The Other Side Of Fear[1]

Chapter 44

For EllieCage 😘 Your comments make me smile and laugh and I adore how much you love Cal💕
Some of you may dislike the way I've done the final chapters and I'm sorry, but I'll explain my reasoning at the end and hopefully you still enjoy it🙈

Three months later...

I pulled my hat onto my head and smiled at myself in the mirror as I straightened my gown and turned to my best friend.

'Ready?' Tiffany asked with a grin.

'As ready as I'll ever be,' I breathed.

We gripped hands and made our way out of the toilets and down the hall to the auditorium. We hurried inside and took our places in line. I glanced around to see my parents smiling from their places in the audience and Mom gave me a little wave as my Dad gave me a reassuring thumbs up. Riley was there too and I grinned as he pulled a face to me before turning to listen to the principal speaking onstage.

The speech went on and eventually, the seniors took their walks on and off stage. I watched and clapped loudly as Tiffany, Millie and Kady all received their diplomas and eventually it was my turn. As my name was called, I stepped up onstage and blushed at the sounds of my parents cheering loudly above the clapping and turned towards them as promised for my Mom to capture a picture. I smiled and my eyes flickered up as I spotted a figure waiting in the back by the side exit. Cal beamed through the room at me and for a moment, the sounds of the audience seemed to fade out as I smiled back at him and he nodded at me with pride.

I turned back around, taking my scroll with thanks and continued down the steps to take my seat. I watched on as the rest of the students received their awards and eventually, April appeared onstage to receive hers too. I clapped harder and louder as she stood there, blushing with a smile and I chuckled as I heard Seamus and Orla yelling out loud and whistling from somewhere in the audience. April frowned in embarrassment as they cheered and quickly paced off the stage, giving me an unamused scowl and making me laugh out loud.

The walks came to a finish and the rest of the speeches went on and eventually the ceremony came to an end and we filed out of the auditorium onto campus where I found my three friends. We all gathered together in a tight group hug, squealing and congratulating each other.

'Bethan!' Mom's voice called out and I turned to see her beaming smile.

I ran over and hugged her tightly before hugging my Dad and my brother too.

'Proud of you kid,' my father said as he squeezed me tightly.

'Thanks Dad,' I smiled up at him.

'I know you girls will be celebrating tonight at that party but let me remind you that you're still underage and are not to drink at all,' Mom said to the four of us in her teacher voice before giving us a cheesy wink.

'Heard, Mrs Jones,' Kady grinned. 'Soda only for us.'

'Good girl,' Mom chuckled.

'Congratulations girls,' a voice appeared behind me and I turned and smiled.

'Thanks, Mr Green,' I replied to our English teacher.

'Bethan,' he turned to me. 'I hear you received acceptance letters from all of your chosen colleges. Very well done.'

'Thanks,' I smiled. 'I couldn't believe it.'