Sanity Siphoned

Ch31: Sanity Regained

Chapter 31

Epilogue

“Come on!” Julienne yelled at the closed bathroom door.

They were graduating high school and Nick was taking forever with his hair now that he grew his mohawk back.  

“It’s only been ten minutes.” Michael pointed out as he stood with her in the living room. He arrived just as she was ready and Nick dived into the bathroom. Nick had spent the night before, something about his parents were out of town. Michael couldn’t believe they’d miss graduation.

“If I don’t start bitching now he’ll be in there for an hour.” Julienne said with a stern nod.

“We could use this time alone productively.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

“You aren’t that alone.” Shane said, stepping out of the kitchen holding a pop tart. “Our parents are in there.” He pointed back to the kitchen.

“They know we’re together.” Michael countered.

“They don’t know you want to hump on each other like bunnies.”

Michael gasped dramatically. “I’ve never.”  As he said that he pulled Julienne against him again, she laughed. “I’m a wholesome virgin.”

“Even I don’t believe that.” Patricia Gregory joined them next. “Don’t corrupt Julienne.”

Michael grinned but before he could reply Julienne elbowed him in the stomach. “Don’t even think about it.” she knew he wasn’t above making inappropriate jokes in front of his mother.

“Still waiting on Nick?” Patricia asked. Over the last few months both families got to know Julienne’s best friend and welcomed him into their little family dynamic, he was here more then he was home.

“Best friend Nick?” Shane asked, he still hadn’t met the guy since he was so busy with school and work.

Julienne nodded. “He’s in the bathroom.” She pulled away and walked down the hall to the bathroom. “Are you done yet? I know you don’t want to be late, it’s the last day we have to step foot in that hell hole.”

The bathroom door swung open. “You’re bitching a lot, nervous?”

“No, not at all.”  She lied right through her teeth. “It’s the last day.”

“And here comes college.” They were both going to stay in town and go to their local university like Shane was doing, Michael was following his steps too. Nick hooked his arm around her shoulders. “I’m nervous too. I want it to all be over with no drama.”

Together they walked down the hall where everyone was waiting. “You know Michael’s parents, this is Shane his older brother.” She introduced. He kept his arm around her as he shook the taller boy’s hand. She felt him tense and couldn’t figure out why. He knew no one here was going to criticize him.

“Ready?” Ellen asked as she opened the front door. “I love the color Nick.” It was a bright shade of green and purple. “It goes great with your cap and gown.”

“Thanks Mrs. T, you should let me do something to your hair.” Julienne laughed as he suggested this.

“Ok, stop hogging.” Michael pushed Nick away and kept Julienne at his side.

Everyone left the house and started piling into the waiting cars.

Things were going good, freakishly good Julienne thought. She and Michael were inseparable, going out every weekend together and finding time during the week to sneak away and be together. Her mom was smiling and laughing more, she wasn’t scared their bubble was going to shattered at any given moment.