Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 108376 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108376 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
I peered out the window as we drove through the gates at St. Bastian’s, recognising lots of my classmates and a certain bitterness nipped at me. I reminded myself that I had no one to blame for this but myself, and besides, I’d let go of my dream of joining the Guard, and that was the only reason I’d wanted to graduate anyway.
A familiar form drew my attention as we parked. Several spaces away Peter was climbing out of a car and opening the door for another passenger. I was surprised when his mother emerged. She looked healthy. Her hair was done and she wore a nice dress for the occasion. It filled my heart to see that she’d finally managed to pull herself out of her depression over her husband leaving. Peter might be grown and able to take care of himself, but her young sons still needed her.
Emotion caught in my throat as Peter took her arm. He looked so handsome in his graduation robe, and I could see he had a suit on underneath. It had been weeks since I laid eyes on him and though it hurt in a way, I wasn’t so sad anymore.
In that moment all I felt was pride.
“He’s valedictorian, you know,” Grace said, snapping me out of my fixation on Peter and his mum.
“Good. He deserves it.”
I got out of the car, holding Grace’s hand as we entered the school building, my uncles just ahead of us. It felt odd to be back, but the bitterness had begun to fade. How could I remain sour when I knew there was so much more for me to achieve? I had a purpose, and just because I wouldn’t be getting some piece of paper tonight didn’t mean my life was any less worthy or meaningful.
We took our seats in the auditorium, my uncle Alvie snapping a million pictures to document the event. Both he and Gabriel looked so proud of Grace and it warmed my heart to see. I realised I wasn’t the only person in our year not to graduate when Belinda appeared, her ghostly form seated in the empty spot next to me. We hadn’t spoken much since I returned from Oreylia. She was disappointed that I hadn’t managed to kill Red Armand and avenge her death, or at least I couldn’t say for definite that I had. Maybe the poison got him, but there was also a chance that they found an antidote in time.
“Look at Anna and Liz,” she said, eyeing her friends a few rows from the stage. “They can’t stop giggling and smiling. You’d swear their best friend hadn’t died only weeks ago.”
“Don’t judge them too harshly. I’m sure they were heartbroken when they lost you. And people have to get on with their lives at some point.”
She folded her arms. “I thought they’d have the decency to mourn me for at least six months.”
“Why? You three were always being mean about each other behind the other person’s back.”
Grace leaned in. “Just wanted to point out that you’re talking to yourself.”
“It’s Belinda,” I explained.
“Ah, I should’ve known. Tell her I say hi.”
I turned to Belinda. “Grace says hi.”
She slumped back. “Yeah, whatever.”
I suspected she was going to be in a bad mood about Anna and Liz for a while. Sensing eyes on me, I turned my head to see Peter sitting a few rows behind with his mother. There was something sorrowful in his gaze and a hard lump formed in my throat when our eyes connected. I mouthed a silent ‘hi’ at him but he didn’t mouth anything back. Heart clenching painfully, I turned back around and focused on the stage.
A few minutes later the ceremony began and Principal Wolf came out to give a speech to the graduating class. After that names started being called. When it was Grace’s turn to go up and get her diploma, Gabriel, Alvie and I cheered and clapped like crazy. Rebecca was among the teachers up on stage and Grace shot her a little wink and a curtsey before making her way back down the steps. My sister smiled and shook her head.
I gave another loud cheer when Ren’s name was called, and the same went for Sophia, Nic and Angela. Finally, it was Peter’s turn and I watched him walk up on stage. I was bursting with pride but it was tinged with pain. I still loved him. I always would.
Our eyes met again when he was leaving the stage. His jaw flickered and he turned away, returning to his mother’s side. I wanted to speak to him but I had no idea what I’d say. I couldn’t decide if remaining friends with him would be better or worse for both of us.
Lots of students and their families were scattered around the school grounds when the ceremony ended, taking pictures in their hats and robes. I left Grace with her parents and headed inside to use the bathroom. I was rounding the corner when I collided with someone and I looked up to find Peter gazing down at me.