INCENDIARY | ✓

spring day (piano version) | bts

I graduated Valedictorian for Vanderbuilt High School. 

Out of 200, it wasn't much of a feat, and even though my mother wasn't there to see me accomplish this, I was bristling with happiness.

As I gave my speech, my eyes wandered over the crowd of 200 bored graduates-in-waiting sitting in front of me. We were in the school gym, our class small enough to hold the ceremony there.

Although there were not many empty seats, there were two empty seats in the section for M's. One was for me, the other was for McDermott.

He graduated, according to the sheet I was privy to; he just didn't show up to walk the stage.

"... In the end, it doesn't matter how long you know someone or something, the impact they have on your life is what matters. So, my fellow graduates, instead of maliciously hating your graduating class, learn to embrace us instead. Our time here walking through the halls of this little high school is insignificant compared to what we will accomplish later on in life, but know that this insignificant school had much to do with shaping us to the people we have become today. In turn, we will impact many others and shape them to become the people they will, inevitably, become.

Godspeed and good luck, may you all succeed in your endeavors."

The standing ovation and thundering roar was unexpected. Before going on stage, I braced myself for a few tittering applause and maybe a few boo's. This, this reaction was unexpected.

Maybe the senior class felt proud of me for using my privilege to help save someone's life, or perhaps they felt sorry for me. After all, I was McDermott's girl until we broke up. The drama that came with that was something I wasn't prepared for, but I dealt with it by ignoring it.

I was stunned, my shock clear on my face. Walking off the stage, I walked back to my seat, somehow nodding to the teachers who congratulated me on a speech well done.

Grinning lightly, I shook myself out of it, focusing on the announcer who was giving the instructions on how the ceremony was to go. Looking to my left, a bittersweet smile graced my face.

Graduating would be better with McDermott, but he'd made it very clear he didn't want to be a part of my life anymore and I finally had come to terms with it (lies, my subconscious screamed).

He was the right one, he just came along at the wrong time of his life.

Receiving my diploma was nerve wracking as everyone's eyes were on me again, but I trooped through it. Throwing my hat in the air was exhilarating.

After a booming "Congratulations, Graduates!" Confetti starting drifting down on us like snow.

I had done it.

Even without the support of a mother, or a father, and with all the drama shit, I had graduated valedictorian and completed high school.

I was finally free of Little Rock. Free of Harvey McDermott.

I fooled myself into thinking I was over him, deep down inside I knew if I saw his face once more, the feelings would hit me and my walls would crumble.

I closed my eyes and spread my eyes out, letting the confetti cover me. Smiling in pure happiness, I opened my eyes again and began walking towards the door.

Having no one to spread the joyous occasion, I was going to pig out on a greasy burger and reward myself.

I was out of the gym, crossing the corridor where McDermott and I had our ... falling out, and paused. Making my way out of the hallway, I paused at the small movement. Standing there in a hoodie and dark jeans, was McDermott.