broken home - j.f✔️

seventyseven.

It was the day of their graduation. Everyone was sat below the stage in their blue caps and gowns. Elizabeth was sat between Zach and Justin, the two people she'd started Liberty with and was ending it with them too. Elizabeth was holding Justin's hand in her left, and Zach's in her right. They paid attention to Bolan droning on about his pride and how the seniors will amount to great things leaving school. Finally, students were being called up to retrieve their certificates. Ani was the first to collect hers, everyone cheering as she pulled the tassel from one end of her cap to the other. More and more of her friends had taken their turn, and her name was called.

She walked across the stage, collecting the certificate, shaking Bolan's hand, and switching the side of her tassel, before waving to her family and friends as they cheered for her. As she watched Justin collect his certificate, she cheered with pride. She thought back to how troubled he was when she first started Liberty, and to see him now, it was almost enough to make you cry. Justin sat beside her once again, linking their hands together.

"I'm so proud of you," she whispered, kissing his cheek. He grinned and looked down at the paper in his hand. "I love you, Justin Foley."

He squeezed her hand and returned the kiss. "I love you too, Elizabeth Reyes. And I'm so fucking proud of you." Bolan had introduced the idea behind the balloons, as they emerged from behind him and floated slowly into the sky. Hopefully her mom would see her balloon up there, and see how far she'd come.

"There's a final football game tonight, students and families are all welcome." Bolan's voice boomed through the mic. Applause was scattered as the senior year threw their caps into the air.

The families of the seniors had gathered in the gymnasium and conversed. Elizabeth spoke with Clay's parents, Justin was alongside Zach and Charlie. Most of Elizabeth's friends had formed a crowd around her dad, talking and laughing with him. Pictures were being taken, everyone was happy and celebrating.

"Hey, angel." She heard from behind, Justin wrapping his arms around her waist. "There's a small gathering on the bleachers outside, if you want to join." She nodded and grabbed his hand, following him. They'd all taken their gowns off, admiring how smart everyone looked. Elizabeth had kept a hand over her stomach, just in case. And hoping the tight fitting dress didn't reveal anything.

She follows Justin to the bleachers, where all of her friends were sat. Even some team players, like Diego, who she shared no more than a smile with. They were passing round drinks, Justin retrieving a cup and sipping on it before giving it to Elizabeth. He shook his head and tipped it away.

"Alcohol." He whispered. Everyone had their cups in hand, waiting for Elizabeth to find a cup. Eyes were on her, they knew why she wasn't drinking, but only a few didn't.

"Ellie, grab a cup. I know you LOVE cinnamon schnapps." Jessica giggled and handed her a cup. Elizabeth shook her head shyly, avoiding her eyes. How would she react to finding out one of her friends is pregnant with her ex boyfriends child? You could only imagine.

"I can't drink it." She spoke. "I just had gum and it'll taste weird. Just hand me an empty cup." Jessica furrowed her brows and handed her an empty cup, the rest of the group that knew had caught on to not telling Jessica. They toasted and gulped down their drinks before heading back inside. Elizabeth decided to greet Jessica's parents and siblings, hoping their interaction outside wasn't too odd.

Justin had approached Victor, who sat happily with Sofia. "Justin, just the man I wanted to see." Justin sat beside Victor, as Sofia left to find Elizabeth and congratulate her again. "There's jobs opening up all the time at my company, and I can start you as an assistant to the Head of Analytics, and as years go on, you can be promoted. Would that be okay?"

"Of course, thank you so much."

"You'll be earning a lot more than $8 an hour, and I can help you both look for apartments when the baby is born." Victor explained. "I can turn the guest room into a nursery whilst you're both still at home. I'll help with costs if needed."

"I really appreciate everything you've done for me, Victor. You didn't have to." Justin whimpered, looking over at his girlfriend who was giggling with Clay and Tony.

"At first, I did it because you made Elizabeth happy. But you didn't deserve to be in the situation you were in." Victor spoke. "You start after the summer." He got up and left to find his girlfriend, Justin doing the same for his own.

"El," he whispered, pulling her away from the group. "I have good news."

"What is it?"

"I got a job at your dad's company. I'm the Head of Analytics' assistant." Justin beamed, Elizabeth had embraced him tightly, overcome with emotion. "Your dad also offered to turn the guest room into a nursery, and help us look for apartments."

"I'm so proud of you!" She cheered, kissing his face a few times. She giggled at her dad's suggestions, only imagining what kind of grandfather her dad would be.