Flowers || [T.K.]

Chapter 39

Brandon's POV

Ronnie decided to see how many objects he could store in his graduation gown. 50 pens (he could have fit more, but that was all he could find), five water bottles, a balloon and Dave, Mark and I's arms.

"Who needs this gown anyway!" Ronnie complained. "Is it a metaphor? Do the large sleeves represent the wings of a bird?!" We laughed at him and he immediately shot back, "I am disgusted!" Which made us laugh more.

Watching Ronnie do all this stupid stuff was good for me considering I hadn't seen Abby all day, and on top of having to, you know, graduate, I also had a gift for Abby burning in my back pocket. I actually began wondering if Ronnie was trying to entertain me on purpose.

****

It was a very generic graduation. We all sat in alphabetical order, which meant I was nowhere near anyone I knew. There were speeches given by at least three different people, I'm not sure who gave them or what they talked about, so I just clapped whenever the people around me clapped.

I managed to get my diploma without tripping and dying, which to me was a bigger achievement than the actual diploma.

Dave had stuck his tongue out at everyone as he walked across the stage. Mr.Fredrick glared at him, but to be honest, it was much better than what he was going to do. He had threatened to moon the crowd on the way and Ronnie encouraged him to.

I zoned out until I heard Abby's name called. Everything seemed to pause for a moment as she walked upon the stage. She had a big smile and it seemed genuine. I couldn't help but grin as well, she was so beautiful.

The guy sitting next to me, who I've honestly never seen before, punched my shoulder. "Dude, that's your girl, right?"

I blinked for a second and finally sputtered, "y-yeah, that my girl."

He smirked, "awesome dude."

I spun my head back to face her and as we locked eyes, I decided, yes, she was awesome.

****

When the ceremony ended, my number one priority was to find Abby, I didn't even care that my family was waiting somewhere wanting to congratulate me, I just wanted her.

I truly hated crowds and did my best to avoid them, but I willingly pushed myself through seas of people just to find her.

She was talking to Bradly and her parents when I found her. I don't think I've actually ever seen Abby's mom in person. She looked like a sharper version of Abby. Cat-like eyes, pointed nose, tight frown. I was so scared -- but I had to meet her someday.

I took a deep breath and walked towards her. Her dad pointed me out and Abby quickly turned toward me. She broke out into a large, cheesy smile, which was better than the smile she gave on stage. This smile was mine.

Abby's POV

I was very hopeful that I would get to see Brandon after the ceremony ended because he looked so darn cute in his gown, I couldn't live if I didn't see him.

So when my dad pointed behind me and said, "boy-toy coming in hot," I was quick to check if he was talking about Brandon.

Sure enough, there he was, all smiles and diploma in hand. I ran over to him and threw my arms around him, squeezing him tight. "You look so cute!" I cooed.

"Oh," he managed.

I giggled and let go of him. "I'm so proud of you."

A dreamy look spread in his eyes, "I'm proud of you too."

I kissed his cheek and my mom cleared her throat. I looked over at her and if her glare was enough to give me the creeps, I was sure that Brandon must have been in a full state of panic. "Abigail, aren't you going to introduce me to this young man?"

"Oh sure -- Brandon, this is my mom. Mom, this is Brandon, my boyfriend."

"Nice to meet you, Brandon," my mom smirked, sticking out her hand.

Brandon shook my mom's hand and croaked, "nice to meet you too." A second after they let go, my dad grabbed his arm and pulled him into a hug.

"All along I thought Abby was a lesbian!" My dad cried. I snorted at his comment and as Brandon struggled against him.

When he finally let go, Brandon stumbled back and I caught him by his waist. He steadied himself and faced me, "hey, can I talk to you in, um, private."

"Yeah, of course," I replied and I was the one to drag him away from my parents. "What is it, Brandon?"

He bit his lip and looked away from me, causing a sinking feeling to form in the pit of my stomach.

"Oh God, are you breaking up with me?" I wheezed.

He looked back up with wide eyes. "No! Jesus...no! Not at all -- I'm just -- nervous."

My heart raced. "Well, now I'm nervous! What is it? What's wrong?"

He sighed and lifted up his gown to above his waist and pulled out a small black box from his back pocket. 

"Wait. Wait! You're not going to propose to me! You are not!"

Brandon giggled, "of course not," he opened the box, "it's a promise ring."

"A promise ring?!"

"You seem so surprised! I don't mean to sound possessive, but I wanted something that symbolizes that you're mine." With that, he took the ring from the box, grabbed my left hand and slipped the ring onto my ring finger. "There, looks pretty."

"It is pretty." Then I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.