Chapter 113
Chapter 113
Bailey’s pov
Graduation Day
The morning sun filters through the windows, casting directly over my frame where I sat on the edge of my bed. My fingers twiddle. with the hem of the graduation gown. It’s navy blue and neatly pressed by mom.
i stare at my reflection in the mirror and try to smile. But I only manage to carve out a little one that didn’t quite reach my eyes. My lips line into a frown.
I dreamed of this day and I know I should be happy to even see it….however, a lingering feeling of pity weighed on my chest. Juliet would never see this day and Stefan would also not be here today.
Two individuals I should hate to the core, although I can’t seem to find any resentment toward them but instead, pity. One was dead and gone and the other was rotting in jail for the next twenty–five years. Both not going to walk across the stage today and accept their diploma.
Yet I would.
A little part of me felt guilty, because perhaps things would’ve turned out differently if I paid enough to the red flags the both were showcasing. Maybe that tragedy would’ve been avoided.
A soft knock on my bedroom door pulls me out of my thoughts. ” Bailey?” mom’s gently voice flutters in just as she cracks the door
open.
I move off the bed, standing up as she walks over to me, a watery smile on her face. “You look so beautiful,” she utters in awe, in her hand is the golden stole. I finally manage a smile.
“Thanks mom,” I whisper as she helps me drape it over my shoulders.
“You’re so grown
“You’re so grown now,” she says softly as if in disbelief that this day is finally here.
Don’t cry now mom,” I faked a whine. “Or I’ll cry to and mess up p my makeup. You don’t want me to look like a racoon do you?” I joked.
She giggles. “Fine, fine, but you’ll be a cute racoon,” she joked.
Who’s going to look like a racoon?” Dad’s voice moves around the room as he enters, behind him is Lillian who still carves a smile on despite her cancer only getting worse. My heart squeezes when I see her.
She walks slow towards me but steadily nonetheless. She’s also thinner than she used to be, her skin a little more pale and her eyes, those beautiful eyes hides the tiredness she felt..
“You look pretty,” she states in awe and I move to her without thinking and wrap my arms around her frail figure. She giggles and tears fill my eyes. “I love you.” I tell her.
I can feel her heart against mine. Both of our hearts beating with a quick rhythm. “I love you too Aile,” her voice is softer now, yet hold truth.” Live for me,” her heart skips and mine breaks.
I hold her tighter. Burying my nose in her hair that started to thin out. Yet, it still smells like strawberries. A scent that will always soothe me. “You’re not going anywhere,” I said firmly, pulling away to look at her.
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Chapter 111
She smiles softly, her eyes teary “Well now you do look like a racoon,” she teased and I giggle, lifting my hands to wipe off the tears. that did spill out.
“A cute racoon,” dad pointed out, a bright grin on his face.
Dad, I whine, causing all three to laugh.
‘Cute? I don’t see cute anywhere. That’s the ugliest racoon I have ever seen,” a more distinct voice utters in the doorway. I whip around fast and couldn’t help it when I see him…..I run to him, wrapping my arms around my big brother who laughs and hugs me tight.
“You made it!” I squeal.
Like I’d ever miss this for anything,” he snorts and flicks my head.
Ow Bash!” I playfully punching his chest and he fakes being hurt.
Goddamn, has Kaleb been teaching you how to throw a punch or something?” He joked while dramatically rubbing his chest and still grinning like an idiot. Even with him being so dramatic like usual, his presence released a lot of weight on my chest. He was here.
Family photo before we get this princess graduated?” Dad offers and we all agreed. When the picture is taken, mom and dad pull us all into a family hug.
Always?” Dad questioned.
“And forever,” We all answered together.
As we pull into the parking lot, I glance out the window and see a crowd already forming, students in the very same gowns as me, parents with cameras and excitedly chatting about while the teachers clutch on to clipboards, hurrying about.
My breath catches in my throat.
This is really happening, I am about to graduate
“Ready?” Dad ask in the front seat, staring at me through the rearview mirror.
I nod nervously, letting out a small sigh. “As ready as I ever be.”
If you trip on that stage, I will disown you as my sister,” Bash joked, flicking my shoulder. I valled my eyes yet grin. “Shut up loser,” I poke my tongue out and he does the same.
Dad, mom, are you sure these two are older than me?” Lillian sighs playfully and both Bash and I turn to poke our tongues at her.
Inside the auditorium, the air buzzes with different kinds of energy. From excitement to nerves. Every one of my classmates are dressed identically, yet each face told a different story. Some clearly just trying to not cry while other showcased their eagerness.
Amongst the little crowd I spot Mira and Kristina well they spotted me first. They squealed, running over to me “Bailey!” Mira shout, launching herself into my arms, her shiny curls bouncing
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Chapter 113
You look so gorgeous,” She says in awe.” I can’t believe for the first time in my life I am jealous of my brother. Damn he got himself a goddess.”
“Like seriously, you look stunning.” Kristina said, heels clicking as she draws closer to us.
Iflush brightly, smiling from ear to ear.” Thanks you guys,” I blushed.” You two look beautiful,” I complimented them and they did.
Mira releases me and then nudges me with her hip playfully.” Three bad bitches are about to graduate.”
Kristina and I giggled until Mira’s eyes traveled behind me and she groans, “Don’t look now Bailey but an ugly roach is approaching.”
My brows furrowed. “What?”
I gasp when I feel arms wrap around me from behind and pull me flush against a firm chest. Instantly I knew whose arms I am nestled in protectively. Kaleb. I lean back into the familiar warmth, sighing as I place my hands on his. He nestled his face between my head and shoulder and takes in a breath.
“Hey graduate,” he murmurs against my skin. I can feel his lips form a smile and my heart skips a beat.
“Kaleb,” I breathed out happily.
“Sam,” he corrected and lightly nipped the skin of my neck playfully.
I giggled and Mira groaned.” Okay you two, save the romance for after we walk out of here with our diplomas. Some of these guys. ogling you two are still single and bitter.”
Kaleb chuckled and turns me in his arms. I look up at him and see the emotions play in his eyes. The adoration, the warmth he had for me made my heart race. “You look beautiful flower,” he whispered, reaching up to push a few strands behind my ear.
face.“You
I blushed shyly, reaching up to cup his face, “You look handsome,”
He grinned so brightly that I was sure he made a few of the guys around jealous. “I love you,” he murmur, dipping his head so he could plant his lips on mine.
Mira fake gags. “Christ, just marry her already,”
Kristina laughs and agrees with her.
Kaleb stares deep into my soul, his eyes never leaving mine while he utters. “I will,” just before he kisses me.
3/3
AD
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