2 a.m.

Chapter 11

"And on that note, say hello to your graduating class, and wish them a warm future in the rest of their lives!"

Voices, including my own, scream and cheer as hats fly through the air. Arms are raised and waving, tears are flowing, and the reality finally sinks in: high school is done.

I move my way through the crowd, which has almost tripled in size as family members and friends swarmed the graduating class with flowers and balloons and hugs. I say hello's and goodbye's, give quick parting hugs and tell people how much I'll miss them, even if I don't know their last name. I may have made some changes but today I play a part in other peoples' lives, and I might as well play it well. I briefly see Marla surrounded by her friends, dabbing at her eyes and smiling at everyone. Her parents are nowhere in sight, and her wandering eyes show she hasn't missed that as well. I move on and work my way to the side of the stage where I was going to meet Jack and everyone else. Shep and Bobbie are already there, standing close with his arm wrapped around her side. She's smiling from ear to ear and it's clear she's been crying, but this time not from sadness. Myra and Derek are somewhere with his parents still, probably getting congratulations and endless looks at her ring. Jack I know is with his family, and won't be able to untangle himself for awhile.

"Hey guys," I say walking up to them. Bobbie's missing her hat, and Shep's holding his in his hand. Mine is long lost somewhere in the crowd. Bobbie pulls me into a huge unexpected hug, which Shep joins in with his long arms around the both of us.

"Can you believe this?" She gushes when we all let go. "We're done! We can do whatever we want now! You won't believe what Shep got-"

"Hey look, there's Myra and Derek!" Shep calls out, cutting Bobbie off. We all turn and see them cutting through the mass of people, waving their hats at us. Kevin is following behind them, bogged down with flowers and a massive load of balloons. Myra throws her arms around me and then Bobbie, all of us giddy and laughing.

"I can't believe it!" She says over the rumble of people shouting and cheering. Derek and Shep are talking and Kevin puts all the stuff on the side of the stage, freeing his hands. He comes over and gives me a hug, then goes to everyone else.

"Right? God, I'm just so glad to be done with it all!" Bobbie laughs, pushing her hair out of her face.

"Not like we're going anywhere though, seeing as Derek and I got accepted into the university here!" she tells us excitedly. Bobbie squeals, surprising us all.

"When did you apply?" I ask her. I didn't even know she was planning on going to school.

"Earlier in the year, for one of the class requirements. I didn't think anything of it, but my acceptance letter came just last week! Derek got his a few days ago, so I guess we're going to college!" She generally seems happy about more school, and I'm glad for her. Guess I won't have to worry about her leaving me after all, or worry about if she'll be able to go to college. We pass on our congratulations some more to Derek and chat about ourselves excitedly for awhile till Jack finds us all.

"Hey you," he says, pulling me to him and kissing me. I throw my arms around his neck and for a second just enjoy the moment around me. I lean my forehead against his, keeping my eyes closed, and feel at ease with everything for the first time in my life.

"Hey yourself," I whisper. He kisses my nose and we turn to the group, everyone talking together.

"Guess who's going to the U?" I tell him. Myra smiles and Bobbie gives a little cheer again.