the end...

~ e i g h t e e n t h ~

~ opening ~

Graduation.

Everyone was so happy to finally be done with school. Colby caught up with all of his missing work, Sam had made it top of his class, Ace came back to their old school to finish his high school experience.

There was just one thing missing.

Solaris.

Ace's heart had broke when he found Solaris' body hanging from her ceiling. He was horror struck by the sight. He tried to convince himself that it wasnt real. They all did. Inevitably, they had to face reality when the funeral came around.

On another happier note, Sam and Colby started their own youtube channel. They were uploading twice a week, and have started growing rapidly. After graduation, they planned on moving out to Los Angeles to pursue their career. Now tonight, theyre going to receive their diplomas and start the next chapter in their life.

Kale was still locked away in a jail. There for life most likely.. Definitely. Charged with at least 3 crimes, maybe more.

But tonight, it's not about Kale. It's about one of the most memorable nights this crew will ever have.

Sam glanced at himself in the school's bathroom mirror. He did it. He was standing in his graduation gown and cap, a rush of excitement flashed through him. He was graduating with his boyfriend and best friends. He turned around and walked out of the bathroom and the school, where everyone else waited. Sam walked up to his friends.

"Well guys," he started with a chuckle. "This is it. A chapter we're finishing. As a team."

Colby flashed a smile. He remembered back to when he first came to this school. A suicidal, gay, emo freak. Now look at him. He was in a happy relationship, he was internet famous, he had everything he wanted. A supportive family, friends, and a boyfriend. And now a one way ticket into the real world. His eyes glowed for a moment before he spoke up.

"We deserve this." Colby murmured. "After the shit we've been through, we deserve to walk across that stage and receive our diplomas. A fresh new start after everything we've endured in the last... Six, seven months."

Ace nodded silently. He looked as if he was thinking. After a moment of silence, he spoke, "I'm glad I came back to this school. I'm glad to be graduating with my best friends. Even after tonight, nothing is gonna change."

After he finished, the seniors were called. It was time..

**

It was silent in the auditorium. The excitement lingered in the air, mixed with the anxiety of the parents. Everyone took their seats, Colby Brock nearest to the front, Ace Malford near the back, Sam Golbach near to Colby. They watched as the principal walked to the mic.

"Parents and guardians of the Class of 2015. This is a special moment in my heart to watch. To experience another class of seniors take the next step of their lives. Another step closer to the dream they want. Whether going to college or not, these students worked hard to get to where they are now, and tonight is about them. A hardworking class, if I do say so myself. Dedicated, and full of trouble. And.. Loss."

It grew dead silent at the sound of those words. Everyone knew he was talking about Solaris taking her own life. A popular girl she was, and her loss has left a mark on this school.

"Solaris Whitewood, a loved daughter, friend, and cousin of Cole Brock. She, too, was supposed to graduate tonight, and her loss is no less important to us as her graduation is. And we pray for peace among her family, especially to Mr. Cole here. As we continue on with tonight, lets not forget Solaris Whitewood. Our, supposed to be Valedictorian. But now..."

Time passed as the graduation continued. Soon, they were handing out Diplomas.

"Cole Robert Brock." Colby walked passed to receive his diploma. He shook the principal's hand, who bent to his ear and murmured;

"Keep up the good work. We were proud of your cousin."

Colby smiled slightly as he walked off stage. He sat back down and waited.

Another half hour went by until the diplomas were all handed out. The principal resumed his position at the front, tapping on the mic to say;

"You all, again, deserve tonight. You were all amazing and I am proud of each and everyone one of you. Please, rise."

The entire graduating class stood up. They all beamed.

"I am so proud of you. Congratulations to the Class of 2015."

Unisons of cheers went up as the class threw their graduation caps into the air.

Colby smiled widely.

It felt like not even a year ago I moved here. I couldn't have made a better decision..

... uh that's it.

thats the end of this series.

and let me tell you, this was a FUN series to write, and i couldn't have finished it without your guys' support. i love you all so much, you're my family.

oh, and look out for a new book coming soon;)

until then, this marks the end of this book series.

ill never forget this one. <3

- ave