I Hate You . . . I Think

Graduation and Falling Hats

Hey people! Here is the last chapter of I Hate You . . . I Think, however there is the Epilogue which I will hopefully have it up pretty soon. It might take a couple of days because my sister is in the hospital and I want to spend some time with her before I leave for college, but I will try to hurry. So, the song for this chapter is We Both Know with Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw. It’s the song from Safe Haven, but it fits perfectly. Please vote, comment, and recommend. Thank you so much!!!! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Chapter 39: Graduation and Falling Hats

Seth

May 25th, 2013.

It’s hot as hell outside and the gigantic robe doesn’t help, but I can’t get the big ass smile off of my face. My eyes flick over to Low who is sitting two seats over from me. Her yellow tassel is swinging in the wind with her curly brown hair. She watches as the principal begins the ceremony and then starts announcing students names. First the students with A last names, then B’s, then C’s.

Low’s eyes flicker over to mine and her mouth widens into a grin. She waves at me energetically and turns her undivided attention back to the stage. Just seeing how excited she is right now makes me smile.

Finally the S names begin and people start walking on stage. My row stands and moves over to the stairs before slowly making our way up the steps. Low’s shoulders are shaking from nerves as the person two spaces ahead of her makes their way up the stairs. I reach my hand over and link the tips of my fingers through hers. Her head whips around and her honey colored eyes meet mine. She smiles at me and whispers ‘I love you.’ I grin and return the words to her.

I bet Matt Ross, who is standing between us, is feeling pretty awkward right about now. 

Low turns her focus back to the stage, but does not take her hand away from mine. 

“Marlow Riley.”

I give Low’s hand a light squeeze before her fingers slide out of mine and she walks up the stairs. As she takes her diploma and shakes hands with the principal, I throw my arms up and scream ‘Go Low!’ with excitement. I get dirty looks from the people around me, but my words are soon echoed throughout the field from Low’s friends and family. The noise finally disappears when I hear Lexie’s little voice shout out ‘Go Low Low!’ from somewhere in the audience, causing half of the audience to laugh. That little girl is too cute for her own good. 

Low turns toward the audience and waves to her parents before making her way off the stage. 

Matt Ross quickly follows Low and then it is my turn. 

I feel a light sheet of sweat break out on my forehead and I have to take a deep breath. The image of me tripping over my own feet and falling flat on my face runs through my head and sweat starts forming on my palms. 

I really just need to relax.

“Seth Ryker.”

I force my feet up the stairs and thank God when I don’t trip. I shake the principal’s hand and take the diploma from him. Cheering sounds throughout the audience and I turn my head to see my family and Low’s family cheering together. My mom has tears in her eyes and is clapping so hard I am afraid her arms might fall off. My brothers are both fist pumping like idiots and Lexie is waving her doll in the air. Tuckett and Vi are standing in the crowd and cheering, both ignoring the dirty looks they are receiving from teachers.

“I love you babe!” 

I turn my eyes onto the blonde beauty who is standing up in her seat. Her hands are up in the air and she is cheering like she does not care who is watching. I take a mental picture of her and store it in my mind. The way she is looking at me with such pride is something that I always want to remember. I thrust my diploma into the air and run off the stage like the weirdo that I am.