Goodbye

The End

"Congratulations class of 2016! We wish you the very best!"

Everybody begun to chant and throw their caps into the air, doing the oh-so typical tradition. I held mine tightly as I walked away from the crowd not bothering to look for my best friend, Jakie. I was so lost in my own little world that I didn't realize I was about to bump into someone. I lost my balance as my body hit hard against the person, but strong firm arms kept me from falling hard on my face.

"Thank-you," I let out a huge breathe of relief.

"No problem. Just be careful next time Sarah," Josh beamed at me.

Pulling away from his brace, I fix myself and pick up my cap shaking off the small amount of dirt it got. Clearing my throat, I begin to depart from him, but his strong arms stop me and make me face him. It has been a really long time since I last saw him face to face.

"You're not going to say good-bye?" he stares deep into my eyes as if seraching for something in them.

Those beautiful mesmerizing eyes used to cause me so many emotions all at once. Being around him used to make me feel completely numb, but as I stare into those eyes, I feel nothing. Somehow I've always felt as if though he could read my thoughts just by looking at them. It hurts me to know that he already knows the truth. For some reason, I feel as if though I failed him. We were both so in love back then, and since the day we met, I knew that he was going to become someone important to me. I saw it in his eyes too, but he was just so afraid to accept it and to even say it in his thoughts. I waited for him, because everything takes time, right? But time never got here. The days turned into weeks that then became months and by the time I knew it, the years had passed. I got tired of hoping and waiting for Prince Charming to declare his undeniable love for me.

"I'm going to say it even if you don't care anymore," Josh's deep voice brought me back to earth. "I've missed you, and I'll miss you the moment you turn away from me. The moment you walk away, and I know you are, I'll miss you," letting me go he steps back and fakes a smile.

"You know that I don't feel the same way anymore. Not going to lie, it hurts to say this, but I waited so long for you and I always hoped that one day you would feel the same way as I did. It finally happened but it's to late now," my eyes begin to water as I stare down at my feet.

"I'm sorry for never having the guts to tell you, I'm sorry for always pushing you away and for telling everyone that there was no way possible that I could love you. I regret not telling everyone and you the truth, that I am completely in love with you," he steps close to me and holds up my face. Pulling me into his arms he hugs me tightly and whispers to my ear, "I lost you. You were always there for me and I never appreciated you. I was stupid enough to let you go."

Sobbing, I push away from his brace, "Josh stop," I mumbled.

"No, there's still a lot to say," he begged.

"I shouldn't be crying but look at me, I am. It's just to late for everything." I step away from him.

"Sarah, I..."

"NO. Don't." Interrupting him I take one more step back and wipe away my tears. I smile brightly at him, "I wish you the best in everything, because you deserve it. I'm glad I was able to meet you 3 years ago."

"Sarah, don't," Josh implores softly.

Taking in a deep breath, I gather the strength to utter the words he feared the most at this moment.

"Goodbye Josh," and just like that I turned on my heel walking past everyone.