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The Graduation

Weeks after getting out of the hospital were a struggle.

I still couldn't walk properly and the PTSD we were all facing were a daily routine for us. Always looking behind our backs, flinching whenever the phone vibrates. 

But we were learning.

I fixed my graduation cap and flipped the tassle, sighing in the mirror. 

"Are you ready to go?" My Aunt Josslyn asked.

I nodded and smiled, "Yeah, just one second." 

I grabbed my crutches and applied a thin layer of lipgloss before heading out the door.

"I'll pick you up at seven okay? Have fun." She smiled, kissing my cheek.

My Aunt Josslyn is my Mom's sister. We lost contact with her after she tried proving my Dad was a bad guy. My Mom denied it but my Aunt was right, we just never saw it.

She adopted me for the time being until I get back on my feet. Thankfully she only lives a few towns over.

Mason, Evelyn and James were all waiting outside, looking very professional in their caps and gowns. "You look amazing!" Evelyn squealed, her heels clacking against the concrete.

"Okay, pictures." Aunt Josslyn smiled, turning her phone to landscape mode.

I stood in between James and Evelyn, a big cheesy smile plastered across my face. For once I was actually happy. Not having to worry about anything.

Aunt Josslyn took lots of pictures before putting her phone down. "Okay, have fun you guys."

James opened the door for me and I thanked him, climbing inside.

"Oh my God we look so good. I'm so posting this." 

We sat quietly in the car and rode to the graduation ceremony.

Lots of stares and loud whispers started as soon as we entered the building. But I don't even care anymore. They can think whatever they want to think. 

I'm proud we're alive.

We took our allocated seats and waited for the ceremony to begin.

+ + + 

James's family clapped and pressured us into taking photos once the graduation ended.

The band was playing some cheesy song and the principal was making rounds to all the students.

"I have to get going, but it was nice seeing you." I said to James's family.

"Wait where are you going? I thought your Aunt was picking you up at seven?" James asked, seeming confused. 

I shrugged, "She is. I'm meeting you guys there, I have to do something first." 

I hobbled off, ready to call an uber.

"Where are you going?" James asked, following me. "Just somewhere." I laughed, "Nowhere important I promise." 

I was lying through my teeth but he didn't need to know that.

"I'll drive you." He offered but I shook my head, "Seriously. I'm okay. I'll be at your place in an hour, promise." I leaned up to kiss his cheek.

When I pulled away he was grinning. "What?" I asked.

Before I could talk again, James's hands were on my waist. I was taken by surprise when his lips found me. Okay, we were kissing.

I immediately kissed him back and suddenly I was flying.

"You smell like cherries." He whispered, sending butterflies to my stomach.

I giggled, pulling away.

I balanced on my one good leg and looked down, "I'll see you soon." 

My Uber pulled up and I got inside, not before taking one last look at the boy who saved my life.

After a quiet Uber ride, I thanked the driver and got out, hobbling all the way down the path before awkwardly sitting on the patch of grass.

I lay down and looked at the sky, "Hey Mom."

+ + + 

Ahhhh!!!!

This is the end!!! I can't believe this is the end!