Tell Me A Story

Chapter 9

A few weeks of final projects and exams, and school is finally over. Oh God, it was such a pain. Mainly because people I didn't know came bugging me for help with their studies. Gladly, Ashley pulled me aside and saved me, at the cost of being her personal tutor. She wasn't very good at math, and I wasn't good at science, so we helped each other out. She came over, brought snacks, met my family, it was crazy.

But now that's over, and Graduation is finally here. The smell of those suits and dresses, the people packed into the gym to witness the end of a period of our lives. My mother and sister went to get some seats nearby. I just stood there, waiting for Ashley. She said she'd be here, but the ceremony was about to start. So, I waited for her outside.

She showed up literally 5 seconds before it began, running. But GODDAMN did she look amazing. Small amounts of make up really do make a difference. A little eye shadow and some lip gloss. She must've been embarrassed cuz I kept starring like a weirdo.

"Hey, Adam. Snap out of it, geez."

"S-sorry. You look incredible."

"Thanks. You look spiffy as well."

"So, where are you parents?"

"They uh... couldn't make it."

"That must suck. I'm sure you would've loved to have them here."

"Yeah..."

I have no idea what I said but her faced suddenly looked so down, I must've fucked up somewhere. If it weren't for the ceremony starting, we would've stood there all awkward.

The ceremony was as one could expect. People stood up to grab their stuff, some were smiling, others were crying. When Ashley stood up, my mom rushed down to take pictures. Man, I felt so embarrassed, but Ashley smiled. She must've been happy. I made my best fake smile to the teacher I hated the most and grabbed my certificate.

Afterwards, people were hugging and crying. Understandable, most of them wouldn't see each other again. They were taking selfies and making promises. I just looked for Ashley and found her with Michelle. They were doing it too.

"Promise you'll call."

"Ash, I'll visit you a lot. Calm down."

"I know but... I'm gonna miss youuuuuu."

They hugged so closely, it kinda reminded me of my friendship with Jake. So I just waited for them to say their goodbyes.

"I'll call daily, ya hear? Daily."

"Fine, Ash. But only when I text you I'm free, ok?"

"Ok. Love ya, loser."

"I love you too, Miss Pop Star."

They laughed a bit and Michelle walked out. She looked at me.

"Congrats, Adam."

"Congrats, Mich."

She stuck out her tongue and left to her parents. I went to join Ashley. I handed her a hankerchief.

"Thanks."

"No prob."

We just hanged there while the Ashley fanclub passed by. Most of the members didn't wanna harrasss her today, others were too busy with their own stuff to notice her there. Either way, I'm sure we both were glad they didn't bug her today. We didn't look at each other, we just sighed.

"Hey, can I come over the break?"

"Are you kidding? Of course you can. You're basically a member of the family by now."

"Thanks, Adam. For everything you've done for me these past few months."

"Thank you for being my friend."

She just laughed, and so did I.

"You really are weird. Being just friends with a girl you liked."

"You are just as weird."

"Maybe that's why we can be such good friends."

"Probably."

We just looked at the people passing by, leaving in hugs and tears, pride and joy. A little flashback when through my head of everything that's happened so far between us. I felt happy. I'm glad I took that chance that late winter day, even if it didn't end how I wanted it to. Many thoughts filled my head, but I ended up blurting out what was the worst of them all.

"I still love you, you know."

"I love you too."

I looked at her surprised, but she just smiled.

"We're best friends, after all."

I smiled back and chuckled.

"Yeah, best friends."

We fist bumped and suddenly my family finally found me. My sister came to harrass Ashley, and my mother hugged us both. Then my mom grabbed us and took us to celebrate at my favorite restaurant. As we ate and laughed, I was glad for growing the courage to confess that day, and for everything that happened because of that.

I hope I can continue being happy by her side.