Worth Everything.

A lot has happened.

—2 YEARS LATER—
NINI
"Holy shit, Em! We just fucking graduated!!" I yelled as I squeezed my best friend, "yes we absolutely did!" She replies, returning the hug with a huge grin, "I can't believe we're finally free of this place," she says about YAC, as we're wading through the crowd looking for our families, "I know, you're so right, but also, is it crazy to say I miss it already?" I reply a little tearfully, "Um yes, very crazy Nins. We did it my dudes!!" Our friend Kaia says as she bursts through all the people to catch up to us. " Shut up Kaia!" I say rolling my eyes at my friend, poking my tongue out at her, "You love me Nins," Kaia replies sarcastically as she puts her arms around Em and I. "Hey! Let's take a quick picture, the last time we stand here all together like this!" I exclaim, "oh Nins, always so sentimental," Em says teasingly as she applies a fresh coat of lipgloss, "Ok Em, you're already super hot, stop with the gloss," Kaia says, and quickly adds "Alright, in 3 say GRADUATES, 3, 2, 1, GRADUATES!" Kaia snaps a photo of us three friends, in our caps and gowns, exuding happiness. "Kai, I need that photo airdropped to me right now," Em and I say together, to which we immediately receive the photo and smile.
Ahhh! I can't believe I've finally graduated high school. After everything that happened, I still fucking did it. Good work, Me!
Even after the— I feel a light tap on my shoulder interrupting my thoughts, and turn around to see Mama C and Mama D smiling ear to ear. "Oh Nini, you looked so beautiful up there. Your speech was so touching. We are so proud of you our baby." Mama D says as she squeezes the life out of me. "Thanks Mama, I love you." I reply to her and wriggle myself out of her grasp, only to be pulled in by Mama C, "My daughter, the valedictorian, you were incredible!" My parents are radiating joy and it feels so lovely.
"Hi Dana, Hi Carol!" Em and Kaia say after Mama C let's me go "You ladies look beautiful" Kaia adds in, "Hey girls! Oh look at you all, absolutely stunning! We are so proud of you!" My parents say to my friends as they pull them in for  a tight hug. "Can't breathe," Kaia squeaks out and they all let go laughing. I love these people, I'm so lucky to have such strong women in my life.
Kaia and Em each spot their families eventually, and after all of the hugs and tears and, of course, the millions of photos of myself, my friends and the whole class, my parents and I drive back to our hotel room.
Not too far away from the hotel, in the midst of my parents consistent complimenting and appraisal for their daughter, my mind drifts off to the empty seat next to mine. I can't help but feel myself start to withdraw from the conversation and think all about the wasted invitation, and who it belongs to. I know I shouldn't even be thinking of him, let alone asking about him, it's meant to be a happy day, but I just can't help it..
Clearing my throat, "so, um, he obviously didn't come then?" It barely comes out, but my parents still hear and they look at each other before Mama C just says "no baby, he didn't come."
I look out the window and hate myself for bringing him up. Tears start coming down as I lean my head against the window, willing myself to stop feeling this way.

RICKY
"Baby, stop" I groan into Maggie's mouth. She continues to kiss my neck knowing I really don't want this stop and says, "Shh Rick, we both know you want this," "Believe me, I do, but Red is going to be here soon, and I don't want him walking in on us - again." I reply, amused. That was a funny day. "Ugh, fine!" She's whines, "but we are definitely finishing this off later" she kisses me deeply one more time, bites my lip, and walks away laughing.
I watch her walk off, and decide it's uh, probably best if I shower before Red gets here.

By the time I'm out of the shower, feeling refreshed and clean, Red's already in my room playing on the X-BOX. "Hey man," I say to Red as I walk into my wardrobe, "Hey" Red replies, not taking his eyes off the TV. I quickly get changed there, not bothering to leave my room because I know Red won't look up from the game. He's on a winning streak, I don't blame him. I open a draw to grab a pair of socks and see the small the small white envelope I was given just under a month ago, and start to feel my heart pick up it's pace..