What Would I Give Up?- Snowbarry High School AU

Chapter 20

Two days after her own graduation, Caitlin found herself sitting at her boyfriend's graduation after driving her own new car there. Now she sat in the audience beside his parents and sister, beaming with pride when he went to get his diploma and began his Valedictorian speech. She almost looked just as proud as his parents as he spoke. It was clear to her now that he was quite popular with the teachers and a good portion of the students. Not that that surprised her, he was the kind of person that people gravitated towards- she knew that better than anyone.

A part of her wished she could be there with him with all the other students from his school but, of course, that wasn't to be. Her own day was still happy- Barry was there and she got the car that she'd been waiting for. Though she'd be leaving it behind at the end of the summer so she won't get much use of it before she leaves for college. But in all honesty, that was the last thing on her mind- worrying about her and Barry's future together was her principle worry right now.

It was hardly rational anxiety but it was anxiety nonetheless. She wanted to enjoy their summer together but it was difficult knowing what was just around the corner. How can you have fun with no regrets with the one you love when you know you'll have to say goodbye in just a couple of months? It might seem like a long way off but the days will fly by and before they would know it... it would all be over and he'd be leaving her behind for DC. She tried not to think about it too often but it was hard not to. How could she not when it all seemed so soon?

The thoughts were pushed aside once the applause signified the end of his speech and she returned to watching the stage and the principal shaking his hand before he walked off. Then the principal closed the ceremony by congratulating all the students followed by a final set of applause. The audience began to get out of their seats and walk to the open area where they were joined by the students.

When he approached Caitlin and his family, he immediately kissed her then received hugs and kisses from his mother and sister. He lifted little Grace into his arms and kissed her cheek before she snuggled into him, wrapping her short arms around her beloved older brother's neck.

"We're so proud of you, sweetheart," his mother said full of pride with her hand over her heart. She looked as if she was holding back tears but no one said anything. "Now how about a few photos" she beamed. 

First, she fussed over taking a few photos of just him by himself then insisted on taking some with Caitlin too to mark the occasion. The young couple stood in the shade of a tree and smiled widely, his arm curled around her waist. It took many minutes until the older woman was satisfied and the group could speak to one another once again.

"As a celebration, we were thinking that we could have pizza at that new place in town. Would you like that, honey?" his mother asked and he nodded in response. "Well, I suppose we can dop home so you can change then we will head down there. You are welcome to join us, Caitlin, you know we love having you"

"I'd love to, I'll drive down there and meet you in a few then" she nodded happily. 

His family nodded and began to wander back to the car only giving the younger couple a small window of opportunity to be alone. 

"You're still coming to the party tonight, right?" Barry asked, taking her hand in his and leaning in close to her.

"Of course, I am. I wouldn't miss it for the world. And you... you booked the motel... for tonight?" she replied softly, placing her hand on his cheek.

"I have, everything's ready, you don't have to worry about anything. It'll be fun and I've made sure that the motel room is nice... and clean" he nodded, leaning forward to kiss her forehead.

"Good... I guess I'll see you in a little while then" she smiled, rising up onto her tiptoes to kiss him for a short moment. "I love you"

"I love you too" he replied, kissing her one last time before rushing off to catch up with his parents and little sister.