There's Only You ✔

Epilogue

Epilogue

Four years later...

"Isabella Price."

At the sound of my name being announced through the microphone, I stepped across the stage to collect my diploma. My family stood up on their feet to let out ear-ringing screams and Kayden even brought a sign that read That's my girlfriend!. The day I had been waiting for eight years had finally arrived when I graduated from nursing school.

All the studying, exams and the sleepless nights preparing for the next test came to this moment and I was a step closer to achieving my dream I had since middle school. I was about to follow in my parents' footsteps and become one of the best nurses the hospital had ever seen. I was sure of it.

What felt like hours later, the ceremony ended with deafening cheers surrounding me.

Some students sprung off their seats in search of their friends and the others scanned the crowd for their family members. My feet hurriedly carried me to the parking lot where it was emptier and free of any background noises.

The back of my car was, thanks to who I knew was Olive and Zach, was decorated with pink lettering spelling out that I just graduated, pictures of a stethoscope and a first aid kit surrounding the words. What a pain in the butt it was going to be to clean up once the excitement of me graduating dwindled away. But it was going to be worth it.

The first thing that Kayden did as soon as he saw me was force me into a warm embrace, peppering my face with kisses.

"I'm so proud of you! My girlfriend's a nurse! You're gonna be a superhero!"

My mom's condition was no surprise to anyone in the group. Zach reluctantly passed Olive the five-dollar bill that he owed her in a bet that she would lose it, despite mom's arguments that she'd be fine. Mascara left streaks down her cheeks and her nose was bright red as if she'd been sniffling and constantly wiping it.

Being an emotional woman, you would think she'd be smart enough to apply waterproof makeup to this event. "Look at you. My daughter. A nurse. Just like us."

"Mama."

"Natalie, you promised you wouldn't cry. Now you're gonna look like a raccoon in pictures."

Disregarding dad's words, she engulfed me in her arms and began to squeeze the life out of me. It didn't matter that I could barely breathe. I simply held her and tried my hardest to tame her sobs and trembling shoulders.

She broke the hug and began playing with my hair, tucking strands behind my ears. "I'm happy for you, my love. You're gonna be one of the best nurses in the state. I just know it."

"My turn." Dad pulled her away and was next to wrap me in an embrace that was tight enough to cut off air circulation. He was usually able to control his emotions, but I heard sniffling and felt one of his arms move, possibly to wipe his nose.

He forced himself to step away from me and next was Olive who, even after high school, managed to keep in contact with me. It was common that the best of friends lose touch after high school graduation, but I didn't know what I would've done without her.

She wore the brightest smile and squealed, bouncing up and down on her heels before wrapping her arms around my waist. I laughed when her grip tightened and she spun us around. Her support remained unwavered and I predicted she would be bouncing and squealing at my dreams getting closer to coming true.