Uniquely Normal

Chapter 27: Farewell Part I

"Ready."

Caps and gowns painted a sea of black and gold as the courtyard buzzed with the exciting energy of graduating seniors. Amidst the sea of family faces, I spotted my friends, each a beacon of support and camaraderie. Blair's quirky smile, Kenji's steadfast gaze, Dominic's bright laughter, Nova's model pose, and Coen's loving energy.

"Serenity and Wes are here!" Dominic called out once he saw us, and everyone's heads turned in our direction. I hurried over, exchanging big hugs with everyone, bright smiles on all of our faces. "Ren, you look so pretty!" Nova hugged me tightly, planting a kiss on my cheek.

"Hey, leave the cheek kissing to me." Coen walked over, planting his own kiss on my other cheek. I turned my face, kissing his lips instead. "Hi," I whispered, and he whispered greetings back. His blue-brown eyes locked on mine. The symphony of chatter melted away and Coen and I were the only two people left on the planet. There's no one else I'd rather graduate next to you, than you.

The teachers herded all of us graduates into formation, organizing us in alphabetical order. I found my place in line among the chaos, glancing around until I spotted Coen. With matching grins, we whispered words of encouragement to each other, the promise of shared victory hanging in the air. The alphabetical lineup positioned Coen just a few steps ahead, and with every name called, the anticipation grew.

The ceremony began. And each student's name echoes through the speakers. Coen, Wes, and I cheered for each of our friends whose names were called before ours, our voices harmonizing with the collective cheer of the crowd. The closer they got to the M's. the more palpable the excitement became.

Coen turned around, his eyes locking onto mine. In that silent moment, he mouthed the words "I love you," a sentiment that needed no amplification. And although he had said the words a dozen times before, this time was different. This I love you carried a different weight.

My eyes sparkled with emotion, my heart swelling with the weight of those three words that encapsulated months of shared laughter, challenges, and growth. And before I knew it, it was time.

"Coen McAllister!" A teacher announced his name and he quickly winked at me before jogging up the steps. A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd and he walked across the stage with a confident stride. I couldn't contain my excitement, and as he received his diploma, I let out a scream that reverberated through the air.

In that moment, nothing else mattered. I couldn't help but reflect on the journey we traversed together—the late night study sessions, the whispered confessions, the shared dreams. Coen was more than a boyfriend; he was a confidant, a partner, and my biggest supporter. As he walked off the stage, the pride and love I felt for him enveloped me like a warm embrace.

The next couple names were called, and I felt the nerves flutter in my stomach as my moment arrived. "Serenity Miller!" Echoed through the speakers, announcing my turn to walk across the stage.

As I ascended the steps to the stage, excitement bubbled within me. The faces of teachers, peers, my friends, and my family in the crows blurred together into a tapestry of support. The tassel of my cap brushed against my cheek as I reached the top step, and the spotlight bathed me in a warm glow.

The cheers of the crowd resonated, a collective acknowledgment of each graduate's unique journey. We made it. In the sea of faces, I caught the glimpses of my family, their cheers rising above the rest. Their eyes sparkled with pride, and from all the way across the room, I could feel their love.