Why We Fell in Love

Chapter Twenty-Three

"Today, we're all gathered here to congratulate this group of bright young adults," the principal announces on the stage. Its such a beautiful day today. "I've got to say I'm going to miss this bunch. Every day is a new memory with them and its sad to watch them leave. I've known some of you guys since you were little and to watch you grow has been such an honor. I hope you all continue to grow and make wise decisions."

We all applaud for his emotional speech.

"We will begin by handing out some very important awards and then move onto handing out their degrees."

To my left is the aisle where you walk up to get your award or certificate. But across the aisle is Noah and we occasionally glance at each other sticking our tongues out like children.

"This first one is given to the valedictorian," he says as I space out. The girl next to me goes up and receives her award saying a long ass speech which does get to me because I begin tearing up.

"Next award is a very special one since this school is full of sport-crazed fans," the principal says as we laugh. "This award is the Scholar Athlete Award and this year, its given to our one and only MVP, Abby Rose."

Everyone claps and Noah whistles very loudly. I walk onto the stage and get my fairly large trophy.

"I just wanted to say that it has been an honor getting to know most of you," I say. "In sports, your team is like your second family. I love my tennis team. But we're all family really. I'm really going to miss this place no matter how many times I said I was going to kill myself. Let's continue kicking ass in the future."

The crowd cheers as I leave the stage.

~

The next hour has been devoted to people going up and accepting their high school degree. When they called Noah up, I screamed a loud WOOOO and when they called me up, Noah yelled THATS MY GIRL. I swear we're such an odd couple.

When the graduation wraps up, I find my dad in the crowd and walk up to him. He gives me a big hug," congratualations Abby. I don't think I can call you kiddo anymore."

I smile," well you have plenty of other nicknames to call me daddio."

He laughs as we walk towards his car," so have you made a decision of where you're going for the next four years?"

"NJU," I say. "New Jersey University {I completely made this up} is only a couple minutes from here actually. Meg's uncle runs the college and its very good."

"So Meg will be there?" he asks as I nod. "I'm assuming there's tennis there?"

I smile," I wouldn't go if there wasn't. Who knows, maybe you'll see me in the US Open one day. Check your TV daily."

He laughs," god kiddo, I'm gonna miss you."

~

"Hey hottie, haven't seen you since graduation," Noah says, taking a seat next to me on the sand. All the graduates met at the beach to party and have at it. Noah's arm goes around me to pull me closer. "What're you thinking about?"

"How crazy college is gonna be," I sigh. "I'm going to miss seeing your face everyday."

That's when he smirks.

"But I'm just gonna be in another building that's maybe a minute away," he says as I'm very confused. He laughs. "I'm going to NJU with you and Meg. They have a basketball program and its a place that gave me a scholarship."

"Don't play around with me Evans," I say as he stares at me. "I don't know what to say."

"We're gonna be the hottest couple at that school," he says, getting up. He reaches out his hand and I take it, getting up as well. "Looks like our journey isn't over quite yet shortie."

And then, we embrace in a kiss.