glitched | ✔️

t w e n t y f o u r

Amara POV

The last day of school was finally here.
This was it.
I would be leaving high school forever behind and stepping forward into who knows what.

I would go to live at LB headquarters... see Chelsie... and maybe- just maybe- persuade whoever was in charge of the whole organization to let me kick some butt.
All they would have to do would be to tell me who's butt needed kicking.

I slipped into my overly intricate graduation gown that had been given to me by the school.
And when I say gown I mean gown.

It looked like something out of a Disney Princess movie.

The thing cascaded all the way down to my feet, the bodice hugging my waist and showing more cleavage than I usually would.
Oh- and it was sleeveless.

I stumbled down the stairs, momentarily tripping on one of my white stiletto heels.

Larissa was waiting for me in the kitchen. When she saw me she smiled.
"You look lovely, Vickie."

"I look like a freaking angel." I grumbled. "They should just plop a halo on my head already."

Walter looked sharply up from the table, his attention momentarily drifting from his newspaper.
"Be grateful that you were even given this outfit. God knows what you would have chosen to wear if the decision had been yours."

I scowled, swallowing my anxiety suppressant before grabbing an apple and munching down on it.
I clipped Destiny's leash into her harness, ruffling the fur on her head before picking up the keys, praying silently that I wouldn't freak out on the drive there.

Usually Walter or Larissa would drive me, but they both had "things at work" so I was on my own.

I hadn't gone to the end-of-year prom, something I had been dreaming about since I was in elementary.
There was no one I wanted to go with...
well, they didn't want to with me.
Not that I had asked.
I know when I'm not wanted.

I sighed, checking my reflection in the mirror.
My hair was pulled into a voluminous bun on the top of my head with ringlets hanging down by my cheeks.
I had done my makeup intricately- might as well look nice.

Satisfied, I opened the door and entered the warm air.

I hopped in the car, Destiny taking the passenger seat, and with a sudden surge of bravery I started the thing.

At school they were handing out little crowns of daisies.
I inwardly cringed.
Almost as bad as halos.

I automatically searched the crowd for Peter and found him at once.
He was wearing a well-fitting tuxedo, yet his hair was as rumpled as always.
He looked cold as ice and stoic as stone.

You could have had him, Amara.

No you couldn't have.
You would have scared him away, your need for his company would have become overpowering.
You would grow to be so in love with him that when he was taken from you... or when he left you all you could do was break.
Break into a million pieces.

That's why I never let them get close.

I painted a smile on my face as I calmly (angelically, even) ascended the stairs with the other girls, taking my place beside the principal and looking out over the sea of emotionless faces.

•••

Chelsie POV

I placed a hand on my stomach, feeling nauseated once again.

This morning I had thrown up my dinner, yet still I managed to work up the strength to slip into my white graduation dress with black slash.

Yulia kissed me on the cheek as she was running out the door, having a patient in a critical situation.
Figures.

Theo's car was waiting in the driveway and I took a deep breath, pressing my lips together.

He looked dashing in his white suit, with his perfectly styled hair but I knew better.
I knew what he was.

The ride seemed to stretch forever, neither of us having anything to say.

As soon as we got to the school I spotted Olivia among the crowd, dressed in a little sundress.

I ran up to her and hugged her tightly, trying not to cry.
She hugged be back and whispered softly in my ear, "Don't sweat it, Gracie, you're a wonder,"

I smiled shakily. "Thanks Liv."
She just took my hand and squeezed it.

I stood by her as the principal welcomed everyone and began his opening speech.

I swayed on my feet, stomach flipping. "Liv... I think I'm going to be sick," I moaned quietly- clutching my stomach.
Theo looked at me with something akin to disgust, quickly removing his hand from my shoulder.
It didn't even hurt anymore.

Olivia's eyes were wide with worry. "Come on, let's get you to the bathroom," she said gently, pressing the small of my back as she guided me through the crowds.

As soon as I entered the stall I emptied the contents of my stomach into the toilet, Olivia holding back my hair.
I flushed the toilet, hands on my knees as I panted.

"Deep breaths, deep breaths," she comforted quietly.

I slowly breathed in, than exhaled.
"I-I think I'm good now."

I washed my mouth out in the sink, before taking a mint from Olivia.
"I've just been feeling off lately... I don't know."

"If this goes on you need to be taken to the doctor, okay? I'm not going to let my bestie get sick."

I smiled at her, silently hugging her.

"Now come on, you wouldn't want to miss your graduation." She said with a grin, squeezing my hand.

I slipped my 'everything is fine' mask back on, a hand still resting on my upset stomach.

•••

Sorry for such a late update!
Wednesday's are a busy day for me.

I hope that you liked the chapter :)

The story is going to escalate sorta quickly soon... hold on to your seats.
Jk.
But, not really.
;)