State of Grace (Complete)

Graduation Pictures

Ch 38

Exams happen, and I do well. I've skipped every social event this semester, and my marks reflect it. My average is back into the honour roll, and when I look at the list, Chris and Ian's averages are, too. Andrea takes me aside to tell me how happy she is to see me doing so well, and I give her a hug. It seems that I am gradually regaining the ability to initiate contact with females, but I'm still scared to test it out on males.

"Please come to graduation with us. I know the boys want you there. We are going to have a barbecue afterwards and a pool party for everyone."

"I'd love to. I don't know about the party, but I'll come to graduation."

I wear a blue sundress from before, and since I've been doing better, my curves are returning and my hair is fully blonde again, wavy, and almost shoulder length. I put a small blue rhinestone flower clip in my hair, paired with my best friends necklace from when I was seven and a pair of satin blue ballet flats. It's the first time I've dressed up in quite awhile, and I feel a bit self-conscious, but I can't go to a graduation in sweats and a t-shirt. I'm getting a drive over with Steve and Andrea, the twins have to be there ahead of time so they take their own car.

The ceremony is nice, I haven't seen a graduation since the twins grade eight grad, and I didn't actually see the ceremony, just the dance. I sit on the aisle next to Andrea, and Steve is on the inside, just in case I have problems in the crowd, but it's okay. Watching them both go across the stage is great, they look so grown up in their caps and gowns, and I know I am smiling from ear to ear. We stand and cheer, I know they both look out and see us, doing a double take when they see me. I guess I was a surprise.

After the last speech is done and they are officially done high school, everyone mingles. Andrea and Steve are very mindful, so we stand to the side, but it doesn't take long for the boys to find us.

"I'm so proud of you boys," Steve says, patting them on the back.

"My beautiful boys," Andrea gives them each a huge hug and kiss on the cheek. I snap photos on my phone which I'll send to Andrea later.

"Can we get one with you, Grace?" Steve asks, and I really want to be able to do it.

"Sure," I say with a nervous edge. I want to do this so badly. I stand in the middle of Chris and Ian.

"Were going to try to put our arms behind you, okay?" Chris asks.

"Yes," I say gritting my teeth. I can feel their arms going behind me, and I know I am safe, but it's hard, so hard. I try to smile as naturally as possible and keep telling myself that I trust these guys with my life. Steve snaps a few pictures.

"Okay, Grace?" Ian asks quietly, but I can't answer. I am trying to focus on my breathing instead. "You're okay, Gracie. Our arms are gone now, okay? Just breathe, you're alright."

I nod grimly and try to pull myself together. After a minute I can feel the panic subsiding, my heart returning to normal speed. I am a bit sweaty and shaky, but overall, I am okay. I'm getting better.

"Hey there, Angel." Kyle comes over, "Looking good." He eyes me up and down in an exaggerated manner, and I am happy he still feels he can joke with me.

"Thanks, Kyle, you don't clean up too bad yourself" I giggle. He looks bigger and more imposing then ever in his gown. "Can you get in a picture with these two?"

After a little while longer, Andrea and Steve are leaving to set up for the barbecue.

"Want to come back with us, Gracie? We're driving Kyle, too." Chris asks, "Hang with the cool kids for awhile?"