New Girl In Town (1) ✔️

Loose Ends

His vibrant green eyes scan the crowd as he settles behind the podium, organizing his note cards. And then they land on me. The cocky, confident Sebastian is there in full force as he winks at me before he opens his mouth to speak.

Instinctively I reach for Blaine's hand as we both wait for Sebastian's valedictorian speech to begin. I have no clue what he is going to say, I'm nervous and slightly apprehensive about it to be honest.

"Distinguished alumni, faculty, friends, families, classmates and fellow graduates, I am honored to stand here today to represent Dalton's senior class this year. For many of us, Dalton Academy has become our safe haven. A refuge from the hardships and persecution that we may have faced in our previous scholastic environments. But it is also a place that has allowed us to grow, experience things that we never would have been able to do in our respective hometowns. Be that learning new languages, discovering a love of literature, a fondness for scientific experimentation or embracing a wide variety artistic talents. Within the walls of Dalton, we are able to grow into the young men that we are destined to become."

He pauses, eyes meeting mine once more. When he picks up with his speech again his words and tone are more sincere.

"But for us, Dalton isn't just a school. Its like our own little world. I cannot speak for everyone in my class, but personally being here has changed my life in so many ways. Like classwork has grown our minds, sports have strengthened our bodies. And Dalton's prolific arts programs have enriched our souls. We have made friends here that will last a lifetime. Found ourselves, who we really are, who we want to be. Found love. Through it all, we have stood beside each other, as the boys of Dalton. One of the beauties of attending a boarding school I suppose is that you are essentially never alone even when it feels like you would prefer to be. There is always someone there to support you, cheer you on, help you out. Someone there to pick you up when you are down or to keep you humble when you desperately need it."

Blaine whispers to me as Sebastian flips to yet another note card, "Belle, he is amazing. Absolutely amazing."

I know...

"As we prepare to journey to parts unknown, embark on the next stage of our lives, lets us all remember where we came from and what helped us to become who we are. We have a saying with the Warblers, that is 'Once a Warbler, Always a Warbler'. Even if a member is only with us for a short period of time, if they leave for another school or for any other reason, they are still one of us. Forever. I would like to amend that motto today, expand it for my entire graduating class. Boys, always remember, 'Once a Dalton Boy, Always a Dalton Boy'. May we all find what we seek for our future, for our lives. Thank you."

Sebastian gathers up his notecards and leaves the stage to a round of applause. On his way back to his seat I actually catch him lifting his hand slightly and sending a small wave to me. I lift my free hand from my lap and blow him a quick kiss. My other hand is still being held securely by my cousin. The Dean of Students comes back to the stage as Blaine whispers to me again. "Shanny-pie, you really love him don't you?" I can't help the blush forming on my cheeks as I nod, whispering back. "More than anything."

I know my response may sound odd, especially given my relationship with Hunter. But Sebastian will always have my heart, regardless of where life takes me. And I am confident on just one thing, that in the future, be it tomorrow or ten years from now.  In the future I will marry that man. I know it, I can feel it deep down in my soul.

While I am lost in my own thoughts again the Dean has started calling out the names of the graduates, they are filing across the stage to accept their diplomas. Big smiles. Well mannered rich boys. Whose families are eagerly watching them. I listen and cheer on my friends, so proud of their achievements. Their accomplishments.