I take the diploma from his hand, the paper stiff and official in my grip, and move my tassel from right to left. The stupid thing swings in front of my face, and I push it back.
I look out at the crowd. I see Pete standing up, his phone in his right hand, trying to take a photo, because he believes in me.
I see Bells standing in the graduates’ section, clapping so hard her hands must hurt. Her smile is wide, filled with pride and love.
They both understand what this means to me. I now have a future where there was none before.
I walk off the stage, my heart still pounding, with the diploma held tightly in my hand.
The ceremony continues.
Noah gets his diploma and raises it over his head with both hands, grinning that cocky grin of his as if he just conquered the world. The crowd loves it, laughing and cheering.
Reece gets his with his usual calm confidence, walking across the stage and shaking hands with the principal, cool as ever.
More names get called. The alphabet drags on forever. And I begin to get restless.
There are a few more speeches. A board member says something about community. I tune it all out.
Finally, the principal steps back up to the podium. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the graduating class!”
Then it’s over. We toss our caps in the air, and the auditorium erupts with cheers and applause. Everyone’s hugging, crying, and laughing, blue gowns everywhere. My cap flies up, and I don’t even watch where it lands. Don’t give a shit.
I push through the crowd, looking for Bells, shoving past people in my way. Graduates are everywhere, parents trying to find their kids, cameras flashing.
When I finally spot Bells, she’s standing near the edge of the stage, looking around and searching for me as well.
Our eyes meet.
I don’t say anything. I push past the last few people between us, grab her, and pull her into my arms. She wraps her arms around my neck, and I lift her off her feet, holding her tight against me.
“We did it,” she says, laughing and crying at the same time, her voice breaking with emotion.
“Yeah,” I say, setting her down but keeping my hands on her waist, not ready to let go. “We fucking did.”
Pete pushes through the crowd toward us, moving slowly but with determination. His left leg drags slightly with each step.He’s gripping his cane tightly in his right hand, using it to steady himself as people brush past him.
We walk toward him. He’s a little out of breath but smiling at Lola. That gentle, proud dad smile.
“Congratulations, Button,” he says.
Lola’s face crumples, and she carefully hugs him, mindful of his balance. “Thank you, Dad. I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetheart,” Pete says, holding her with his right arm.
When Lola pulls back, wiping her eyes, Pete turns to me. He shifts his cane to his left hand, the effort showing as his fingers struggle to grip it properly, before he extends his right hand toward me.
“Congratulations, Jace,” he says, his eyes meeting mine with that same pride I saw from across the auditorium.
I take his hand and shake it firmly. “Thank you, Sir.”
“How many times do I have to tell you, call me Pete. You’ve earned that. I’m proud of you, son. Real proud.”
“Thanks, Pete.” I say, trying not to get emotional.
Noah and Aubrey push through the crowd next, with Sam and Reece right behind them. Noah’s gown is already half off, hanging open over his shirt and tie, and Aubrey is holding both their diplomas, laughing at something he said.
“Cooper!” Noah says, grabbing me in a headlock before I can react. “We fucking graduated!”
