This is War

Epilogue

Epilogue

5 Months Later

Today was the day-- the big day. The ending of one life and the beginning of another. I adjusted my gown, staring at myself in the mirror, a happy smile on my face. I couldn't believe that I was finally here, here with all of my friends. 

Graduation Day. 

 Kate walked into the room and smiled, "Hey, bitch." 

"Hey, slut," I greeted back. 

Believe it or not, Kate and I had grown even closer than before. But I guess that's what happens when you live with the damn girl. I had only been in Minnesota for a week before I was finally able to come back and live with Kate. 

She sighed, lying down on the bed, "Can you believe we're actually graduating? I mean, who would've thought I'd pass Bio?" 

I laughed and shook my head, "Not me." 

Fixing the cap atop my head, I smiled at my reflection, "Done!"

Kate rolled her eyes, "I don't get why you bothered making yourself look nice. I mean we all know that you and Noah are gonna have some super kinky sex later and you're gonna regret taking the time to do all this." 

"Shut up," I shouted, throwing a comb at her, my face heating up to a bright tomato red. 

She burst out laughing, "I didn't hear any denial about you and Noah doing the dirty!" 

"Why am I even friends with you?" I question, sighing and shaking my head. 

Kate giggled, "I can't believe you didn't tell me!" 

"It's not a big deal!" I exclaimed but she just gave me a look that told me to shut up. 

"It is a very big deal, thank you very much! And before it happens again, you're going to tell me all about it!" 

I shot her a grossed out look, "Um, no thanks."

She huffed, "Fine, whatever, leave your best friend in the dark." 

"Good thing it's sunny out!" I exclaimed and she groaned, flopping back on the bed. 

Lifting her up off the bed, I grinned, "Let's go graduate." 

~

We, the class of 2014, were sat in these uncomfortable metal folding chairs on the grass of the football field. There was a stage set up, and the parents and families were all sat in the bleachers, staring down proudly at their children. Well, I guess we were adults now. 

Turning in my chair, I glanced back to the H's where I found Noah sitting. He threw a wink at me and ever so maturely, I stuck my tongue out at him. He smiled and I returned it, before turning back around and facing the stage. 

Principal Jenkins was giving the same boring speech as every year, until he said something different that caught my attention, "Every year, when the freshmen come in, I usually have a few problem students right off the bat. I had two specific problems in this class, but somehow, after four years, they managed to overcome their differences and become friends. Now, this may not apply to you, but I want you all to keep this in mind; if there's ever a point where you think you can't overcome an obstacle, then rethink your situation. As Winston Churchill once said, 'If you're going through Hell, keep going.'" 

Glancing back at Noah again, he was smirking and threw another wink at me, probably proud that he was his biggest "problem student". 

I rolled my eyes at him and shook my head. He could be so immature sometimes. 

And then, the name calling began and of course, they started with the A's. 

Quickly, it was my turn to be called and as I made my way up, I heard my friends whooping and hollering, but the best of moments was when Noah stood up on his chair and screamed, "I love you Natalie Brooks!" 

I definitely looked like a tomato up there. 

So when my friends and Noah went up, I returned the favor. I mean hey, you only graduate high school once. 

And when it was all over, we met in a big circle, Jarrett's arm over Kate's shoulder, Dylan, Margo, Olivia and Logan standing across from me and Noah's arm snaked around my waist, my head on his shoulders. I smiled at all of them, "I'm really proud of all of us. I mean, who would've thought we'd actually all graduate together? And on the first try!" 

They all laughed. 

"Natalie!" I heard a voice call out and turned to see Nate, my parents trailing behind him. I ran over, embracing my brother tightly. 

"I haven't seen you since Easter!" I exclaim. 

He smiled, "Well, Minnesota and Pennsylvania aren't exactly close to each other, Nat."

I shrugged. 

"Sweetie we're so proud of you!" Mom cooed, wrapping me up in a hug. Dad hugged me too, congratulating me, but he's always been stiff around me ever since I decided not to live in Minnesota with them. 

"Shall we get going to dinner? Our reservation is in twenty minutes," Dad said and mom nodded. 

She turned to me, "Meet us there?" 

"Absolutely!" 

Running back over to Noah and them, I grinned, "Who's ready for dinner?" 

Noah moaned, "F*ck yes!" 

He then scooped me up in his arms bridal style and carried me out to his car, buckling me and everything. All the while I laughed my head off. 

"We're free bitches, baby!" He screamed as we drove down the road and I smiled, looking at him. In this very moment, I don't think I've ever been as happy as I am right now. 

~

a/n: That's it. the end. I'm basically crying right now so I hope you are too but probably not because it's a sappy, happy ending. :') So I love you all so much and I'd just like to thank you for all the support you've given me throughout everything. Also, today marks one year and a day that this story has been in progress. So, it's taken me over a year, but I really hope it was worth it. 

WITH LOTS OF LOVE 
Lex <3