June 5th
POV Lydia
"Welcome class of 2019, friends and family to West Morris Central High School graduation. I'm principal Chester and today we're saying goodbye to..." yada yada yada. I have no idea what principal Chester is saying, I'm way to excited to finally graduate. Funny thing, I'm seated besides Esther. Esther from the most awkward night of my life, apparently her last name is Huntzberger, meaning she's seated beside me. She's actually cool, I think she'll be good to Ethan at least and that's all that matters to me.
"...class of 2019 is full off ambitious students, and some not so ambitious of course" this is why I love our principal. "But that's life and I know every single one of you will do great in life" yada yada yada, wonder if anyone actually listens to this?
"Now, give a hand for Lydia Hughes, class of 2019 valedictorian!" I don't know how much time has passed, maybe 30 minutes of band marches and cheerleaders, but it has made me completely forget my task today. The valedictorian speech. Everyone applauds as I walk up to the stage and when I look out over the crowd I get immediate stage freight. There's so many people here, I feel sick to my stomach. Then I decide to just fucking go for it.
"Fellow students, teachers, friends and family. Some of you may know me as the child of teenage pregnancy, girlfriend of running back Dolan, realtor Anderson's stepdaughter, a random face you've seen in the hallway or the valedictorian. Well, I'm Lydia Hughes and I'm proud to stand here in front of you all today. 1375 days ago we walked into this school, and I for sure know that we're not the same people walking out. We've been talking about this day, graduation day, and it's finally here guys"
"Freshman year was a blur. A lot of running around in the hallways and desperately trying to not run into any of the big, scary seniors. It was this year we learnt that mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell and it has stuck with us ever since. Sophomore year was fun, we all felt like high school finally started for real. But most importantly, we weren't freshmen anymore. The school started to feel like our hood and we felt like nothing could bring us down. Boy we were wrong, because then we became juniors. Junior year taught us work ethic for real, but we all survived. Doesn't that say something about us?"
"And now we are those big scary seniors. I just wanna thank everyone that made this year perfect and all I've ever wanted it to be. Even you mr. Danes, I know we don't always get along but I do appreciate everything you've done for us" I say and look over at him and he laughs with me.
"And now it's time for the next chapter in our lives, whatever that may be. We should all be proud of ourselves for getting through everything life has thrown our way so far. Whatever you do, do not compare your journey to anyone else's. You have no idea what their journey is about, maybe your journey is about going to college while another's is becoming Steve Jobs. No matter what your goal is, go get it. I'm so proud of you for how far you've come"
"I guess all that's left to say now is thanks for listening, let's fucking graduate" I smile and the crowd applauds me as I walk down from the stage. I look over at mom and she looks... proud. For once, I've finally made her proud. How sad.
"You did really good" Esther reassures me as I'm sitting down in my seat again, and she smiles at me.
"Thanks a lot" I smile back at her and a few rows in front of us I see Grayson turning around, trying to catch my attention. He mouths something to me but I suck at reading lips and he knows that. I mouth back that I don't understand him and he tries again, and articulates more this time. Doesn't matter, still can't see a word. He sighs and turns around and I shrug. Couldn't be that important then I guess.
Soon enough I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket and I discreetly open it up while the principal starts handing out diplomas. It's from Grayson. That speech was definitely the best I've ever heard. I love you even more than before and I didn't think that was possible.
I love him with all my heart. He's the best boyfriend one could ever ask for, and I freaking got him. Out of all the girls out there, he chose me. He chose this mess over all the other messes.
"Eric John Hanson" the principal says and that's my queue. Our whole row stands up and walks to the stage. Kid after kid gets their diploma but I'm one of the last kids in line, only Esther and another girl is behind me. This is it, the moment when I'm finally walking out of this hell of a place.
"Lydia Katherine Hughes" I wave lightly to the audience as I walk up, and I see my gang cheering like crazy. I shake the principal's hand and I get my diploma, and I have to work hard to not let the tears down right now. When I leave the stage I instantly run to Grayson.
He opens up his arms for me and I jump into them, with my legs around his torso.
"You did it gray. You fucking graduated" I say to him, he laughs and wipes a tear off of my cheek.
"We did it Lyd, I couldn't have done it without you" he says and we kiss. Right there on the field, in the mass of people.
* * *
We're all gathered at Sierra's place right now. Lots of people, red cups and joy.
"Hey. Let's go outside for a moment" Grayson suddenly says and takes my hand, leading me out to the patio. He snakes his arm around my waist and I lean into him, looking up at the stars. It's a beautiful night, the sky is full of stars.
"It's so beautiful tonight"
"So are you my love" he replies and kisses my head.
"This is right where I wanna be. Forever" I say dreamily and he pulls me even closer, didn't think that was possible.
"Crazy to think that this started with a no strings attached relationship, huh?"
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YOU ARE READING
No Strings Attached || Grayson Dolan
FanfictionLydia had her life all figured out- she was going to get accepted to her dream college, move out of town and live life. She was bound to make great things and become something, become someone. But then he came around and flipped her world upside dow...
