Their Playground

Chapter 12

"Congratulations, Class of 2014, and may we all be successful as we go forth and make our marks in the world!" the valedictorian finished up her speech.

Kim joined the other graduating seniors in throwing her graduation cap in the air. Finally, the stress of finals - heck, even the stress of school - was gone. Until college began, of course. But that was a whole summer away. For now, she would revel in the knowledge that she was a high school graduate.

"Can you believe it?" Sarah found Kim and hugged her excitedly. "We're college students now!"

For once, Kim was able to match Sarah's level of enthusiasm. She laughed out loud. "I know! I can't believe how fast the years flew past."

"Really? 'Cause I always thought they were inching past like they had all the time in the world."

Kim rolled her eyes. "When you're old and gray, you'll be remembering this day, wondering where all the time went."

"Sure," Sarah nodded sarcastically, though her wide smile never wavered. "If saying that makes you feel happy."

But Kim was in too good a mood to let sarcasm get to her. "It does," she said cheerfully.

"She's right here," she heard someone right behind her say. She turned and found herself face to face with Cole.

"Hey!" He grinned at her. "Congratulations, graduate!"

Kim returned the smile. "Thanks! I should say the same to you."

Cole glanced at all of the people at the reception."It's so crowded I was worried I wouldn't find you afterwards," he told her. "It was lucky Peter happened to spot you."

"Well, I'm glad you caught me," Kim said, feeling a bit strange at her somewhat bold attempt at flirting. "Now that school's over, we may not see each other much before you move to California."

"We will," Cole said firmly. "I don't leave until early August; we'll make the most of the time we do have." He paused and looked down at the ground, trying to find the right words. Taking a deep breath, he finally met her eyes again and blurted, "Kim, I really like you. Be my girlfriend?"

As soon as she realized what he was asking, she felt the heat rising to her cheeks. But she also felt a smile spreading across her face.

"Yes!" Sarah squealed for her, drowning out any reply Kim might have made. "She will, she will, she will! Say yes, Kim!"

"Go away!" Kim hissed, turning a deeper red. "Ohmigosh, Sarah, you're totally ruining the moment!" Sarah pouted for a moment before playfully stomping away, giving Kim a look that clearly said, you better say yes, girl, and I expect details later!

Kim gave an embarrassed laugh. She played with her hair subconsciously. That had always been her nervous habit. "Sorry about that. She's just being Sarah, I suppose."

Cole laughed too, but his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. He was still too worried about how Kim might respond. "Your answer?" he asked softly.

Kim blushed again. "Yes, Cole, I would love to be your girlfriend." She smiled at him.

Cole smiled for real this time, both relief and happiness flooding his eyes. Impulsively, he leaned forward and kissed her. On the lips. As in, a real kiss.

It was only a small kiss, but it was the most amazing kiss Kim had ever had, and not just because it was the only one. That one little kiss conveyed all of his feelings towards her.

Then she pulled away. "No PDA, Cole!" she teased, whacking him lightly. "Our teachers are here. Gosh, our parents are here!"

This time, it was Cole who reddened. He had been too caught up in the moment. "Oh, right."

Right on cue, Kim heard her parents calling her name. She hoped desperately that they had not just seen their only child kissing a guy.

Fortunately, they hadn't. "Kim, sweetheart, congratulations! We're so proud of you, honey!" Mrs. Foster exclaimed, her husband beaming and nodding in agreement beside her. Then she leaned in towards her daughter and whispered, "He's so handsome! You make such a cute couple!" Then again, perhaps they had.

By that time, Kim's face was flaming. She was certain she could be mistaken for a tomato at this point. At least her parents hadn't freaked out over the kiss.

After being congratulated by many other people, the Fosters left the reception and headed to Cold Stone to celebrate as a family. It had always been Kim's favorite ice cream shop. She had so many memories there, many of them with Thomas. Kim shook her head, trying to clear her mind. Now wasn't the time to dwell on that.

But it was too late. He preyed on her mind for the rest of the evening, and by the time they were on their way home, Kim had reached a decision. "Mom, Dad, I have to tell you something," she began hesitantly. She took a deep breath, not knowing how her parents would react. "I'm going to South Carolina."