by a thread. If Damien hadn't stepped in... well, it could've been a disaster. Whatever Damien said to Hawthorne worked, though, and the real culprits—Stephen and his crew—had been exposed when further search was done and the footage properly checked. Stephen was expelled, and his accomplices? They had to repeat the grade. Justice was sweet, but Grayson was just relieved Durham was finally rid of that pest.

But that wasn't even the best part.

To his surprise, Grayson and Timothy both received honors. Timothy, of course, was recognized for his grades and for his role in Antoine's rescue. Grayson didn't get his for grades (not a chance), but for stepping up to save Antoine and showing an "act of courage." Turns out, Hawthorne liked to dish out punishment before handing out praise. Who does that?

Whatever. Grayson didn't care anymore. He was done with high school. Done. Finito. Finir.

Russell, Savanna and Milo also had their ticket to freedom. High school was far behind them, Russell and Savanna went over prom and how great it was, Savanna ended up peered to Judas who had begged for it, Russell was peered to Grace and Milo well he had his own girl, Julian had to invite Judith over to Marvin. Grayson didn't regret missing prom, but it taste sour that Savanna had to settle for Judas giving him one last dance with a queen somthing he obviously didn't deserve but she was too compassionate to decline. But that was behind now, to be forgotten.

The house party at Aunt Lauren's was in full swing. Music blasted through the speakers, vibrating through the walls as relatives and friends scattered across the rooms and yard. Aunt Lauren had graciously offered to host the celebration for the graduates, and Grayson made sure to invite everyone.

Savanna was tearing it up on the dance floor, her body moving effortlessly to the beat, drawing attention with every graceful step. She looked like she belonged there, basking in the energy of the moment.

Grayson, on the other hand, found refuge on the terrace. He shut the glass door, letting the cool breeze wash over him. Julian sat on a macrame swing, curled up with a novel, his mood far from bright. It didn't take a genius to figure out why—being banned from snacks was practically a death sentence for Julian. But what more could be done, the boy just went through surgery and he had tried sneaking snacks in at two failed attempts that made cross path with not only his dad but Damien, and his encounter with Damien was the last time he touch it, or he just got smarter. Even though all Damien did was talk, but Damien's had a sharp tongue.

"Hey," Grayson said, glancing over. The muffled thrum of music pulsed behind the glass door.

Julian looked up from his book, his eyes tired. "Hi," he replied softly his skin was pale, ever since the surgery Julian looked pale and frail losing his enthausatic self. "Please, no teasing."

Grayson raised a hand in mock surrender, his voice light. "I wasn't going to—"

Julian groaned. "You always tease. You and Russell. It's like a sport for you two."

"Alright, alright. No teasing." Grayson smirked, shifting slightly. "But, uh... I was just thinking. Since you've been cut off from snacks, you must be—"