Simple Kisses, Little Lies, and a Cup of Tea

epilogue

Graduation:

It's really that day. The day I graduate with my friends! I slipped on the black graduation gown, curled my hair and applied makeup. I hugged my parents as the photographer snapped away with his camera. And yes I hugged Jacob... after all, I wouldn't be alive without his help...

  "Our little baby all grown up." Mom said, as she hugged me tighter.   

"Hey Ray." Kale flashed a smile as he walked over. My parents moved out of the photo view, so Kale and I could take a few photos. We smiled for the camera, and for the last photo Kale and I kissed for a pose. While my mom awed in the background.

It feels like only yesterday he walked up to me at Sean's party. Its funny how a total stranger can become so much more, like we were meant to be.

We walk away from the house towards the cars. Kale and I were going to meet up with my parents at the ceremony later, but first Kale had a speacial date planned.  I feel so silly however. I'm wearing my goofy graduation gown, while he's all spiffy, looking sharp with his jeans and leather jacket. His blonde hair was even cleaned up, which is soo unusual.

I walk up close to kale, like I was going to hug him, but instead I ruffled his hair with my hand.

"Hey! You know this took time, now you ruined my due." Kale grabbed my hands, and complained.

"But it looks so much better now." I reason.

"Does it?" He raises his eyebrows at me.

"Yes." I smile, then stand up taller to kiss him.

Moments like these are the ones we should treasure the most. 

At the graduation ceremony:

"Athena Ray." Principle Chen calls out my name for the stage. I leave my seat beside Makenna and Marcus and head towards the staircase to the stage. About two weeks ago, Makenna and I finally made up with Marcus, sure things will never be the same, but at least we've fixed things and not left it for the dead.

"You may make a quick speech." Principle Chen motioned towards the microphone. So I do, I make my way over to the side of the stage where the microphone is on the box. I clear my throat, and look out towards the crowd. My classmates.

"-hahah- It's me, Athena. Yay! Here we are graduating... Most of you have all gone to preschool together, some of you have moved here during the years, but here we are now tight friends. As wild as this year has been, I won't say I wouldn't want to do it all over again, cause I would..." I ramble out a speech, afterwards thinking it was horrible but people clapped and cheered.

I walked back to Chen, who handed me my diploma and shook my hand, instead I pulled him in for a hug. Then I walked off the stage pronounced a graduate.

Prom:

Kale's black truck was parked out in front of the house, waiting eagerly to drive away. Instead of rushing downstairs to the door, I let Jacob answer the door. Nervously I brushed down the skirt of my dress. Two months ago my mom took Makenna and me prom shopping. We came along a boutique called Davids, in the city down town. I knew right away when I walked in the store that my dress was waiting for me on the racks. And sure enough there it was.

"That's my daughter, and ain't no boy gonna take er from me! Now you don't let her outa your sight!" Jacob's voice spoke viciously without intentions.

"Haha. I won't Mr. Ray." Kale chuckled, rolling smoothly out of Jacob's awkward conversation.

"Your so hot!" I could hear my mom gush. "My Athena is one lucky girl."