Falling for the Bad Boy

Chapter 19- Goodbye

Months had passed and memories had been made. It was the day before graduation so me and the girls decided to go shopping. We all chose out dresses of all sort, got our hair done, gossiped when a question came up that I didn't expect. "So Paige, what is you and Zens plan since he is going to Oklahoma for football and you're going to UCLA for there softball?" AJ asked. "Yea, what are you going to do? You guys are going to be nearly 1,256 miles away from each other!" Kenna said sitting up in her chair. She let out a yelp when her hairstylist pulled her hair, motioning for her to sit back. "I honestly don't know. We haven't really talked about it. Maybe we will take a break, but I know we will find our way back to each other somehow." I said looking down. After a couple more hours we all went home. I climbed into my bed a lay staring up at the ceiling. The question AJ had asked me earlier was still processing through my mind. What if we did break up and I never saw him again? Would I ever not love him? Will he forget me? Millions of thoughts ran through my head before I finally fell asleep.

I woke up to the smell of waffles and greasy bacon. I climbed out of bed and went to the living room. I greeted Mrs. Bethune who was sitting at the counter drinking a cup of coffee. We talked a little while I ate my breakfast then I ran upstairs into Ash's room to get ready. After lots of hair spray and makeup, Ash was ready and looked gorgeous. We did my hair and makeup very quickly then ran downstairs for pictures. After many pictures that were taken by Mr. Bethune, we jumped into cars and drove to the high school. Ash, Blake, James, and Zen made their way to the student section while me, the girls, and everyone's parents sat down in the third row to the front. Finally, graduation started. Zen made his way up to present his speech, for he was valedictorian. I whipped out my phone and started recording.

 "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. If you don't know by now my name is Zen Bethune." Everyone chuckled a little. "We never thought this day would come. We waited for years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds. We all crossed every day on our calendar. But now that this day is here, I am sorry it is, because it means leaving our friends who inspire me, teachers who've been my mentors, as well as all my peers. All the tears and sweat put into school and sports has finally paid off. For now, we get to go out into the world and start our lives, well after college. But we couldn't do this alone. So many people have helped me get to where I am today. First, my parents. My parents have supported me from day one, helping me improve everything I do. My dad went out and played catch with me, my mom stayed up to midnight doing homework with me. Why did they do this you ask? Because the wanted to see me succeed, they wanted to see all of us succeed.." Zen trailed off. "Well, they also wanted to make sure I am not living on the streets." Everyone laughed. "Second, my friends. All of my friends have supported me. They helped me through hard times. They made me laugh when I thought I couldn't, they made me think when I was about to do something stupid. They made me feel special, especially my two best friends, Blake and James. I have known Blake and James since..I don't know forever. We have so many memories together and I can't imagine my life without those two knuckleheads. Yes, the pushed me to my limits and annoyed me, but they also pushed me to become a better person, and I can't thank you enough. Third, my teachers and coaches. My coaches and teachers have always believed in me, sometimes when I didn't believe in myself. They taught me 75% of the things I know, whether it is a skill, a problem, or a life lesson. Lastly, my beautiful girlfriend, Paige. Paige has always supported me through the ups and downs. She was by my side when I needed her. She made me laugh, made me smile, and made me believe in something I never thought I would believe in, love. Ever since I first saw Paige, I knew she was the one. She is a gorgeous human being who supports everyone around her and cares about them more than she cares about herself sometimes. She is my life, she is the reason why I am here, on this stage, accepting this diploma. Now do me a favor, thank everyone in your life for they have taught you something, something that helped you get here today. Thank you." He said, shook the principal's hand and walked off stage.

After graduation, I ran up and hugged Zen. He picked me up and spun me around, making my dress spin out. He set me down and was smiling. I snuck a quick kiss and then ran to hug Ash. After more pictures, Zen said he needed to talk to me about something. We walked outside just as the sun was setting. We sat down on a bench. He put his arm around me and I leaned my head into his shoulder. "I can't believe soon I will be saying goodbye," I said, tears welling in my eyes. He looked down at me and cupped my face with his strong hands. He wiped my tears, "Hey it's ok we will figure this out. I love you baby." he said kissing my head. "That is why I also brought you out here, " he said turning to me. I turned to him a little. I could see he was nervous which got me nervous. "Paige, since the first day I saw you, I knew I loved you and that I would want to spend the rest of my life with you. But the thing is, we are too young to get married and we have to figure out what we want to do with our lives," he said looking into my eyes. "A.are you breaking up with me," I asked, my voice cracking. "WHAT?! GOD NO!" he said looking at me, shaking his head violently. "I am doing the opposite. Anyway, I got you a gift." He reached into his pocket and got down on one knee. He opened the box and a promise ring stuck out. 

It was a silver ring with an infinity sign wrapped around. It had about 14 diamonds on it, which gleamed in the sun. On the inside, there was a word carved into it. I looked closer and it said Zen. "I can't give you my last name yet, but I can give you my first as well as my word that as soon as we graduate, you can have my last. I want you to remember I am yours, as long as you will stay with me. I know we can figure this out for the love we had, it is indestructible." I nodded through tears. Zen slipped the ring over my finger and I hear a scream. I look around Zen to see Ash jumping up and down and say "YOUR GETTING MARRIED?!" I laughed and shook my head then grabbed Zen by the face and we shared a passionate kiss.