Strawberry Milkshake

Chapter 20

Cheryls POV

Today is graduation. I'm nervous about it. It's the first time I'll be seeing Toni since our breakup. It would be fine if I just had to see her, but she's valedictorian so she has a speech. It'll be hard, but I don't need to talk to her one on one, so I'll be fine. I think.

I'm at my trailer with my dad waiting for Veronica. She's bringing us to the school so we don't need to take our motorcycles. I hear her car so walk outside with my dad. "Hey V." I hug her and get in her car. 

My dad thanks Veronicas mom and gets in the car as well. We silently drive to the school. I lay my head on Veronicas' shoulder. "we really did it..." I smile softly. The raven-haired girl looks down at me and nods. 

"Yeah, we did..." I smile at her as we continue to drive to the school. Once we get there we say bye to our parents and go to find Betty.

I see Betty and me and Veronica rush over. "Hey, Betts!" Veronica smiles widely and hugs her girlfriend. I smile at the pair and take my hat off, running a hand through my hair. I put my cap back on and look at them.

"Who would've thought we'd get here? Successfully?" I ask, smiling widely. None of us Southsiders thought we would graduate. We thought we'd all be in prison. Or dead. But we're here.

Betty sighs happily. "Not me..." Veronica agrees. We walk over to were we're supposed to sit and find Archie. We all hug him before sitting down. 

We talk a bit before the principal gets on the stage. "Today we stand here among the graduating class of 2020. We're celebrating the highs and lows these students had. The difficulties they faced to get here. I stand in front of an amazing group of young adults ready to take the next steps in their lives. Now, this years' Valedictorian, Toni Topaz." He claps and steps aside for Toni to walk onstage.

I see her and my breath gets caught in my throat. She's wearing a red gown and I remember the conversation we had when she chose it. She was given the choice to wear a different coloured gown as she's valedictorian, and I told her red was her colour. So she chose it. 

Toni looks out at everyone and sighs. "Fellow graduates, teachers and parents. I thank you all for these four years. The past four years have been the most important years of my life, and I am so grateful to be here. This year was the best though... I got into my dream college, made new friends, and met the love of my life. Stupidly though, I let that slip away." She makes eye contact with me and I feel a tear form in my eye. I break the eye contact and look at Veronica.

Toni continues her speech. "This year has been an important year for everyone in this room. We had the merge between the North and Soutsides, that should've happened years ago. Our football team won the championships. And there were no murders." She says the last part in a joking tone.

She looks around the crowd. "I recently found out that I got into Harvard, Brown and NYU. Three huge universities... I know the obvious choice would be Harvard because of how exclusive and good they are." She sighs and looks around. "But, I'm going to NYU. I decided to think with my heart for once in my life. And hopefully, it's the right decision." She catches my eye again.

I look at her suprised. She chose me... I look at the other three who look equally surprised.

"Thank you all for the last four years. They won't be something I'll forget." She exits the stage and walks back to her seat. I know I need to talk to her later.

The principal starts calling peoples names to get their diplomas. Once the ceremony is done I look around. I need to find Toni. I see her red gown and run over. I hug her tightly. "You are such an asshole Topaz..."

She hugs me back and chuckles. God I've missed her laugh. "I know I am..." I can tell she's smiling. Toni pulls back and looks at me. "Cheryl I am so sorry... I know I messed up majorly and you're not just going to forgive me and want me back but-" I cut her off.

"Just shut up and kiss me." I say before she kisses me passionately. I kiss back and hold her close. 

I didn't think today would be this great. I graduated high school with my best friends, I'm going to my dream university, and I got my girlfriend back. Things might be okay.

A/N 
So... this is technically the last chapter. But, I'm gonna post a short epilogue and it'll be out soon. Thank you all for your support, and I hope this chapter met your expectations.
P.S. I haven't graduated yet which is why I kinda skipped over most of it.