oxygen (e.d.)

short chapter 1: college graduation

<ethan>

i send riley a fist pump from across the auditorium stands, and she waves back.

today is the day.

finally 22 and ready to take on possibilities, i'm starting a new chapter to my life.

riley (of course) is graduating early because she's insanely smart. wyatt is too, but only because he paid one of his professors to give him a better grade on the final exam. and of course, can't forget about his spunky girlfriend, sloane (also riley's best friend. she likes to say she hates me, but i would think we get along pretty well).

"today we will be honoring the graduating class of 2022," the dean at the podium smiles.

"wooo!" i yell and clap my hands, along with all the friends and family sitting in the auditorium.

finally out of here.

{riley}

i grin as i receive my diploma and a handshake from the dean.

i still have a few years in law school, but it's okay because i've got my bachelors degree in business and i'll be living with ethan, sloane, and wyatt in an apartment we'll all share.

it honestly sounds like a teenagers dream.

great boyfriend, a degree, law school, living space with all my best friends, etc.

after the ceremony, i meet with my family outside.

my mom is of course crying, and my dad is just smiling to the point of it reaching his eyebrows.

i feel arms wrap around my waist and squeal with excitement as i spin around and catch ethan in a hug. i'm so proud of us.

"we did it," he mumbles into my hair.

"pictures!" lisa yells and ethan rolls his eyes playfully.

sloane, wyatt, ethan, and i all stand with our arms around each other and diplomas in hand.

we're ready to take on the world.