Never Too Late

Chapter 1.0: Graduation

If I'm being completely detailed, my story started during our High School graduation. It was a day after Alex and I got together. It was also the day before he got into a fight with my ex-boyfriend, Nick Cassidy. It was a hell of a day, and I actually had to rely on my dead friend, Sharon Stone, to nudge me to go back to Alex though he had patiently waited for me.

It was the last day of High School, and I was over at Alex's place to help him get ready. The ceremony starts at noon, and it was still around 9:30, so Alex and I still had time to "fool" around at his place. Alex was in his room, dressing up for the occasion, and I was eagerly waiting for him to finish.

"Almost done in there?" I yelled from the living room.

"Almost!" He replied. I couldn't wait, so I walked over to his room while he was getting dressed. I didn't think he'd mind. It's not like I haven't seen him naked.

"Hey." I went past his door and into his room. He was already buttoning his shirt, but it seemed like he was having trouble. "Do you need some help?"

"I'm good." He chuckled as he slowly tried to button his shirt, but he still was a bit in pain after the beating he took from Nick.

"Here let me help." I walked to him, and I buttoned his shirt for him. I admit, it was a bit hot and sexual as I stared at his chest. It started to get hard to breathe again.

"I'm a little embarrassed." He said, and I looked back at him. I figured he was embarrassed because of the bruise he has beside his lips, but I still think he looks good.

"It's okay. You still look good." I slid my hands from his chest to his back, and I hugged him.

"It's not what I'm worried about." He chuckled. "That whole thing with Nick. I don't know how it went. Have you talked to him?"

"I haven't talked to him." I said, and he smirked at me for some reason. "What?"

"You're beautiful." He said and kissed me in the forehead. "I'm sorry for all the fuss I caused."

"Come on. It's not your fault." I slid off him and held his hand as we walked to the living room.

"You'll drive?" He asked as he held both our graduation gowns, still packed.

"Yeah, sure."

We went out and drove to Neptune High. When we got there, it was swarming with people, especially in the basketball court where the said event was occurring. We had just parked when Mom, Dad, and Red were outside waiting for me. Alex and I got out and walked to them, smiling and holding our hands. It was a bit awkward as we took step closer to them and my hand entwined with his hand. I'm sure they took notice, but I just didn't care.

"There's my daughter!" Dad celebrated as I walked to them and hugged Dad. "Congratulations, honey!"

"Congratulations, Liyah." Mom hugged me after I hugged Dad. Alex stood there, smiling at us. Red probably didn't know what was going on, so I crouched to him and hugged him.

"Hi, Red." I laughed as I pinched his red cheeks. "You're so cute!"

"Hi, ma'am and sir!" Alex waved to my parents, and they smiled back at him.

"Oh! I'm sorry." I stood up and continued. "Mom, Dad, and Red, this is Alex. He's-"

I paused. I didn't know what to call him. Did he want to label us as boyfriend and girlfriend or what? I didn't know, and I panicked a bit. I couldn't finish my sentence.