Into The Light

Graduation

"I can't believe my baby is graduating," Mom says

She and Addy were helping me get ready for graduation, Addy curled my hair, while mom did my make up

"You look beautiful Lila," Addy says, stepping back to admire their work

"Thank you, the boys will be here soon, I have to get ready to head out, we have to be there an hour early,"

"It's because they go over stuff and make sure you're in the right order a billion times before you actually walk out there,"

"I'm so proud of you Lila, graduating with honors, at the top of your class," Mom says, with tears in her eyes

"Come on mom, don't make me cry, I don't want to ruin my make up"

"Sorry, I just can't believe you grew up so fast,"

"They're here Lila," Dad yells up the stairs

I checked my appearance in the mirror one last time before I ran downstairs and give my dad a hug before going outside. Luke had parked in Sarah's driveway, so I walked across the grass over to where they were waiting for us.

Zack gets out of the car and hugs me

"You look beautiful," he says, giving me a gentle kiss

"Thank you, Addy and my mom helped a lot,".

"You're naturally gorgeous, but they did a good job,"

"Are you guys ready?" Luke asks

We nod, "let's go,"

Zack and I got into the backseat of the car. I snuggled into his shoulder. I didn't know why, but I was feeling anxious. He seemed to notice that something was wrong and wrapped his arm around my waist

"Are you okay?" he whispers

"I'm just a little anxious, that's all,"

"Don't be, everything is going to be okay,"

Once we pulled into the parking lot of the school, the butterflies in my stomach felt like they were going to explode

I held Zack's hand tightly as we walked into the gym and walked to where I was supposed to be standing.

"I love you, I have to go to my spot up front, but I'll see you after the ceremony okay?"

I nod, "I love you too,"

The hour went by quickly, and before I knew it we were walking out of the gym and to the football field where the graduation ceremony was being held. I had made the decision that I didn't want to sing with the choir at our graduation, even though choir had been a huge part of my life, I knew the anxiety would be too much for me, and I would end up crying through the song. I sat in my seat and looked over to see my family. Mom, Dad, Addy, Blake, Cara, Josh and Lilly were all sitting together front row.

"Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to the Stonybrook High School Graduation ceremony for the class of 2020,"

I tuned out most of the talking. Honestly, I was still really anxious and didn't want to think about having to walk across the stage in front of probably a thousand people. It felt like an eternity before they started calling names and watching people walk across the stage.

"Zackary James Anderson,"

I smiled as I watched him walk across the stage, I was extremely proud of him, especially since the first year and a half were rough for him in school, but now he's a high school graduate, and halfway through college.

"Sarah Grace Campbell,"

I thought back to the first day that I met Sarah, how we basically instant friends. Every fight was worth it. Even if she was still acting a little on the crazy side.

Before I knew it, it was my turn. Our row stood up and walked in a single file line toward the stage. Since I lead my row, I knew that my turn was coming soon.

"Delilah Elizabeth Jones-Martin, graduating with honors,"

My face turned red as people cheered for me. I walked across the stage and got my diploma before they took my picture and I walked back to my seat. I walked right by my family on the way back and could hear Josh and Lilly saying my name repeatedly.

"Luke Michael Williams," Luke was the last one to be called, and pretty much everyone cheered for him. Luke is a friend to anyone, anytime he'd see someone sitting alone at lunch, he'd sit with them, He'd be there for anyone who needed it.

The ceremony ended, and we got up and walked out of the football field, and back toward the parking lot, as soon as I walked through the gate, Zack stood there waiting for me

"We did it!" He says

"I know! I'm so proud of you,"

"I'm proud of you too Miss honors diploma,"

"You worked hard too, Zack, You went from barely being able to play basketball freshman year to a 4.0 this year,"

"I just had a good tutor, that's all,"

"Congratulations you two, we are so proud of you," Mom says, coming over and hugging both of us

"Don't forget the party that's happening at the church in a few hours," Dad reminds us

"We're probably going to go get some lunch before the party, We're just waiting on Luke and Sarah," I say

"There they are," Zack says

"We'll see you two at the party tonight," Mom says

Luke and Sarah walk over to us with their families and we talk with them for a little bit before heading out.

"I can't believe we did it," Sarah says, still in shock

"Me either," Zack says

"It honestly won't feel real until we aren't going to high school next year," I say

"We still have college though," Luke says

"Well you two do, I'm taking the fall semester off because of wedding planning,"

"I'm taking it off because I need a break," Sarah says

"We'll go pull the car around, you two can wait here," Luke says

"Thank God, my feet are killing me in these shoes,"

The boys walked away, and I look over at Sarah, "We need to talk,"

"Oh no what did I do?" she asks

"I don't want you to get mad when I ask you this but are you pregnant?"

She laughs, "No way, why,"

"Think about it, all the symptoms you've been having,"

"There's no way, we were extra careful,"

"Alright, I just wanted to ask,"

Luke pulls the car around, and Sarah and I get in. I snuggle up with Zack in the backseat and close my eyes as Luke drives us to lunch.

Something in my gut told me I was right about Sarah, but getting her to believe me was going to be a different story.