How It Starts (Louis Tomlinson)

Chapter 18

On Saturday I sleep in until almost noon. I have a makeup appointment before I have to be at the graduation venue at four thirty. Graduation doesn't start until six but we have to be there early.

As promised Gem is home and she's in the kitchen making my favorite breakfast ever, waffles, nutella, and bananas.

I sit on a stool and watch her as she moves around the kitchen listening to Nick Jonas.

I bop my head and sing along.

"Here you are." She places a plate in front of me beautifully executed and presented.

"Thank You."

"So, makeup, what else before you graduate?"

"Mom, insisted on doing my hair, my dress is hanging in my closet, my shoes are in the linving room. Louis and the guys know where to meet you guys before the ceremony, as well as grandpa." I verbally tick off everything on my mental list. "That's all, I think."

"So, Louis, huh?" She raises her eyebrows. "And the boys?"

"Yes." I ask cautiously.

"I get to meet them tonight?'

"Yes." I answer feeling my cheeks flush.

She's going to embarrass me, I know it.

"Please don't embarass me with your overshare and need to embarrass me." I warn. "No, joke, I like him."

"I can tell." She smiles and turns to fix herself a plate.

*******

The ceremony is longer than necessary and the names are announced and speeches are made, tassels are turned to the other side and hats thrown into the air.

And just like that High School is over. At eighteen amd no longer a student I can kiss my man and not give a damn about what Amanda may think. Fuck her.

I find my parents by the crowd of people flocking around Gemma. I roll my eyes and walk into my mom's waiting arms followed by my dad's.

"I'm so proud of you!" He kisses the top of my head. "Graduating with honors, with an honors diploma."

"Thanks, dad." Gem manages to get away and she hugs me next. I spot grandpa on a nearby bench animately talking to the boys with full on hand gestures.

"Pop?"

"Oh," he looks up surprised and proud. "There she is, the genius." I laugh at his compliment.

He uneasily stands with the help of his cane and I hug him too.

"Congratulations, Anna." Louis pulls me into a hug and kisses my cheek.

"Same from us." Zayn waves to the rest of them. Harry's looking off into the distance deep in thought. After pictures I head back with the boys and Gem to set up for the party.

"Let's bring everyone through the house and out the back." Gemma offers. "We can clear the furniture in the den and they can dance there."

"Sounds great." I agree. "And by we she meant you guys." I pat Louis shoulder and stretch to kiss his cheek.

Pizza arrives and we set up chips and soda outside. Gemma refuses to serve alcohol. They'll just have to spike their own drinks.

Asia arrives early with an uneasy look on her face.
"Are you okay?" I ask her concerned.

"Yeah, just anxious."

"If you need to go home, just let me know, okay."

"Yeah."

She told me about this, she feels this way when something big is about to happen but she doesn't know what.

Minutes later the doorbell rings and just like that it's party time.

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~Cassie ♡