Ollie rolled his eyes. “Can’t wait. While you five are away at college, I’ll be twiddling my thumbs with these losers.”
We all laughed before Christian grabbed Piper’s phone, and we huddled in for a picture. Eric kissed the side of my cheek before it was snapped, and I couldn’t help my cheese.
“Okay, we gotta go get seated!” Hayley gave Christian a peck on his cheek, and she dragged Piper and me with her toward our section of the graduation ceremony.
Once we were seated, we all leaned forward and looked down the aisle, smiling at the boys. Ollie somehow managed to sit with the graduating class. How? I had no idea. He stuck out with his school uniform on next to Eric and Christian who were sporting their navy gowns.
Once I got settled into my seat, I crossed my legs and glanced to the stage. Headmaster Walton was at the podium, the sun high above his head with clouds dancing behind. My stomach twisted as I shifted my attention to the five chairs lined beside him. My hand came down onto Hayley’s leg as I gulped.
The board members were here?
“He’s not here,” she whispered as Headmaster Walton began to speak about the year.
“He’s not?” I asked before letting out a held breath.
She shook her head, her short brown hair grazing her shoulders. “Christian’s dad had a word with Headmaster Walton.”
My mouth fell open.
“And Eric’s dad was there too.” She paused as everyone applauded for something the headmaster had said. “And Ann.”
“Who’s Ann?”
Piper pulled herself forward so she could look past Hayley at me. “Hayley’s ex social worker slash adoptive—but not really—mom.”
I sunk back into my seat, feeling completely surprised and overwhelmed with gratitude.
Hayley patted my hand before giving it a squeeze, and Piper dipped forward to smile again.
The rest of the ceremony passed quickly, and soon, my aisle was lining up to get our diplomas. Hayley turned around before her name was called. “It’s funny,” she laughed. “I honestly wasn’t sure I’d make it out of this school alive.”
Piper laughed from beside me.
“You know what?” I said, ready to be real with them for the first time in my entire life. “Neither did I.”
Hayley’s name was called, but before she shook the headmaster’s hand, she ran down the steps and gave Piper and me a hug. We all laughed and somehow formed a bond that I didn’t think was possible.
“Here's to the next stage of our lives, babes,” Piper said before letting Hayley go.
I glanced to Eric, and all three boys were beaming. Eric gave me a wink, and I knew right then that high school may not have been the best time of my life like everyone said, but it did have some of the best moments, and that was good enough.
The End