Friendship & Bonds

Prologue

I ran down the hall squealing excitedly, graduation day. I jumped into the arms of my childhood best friend who caught me with ease. He gave me the goofy grin i had known all my life, and shared one back. 

" Todays the day, huh?" He asked letting me down leaving my arms around his neck.

I nodded enthusiastically "No more school, like ever!"

He laughed at my response, "For you dear, sure. Not for me, off to college remember?"

I pouted, knowing my pout wouldn't change a thing. 2 years ago he decided on it and he was going to on deliver that. He wanted to be a Marine Biologist. 4 years of college in the bag, while I decided to just go on and get a job to help out around the house. My parents needed me anyways, they had just opened a bakery and needed help as it was becoming popular.

"You two are just the cutest!" My mothers voice said with a flash of a camera, our dads following behind her talking. 

Our dads were best friends and the reason we knew and became friends ourselves. His dad, Smith Jaxson, worked with my dad, Andrew Summers, at a company in the next town they ran as business partners. They smiled at us, giving a wave. 

"Mom you don't have to take photos of everything..." I said taking my arms away.

"Yes, but with Colton leaving to college you wont see each other much, I bet you'll miss each other so much! I hope after college you guys can finally ignite that spark! I need grand-babies to help run my shop!" She said with a giggle causing out fathers to join in a laugh.

I felt my face grow hot. Could they not do this today? I was bad enough everyday. 

"Sara" Colton said with a light laugh to my mom "don't rush life."

A long time ago a younger me thought they were right, there could be a us, but over time he started dating and slowly after, I did as well. We were, and always would be best friends. The thought made me smile, he would always be there for me, and I would be for him. I focused back on our families talking about our joint graduation party tomorrow.

"Hey, Colt." I whispered as our parents talked.

He turned to me "Yeah?"

"So.. is you're mom coming?" I asked uncomfortably, his mother wasn't around much since the divorce 20 years ago. 

He shifted uncomfortably "No, Dad is here, she wouldn't be caught dead. Maybe sometime we can go see her if you'd like?"

I nodded and turned back to the family laughing over something as a announcement came over the loud speakers instructing to all graduated to head to line ups. Our families went to find seats while we went to find our places in line. Colton was way ahead of me in line, I was in the end of the lines. One by one our names were called, before long we were throwing our hats in celebration. Afterwards we were showered in photos with everyone laughing and giggling.

-2 hours later-

I found myself looking into the mirror before going downstairs, i looked good. I had gotten a new dress to wear for my graduation party, mom insisted I look like a lady for once. I agreed after some time to wear it. I picked a black dress with lace, slipped on some converse shoes, and put on some light eye liner. Colton and I had invited the entire class, who knows who all will show.

I came downstairs nervously to hear the doorbell ring.

"Got it!" I yelled to my parents in the kitchen, opening the door.

"Hey!" Coltons father said with Colton and Avery, Coltons' little brother, following behind.

"Hey..." Colton started as he looked me up and down, "wow, you look good."

"Thanks," I said, wanting to change the subject "So, everything is set up for us in the garage, come in."

"Cool. Let's open up shop, eh? Everyone should be here in a few." Colton said walking past me as I closed the door.

We joined our parents in the garage talking and laughing, Colton opened the door to greet the first two people getting out of their car. They both greeted us, then walked around to get a look at all the photos we had up and put cards in our card boxes. Before long many people had arrived, music was playing and almost all our friends had shown up. Everyone was having a good time it seemed, even I. 

A car pulled in blasting music, out came a girl I didn't recognize and someone I did, Xiaver Glour. He was our basketball star at school, he graduated with us and was a friend and team mate of Colton. Colton yelled as the two ran at each other bumping chests.

"Hey man! I didn't know you lived here, I thought you lived a couple streets over." Xiaver said as the two finished broing out.

"Nahh, its my best friends house, you remember Addison? I mean she is a classmate." Colton said pushing me forword a bit. 

"Hey, I believe we met a couple times, right? I used to have a big crush on you." He said with a smile that made me feel a blush.

"Yeah, we had math together actually." I admitted feeling my blush feeling hotter, I'll ignore that.

Colton looked at me then to Xiaver with a grin, "I'll let you two catch up a bit."

Colton walked off with the girl he seemed to know, probably Xiaver's sister leaving me with him. We talked for a bit, then Colton joined us. Before I knew it the end of the party was nearing. 

"Colton! Addison! Since its almost the end of party why don't we get a dance with you two together?!" My mom yelled as the song stopped.

 "Guess it's true
I'm not good at a one night stand
But I still need love 'cause I'm just a man"

"Good song, don't you think?" Colton asked pulling me close as we danced.

I blushed, everyone watching "Yeah, I like it, but why did mom have to pick a slow one?"

"Because, they love the idea of you and I close..." He said pulling me closer "Also, Xiaver seems to like you. Do you like him?"

"I don't know, i barely know him." I said feeling my blush come back from earlier. 

"Listen..." Colton said in a serious tone.

I looked him in the eye, "Yes?"

Colton's grip tightened "I love you, you're like family to me."

Family? Then that confirms it. He doesn't have romantic feelings for me. It's time for me to move on from him. Can I?

"Colt, I love you too, like family." I told him, and he grinned.

"Addi-cat, you're my best friend." He said putting his forehead to mine.

I smiled "Colt, you're my best friend."

The camera flashed, capturing the moment.