My Epitome Of Love

part 29

Graduation day has finally arrive.

Looking at myself in the girl's bathroom mirror wearing my black gown, gold slash and cap I couldn't believe that I'll be leaving high school forever and starting a new chapter in my life soon.

Time sure flies.

"Notifying all graduates. The ceremony will begin shortly." The principal announces over the microphone.

With a small smile, I leave the bathroom to go sit with my friends.

"There she is. Look how beautiful you look." Jas exclaims hugging me.

"You all look great. Beautiful and handsome." I say  releasing myself from her death hold.

The only available seat was near Joshua and to say I'm nervous to sit near him is an understatement.

You see, after Saturday night from the prom, I did some serious thinking about us, Joshua and I and came to one conclusion, my only solution.

I called him Sunday morning and told him that I have something very important to tell him. He insisted that we meet in person, so we did. We met at the park near McDonald's, where we did our assignment.

He was the first to arrive. I was five minutes late because I was prepping myself for this discussion in my car.

I told him that I can't continue our friends with benefits escapades. To my shock, he agreed, he said he didn't want to continue it as well.

After discussing that with him, we talked about college and how excited we both are for it. To start a new life, a new beginning.

Before we parted ways, he kissed me goodbye. I let him because I'm a sucker for his kisses, for his touches. This kiss was different. It wasn't slow nor was it fast. It felt as if he was trying to tell me something through that kiss, but I didn't know what.

Instead I left him, it was for the best, for both of us, we deserve so much more.

"Hey Josh" I say taking the seat next to him shaking off the memory and coming to my senses.

"Hi Jess. You look beautiful as always." He replies with a smile.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our graduates. I'm proud to announce to you our valedictorian, Jordan Bolton." The principal announces as Jordan entered the stage. We all clap in joy welcoming him.

"Good morning my fellow colleagues, classmates, friends, teachers, guardians and parents. I would like to take this opportunity to applaud every single one of you who are graduating here today. I know High school was and still is a struggle for those, not only in academics but in the social aspects, trying to fit in, still figuring which group or cliche you belong to. For me, it was easy, I've been fortunate enough to be blessed with friends who I love, cherish and adore, with hard working parents who inspire me to be the man I am today and a supportive, wonderful and beautiful girlfriend who I love. For those graduating with a plan, go out there give it your best, good luck. To those who don't have a plan and don't know where tomorrow may lead, put your best foot forward, don't give up, keep on trying. To end with, I'd like to quote Ralph Waldo Emerson "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be'. Good luck everyone in your future, your career."

Wow. This speech is so touching, so inspiring.

Everyone raises from their seats and applaude Jordan.

"Everyone please take your seats, I'll like to hand out the diplomas now please. Thank you." The principal announce.

Fifteen minutes later....

"I'm so proud of you cherry pie." My mom excitedly exclaims with tears in her eyes.

"I'm proud of you too my little Jessie bear." Dad says

"Come on. I have some friends I'd like to introduce you guys to." Carrying my parents to meet the infamous five.

"Hey guys these are my parents. Sarah and Tom."

"Nice to meet you two."

Justin greets my parents. "I'm Justin. This is my brother Austin here, and that's Alex over there with Jasmine."

"Do you guys have any plans for Jess tonight ?" Austin ask# my parents.

"Actually we do. We're planning on taking her somewhere but that's for 8:00."

"Cool. We're planning on going to 'Aunt Betty's Pizza hut' ." Austin announces.

"Have fun sweetie. Bye. " My mom kisses me goodbye.

"Your mom's hot." Austin says with a smirk.

"Shut it asshole."

"Come on. I'm starving." Justin dragging Violet towards the parking lot.

Smiling at Justin's behavior, Joshua grabs my hand making me stop. "I need to tell you something." his voice fill with determination and urgency.

"What. What is it ?" My heart pounding in my chest, anticipating what his next words are going to be.

"I ... I .."

Come on Joshua spill it. I don't know what he wants to say to me but whatever it is is making me nervous.

"Hurry up guys. Everyone's in the car waiting for you two slow pokes." Justin announces causing Joshua to regain himself.

By passing me to follow Justin. I grab his hands. "What is it Josh ?"

Shaking his head he replies "Nothing. Nevermind."

I hate it when someone says that they have something to tell you and then they say it's nothing.

With a frustrated sigh I follow Joshua to the parking lot not knowing what fate has installed for me at Aunt Betty's Pizza hut.