I'm Here

Chapter 25: Graduation

I just making out a little dedication to @aurorallycrowned for always supporting me no matter what and this dedication is wayyyyyyy overdue! Please check out her works because she is an amazing writer!!! I LOVE YOU STEPHANIE <3

**** 

It’s been a week since the performance. I haven’t talked to Louis since our conversation in the alleyway. I haven’t really spoken to anyone. I mostly stayed cooped up in my room by myself. I still went to school, but I came straight home afterwards. I would see him sitting on our bench, waiting for me, but I never stopped.

He said that he would make it up to me, but once I’m near him, he says nothing.

That hurt like hell.

Maybe it was because he still figuring out how he was going to do it? I prayed that was the reason. Of course I missed him. I know he lied to me, but something inside of me couldn’t just let him go. I was slightly relieved when he said he wanted to make it up to me. He still wanted me around and that was enough for me.

I told Hailey about it. She tells me to go back to him if I miss him so much, but where’s my dignity if I just go running back? I do have some self-respect.

Overall, I’m conflicted. I haven’t got any idea on what I’m doing, but I’m truly hoping it works out.

***

It was finally the last day. It was the day I’ve been waiting for. It was graduation. The final bell rang and that concluded my last day of high school. All that was left was the ceremony later in the evening.

Everyone in the hallways hugged and said their goodbyes. It was a sweet thing to see, but I wasn’t in the mood for all that. 

I was a few feet from the door when I felt someone grab my waist from behind and swing me around. I was terrified and thought some creep was attacking me. I quickly turned around and saw Jack with his infamous smile.

“We did it! We survived!” He exclaimed while giving me a hug.  

“Well, that’s if the world doesn’t end before tonight.” I smiled.

Jack gave me a disgusted look. “You’re so Goddamn negative!” He joked. “Lighten up. Please? Don’t rain on my parade, or your parade. Let’s just all be happy?”

I admit that after the whole Mary situation and everything, Jack has been a great friend. He was always calling in and checking up on me since I got out of the hospital. He became my best friend in a way. I would never talk to him about my Louis problems, though for obvious reasons.

“Yes, we all are happy on this beautifully sunny day. Go rainbows and unicorns.” I said.

“That’s the spirit! Now, shall we celebrate our graduation?”

“Most definitely, but after graduation. Then we can party until dawn.”

Jack smiled. “Awesome! I’ll call you later.” He hugged me goodbye and walked away.

I continued on my original path home. Louis was nowhere in sight which was unusual. I noticed a gift placed on the bench where he would be. I couldn’t help but be nosy considering it was weirdly placed and unattended.

There was a card on top of the long box with my name printed on it. I opened the box and there was a vibrant red rose surrounded by multiple packages of Twix. The idea made me laugh a little. I then opened the card which was handwritten.

My dearest Sophia,

Congratulations on your graduation. See? It rhymes. I’m trying to be clever. Anyways, I’m proud of you for overcoming this year because I know it has been rough. I have loved every minute being with you and I hope for more. I can’t wait to see you walk across that stage later to accept your diploma.