Today was the day. We were graduating. I expected this to be more exciting but after what happened with Marcel, I wanted to be anywhere but here. I avoided him all week. I didn't answer his calls or texts. He even stopped by my house a few times, but my mom told him I wasn't there. I tried to be excited like everyone else today. I posed for pictures with friends and tried to smile. I stopped myself from looking for him a few times. It was for the best. I couldn't let things go on when it wasn't going to last anyways. "Seniors! Line up! It's time for the march!" One of the teachers yelled nearby. I got in my place in line and followed as we marched into the auditorium. People were cheering and it was so loud. I smiled when I saw my family cheering for me. My dad even wore a shirt that had my picture on it. We all took our seats and it was speech after boring speech. Then it was time for the valedictorian speech. I held my breath as Marcel walked on the stage. People cheered and a few whistled. I didn't move, but I couldn't take my eyes off of him. "I'm honored to be the valedictorian of this wonderful class. High school has been bittersweet. I didn't have much confidence going in. I was a nerd, geek, dweeb whatever you want to call it. High school is supposed to be a time where you find yourself. I found myself and more." He paused and looked out onto the crowd. I knew he was looking for me. He spotted me and my heart felt like it was gonna fly out of my chest. "Recently I started getting attention because I changed my looks. But I met someone who saw me before that. She saw me when I felt invisible. She defended me from others, she had my heart from the day I met her. She changed me in many ways. I don't look down when I walk through the hallways anymore, I'm not scared to be myself. I love her. She truly is the best part of my high school experience, and I hope for the rest of my life. To the senior class, never forget this moment. Share this with the people you love. Get over the petty fights you have gotten into over the years. Love with all of your heart. Don't be scared to live." Marcel finished and everyone stood on their feet to cheer him on. I was frozen. He announced in front of hundreds of people that he loved me. Then, it was time to get our diplomas. They went in alphabetical order like always. "(Y/f/n) (y/l/n)." The principal called out and I walked across the stage to get my diploma. I posed for a picture and then went back to my seat. I couldn't believe it. I graduated. It was all over. Once everyone received their diploma we all stood on our feet to toss our caps in the air. "Congratulations seniors!" The principal said and we threw our caps up and hollared. Everyone started hugging and I was pulled into a few by my friends. That's when I saw him. He stood nearby hugging a friend of his. I felt like I should run, but I stayed there. He noticed me a few seconds later. He made his way over to me. He opened his mouth to say something, but I interrupted him, "Did you mean everything you said?" He nodded, "It all came from the heart. I love you, (y/n). With every fiber in my being, I've been a wreck this week. Not being able to kiss you or hold you in my arms is the worst feeling in the world. I need you." I kissed him. I didn't need to hear anymore. He was the one for me. I didn't want to run anymore. I needed him like I needed air. "Forever and always?" I asksed him when we broke apart. "Forever and always." He promised.
