Wait No More

Part Twenty

"Hey, let's go see if they want to join us for a little celebration," Olivia suggested, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Ethan grinned, clearly on board with the idea. They made their way over to Jessica and Jeff, who were in the midst of taking some goofy selfies.

"Hey, you two! How's it going?" Ethan called out, wrapping an arm around Olivia's waist.

"Awesome! Just capturing the night," Jessica replied, grinning widely. "How about you guys?"

"Perfect! We were thinking of ditching for a bit and having a private toast. We might have a little something special," Olivia said, her voice full of excitement.

Jeff raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A toast? I'm in! What do you have?"

Olivia exchanged a knowing glance with Ethan. "Just some wine we snuck in. I figured it would be fun to celebrate just the four of us."

"Count me in!" Jessica said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's find a spot away from the crowd."

They quickly made their way outside, where the cool night air was a refreshing contrast to the warm, crowded venue. Finding a secluded bench under a tree, they settled in, laughter still bubbling as they prepared for their makeshift celebration.

Ethan pulled out a small, discreet bottle of wine from his bag, and Olivia couldn't help but giggle at the thrill of their little rebellion. "Here's to an unforgettable night!" Ethan said, pouring the wine into four plastic cups.

Jessica raised her cup high. "To friendship, fun, and making memories!"

"To us!" Jeff chimed in, clinking his cup against the others.

As they took their first sips, Olivia felt a rush of happiness. The wine was sweet, and the atmosphere was electric with laughter and shared stories. They reminisced about their time at Job Corps, the challenges they faced, and the triumphs they celebrated together.

In that moment, everything felt perfect. Olivia looked at Ethan, who was laughing with Jeff, and felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She knew that this night would be one they'd remember forever—not just for the prom, but for the bonds they had strengthened.

As the night continued, they shared dreams and aspirations, each of them opening up about what they hoped for in the future.

"I want to travel," Jessica said, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I've always dreamed of visiting Europe and experiencing different cultures. There's so much out there beyond what we know."

"I feel that," Jeff replied, nodding. "I want to start my own business someday. I've been working on a few ideas, and I think I might just go for it after we finish here."

Ethan chimed in, "I want to help people. I've thought about going into social work. I've seen how much support can change lives, and I want to be part of that."

Olivia smiled, feeling inspired by her friends' ambitions. When it was her turn, she took a breath, feeling a mix of excitement and vulnerability. "I want to create something meaningful—maybe go into art or design. I want to express myself and make a difference in people's lives through my work."

With their cups raised once more, they all toasted to their dreams, the camaraderie deeper than ever in that moment. It was refreshing to share their aspirations, a reminder that they were all on unique paths but still connected through their experiences at Job Corps.

As the night wore on and laughter echoed around them, Olivia felt the weight of the world lift off her shoulders. This was more than just a prom; it was a celebration of their journey together and a promise of what lay ahead.