Octavia (Completed - 2018 Watty's Longlist)

Chapter Twenty Seven - Octavia

Graduation day.
I've been in so many I have lost count. Though, I never forget certain graduations. Like the ones where some humans make the ceremony just that bit more bearable. There was this one graduation - a few years ago - where this girl practically wore stilts and tripped up the stairs when she was called on stage. She was so embarrassed that she ran out of the ceremony - not before she tripped on the too long train of her dress. Audrey and I were laughing for days after that.
Oh, and I never forget this one boy who kissed the female principal. She was only in her late thirties and she was quite attractive so I don't really blame the boy. And, many other boys wished they were in his place. But the shock on the principals face was priceless, her face went beetroot red. Though, I'm not sure if it was out of embarrassment or anger.

Today, however, is a very exciting day. Unlike all the other graduation ceremonies I've been to, this one actually meant something more than adding another diploma to my collection. Today marked a new beginning, a fresh start. From the moment we graduate today, Edmund and I's journey together begins. We will no longer have to worry about jealous girls and arrogant boys. It will only be us, together, beginning our next chapter together.
The thought made me grin.

"What are you grinning about now?" Audrey asked as she pulled on her black heels. "You've been grinning all morning." She accused.
I finish pinning my curled hair to one side, running my fingers through my thick hair that reaches down to my waist. I flattened down the skirt of my purple dress that flowed down from my waist. "I'm just thinking about the future." I fix my off the shoulder straps, making sure everything was perfect before I put on my graduation gown and cap. This year's graduation gown was royal blue with a yellow strap that had the words 'West Seattle High Graduates of 2016' and the cap had the same colours.

My family and I were quite adjusted to this routine, so we left with plenty of time before the ceremony began. When we arrived, there were more cars and people in the parking lot than I'd ever thought was possible. For the first time since I'd started at this school, I was worried that someone had taken our spot. But, there it was, empty as any other day. It seemed as though no student or parent wanted to upset us - even if it was the last day they'd ever see us.
The parking lot was packed and I struggled to find the familiar grey truck among so many other vehicles. I searched and searched, though I couldn't find it. I looked at my watch and it was only minutes before we were all supposed line up in our order. Then I saw it, the two red and blue car roof lights - the Sheriff's car. Edmund and his father were standing beside the car, quiet, barely even looking at each other. I knew it wasn't because they had just had a fight, otherwise Edmund would have a much more irritated look on his face. No, this was because Edmund and Jamie were awkward, quiet people, therefore, resulting in awkwardness.
Edmund's eyes looked up from the ground, searching over the roof tops of cars. When his eyes finally found me, he smiled, giving me a small wave. He nudged his father in the shoulder and nodded his head in our direction, walking over to us.

Underneath his graduation gown, Edmund was wearing a black suit with polished leather shoes. His hair looked so soft that I wanted to run up to him and run my fingers through his hair. He was so perfect it hurt. When he reached me, he bent down and kissed me on the cheek, the warmth of his lips lingering on my skin, leaving a tingling sensation. "Hello." He smiled, his hot breath blowing onto my face. I expected at least some sort of discomfort to come, but nothing, not even in the slightest. A wave of overwhelming relief washed over me. I knew that Edmund's scent didn't effect me like it used to. But nowadays, I can kiss him, be so close to him, and I don't ever feel the urge.
"Hello." I smiled back, relieved to see him again. It was a long, depressing two hours from when I left him this morning to now.
"Are you ready to graduate?" He asked, though when he did he realised what he asked me. He blushed.
"Yes, for the 51st time." I laughed and he ducked his head, embarrassed. I lifted his chin to look at me. "But this time around it is much more special. I'm graduating with you." I smiled, and began walking us up to the school. I could hear Jamie and my parents conversing about work and how proud they were of their children. I could sense that Jamie felt uncomfortable and a little intimidated by my parents appearances. For a second I wasn't sure why, they were just my parents. But then I realised that to human eyes, they were much more than beautiful. I suppose that's why the entire parking lot full of people were staring at us. The people who were still stared at and judged even though we've been here for two years now. I don't think we will ever be considered 'normal' to
them - we'll always be those beautiful freaks who kept to themselves.