Mistaken Love

Chapter Forty-three.

June 7th

   "Noah Thomas Bennett!" The announcers announced.

Mother, father, and the rest of my gigantic family all stood up from their seats, as they cheered, screamed and shouted.

Noah, dressed in a black cap and gown, walked towards the line of adults, who gave him his diploma, shook their hands and took his photo, before he sat in the large amount of uncomfortable, metal chairs with the rest of his class.

My family had finally settled down as soon as they started to call the rest of the graduates names, as they began to chatter among themselves.

Rachel, Maria and I sat a row or two in front of my family, as we had our own conversation, while we sipped away at our sodas.

"How do you feel about Noah leaving for college?" I asked Maria, as I wrapped an arm around Rachel's shoulders.

Maria shrugged, as she placed her phone done upon her lap. Her lock screen photo of Noah and her kissing on some railroad tracks was shown for a good 5 seconds, before her phone faded to black.

"I'm very excited for him! I'm just glad he isn't leaving the state!" Maria explained.

I nodded in agreement, as Rachel chirped in. "Be glad that he's not going far, because the younger Bennett is looking at colleges in California." Rachel grumbled playfully, as she crossed her arms.

"California, eh?" Maria hummed. "Which schools are you looking at?" She asked.

I shrugged, as I placed my head upon Rachel's shoulder. "USC, UCLA or CSU." I answered. "I've always wanted to go to a college in California. I crave new adventures." I chuckled.

Maria giggled, as she nodded her head. "I agree. That's why I applied to CSU, so if you end up going there, we'll meet up sometime!" Maria spoke with glee.

"You too?" Rachel groaned. "I guess Noah and I really wanted to stay in the state. I'm checking out CSN for their dental hygienist program." She admitted.

I pulled her close, as I wrapped my other arm around her, holding her in my embrace. "It's okay! Maria and I won't be gone for long." I stated, as I let out a small chuckle.

Rachel nodded in agreement. "You two better visit during holidays or I'll be very upset!" She pointed a finger at us, as her eyebrow furrowed together.

Maria and I held up our hands in defeat, as we nodded in defeat. "Yes, m'lady!" I blurred.

Within seconds, the three of us burst into laughter, nearly causing a scene.

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Graduation ended roughly around 3:00 P.M., which gave the graduates five hours to themselves, before their all night party began; 7:00 P.M. - 5:00 A.M.. They all had to meet up back at the school, in which a bus would pick them up and take them to an arcade place, which had just about everything inside; Games, later tag, glo-golf, etc. Hell, even bull riding!

As soon as we found Noah in the field of graduates, we took pictures, jumped in the car and headed to a restaurant of his choice. After eating, we headed home before we had to drop Noah off.

For the time being, we all sat around and soaked up the almost summer heat. We talked and laughed about almost everything. Discussed college stuff and even more. The bonding time we shared was wondering while it lasted.

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June 14th.

   I sat in the backyard, as I watched my cousins swim and splash each other in the pool while I ate my hotdog. My house was packed with family members, and friends of Noah's from Spring Valley and Paradise.