at me. I can’t help grinning back.
“Thank you,” I tell them all, surveying them, all of my closest friends. Sasha and Jennifer, Chase and Aaron, Brendon and Jackson, and—miraculously, somehow—Sophie and Livy. “Thank you for helping me. Thank you for making sure I got here.”
I wipe away a tear before it falls down my face and offer them a watery smile.
Turns out I didn’t mess up high school at all.
They all smile back at me, murmuring their answers of “It’s fine” and “No worries” and “You did it yourself.” Even though this is a happy moment, even though these people right now mean so much to me, I know after today, it will never be the same again. We may never all be together at the same time in the same place again, and even though I’m happy—really, really happy—that makes me sad.
“Oh fuck it,” Brendon says, looking fairly emotional himself. “Come on, group hug.”
Not one person tells him he’s being sappy. Instead, everyone starts pulling each other into the middle in a big group hug, squeezing each other tightly. I’m squashed in the middle, surrounded by people who care about me, and even though I’m sad that this is the end, I know I’m lucky.
I’m really, really lucky.
We stream into our seats, going in the order that has been drilled into us by the graduation coordinator again and again, meaning I’m nowhere near most of my friends as we’re seated in alphabetical order in our chairs.
I look up at the stage that has been set up, where we’ll receive our diplomas, to see that most of the teachers are already up there along with the senior class’s salutatorian and valedictorian. I blush as I lock eyes with the valedictorian—Brett, my boyfriend, the person I want to be around all the time and who I haven’t been able to keep my hands off of the last couple of weeks, as he sends me that same old private half-smile I can’t get enough of.
I still can’t believe he’s mine.
We settle into our seats, and the speeches begin. Usually this is when I would zone out and stop listening, when I’d start daydreaming about later tonight or a makeup look I want to recreate, but I don’t this time. This time I hang on to every word, savoring every minute because I so nearly wasn’t here and I want to take it all in.
Finally, the principal starts to call the names of the students, and I watch as the first people in my class collect their certificates, my heart filling with pride as I wait for my own. I stand in preparation, shuffling out of my row and lining up by the side of the stage, waiting for my turn. My eyes scan the crowds, the rows of families watching the ceremony, and my sister waves wildly, animated and excited for me, from her seat next to my subdued parents, who stiffly told me congratulations this morning before promising me a sum of money for graduation, which I never expected.
I’m going to use it to buy a one-way flight to LA where I’m going to be a makeup artist. I haven’t figured out all the details exactly yet, but it’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to be a success, I’m going to make sure of it, and then I’m going to give my dad back every last cent of the graduation money he’s given me because I never, ever want to have to rely on him or my mom again.
I’m going to survive on my own so I never have to end up like either of them.
But I’m not going to California right away.
No, instead I’m going to get a job working at one of the department stores in town, saving my money and practicing my techniques at the makeup counter on anyone who will let me. And I’m going to be with Brett, as much as I can be, all summer long.
Then when he goes off to college and I go to LA? Well, then we’ll figure it out. It’s important to both of us to make it work, and even though I know I don’t know much about long-distance relationships and you hear all the time about couples breaking up when they’re in different places, I know that won’t happen to us. Don’t ask me how; I just know it.
“Abigail Baker.”
I snap out of my daydream, realizing I’m at the front of the line and it’s my turn. I break out into a smile as I take my first steps, the cheers of my sister and my friends ringing out across the field as I stride across that stage, shake Principal Roberts’ hand, move the tassel on my cap, and accept my high school diploma.
My high school diploma.
I did it.
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The End
Exclusive bonus scene
Want to see an exclusive scene of Abigail, Brett and the rest of the gang heading to their prom? Click here.
Also by Emma Doherty
Grove Valley High Series
(Books can be read as a standalone but do involve the same people).
Book 1
Want to see how Chase and Livy started? Check out The Stand-In Boyfriend
Novella
Check out Playing with Fire to see how Sophie’s summer fling before senior year nearly jeopardised her relationship.
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The Carlington Twins Duet
All That’s Left
Izzy Kavanagh is devastated when she is forced to move to the US after her mother’s death and live with her estranged father and the twin brother who abandoned her.
All That’s Been Said
Izzy Kavanagh hates her new life in the US and she’s proven that to everyone…perhaps a little too much. Now she’s not sure she can make amends to the twin she’s hurt and his best friend who she can’t pretend she’s indifferent to.
Also by Emma Doherty
Four Doors Down Duet
(Books can be read as a standalone but do involve the same people).
Four Doors Down
Becca McKenzie’s only goal is to make it through her senior year of high school and hang out with her friends and her gorgeous boyfriend. Ryan Jackson, her former best friend and bane of her existence, does not fit into those plans.
Four Years Later
Becca is now in college and happier than she ever thought she would be until one terrible, unforgettable night changes everything and leaves Becca questioning everything she’s ever known.
About the Author
Emma Doherty is a writer from England, UK.
Most of her time is spent day dreaming and creating new stories. Far too much time is also spent looking up flights as she plans her next getaway in the sun!
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