Forever Roses {Harry Styles AU}

Chapter 10: University Graduation

Chapter 10: University Graduation – June 19, 2016

Overall, university was the best four years of my life. It was so much more fun than high school, and while it was harder academically, it’s just such a better environment. Plus, at least for the first bit, I got to see my sister again for a while, but then she graduated. Actually, she’s moved back to our hometown in Chesire. She’s got a nice little job there and she seems very happy, especially being near my mum again. We’re a very close-knit family still.

The only downside of uni was that I never once made a move on April again. Four years of that seems crazy, right? But time flew by in school, and it’s not even like I missed out on relationships. Everybody just has flings – and that’s exactly what April did, too. I did that a bit as well, actually. I want something more serious with her though, so I actually enjoyed my time in school with other girls instead of moaning about life without April’s love. It really wasn’t too hard. Although, now that we’re even more “grown up,” what with graduating Sheffield today, the tables are turning yet again and there’s no more time for silly flings.

I really can’t believe I’m standing right here, on this very floor, about to graduate university. About to step into the “real world.”

And as soon as I set my hand on my degree, I feel a flame in me, like I’m ready to do this.

I look up, knowing where my family is sitting, and I grin, walking back.

Then I catch April’s eye, and she makes gleeful, silent claps for me while almost imperceptibly jumping up and down in excitement. She’s just gotten hers, since “Robinson” comes before “Styles.”

When I glance back up at my family, Gemma is pointing out April to Mum. Then I realize I’ve hardly even introduced my friends to my family. Oh well.

After graduation, which wasn’t quite as sweet as secondary school graduation, there was a party, obviously.

I didn’t drink too much because I didn’t want to forget anything or not enjoy it because I wasn’t sober or busy doing stupid things. As it is, the party’s going too fast.

So before I know it, it is over. It’s time to say goodbye – some casual, since I’ll see them soon enough, and some formal, since I won’t see them until who knows when.

“Hey, man, see you tomorrow,” Jared quickly tells me before giving me a man hug and then leaving with his girlfriend.

“Yeah, mate, see you then,” I reply, waving my hand that isn’t holding a drink.

“Bye, Harry,” Caitlin says, coming up after Jared leaves. She’s practically radiating happiness, but she also looks a little down. I mean, after this, she’s moving farther away than either April or I plan to. “I’m going to miss you so much.” She hugs me tightly, literally squeezing the air out of me, and then plants a soft kiss on my cheek, leaving a little heat and tingle in its place. “You’ll have to visit me plenty, alright? I’ll make sure to keep in touch.”

It was kind of a nice feeling, knowing that in each step of my life I’ll find more and more people to be in my life. I got Graham, Caitlin, Emma, and April from secondary school. I got Jared and Chet and a few others from uni, and I’m sure there’ll be so many more later on. But the most comforting thing about it is knowing that you aren’t replacing the old ones, just gaining more friends. I know this because there are people like Caitlin who you can count on to always come back and be there for you.

“Thanks, Caitlin,” I reply meaningfully, giving her one last squeeze back before stepping away. “I’ll miss you lots, too.”

And when she walks away, I turn back to April again. I feel strangely empty. For the longest time it’s been Caitlin, April, and Harry. A trio. Now Caitlin’s walked out, at least for a while. She’ll always be my friend, yes, but there’s that new distance that’s popped up in between, and it’s just not quite the same, you know?

Beside me, April sighs with content. “What a day, huh?”

“Yeah. Really great.”

“Any idea where you’re going to work? We can be competitors in the communications business,” April says with a laugh.

“Not quite yet. None of the internships I did quite suited me, but I have got my eye on one place.”

“Oh?”

“BBC News,” I announce, smiling.

“Really, now?” She looks slightly surprised.

“Yup.”

“Because I was thinking of the same place.”

~.~

*Not Edited because while I was gung-ho about editing before, I'd rather write haha* 

I'm really excited because there's going to be a new character soon eeeeeeeeee. 

I'm feeling like I should start giving dedications -Stephanie.:)