Alex had finally caught on to Victoria’s appreciation of time by the end of the school year. On the last day, he ditched band practice and hanging out with the guys to do practically nothing but lay around with her. It wasn’t like it wasn’t fun; he enjoyed spending a day of nothing with her. It was a day spent laying across each other as Alex strummed a guitar and listening to music while tracing circles into each other’s arms. It was perfect.

The graduation ceremony was the day after the last day. Victoria got up early that morning, dragging her feet across the room to her closet. No, she wasn’t doing this because of sleepiness, but it was because of her wanting for this day to never happen. She tried to look at the upside of this: he would graduate but stay in town to continue his career here. She kept on running that through her head as she slipped on her outfit, but the bad thoughts kept creeping in. She was going to rot in this town.

Once at the school, Victoria took a seat beside Mr. and Mrs. Gaskarth. She threw them her fakest smile as she spotted the guys in their seats with their fellow seniors. The ceremony started and Victoria practically blocked out all the speeches. She didn’t care about what the teachers and gifted students thought. All she wanted to focus on was Alex and the guys, looking forward to their upcoming dreams.

The diplomas started to be handed out as Mrs. Gaskarth hugged Victoria’s shoulders. “He passed because of you.”

Victoria gave a small smile. “I don’t think―”

“He did, Victoria. Don’t doubt it for a second.” The mother proudly said. “By the way, have you seen Mr. Flyzik around? He has a surprise to reveal to the boys here.”

“No, I haven’t.” She shrugged. But wait―a surprise? What surprise? Matt Flyzik’s surprises weren’t some she was fond of.

Victoria watched as Jack hit the stage and knuckle-touched the principle while getting his diploma, and then Rian, who did the casual shaking of hands. But she finally whipped her head up when the principle called out, “Alexander Gaskarth.”

She watched as Alex took the stage and engulfed the principle in a hug instead of shaking his hand. The principle blinked his eyes and adjusted his glasses as Alex took the diploma. He thrusted the scroll in the air in victory as he ran off the stage. Victoria chuckled as he almost tripped down the stage’s steps.

Once the ceremony was over and the whole band had graduated―Zack’s being the most normal, as usual, out of all of them―they all ran to each other and hugged. Alex looked over, spotting Victoria next to the school’s entrance, and walked to her. Victoria tried to keep her eyes trained on him to always remember this moment, but it was the least bit hard with Jack running around the place and screaming unbearable noises.

“Hey, Mr. Diploma,” she said as he held her close by her hips.

“That’s the best you could do?”

She laughed softly. “So, how does it feel?”

“Well …” He trailed off, connecting his lips to her for a quick kiss and leaning back. “It feels pretty good now.”

“Glad I could help.” She shook her head while giggling.

They met up with the guys again, and spotting Victoria with Alex, they embraced her all together. “We’re gonna miss going to school with you, Vic.” Rian muttered as they all hung onto each other tight. “But, guys, we did it. We graduated high school.”

“FREE AT LAST, MOTHER FUCKAS!” Jack hollered, throwing his arms in the air.

Victoria laughed as Alex took her in his hug made for only her and him. She played with the tassel in his face, trying to stay in their little moment forever until they all heard a loud “Hey guys!”

They all turned to Matt sprinting their way. He hugged Jack’s shoulders as he approached them, smiling, “I see we’re all official graduates.”

“Except that party of one over there,” Jack gestured to Victoria.

Zack hit his friend’s arm, causing Victoria to give him a little smile.

“So now that we’re all here and off from high school, I have a little surprise I’ve been holding in for a few weeks.” Matt beamed in excitement.

Alex lifted a bushy eyebrow. “And that is?”

“Well, in smaller words for Jack to understand,” the manager said, making them laugh, “Emerald Moon wants you guys to record at their main studios in Cali! I cleared it all with your parents―we’re moving, guys!”

“What? Are you serious?!” Rian jumped for joy.

“FUCK YES!” Jack jumped along with him.

Victoria’s world seemed to stop around her, and just when she thought things couldn’t get any worse―

“And there’s more!” Matt stopped them all in mid-motion. “Through the label’s connections, I was also able to book us a spot at Warped Tour!”

“Oh my god!” Rian couldn’t contain his joy.

“I hope you guys are ready for some hard work, because we leave for California in five days!”

All Victoria could do was look up at Alex, who was looking down on her. He hugged her shoulder tighter, giving her a warm smile. He knew what was happening to her inside, he knew how bad her entrails must be twisting at the moment. He saw all the worry and sadness in her eyes in just one look. He hated it, but couldn’t stop it.

And because of this, all he did was turn to the group and say, “This is amazing news, guys.”

Notes

I feel like these chapters are just going to get sadder and sadder. This story was supposed to be a comedy. Oops.
Rate/ subscribe/ comment, lovelies! :)
Rock on \m/ :D