Have Hope

Graduation (edited)

I cried when Brennan graduated two years ago. My big brother, the boy I watched grow into man that practically raised me, was graduating, and he was going to be moving out and going away to college in two months. It was unreal. I was so, so proud of him and endlessly grateful for being my rock all my life.

At the time, I wasn't even thinking about how that'd be me in just two years.

Now. That's me now.

I'm an official Saint Shield alumnus.

In two months, I will be living two hours away from the same boy I have spent every day with for the past almost three years. I don't mean to sound dramatic, but what am I going to do without Drew two miles down the road?

"Stop overthinking, Helaina," Leah sighs quietly, squeezing my gown clad shoulder. I have brought up the conversation about how I don't want to leave Drew at least a hundred times in the last month alone. It's not that I don't think our relationship is strong enough to stand the distance, I just don't want to have to. I don't want to have to go a long period of time without seeing him.

And then on top of that, I will also have to learn to live with my lifelong best friend living in a different state.

Leah decided that Fashion Institute of Technology in New York is the school for her since she wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry. I would never ask my best friend to give up her dream, and I have done nothing but encourage her to go but having to send my best friend on a flight to New York is going to be painful.

Not to even mention the fact my brother is heartbroken about her decision, which she only finalized recently. She put off telling him until the night after prom. He has barely spoken to her since, being a total douchebag.

I received my diploma already as has Leah, now we are just waiting to hear Drew's name get announced.

Despite his rough start to high school freshman year, he really pulled it together. He is graduating today with a 2.4 GPA, which isn't necessarily great, but considering I know how hard he worked for it, it's an accomplishment he should be proud of.

"Andrew Matters," the principal recites next. I watch him stroll across the stage with his head held high and a proud smirk on his lips for everyone to see. I smile because he is proud of himself. He told me last night he doesn't think he would've made it this far in high school if he never met, and while I'm sure he would have, it still made my heart happy.

The ceremony finally ended not long after that, and everyone dispersed throughout the auditorium or wandered outside. I go to meet Drew outside with our friends and family.

Drew's talking to his dad when I reach, so I meet up with my family instead.

"Oh, honey," my mother gushes. She puts her hands on both my cheeks, squishing me, then pulls me into a hug.

Although her and my dad have been living in New York for the past few years, and they've been absentee parents, I have never doubted their love for me. I know they love me and Brennan, but I have always been pretty convinced they just love their jobs more.

It used to bother me a lot, and sometimes it hits me that it still does, but when I met Drew, a lot of things changed.

"I can't believe in just a couple months both of our babies will be in college." My mom glances over to my dad with a deep frown. Maybe it's dawned on them that they missed out on all of mine and Brennan's teenage years when they decided to become a part of the corporate office in New York. And now it's too late.