The End

24. Graduation

Dan's POV:

"Hey, so what happened after I blacked out in the pool?" Phil asks from the passenger seat.

It has almost been a month since we first came to get out our suits tailored. Today we are going to pick them up. Prom is this weekend so, they are ready just on time.

Throughout the weeks, Phil has been asking questions about what happened after he lost his memory, but he has never asked about that day so, I am a bit surprised when he does.

"After you passed out, I brought you up to the surface. From there, police officers and paramedics took you to the hospital," I respond.

"What did you do?"

"Well, I tried to follow, but an FBI agent drugged me so that I wouldn't hurt others."

"FBI agent? Why was the FBI there?" Phil's expression turns into one of confusion.

"It turns out my parents work for the FBI. I didn't know until they told me when I woke up in the hospital."

"Wow. Wait, is Hunter still, you know..." he trails off. He tries not to show it, but I can see the fear in his eyes when he mentions Hunter.

"Alive? No. He was shot in the chest," I answer.

"Oh," he says.

He stays quiet for a couple of minutes before speaking up again.

"I'm sorry," Phil whispers.

"For what?" I ask as I turn to give him a quick glance. He wears a small frown.

"For not listening to you. You were right about Hunter the whole time. I was stupid and blinded by his fake friendship. If I had listened to you, none of this would have happened," Phil explains.

"Phil, you have nothing to appoligize for. All of that is in the past. The only thing that matters is that you are alive and well," I smile at him as I reach over to hold his hand. He smiles back. "Now, cheer up. We graduate tomorrow."

* * *
(next day)

We all sit down after each of our names has been called up. (I made sure to cheer pretty loud when Phil's name was called. He sits a couple of rows behind me.) I look around at all of the other students. We all wear our black graduation robs over our fancy clothes. Parents and loved ones cheer us on. Many of them cry and many of us cry. I look at all of the students around me that I may never see again.

I look down at the deploma in my hand and think, Holy shit. This is it.

After this day, we will have to go out into the world to start our lives as adults. I try not to think about it too much because if I do, I will, without a doubt, end up having an existential crisis.

"...and with that I say congratulations class of 2017!" Mr. Joseph concludes his speech.

Around me, the students jump up and throw their caps in the air. I just sit in my chair and wait for it to sink in.

This is it.

We are surrounded by falling confetti and balloons. I stare up at them. All of them cheer and hug each other.

Phil finds me and wraps me in his arms. He doesn't have a cap on so, I'm guessing he was one of the many who threw them in the air. His ropes dig into my chest.

"We did it!" he yells

"This is it," I whisper, still in shock.

The laughs and gives me a quick kiss, his blue eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Don't worry, Dan. This isn't the end; this is only the beginning," Phil hugs me tighter.

I pull him back to arm's length and smile at him. "I love you."

"I love you too!"

After we left, both of our families went out to eat together. We took lots of pictures. I could easily classify this as one of the happiest days of my life.

At the end of the night, Phil and I stand at the end of my driveway, both of us in our black tuxedos and gold ties (the school colors). This is the last time we are going to see each other before prom tomorrow night.

"I want you to get lots of sleep, alright?" Phil tells me.

I smile and roll my eyes at him. "Okay, mom."

He chuckles. "Oh, shut up."

"Make me," I say with a cheeky smirk.

He pulls me into a kiss using my tie. I bend down and giggle against his lips. I feel him smile back.

"I really have to go," Phil says as he pulls back.

"No!" I whine as I lean into him. He laughs.

"I'll see you tomorrow." He hugs me and kisses my cheek. "Goodnight."

I kiss his forehead. "Goodnight, babe."

I watch him leave until I see that he has gotten home safely. I can't wait for prom tomorrow.

* * * * * *

I feel like my writing gets more boring with every new chapter. ;-; All I have to say is that the next chapter may be the last. 👀

Thank you so much for reading!

-Ana