"You can't skip your own graduation", Jordan coerces me as I groan. Today is the day that most high school students would be happy about, yet I am filled with nothing but apprehension – maybe because all the students and teachers will be there, or it could also be due to the fact that Xavier might be there, since he owns the school.

Ever since my conversation with Louis two weeks ago, I have been uncertain about Xavier. I related my conversation to Jordan and Linda who were both skeptical, and advised me not to make any hasty decisions. However, I still feel angry, hurt and reluctant to speak to Xavier, hence me wanting to skip my graduation.

However, Jordan wasn't having that.

"You can't stay cooped inside and depressed forever", Jordan states, glaring at me.

"I am not depressed", I shoot back with as much conviction as I can muster. "And I am not cooped inside either."

Jordan raises his eyebrows at me. "Play dates with Asher don't count. You missed out on all the after exam parties, you refused to celebrate your admission to NYU, you skipped your senior prom, and now you want to skip your graduation", he says, arms folded and glaring at me.

I roll my eyes. When put that way, as much as I hated to admit it, Jordan had a point. I had in fact received my acceptance letter into NYU, and Jordan had wanted to throw a party, or at least take me out, but I declined. I just hadn't been in the mood to celebrate, even though it had always been my dream to go to New York. I had also refused to go to prom, mostly because I didn't have a date, but also because I would rather be in doors than outside. Ashe had offered to be my date, but I thought of how awkward it would look if I showed up with another Reyes brother.

And I do not play date with Asher. Over the past few weeks, Asher has taken me out to sample burgers, milkshakes, fries and ice creams from a bunch of fast food places around. We talk about music and literature, and I even told him about my admission to NYU. We don't have any deep discussions though. One time he asked if I was over Xavier, and I didn't have an answer. I think he was disappointed, but he hid it well and moved on to another topic. Other than that, yeah I haven't really gone out, and I don't feel the urge to.

Linda came up and took my hand. "I know that things have been hard on you but today is a monumental day for you." She looks me deep in my eyes, and I waver slightly. Curse her persuasive eyes.

"Fine, I will attend.", I groan, and they start to cheer. They are so cheesy.

"We'll call Asher", Jordan says. "He told me to call him when you decided to get ready."

I sputter. Agreeing to go out was one thing, but having one of the Reyes brothers tag along was not part of my plan. Ever since Asher started hanging around me during my 'month of depression' as Jordan calls it, I have noticed him staring a lot at me, sometimes even blushing. It makes me nervous because I am unsure if I like him that way. Call me stupid, but I feel like I am still getting over Xavier, and I don't want to jump into a new relationship.

As Jordan rings up Asher, Linda ushers me into the room, urging me to get dressed. Apparently, she and I are the same size, so she hands me a tight, black long-sleeved sparkling evening dress with a slit at the side, some silver earrings, and helps me style my hair. By the time we are done getting me presentable, Jordan and Asher are waiting for us outside.

"Why don't I go with Linda and you take Candy?", Jordan says to Asher, giving me a sly wink. I roll my eyes. I know what he is doing, and I do not like it.

"Sure", Asher says, as he moves towards his car, and opens the door for me.

I hate you. I mouth to Jordan.

Socialize, he mouths back, as he enters his car and drives away. Asher waits until I am comfortably seated, before he starts the car and follows Jordan.

We sit in uncomfortable silence for the first few minutes. Asher focuses on the road, while I fiddle with the radio.

Suddenly, Jordan breaks the silence.

"How do you feel about seeing Xavier today?"

I fall silent for a while, carefully picking my words. "A bit anxious. We haven't seen in a while and I would rather not see him right now."

"Are you still into him?"

"Can we please not have this discussion right now?", I groan, and he looks at me sadly.

"I'm sorry.", I apologize. "It's just uncomfortable for me. I really wish I could get over it faster, but I can't seem to."

"It's okay", he says, pulling the car over and looking at me. "I shouldn't push you so hard. I know how easy it is for him to get inside a girl's head. I will wait as long as it takes." He places a kiss on my head.

"Why are you so nice to me?", I sigh, leaning my head against his.

He hugs me closer. "I know how it feels to love someone and find them cheating on you.", he says. "And I also know what it is like to be betrayed by your best friend."

"What do you mean?", I ask, raising my head from his chest to look at him.

"When Audrey posted that picture of you and Xavier, she betrayed your trust. I know what that feels like."

I nod. "We should probably start going. We don't want to be late."

Asher nods, and we start the car. He looks at me for a second, and I force a smile.

But the smile isn't genuine.

Because I never told Asher that Audrey posted the picture.

***

By the time we arrive, I am so late, and I have no time to think about anything but getting my cap and gown then I had to find a seat, which was a big hassle. By the time I was comfortably seated though, I was able to fully turn my mind to the 'car discovery'.

Could I even call it that? It was very possible that I was being paranoid. Yes, I had not told Asher that Audrey posted the picture, but someone else could have, probably Jordan or Linda. I was so lost in thought that my mind blanked out the whole graduation, until the moment it is time to receive our certificates. As we move up, I notice who is handing them out.

Xavier Reyes.

I take a deep breath before walking up as I hear my name called. Then I walk up to the stage.

"Congratulations, Miss Greene", Xavier says as he shakes my hand and smiles at the cameras. I try to ignore the sparks I feel at our touch, but it is a hard thing to do. It's like my body misses him, even though I don't want it to.

I quickly grab my certificate and rush out of there. Thankfully, the rest of the event goes on without a hitch, and as we throw up our caps, I can only be thankful that it is all over. Highschool has been a difficult period of my life, and I can't wait to go to university where I will have a new beginning.

As I rush off to meet Asher, Linda and Jordan, I hear an announcement over the loud speaker.

"Congratulations students on your graduation. To celebrate this special day, Mr Reyes has organized an after-party at his parents' house. All students are invited."

As I meet up with Linda, Asher and Jordan, Asher runs and grabs me in a hug.

"Congratulations college girl".

I smile as it finally settles in that I am a college girl. I am a graduate. However, as I turn around, my smile fades. Xavier is behind me, and he looks heartbroken. I see his face pale, and there is hurt in his eyes. I know what he is thinking. It is obvious from the way he is looking at me, as if I broke his heart.

How ironic.

He doesn't say anything, just turns around and walks away, and I can't help feeling bad, even though I've done nothing at all.

"So are you attending the party?", Asher asks.

Jordan gives me a pleading look. I groan.

"I'll stay for a short while. Ten minutes at most."

"Yayy!", Jordan cheers as he carries me up in a hug. "My little college girl is finally socializing."

I roll my eyes, though I can't help giggling.

***

The place is packed when we arrive. Seriously, I had no idea that there were so many of us.

"Are you ready?", Jordan asks me as we pull up in the driveway. I convinced him that Asher should ride alone in his car, while I followed them.

"Is that a trick question?", I reply as I step out.

"Relax Candy, take a deep breath. This is probably going to be awkward, but it's better you get it over with now. You've avoided him long enough."

I nod, because what she says makes sense. then I take a deep breath and walk into the house where my relationship crumbled a month ago. There is music playing, and you can tell that this isn't your average highschool party. This is a huge event. There is a barbecue, an in-built cinema, and the pool is open. Waiters in white tuxedos and black bowties glide around offering lemonade and orange juice in champagne glasses. I can see a lot of my classmates with their parents, and I can even see Asher and Xavier's parents. However, I can't see the one person I want to see. Asher walks in and says he's off to the kitchen, giving me a small peck on my cheek.

I try to relax, but I am worried. Where is he? Could he be in an accident? Is he drunk again? The possibilities are endless.

The door opens again, and this time, Louis walks in and makes his way towards me.

"Xavier was right. You look beautiful. Congratulations on your graduation."

I smile and thank him. "Does that mean that Xavier is with you?", I ask hopefully.

Louis shakes his head. "He left after the graduation, and he was obviously upset.", he says looking pointedly at me.

I groan internally as I tell Louis what happened with me, Louis and Xavier. He frowns.

"I have something to tell you about Asher, but first, I have someone who wants to meet you."

For the first time, I notice that he is holding someone's hand. He drags the person forward and I gasp.

The girl has dark brown hair and huge dark brown eyes. She stood at approximately five foot four. She had a shy smile, and if not for the fact that she was wearing a yellow dress from LouisVitton – which is something I would never wear – we could pass for twins.

I knew instantly who she was.

Xavier's lost love who cheated on him and left him broken.

Vera.