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Graduation

This is it. Today's the the day I'm finally graduating from High School. I think I'm very prepared for what's ahead of me. I never quite understood why people were so afraid to leave. I guess I'll never understand that because my life has already been planned out for me since day one- I would go to school, become a successful lawyer like my father, get married, have children, and retire the ripe old age of 65. 

"Is that really what you're wearing to graduation?" My older sister, Erica inquired. 

I look at the mirror in front of me. I'm wearing a black dress and some flats. I don't see the problem. 

"It's fine, Erica." 

"No, it's not. You need to add a little more color to your wardrobe!" She leaves the room and returns with a black and blue high-low dress with some silver heels. "Here, try these."

"No way." I eye the articles of clothing with a feeling of intimidation. 

I could never pull off those clothes.

"Come on!" She looks at me with puppy dog eyes, "Please." 

"Fine." I give up, and change into the dress. 

The heels are put on next and I stumble, unsurprisingly, while walking to the mirror to get a better look at myself. I look...good.

"Now it's time for make-up!" Erica squeals. 

"Girls, we're leaving in 15 minutes!" My father yells from downstairs. 

Erica and I reply with an "Alright!" 

She pulls me into her room and I'm seated by her make-up table. 

Erica starts applying the foundation and as she does so, she talks about her graduation. She graduated in 13' and went on to study law. I zone out during her rant about her 'good old high school days'. The only thing I'm thinking about right now is Nate, and leaving that school for good. It didn't treat me bad, I just want to move on to bigger and better things. Nate has been rather distant lately, but I'm sure that's because he's nervous for graduation. 

"Okay, let's get a move on." She hands me a hand-mirror and I look at myself for a minute, before giving it back.

I prefer natural make-up, but Erica said that lighting or whatever would wash something out. I don't know, I wasn't paying attention. 

I grab my phone, purse, and graduation robe and walk down the stairs to see my mom smiling and crying tears of joy. She tells me that she's proud of me and wouldn't expect anything less. I can't help the smile and blush that appears on my face. My dad also says some kind words and he pulls me in to hug me. He whispers something faintly, "My little girl is all grown up," before leading all of us out the door, to the car. 

In the car, I send a text to Nate regarding our plans for tonight: 

Me: Hey are we still on for tonight? 

...

Nate: Yeah. 

....

Me: Jess and Margaret are coming along. Is that fine?

....

Nate: Yeah. 

I lock my phone screen and stare out the window. We're almost approaching the school and the mass of people make my stomach tighten. I never liked crowds. 

My dad finally finds parking and we made it with ten minutes to spare- my dad is always early for things. I kiss them goodbye and walk to my space in the lines of graduates, with my robe and tassels on. Due to my height, I'm only in the third row. My boyfriend, Nate, is 6'0" so he's towards the back of the field.

Graduation practice was a bore, so graduation itself was a bore as well. Names were called off and that god awful graduation song was playing on repeat for a good hour. It was the adrenaline of your name being called, people cheering for you, and the diploma, that made it all worth it. When 'London Stamos' was called up, I felt that rush and it finally hit me that everything was about to change. Hopefully for the better.