ethereal (k.l.)

•FOURTY FIVE•

•••

Graduation came and went, diplomas were given, and everyone said goodbye to high school and hello to the new life that awaited them outside of this campus. I was glad to finally be out of this place, although I will hold it dear to my heart since it gave me people that I will love for the rest of my life.

I met Kian's family and he met mine. There was tension with my mom, but she was gracious enough to act civil for a few hours. Rachel and I had small talk so we didn't ruin the day with our complicated, strained relationship. But none of it mattered because it was my last night in the city. These hours to come were the last I'd spend trying to mend these tedious family ties, at least for a long while.

As time went by, I found myself wanting to leave sooner and get to that apartment, rather than dreading leaving my friends and family behind. I knew this meant goodbye. I knew this left many unanswered questions, like, when will all these people be in the same room again? But it also meant a new beginning and a new life with him, one I was craving more and more with each passing second.

Despite everyone being dressed on the same red caps and gowns, I spotted him easily in the crowd. That devilish smile gave it away. I went running towards him and luckily he noticed me in the last second because I leaped into his arms and latched onto his neck so I wouldn't fall. My feet dangled a few inches above the ground as I felt my waist being secured by his inked and muscular arms.

I giggled before pulling my head back and gazing into his big brown eyes. "Hey, roomie."

"Hey, baby." He smiled wide before leaning forward and kissing me. I instantly melted and cursed the cap on his head for blocking my fingers from running through his hair. Moments later, we both pulled away and my feet were planted on the ground once again.

We were surrounded by everyone. Parents, siblings, friends, peers. I didn't care. Kian and I were in our own little space and this was were comfort and peace existed in harmony. Thousands of eyes looking in our direction couldn't change that. Not anymore.

"I love you." He blurted out, brushing a curl away from my face as his eyes filled with admiration. I died right there.

"I love you." My cheeks hurt from smiling but it was a good pain, one that reminded me I was finally happy.

Suddenly, our moment was disrupted by footsteps and multiple voices coming in our direction. we both turned to see our goofball friends striding towards us while bumping into our old classmates. Selena's arm was linked with Emilee's as Shawn shared her attention. Jc had his infamous grin etched on his face as he pulled Kian into a bro hug.

"I graduated, motherfuckers!" Jc yelled and jumped around with Kian still hanging from his grip. We giggled at Jc's spectacle as parents and teachers sent him annoyed glares. All of the graduates laughed and joined in on his cheering.

Selena rolled her eyes at him, though I know deep down she was adoring him. She pulled Emily with her as they walked towards me. "So, since you're leaving in the morning, we were hoping we could hang out with you tonight. Maybe help you pack if you need it."

Emilee jumped in with her cheery voice. "We'll order pizza and make a night out of it."

"Yeah, that sounds great. Let's just go to my house afterwards, yeah?" They both nodded at my response and I sent them a smile.

•••

Hours had passed and I was in my room with Selena and Emilee. A couple boxes filled with the books and clothes lined my wall. The girls helped me pack the remaining items I wanted to take with me, but I was leaving some stuff behind since I'm sure my mom will want to keep stuff from my childhood and just some things to remind her of me while I'm three hours away.