Always You(51)

She’d barely finished speaking and I was back up the stairs, slamming the door to my room shut. I grabbed my phone and dialed his number.

“So you heard,” he answered.

I threw myself on the bed and closed my eyes, focusing on his voice. I could almost imagine he was beside me, lying next to me. Touching me.

“I’m not going to lose my career.”

“Yes, it’s wonderful,” I grinned into the phone. “I can’t wait to see you.”

“Me either. Come up to the city after graduation. Come stay with me.”

“And your mom?” I piped up, cringing at the thought. I could only imagine what she thought of me. I was the girl who had stolen her little boy’s heart.

“Mom can’t wait to meet you, Wrenn,” he chuckled. “Do you know how long she’s been waiting for me to bring a girl home? I think secretly she always wanted a daughter.”

“Even a student?” I joked feebly. “Okay. I’ll come,” I decided. At the very least, talking to his mom was probably what I needed to do most to make a decision on what I wanted.

“Good. I’m sorry I can’t be there to see you tomorrow,” he said, the disappointment in his voice obvious.

My mood dropped as I thought about how hard the next day was going to be. I’d have Layna and Dan there, but my graduation was one of those things I’d expected to share with my parents and my brother. Not having Dalton there to see me graduate was just another blow.

“Don’t worry, Layna will take plenty of photos.”

“Good. I guess I’ll see you soon,” he said, his tone soft.

“Can’t wait,” I smiled.

***

Kass was over at nine in the morning to help me get ready. Personally, I didn’t see the point in getting up so damn early when we didn’t need to be at the auditorium until twelve, but I gave in. Who was I to spoil the sudden urge she’d developed to be all girly together?

“Are you going down tonight to see him?” she asked, running the straightener through her hair.

I nodded. At first I was going to stay \, then drive down the next day, go out for dinner with Layna and Dan and celebrate my graduation. Then I had the realization that the only person who I wanted to celebrate with wasn’t here.

He was the only person I really cared about sharing anything with. And what’s more, it hit me that I hadn’t had a single nightmare about the accident since the day we met.

It was at that moment I knew that no matter what, I couldn’t give him up. You can’t choose who you fall in love with, all you can do is be damn thankful you’ve found someone who understands you.

Nobody understood me like he did.

***

I sat in my chair in my gown and my cap, waiting for my name to be called.

Then it was. I stood up and walked up onto the stage to collect my diploma. It was such a bittersweet moment; every emotion was hurling through me, from happiness and relief right down to anger and sadness. This was a milestone in my life that my family should have been here to see, and I was angry that had been taken from me.

I imagined them, standing underneath the huge oak tree over by the gardens. Mom would be smiling and clapping like crazy while dad struggled to figure out how to operate the video camera. Jordan would be rolling his eyes and trying to help Dad, while trying to hide the fact that he was proud of his big sister.

I reached the podium where Layna stood, holding my diploma. I could see the tears in her eyes and I knew she was thinking the same thing: my family should be here. I wiped my eyes and smiled at her, unable to hold back the tears.

“They would be so proud of you. Just as Dan and I are,” she whispered in my ear. She kissed my cheek and hugged me as the small crowd clapped. “Now go over to the fire drill area.”

What the hell? I opened my mouth to question. She shook her head and grinned.

“No questions, Wrenn. For once in your life, just do as you’re told.”

I nodded and made my way off stage as the graduates began to gather with their families.

I looked out over the empty gardens, puzzled at what I was supposed to be seeing. I passed the seating area, and the path that headed to the student parking lot, still unsure of what the hell I was looking for. Had they gotten me a new car?

“Hello, you.”

I turned around, my eyes widening in shock. Dalton.

What the hell was he doing here? He stood there watching, amused by my reaction. His mouth turned upwards into a smile as I ran forward and into his arms. God I had missed him. Our lips melted together, his hand cradling the base of my neck, leaving my skin tingling and my mouth wanting more.

“I couldn’t miss seeing you graduate,” he murmured softly, kissing my nose, then my eyes, then my forehead. “I called Layna and we agreed I would stand over here, away from...well, everyone.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist, my head resting against his chest, so glad he was there.

I glanced back over at the crowd around the podium, which was beginning to dissipate. I wouldn’t be going to the dance that night. I wanted to spend every moment with him.

“Come over to the house,” I said, pulling him in that direction.

He raised his eyebrow at me as if to say ‘now?’ I giggled and blushed as I nodded my head furiously.

He shook his head and laughed. “See, you can’t keep away from me, Wrenn. You can barely last a day without me around.” It was true. The few days had been hell without him. If that hadn’t already made my decision up for me, then seeing him here today sure as hell had.