What Lies Ahead

What Lies Ahead Chapter 9

"I passed! I'm officially graduating!" Paige says after school Tuesday.

"Me too!" I grin.

"How's Ricky?" Paige asks.

"I haven't spoken to him since Saturday. He only speaks to me now when it's about our kids. He doesn't even look at me in class anymore. I know something's going on, but everytime I try to talk to him about it he blows me off," I frown.

"I just don't understand," Paige says.

"Neither do I. I feel like I did something wrong," I frown.

"Trust me, it's not you," Paige says.

"Let's all meet up tonight and celebrate," I smile.

"Sounds like a plan."

"Two large pepperoni pizzas," the pizza man says, handing Chase the pizza boxes.

I grab the pizzas from Chase while Chase closes his door.

"Where are your parents?" Luke asks.

"They're on a business trip," Chase says.

"I can't believe we walk across the stage Friday night," I say.

"3 more days," Ezra says.

"It's so hard to believe. It feels like yesterday we all were becoming friends," Paige says.

"I remember meeting you two when you needed help with state capitals," Ezra smiles.

"Oh the glory days," I giggle.

"Too bad Ricky is being a bitch," Chase says.

"I know. I don't know what's gonna happen," I frown.

"We're always here no matter what happens," Luke smiles.

 "You guys are the best, "I grin.

 "This is it," Paige grins.

Luke straightens my cap and smiles.

"I can't believe we're about to graduate," I say, tears coming to my eyes.

"I love you guys," Paige smiles.

We all hug and the four of us get in Paige's car. Ricky hasn't been at the house for the last 3 days. Mom has the kids with her right now. I'm finally graduating.

"I'm nervous," Chase chuckles.

"I think we all are," I giggle.

We pull up at our high school and find our seats in the auditorium. I'm sitting next to two girls I don't know well.

Graduation finally starts and soon my row stands up. We get in a line at the front.

"Jordan Manders," the principle calls.

I smile as I hear my mom cheering for me. I grab my diploma and shake hands with all the teachers. I get to Ricky and he shakes my hand, but he won't even look at me. I shake it off and sit back down. I cheer as they call Paige, Chase, and Luke's names.

I can't believe I'm finally done with high school.

After we throw our hats up and everything, everyone comes back to Ricky and I's house for a celebration. Surprisingly, Ricky shows up. We host the party outside in the backyard.

"Mommy did it!" I say to Chloe as I hold her and dance with her.

She's smiling big and I grin.

"Congratulations," Ezra says.

"I'm gonna miss your class," I say, getting teary-eyed.

He gives me a huge hug.

We take group pictures, dance like crazy, and just have a good time together.

"Can we talk?" Ricky asks.

"Yeah," I say.

He leads me inside and I carry Chloe with us. We go inside our bedroom and sit on the bed. Ricky takes a deep breathe and I look at him.

"I've found someone else," he says.

The four words that ultimately broke me.