It's Ashton Not Ashley

28.

Luke's graduation. Thinking about it made me feel super sad. It hasn't occurred to me until I got out of the car with my dad that day.
I ran my fingers through my hair with a soft sigh. "Dad, he's graduating today," my voice trailed off to a quiet, faint whisper.

"Now you can say that you're dating a college boy," my dad chuckled, but the tone in his voice told me he was joking.

"Dad," I said, "I love him."

My dad looked at me.
"I haven't told him yet. I plan on-"

Luke came up to my dad and I with his mom.
"Hi!" He kissed my cheek.

"Lukey!" I squealed and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Hi love. I need to tell you something later," he said with a smile, untangling my arms from him.
I looked at him, my smile fading.

"Are you breaking up with me?" I asked him.

"What? No, of course not, baby. I love you." He kissed me softly, but I pulled away and glanced over at my dad.
"Not in front of my dad," I said. I didn't want my dad to make a big deal over his son kissing another boy in public. It would've been very embarrassing.

"Sorry." I ruffled his hair and he pouted.

"I have to go," he said.

"Break a leg," I replied and he giggled, walking off to the group of seniors.

----
I walked into the auditorium with my dad and looked to the left to where a large crowd of people were sitting. To my right was all of the principals, guidance counselors, and all of the other school facility. They looked like they didn't want to be here. Most of them had their arms crossed with grumpy faces, especially my biochemistry teacher, Mr. Gastro, which surprised me because he's normally all happy and cheerful.

I found a spot next to both Luke and Calum's mothers and sat down next to them, my dad sitting down next to me.

Seven Nation Army was now being played by the school marching band who sat in the back of the auditorium.

My eyes followed every senior who walked through the doors. Luke walked in with his cap and gown on and waved at me.

I smiled. He looked so cute all dressed up and I couldn't help, but blush. Luke honestly brought the best out in me and I couldn't be anymore thankful for him.

Each senior took a seat in one of the first four rows and the music quieted down as the principal took the stage, thanking everyone who made it today.

"I'm so proud of this year's graduating class. They have a bright future ahead of them and great things coming their way," he went on.

Luke's eyes met with mine and he rolled his eyes, yawning at the speech the principal was giving. I giggled a little.

"What's so funny?" Liz had asked me and I just smiled at her.

"Your son... he's just so cute and funny. I love him a lot and it just warms my heart knowing how well the boy you raised came out to be."

Liz smiled, wiping her tears away and she gave me a small, warming hug.  "He loves you too, I know for a fact he does. He talks about you all day. He even told me that you were the one for him and that he wants to marry you. I have never seen my son this happy and it's all because of you. Thank you so much, Ashton."

I nodded as the names of each senior, one by one, was called.
I zoned out until they announced Luke's name. I got out of my seat, almost knocking it over.
I watched as he received his diploma and a handshake from the principal. I wasn't exactly sure where he planned on going to school, but seeing him receive his diploma and knowing I might not see him for a little while made me tear up. I cheered for him with tears in my eyes.