Marching Band: The Journey [EDITING]

32 - To The Future

Once the actual ceremony was over, seniors and their families flooded the front courtyard of the coliseum. Since all of our parents were sitting together inside, they were gathered by the best picture spot outside, according to Tony's mom. When we all exited together, Carson's siblings ran at him full force. He would've fallen on his butt if Em wasn't behind him supporting his back with her legs. Magnolia and Jack are just the cutest little things, even though Magnolia would step on anyone's foot if they verbally called her cute.

Moms started pushing husbands and kids to get pictures. We eventually get some pictures where it's all of us, then in separate random groups. Em, Phillip and I; Tony, Reese and Ethan; just Reese and Ethan; Tony and Carson; Em and Carson; Tony and I; Phillip and I; Em and I. Even Carson got a picture with Magnolia and Jack. Everyone gets a photo with their parents, and then their whole families. Who knew Reese had that many siblings?

Thankfully, pictures end quickly. All our parents kiss our foreheads, say they're proud, and they huddle to let us talk alone. Reese and Ethan instantly start gushing about the senior graduation party. I'm just glad Tony isn't hosting, so that I can go home with him or vice versa. When he tenses up beside me, I furrow my brows in confusion. I follow his line of sight to Reese, who's looking towards the group of parents. And more importantly, towards Tracey who's not-so subtly looking at him with the same lust-filled eyes.

Uh-oh.

I squeeze Tony's hand, causing his attention to focus on me. When he sees my tight-lipped smile, he sighs. In the same fluid movement, he expertly throws his arm over my shoulder without disconnecting our hands and kisses my temple in reassurance.

He won't kill Reese. For now.

-

A senior graduation party is probably the most rowdy of the whole year. Everyone's excited to leave, making sure to celebrate one last time together. However, the thump and volume of the music doesn't dim, and the smell of drugs and alcohol is stronger than ever. The mass of bodies cheers as a new song comes on, jumping higher and harder as energy electrifies the air.

Em and I spent an hour getting ready. She threw on some black leggings and cute cold-shoulder black sweater, completing it with some simple black ankle boots. It's very casual, kind of innocent but still teasing. Her hair was left down and make-up to a minimal with just mascara and lip balm. I, on the other hand, went all out. White-washed ripped jeans, loose cropped white tee that was semi see-through, a black strappy bralet underneath, and come nude stilettos. It was pretty casual, still sexy and the heels made it intimidating. My hair was curled and left down, although I had a hair-tie on my wrist. Make-up wasn't too crazy with mascara, eyeliner, and a pinkish tinted nude lipstick.

Pretty much everyone who was attending the party Ubered here, besides a few close friends of the host that would no doubt spend the night. This was the one night you didn't worry about driving home drunk, or leaving your car here. It was a time to let loose, relax, and have fun. I ordered the Uber to pick Phillip up first before swinging by my house for Em and I. Reese and Ethan were here when we arrived, playing beer pong and doing keg-stands. Tony and Carson swooped out of nowhere to collect me and Em.

Each looked devilishly handsome in their own ways. Carson's hair was pushed off his forehead, making his hazel eyes shine with mischief. He was sporting some dark gray jeans and short-sleeve black button-down, and I managed to spot some all black Vans on his feet. I smiled when he shot Em a charming smile as she pulled him to the kitchen for drinks. My attention turned to Tony as his arms encircled my waist. Since I can't see past his waist, I focus on his attire. Black jeans, long-sleeve dark gray button down with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. I admire his triceps and the veins popping out before focusing back on his face.