Walk Away h.s punk/au

Chapter Twenty-four

By the time graduation rolled around, Nick and Aaron had slowly moved into the picture more and more, while Aaron was lovely to have around, Nick brought tension and the occasional, “go fuck yourself” from Harry. Harry’s territory had been crossed by another alpha male and he was pissed. I saw Harry’s perspective on this, and stood by him like any good significant other would do.

I wrung my hands nervously as Harry and I stood in line for our diplomas. He towered above me, allowing me the pleasure of staring at his back, imagining the clenching muscles underneath the loose robe. Despite the beautiful view, though, I felt my thoughts race, I was leaving everything I ever knew. I would have this summer and that was it, I’d be in London, away from home and Harry. I wouldn’t have any friends; I’d be left to my own device. That in itself was scary. I would have my home to go to every night, even though some nights I didn’t want to do there, I wouldn’t have anything.

My hands trembled with sweat as I shook Mr. James hand, clutching to its four years of familiarity with everything in me.  He leaned in quickly, lips skimming my ear, “You’re going to be fine, you have Harry.” I mouthed a quick thanks, before walking across the auditoriums stage, turning my tassel and rejoining Harry. His large hand enveloped mine, comforting me with its warmth.

Searching the mass of steel chairs that would be collapsed in an hour and stored away for the summer, I found my family. My parents alongside my cousins, and selected aunts and uncles, were wiping at their eyes, faces a blotchy red. I needed to keep myself together. I was not going to cry. I was not going to cry. Scanning just past the top of their heads, I caught a glimpse of a sign, We love you Katherine (and Harry’s alright too). Harry nudged me, nodding to the sign’s holder. Louis was standing in the chair, sign held proudly above his head. Taking up a row of their own, were Harry’s family, little Leo resting on Liam’s broad shoulders.

As the blur of tossing the caps in the air occurred, I became aware of two familiar faced standing along the back wall, trying not to be seen. They, like everyone else, were dressed for the occasion bearing suits with ties. As parents rose and clapped and cried these two just stood against the wall looking to cool to be at school-which one half of the duo was. Nick nudging Aaron about something, making him blush.

The small swarm of students busted off stage, causing brief hysteria. Harry held my hand as Tiffany made her way to me in tears. It seemed as if the harsh realization of the end of our lives as kids and beginning of adulthood paralyzed the concept of cliques for one brief moment. For one brief moment, Dylan and Harry could look at each other eye to eye, for one brief moment Tiffany and Max valued me, for one brief moment, life was good.

But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. The crowd thinned out, each going to their own graduation party, meaning for me, Harry meeting the family. Deciding to get the most painful out of the way, I lead Harry to the collective group of misfits that was my family.  

Their chatter stopped as I approached, all eyes turning to me. I found myself letting out a breathy laugh, with a watery smile. “Hey guys, um, this is Harry, my boyfriend. Harry this is my family.” I made a semi-grand sweeping gesture with my arm.

Harry coughed awkwardly, outstretching a hand to each member. I could feel their judgmental gazes scanning his body, focusing in on the ink exposed on his neck that wasn’t covered by his sport coat.  Forced smiled crossed their faces, as plans were exchanged on where to eat.