Since You Came

Ch. 20

Dan graduates today.

It's my last day to see him at our school. Soon, he'll be leaving for college.

It's bittersweet. I'm happy for him, but now I must spend the next year of my life at this hell (*cough* school) without him.

My family refuses to come to the graduation. Our graduate is dead. We have no reason to go. Except for me. I'm only going for Dan.

I wear a simple maroon dress, with a floral-lace design on the top, and silk on the bottom.

I drive Aunt Beth's car to the district stadium where the graduation is being held.

It's not a long drive, and soon I'm in the bleachers, waiting for the ceremony. I have small conversations with a few people, but I mostly just search the crowd for Dan.

The ceremony starts after a while. The school band begins playing Pomp and Circumstance as the graduates start their walk-out.

After the Top Ten (seniors with the top ten GPAs), the seniors walk out in alphabetical order. Daniel's last name is Lewis. It will be awhile before he shows up.

Soon, a smile spreads across my face as Dan comes into sight, decked out in his cap and gown.

I don't think he sees me, but knowing he is here with me warms my insides.

The ceremony is long, with speeches from the Valedictorian. Finally, the seniors get their diplomas.

When Dan's name is called, I cheer louder than ever. His eyes lock with mine when he walks back and he blows me a kiss. Heat rushes my face. I'd never get over him.

• • •

"You came!" his deep voice penetrates the air and brings a smile to my face.

I whirl around to find him running towards me. He pulls me into a tight hug.

"I did," I say, beaming at him.

He laughs. "I'm so glad you did." he plants a soft kiss on my cheeks.

I hold him tight, breathing in his cologne. Which, oddly enough, is my favorite smell.

"So, what do you want to do?" he asks. "Dad's out of town, and Katie couldn't come."

"Your family didn't come?" I ask, gaping. "Why?"

He sighs. "They couldn't. Dad can't change his flying schedule, and Katie... Well, she's been really busy in Montana. She couldn't get a break to fly in."

I frown. "I'm so sorry."

"You know what, I'm not even that bummed," Dan says, smirking.

"Why?"

"You came to my graduation. My family's gone, so I can spend the whole day with you. That makes everything so much better."

I smile. "Then let's go spend the day together."

We stay at the stadium to for another half hour to talk to some of the graduates. It's hard to know we're never going to see them again.

By the time we leave, I'm starving.

"Where do you wanna go?" Dan asks, lacing his fingers with mine as we walk to his car.

"My house, actually. My family would want to eat lunch with you. Then we can go have our day out," I say.

We take the long way back to my home, enjoying each other's presence alone as long as possible.

We pull into the driveway when the house comes into sight.