“And going off to University next year,” I said a little pissed.
“So? It’s only a few hours away. We can visit each other on the weekends and stuff.”
“You’re already planning your future with him? Are you even together?”
“Lila,” Jackie warned.
I closed my eyes and shook my head. I could hear the venom in my words as I spoke them, and that was wrong and I could see I’d hurt Hayley.
“I’m sorry,” I said sincerely, “it’s fine. I just get a little over-protective. If you like Dale, then who am I to challenge that?”
Hayley’s face lifted. “Thanks, I do.”
Years of being Hayley’s protector had made me cautious about Hayley’s love interests, especially players like Dale. It was wrong of me to ridicule her choices when I had dated Dale myself. Her choices in love were hers, and I had to respect that.
The seniors were buzzing when we arrived. Everyone’s cars looked amazing and the atmosphere was electric. Although Jackie tried to drive at a slow speed with the balloons attached to the outside of the car, some had popped along the way. Most of them, however, were still attached.
I spotted James and Dale together, and I broke out laughing when I saw Dale’s sports jeep with the words, ‘seiors hell yeah’ on his back window, missing the n in seniors.
James saw what I was laughing at and shrugged his shoulders smiling.
The teachers gathered us in for a class photo in front of the school sign, and James had carefully made sure his face was completely blocked by another student. We then all took our blazers off and began signing everyone’s uniforms with black permanent markers.
For years, the teachers tried to ban this tradition, but they ended up giving up as no-one listened to them anyway, not on the last day of school.
I felt a tap on the shoulder and turned to see James with a marker in his hand. “May I?”
“Only if I can sign yours too,” I replied.
“Of course.”
James leaned forward and sucked in air. His head was only inches away from mine, as he signed his name on my shoulder.
“Congratulations,” he whispered into my ear.
“You too,” I replied, my voice a little hoarse.
He leaned back so I could do his shirt. I looked around for a space, but his was already covered in signatures, many of which were actually dirty drawings from Dale and the other boys.
“Boys.”
James laughed, “I’d like to say they grow out of it, but not all of them do.”
I shook my head, smiling as I found a place on his right shoulder blade.
I kept it simple like James, only signing my name, although James’s signature was ten times better than mine was. He had beautiful script handwriting that put our generation to shame.
“See you inside?”
I nodded, and we parted ways, moving onto the next classmates signing our uniforms. I didn’t ask to take a photo with him, since I knew it wouldn’t work anyway.
I watched on anyway, as I carried on signing uniforms and taking selfies with the other kids, I smiled knowing what he thought of selfies.
Stolen glances between us was all we were going to be able to have for now. I was drawn to him and all I wanted to do was share every second of this day with him, but I had to keep my distance.
We all had to wait outside the performance theatre as the rest of the school took their seats. We giggled and laughed at the sheer adrenaline running through us, especially when the teachers were still telling us to be quiet, teachers until the end!
I heard my phone go off in my pocket, earning a nice scowl from two of the teachers. I was curious to see whom it was from, since everyone I talked to was here with me now, or inside the theatre.
Mum- Your dad and I are sorry about the other night. We shouldn’t have said what we said. You are right. It’s your future and your decision on where you go. We want to make it up to you. We’ll be flying in tomorrow, I hope we can all sit down and have a big talk. We love you. Congratulations, we are so proud of you. Love Mum & Dad xoxo
I felt my stomach drop. Tears filled my eyes.
“What’s wrong-” Jackie cut short as she saw my phone with the message from my mum.
She turned towards me, hugging me tightly. “See, I told you. They love you, Lila.”
I closed my eyes against her shoulder. I was so overcome with emotion that I didn’t want to move.
Although I’d always said I’d given up on my parents, there was always a small part of me that hoped it wasn’t over. Our relationship was damaged beyond repair, but this one message gave me hope again. Hope that our future was one of a family. I tried not to put all my hope into it, for it could all be for nothing again, but I was happy for that moment. I was hopeful.
I pulled away from Jackie and smiled, typing back a quick reply.
Lila- I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. I love you both. Talk soon x
I put the phone back in my pocket and took a deep breath, wiping the tear from my eye. I was ready, ready for the future.
Jackie and I stood in the middle of the crowd, hand in hand, and when the doors opened, there was a huge cheer from the school as we made our way into the theatre towards the stage.
Since it was only going to be a short farewell, as most of the formalities had been done at the formal, we were only to stand on the stage. There was not even one hundred students in our grade, so we were all able to fit on the stage standing in rows, side by side.
Jackie was by my side as we listened to the principal’s speech, wishing us farewell and all the best for the next chapter in our lives. When his speech was concluded, Jackie stood to make hers. She wasn’t the school captain, but she was a prefect and was elected by our classmates to make a speech, which was pretty bloody cool.
A warm heat came over me when I felt a familiar hand graze mine. I looked beside me. It was James.
He smiled down at me and my whole body responded.
We were so close, and with a row of people in front and behind us, I couldn’t resist the urge to touch his hand against mine. I felt the smoothness of his fingers touch mine, and he did what I never expected him to do. He entwined our fingers and held my hand. I knew it was a risk. What if someone saw? It was a risk I needed.
I didn’t think my day could get any better; graduation, my mum making contact, and now James holding my hand. It may have been such a simple gesture to others, but it’s exactly what I needed. He created a reassurance within me that I was so grateful for.
I turned my attention to Jackie as she began her speech, I didn’t want to miss it.
“Today marks a special moment in our lives. A moment that will forever be remembered by those standing on this stage with me right now. Together, we have achieved goals beyond anyone’s expectations. We pushed past the trials and tribulations that threatened to hold us back. We pushed forward, not just as individuals, but as classmates; students with the same goal to succeed in life and graduate with our heads held high.
“It hasn’t always been easy, but we are proud to stand in front of you right now as the men and women we are today. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring us, but what we do know is that we are ready, ready to take on the world and make our mark in history.
“Thank you to all parents, teachers, and loved ones for their support and guidance throughout the years. Your influence in our lives is irreplaceable and we thank you for everything, but now we ask for one more thing, and that is to set us free. Send us out into the world with open arms and have trust in us; trust that we can make it. Thank you,” Jackie concluded. A round of applause broke out, and just as she was about to walk away from the microphone, she stood back in front of it, “Oh, and, let’s party!” she said loudly into the microphone.
My mouth dropped in shock and I began to laugh and cheer with the rest of the school. I couldn’t believe Jackie just did that. She was the biggest ‘goodie-two-shoes.’ This da
y was proving to be full of surprises.
I looked at James and his face was just as shocked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you surprised,” I said laughing.
“Just goes to show, you can never truly know what will happen next,” he replied.
I laughed. Yep, this day was full of surprises.
After the speeches concluded, we waited for all the students to leave and make a human tunnel through the school. They did this by standing side by side across from each other with a gap in between.
When they were all ready we were set free, like Jackie had wanted. Some ran, some skipped, and some walked their way through the tunnel as the school clapped and cheered us on all the way, until we were at the car park.
One by one, each colourfully created party car left the school grounds, cheering and beeping their horns loudly.
Jackie and I yelled goodbye for one final time as we set off to the lake. It was the same lake as the one that backed onto my house. The day had been all about traditions, and this was one of them.
We all pulled up outside the lake and scrambled out of our cars, running fully clothed into the water. It was thrilling as much as it was fun! I only wish you could bottle the feeling we all had in that moment, as we danced around the lake, singing our school anthem like a bunch of crazy kids.
Most of the girls, like Jackie and I, wore swimmers under our clothes, but there was of course the girls that wore sexy lacy bra’s, and weren’t afraid to show them off.
We didn’t care at that point anyway. It wasn’t a bombshell. That was just who those girls were and after today, we wouldn’t have to see them again, anyway.
I watched on as all the boys started ripping their shirts off, buttons flying everywhere. I caught eye contact with James and I raised one eyebrow, wondering if he was going to do the same.
The corner of his mouth turned up into a cheeky smile as he shrugged his shoulders, then proceeded to rip the buttons off his shirt as well.
With his chest bare, I smiled in amusement. He was so perfectly built it wasn’t surprising to find that I wasn’t the only one looking at his sculptured abs. His performance had caught the attention of many of the other girls, and I shook my head laughing.
Some of the other girls began ripping their shirts as well, although a much harder task for some without the strength. I held the top of my blouse, looking at James. I began to open it slowly, teasing that I would follow suit, ripping my top off.
I wasn’t being as daring as the others. After all, I had swimmers on underneath, but it definitely wasn’t something I’d normally do.
James’s face turned serious and he shook his head. The other boy’s attention had turned on the girls now, including myself.
Just as I began to tease a little bit more, I was splashed in the face with water. I opened my eyes in shock, and then saw out of nowhere water come up and hit my face again. This time, I looked at James and saw a huge grin on his face with his hand held over the water. He’d used his power of manipulation of the elements on me.
“You,” I mouthed.
He shrugged one shoulder and just as he did it again, I dodged it, the water spraying Maddison behind me.
Her eyes widened, and instead of going off at me in anger, as I expected, she smiled wickedly at me and splashed me.
“Oh, it’s on!” I said flinging water back at her, and before long, everyone was in a huge water fight with each other. For once, everyone was getting along with everyone. Graduations really did bring people together.
***
Jackie and I eventually made our way to get some lunch after our swim and headed back to my place. We sat around the pool talking for a few hours before night fell, then we went upstairs to have showers and get ready for the bonfire party tonight back on the lake where we’d just been. A few of the seniors had already organised everything and were setting up when we left the lake.
“What are you taking tonight to throw in the fire?” Jackie asked as she straightened out her hair.
Each year seniors graduated, they would throw in the fire something that they no longer wanted. It symbolised saying goodbye to it and never thinking of it again.
“My math textbook.”
“What? Didn’t you return that?”
“Nope,” I said, shaking my head. “I was going to, but then remembered the bonfire and thought that would be a much better place for it.”
Jackie laughed, “You really do hate math.”
“I sure do. What are you putting in?”
“My school ID.”
I shook my head in confusion. “Why?”
“Because it was taken earlier this year when I still had braces, and every time I look at it, all I remember is pain.”
“Fair enough,” I said laughing.
We both dressed in shorts and t-shirts, knowing there was a good chance we’d all end up back in the lake anyway. That didn’t stop us, Jackie straightening her hair, and curling my hair, go figure.
We took a cab to the party, knowing we were going to have a couple of drinks and not wanting to drive afterwards. Although I wasn’t a huge drinker, I was going to have a couple of celebratory drinks.
I was nervous when we arrived. The little interactions with James made me want to see him even more, and I wasn’t even sure if he was coming to the party or not.
There were already heaps of people there when we arrived. We both scanned the area. There were lots of tree hanging lights, and lights around. There was a drinks area and over on the sandy shore to the lake, was the bonfire. We both headed towards the bonfire, already noticing that people had begun throwing their belongings into it. There were pieces of our uniform, school shoes, books, notes, etc.
“Ready?”
Jackie nodded, and we both threw our things we no longer wanted to keep into the bonfire.
“Let’s never speak of them again,” Jackie said jokingly.
“Deal.”
Jackie spotted Jacob and gave him a big kiss and hug.
I smiled at them, “Crashing the party, Jacob?”
“It wouldn’t be a party without me,” he replied winking.
Jackie laughed and kissed his cheek. “That’s for sure.”
“You guys want a drink?” I said, giving myself a reason to let them have some time together.
“Sure,” they both replied and giggled at their unison.
I nodded, “I’ll be right back.”
I made my way to the drinks and started pouring out some beer, not my choice in drink, but apparently, the only choice I had. As I tried to fill up the third cup, the hose stopped working.
“Here, let me try,” Dale said cutting in and giving the hose a tap. Beer began to pour again and he filled up the remainder of my cup and handed it back to me.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” he replied.
I nodded my head slowly; not knowing what else to say.
“Well”
Dale interjected, “Is Hayley here yet?”
“No… What’s the deal with you two anyway? Are you together?”
“No… I mean… Maybe… Um,” he stuttered. Clearing his voice he continued, “Not right now, but maybe, soon.”
I sighed. “Look, Dale, I’m the best thing Hayley has to a parent, so I’m going to come right out and say it. If you and Hayley really want to be together then okay, but if anything, and I mean anything, happens to her and you upset her in any way, I swear I will…”
Dales put his hands up in surrender. “I get it, Lila.”
“Good.”
“She’s different, you know. There’s something about her…”
“I know,” I replied sincerely. There was no one like Hayley. She was so beautiful and unique in her own way.
“Okay, cool,” Dale said. “I’ll see you around then.”
“Yeah.”
Dale ran away, okay, he didn’t run away, he walked briskly away, and I was somewhat pleased with myself that I may have made him think twi
ce before playing Hayley like all the other girls he’d played.
When I went to pick up the other beers, the leaves at my feet began to move in circles. I watched carefully as they moved around my feet and then away from me. There wasn’t any wind though. The only breeze was on the leaves.
I placed the cup I was holding down on the table and began to follow the leaves as they moved further and further away, until they reached the edge of the forest. Had I not seen the brief glimpse of a large black angel wing move behind trees, there would have been no way I would have gone into that forest alone.
I took the path the leaves led, watching my step as the forest got darker and darker. Then suddenly, the leaves just stopped. I looked up. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of James, and his wings spread out in full view.
I turned quickly behind me in fear someone would see him, but I had ventured further into the woods than I thought, and I could only just see the fire in the far distance.
“Using your powers on me again, I see.”
James smirked, “Never.”
He took two strides towards me and within a second, he had me pinned against a tree.
“I’ve missed you,” he said deeply.
I closed my eyes as his lips brushed against mine, but ever so lightly, a tease that made me want to beg for more.
I hadn’t even noticed at the time, the pressure of the tree against my back as we pressed our bodies against each other.
His hand traced the curves of my waist; my body screaming for more. My heart was in overdrive as my legs became like jelly, but our trance was broken when my phone rang in my pocket. Even though I let it ring out, James took a step back from me. It was distance I didn’t want or need.
“You better go back to your party. Jackie’s looking for you.”
My shoulders slumped. “I only want to be with you right now. I only want to be with you tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.”
He smiled, and taking a step forward in reaching distance, he kissed my forehead. “I know.”
I walked back to the party as if nothing happened, yeah right! I nearly laughed aloud when I realised I was practically sulking when I met Jackie and Jacob back at the bonfire.
Angels of Moirai (Book One) Page 18
