The Player And The Nerd •Jiley•

•Part 43•

•2 years later•
"Hurry up Riley or we won't be ready in time!" Her best friend Jess screamed in excitement. The two of them had just enjoyed a delicious home cooked breakfast with the two boys, and now had to start thinking about makeup and hairstyles.

"I can't actually believe we're graduating today. We did well" Riley said looking at the many suitcases which were half packed and overflowing with all sorts of stuff. It was messy, but also the cleanest she had ever seen it.

"Me neither. It all went too fast!" Jess said sadly as she dug through her makeup bag and pulled out foundation. Riley took a seat on the floor with her makeup bag in front of her as well as a mini mirror.

She began to dab on foundation carelessly.

"Do you think anything's going to happen today?" Jess asked as she applied concealer.

"Well yeah, we're going to get our awards duhh."

"No silly, I mean with you and James" she grinned while nudging Riley's arm. She shrugged and used a fluffy brush to apply powder.

"I don't know. We've liked each other for over a year now, but nothings ever happened."

"Don't lie to me, I've seen you cuddling on the couch many of times, and I even saw you share a quick kiss once before bed" she smirked, causing Riley's cheeks to flush pink.

"Well yeah that has happened, but nothing else. I don't really have much hope of us being anything more, especially not now" she sighed as her eyelashes got coated in a thick black mascara.
...

Eventually it was 10am and time for the graduation to start. On the stage I could see all my friends and classmates sat, most of them smiling into the audience full of family. I didn't even bother to look for any of my family. They weren't even what I'd call family.

"Riley, Ri!" I heard people calling from the crowd. I was confused, but eventually looked through the what seemed like billions of people. I hadn't realised how nerve wracking it was.

But those nerves all went away as I saw my old group of school friends sitting together with the biggest smiles on their faces. Smiling and waving back happily, I felt like crying. However I didn't though, and eventually the graduation began.

I glanced at James who was sat not too far away from me and grinned.

Soon people began to exit as they got their rewards. I clapped loudly as Finn got called to receive his- he was so hard working and totally deserved this and much more.

Next it was James. I clapped even louder than I had for anyone else, and I caught sight of his pinkish cheeks as he smiled widely. I could hear my group of friends, who were also his friends, cheering happily.

He exited the stage, stopping to glance back at me once more before appearing out of sight. After a few other people Jess got called up, and I could see her waving to her parents in the crowd. It was actually pretty cute.

And eventually it was my turn to attempt to walk down the runway in my sleek black heels and gown without tripping over. I'd had nightmares about falling off or falling over, but thankfully I didn't.

My friends were all waiting for me, and we did a group hug. Jess and I were both in tears at this point, knowing that we were leaving university life behind us.