Aphrodite // H.S. (Mature)

XXV

Today's the day I graduate. Finally. It feels like I've been waiting for this for such a long time. I bought a black dress and black shoes to go with my red cap and gown. My mom and I decided to ride together and then go to dinner, but then after that I've made plans with Lucas to do something. He's been trying to get me to go to some party on the beach but says it's okay if I don't want to go. I'm not much of a party person but I guess it depends on how I'm feeling later. At the moment I'm not so sure about it, but it is graduation night and I do want to have a good time. Maybe I should celebrate, I deserve it.

I don't spend much time with my mom but I'm glad that she supports my decisions now even if they're not very smart ones. When I said I wanted to go to school for photography she didn't discourage me at all. I know a lot of people probably would have since it's not very practical when I'm looking for a job. But besides all that, my mom seems to be really excepting now that I'm eighteen and graduating.

I finished getting ready and got dropped off by the football field which is where the ceremony is taking place.

"I'll see you in a little bit." I say as I get out of my moms car. "Bye dear." She says and drives off to park in the parking lot. I walk to the side of the field to the bathroom and concession stand building where we're all supposed to meet and get in line for the walk onto the field. Most of them are talking and in alphabetical order when I get to my class. I found my spot in line next to this girl Megan I've only ever talked to a handful of times and this guy Jack who I like to avoid because I couldn't stand him. There was only about fifteen minutes until it starts and I haven't seen Lauren at all. Just as I was looking for her I saw Lucas making his way towards me.

"I'm ready to get this started and get out of here." He says. "You and me both." I reply as we lean against the building. "Have you made up your mind about the party tonight?" He asks. "Yeah, I guess I'll go." I say as I look around for Lauren. "Good because if you said no I would've dragged you there anyways." Lucas says. "Why do you even wanna go to the party anyways? You hate everyone. And you hate the beach." I say after a short pause. "It's graduation night, I want to celebrate. Plus I only hate the beach during the day." He explains. "What's the difference?" I ask but he doesn't get to answer because Lauren runs over to us and hugs me.

"Why don't you look happy? You should be jumping around and what not, I know how much you hate high school!" She exclaimed loudly. "Jumping around?" I laugh. "Well you know, I just figured you'd look happier today." She says calming down a bit. "Sorry I wasn't doing backflips when you showed up." I smile at her. "I am happy though." I keep smiling at her while she just looks at me. "I would've been more convinced with a backflip." We laugh but are then told to get into our correct order because it's going to start soon.

"So I guess I'll see you at the party tonight?" I hear from behind me. It's Jack unfortunately. "You were listening?" I ask annoyed. "You guys were talking like 2 feet away from me it's not like I was purposely trying to hear what you were talking about." He says so I didn't answer him. "So is that a yes?" He asks after a couple seconds of silence. "I suppose it is." I say not looking at him. "Cool, I'm the one that got the keg so if you'll be drinking you'll have to come see me." He says smugly. "I'd rather eat sand than drink your beer." I tell him. The thing with Jack is that he found out I liked him in tenth grade and made a huge thing about it and always made fun of me for it. After being embarrassed too many times I've just despised him ever since.

"Well unless you have someone to buy for you, I'll remember that later on." He says making it seem like I don't. "You do that." I say and turn away from him. Just as I hear him try to say something else Pomp and Circumstance begins playing and everyone begins to walk. As we walk past the bleachers I wave to my mom who is sitting next to Lauren's parents and Harry.