Emma
I've never been more nervous and excited in my life. Our graduation ceremony was about to start and so far Jace was nowhere to be seen and I was scared he was going to miss his own graduation.

"Calm down Emma. He'll be here" Kim says.

"Where the hell is he?" I look around but there's still no sign of him.

The principal started calling names and soon he called my name. I was making my way to stage, with a big smile plastered on my face although my insides were turning, when I saw him. He slid in beside Logan and waved at me. I couldn't help the grin on my face as I walked off the stage.

"He's here" I told Kim and turned around to find him.

"I told you."

Our gazes met and he grinned at me. I waved at him and he laughed.

We had to sit down till they called everyone. When Jace went onstage, he winked at me and I rolled my eyes. I couldn't wait till it was over. I wanted to hug and punch him at the same time for making me so worried.

Immediately it was over everyone trooped outside. I found my parents with Emily talking to one of my teachers.

Emily waved me over as the teacher excused herself.

"How's my graduate doing?" My mom pulled me into a hug.

"I did it!" I squealed and Emily and my dad laughed.

"Okay let's get some pictures" my dad said and I groaned.

"Take some pictures with your sister, your dad and I have to see someone. We'll be back in a bit" and they left me with the most annoying 13 year old ever.

"Come on" Emily said and I rolled my eyes as she started singing. "Go grad, it's your day, go grad, it's your day, go grad."

I laughed and posed for a picture, raising my graduation cap up.

"Get over here Emily" I waved her over but she shook her head, her eyes glistening.

"Why?" I ask putting my hands on my hips. "Why are you smiling that way? What--"

A pair of arms grab from behind and I let out a scream. I turn around and come face to face with a pair of mischievous blue eyes.

My hand flies to my chest, willing it to be calm and I glare at Emily who's laughing.

"You asshole" I punch his chest. "Are you trying to get me killed? First, you're late to your own graduation, I called you like a hundred times and now you're trying to give me a heart attack. You know-"

He plants his lips on mine, silencing me and pulls away with a grin.

"God, you talk too much darling. Anyways I didn't miss anything. I was late because I had to pick up your graduation gift. And you only called 11 times."

"I wasn't aware we were exchanging gifts" I said.

"Oh no we're not."

"But.."

"And I said don't worry about it. You're the greatest present a guy could ask for." He pulls me into his arms and I rest my head on his chest so I can hear his heart beating.

"Oh my gosh, so cute!" Emily squeals and Jace laughs. I totally forgot she was here. "I'm definitely sending this to Mia."

"Mia! God, I totally forgot" I groaned. She is going to kill me.

"What's that?"

"I promised I would call her and send her a picture" I turned on my phone and saw 7 missed calls from Mia.

"How about we video call her?" Jace asked already calling her on FaceTime.

"What do you want, lover boy?" Mia asked as soon as the call was connected. "And where's your cute little girlfriend?"

He turned the phone to my direction and I waved at her. "Hey there bestie. How's it--"

"What the hell happened to you?" She cut me off.

"Well hello to you to" I mumbled.

"Sorry? I didn't quite get that" she raised an eyebrow.

"You know I love you right? You're the most important person in my life and--"

"Hey" Jace cries out.

"Shhh, this is a girls moment. Why don't you be a good boy and fetch your girlfriend a drink?"

He grumbles something about being more important as he stalks off and Mia laughs.

"Anyways you look amazing. Charlie's supposed to be here but..." She seems a bit worried.

"What is it?"

Emily pokes her head into the call and waves at Mia. "Hey."

"You little minx, how you doing?" Mia grins.

"Okay, I'm sending a few pictures to you now. The Jemma feels are just..." She sighs.

Mia's phone pings and I think she's seen what Emily sent to her cause she squeals. "Omg. Gosh, you guys are so cute."

"Thanks, I guess" I say awkwardly. Jace appears and hands me a soda.

"You Kno what Mia? I have to go but I promise I'll call you as soon as I get home."

"Okay. Bye, and congrats" she hangs up.

"Where are mom and dad?" I ask.

Emily shrugs and continues typing on her phone.

"Everyone's going to the front of the gym for the final picture" Jace says. "Let's go."

"Come on" I tell Emily and we all move to the front of the gym.

"And where is my present, by the way?" I ask.

"Yeah, tonight. How about dinner?"

"On such short notice?"

"Think of it as a celebratory dinner." I roll my eyes as and we join the rest of the class.

***
"He's what?!"

"Yeah, he's now friends with them." Mia repeats and I groan.

By them, she means this gang that call themselves The Vipers. They once vandalised a major mall and there were rumors that robbed a bank once. They're a major pain in the ass and the three of us got into trouble with them a few times.

"Why would he do that?" I ask and Mia shrugs. "I'm gonna call him."

"Sure but I don't think it'll make a difference. I tried talking to him but he ignored me. His mom is heartbroken. She says he stays out and sometimes has bruises on his face. I haven't seen him in two weeks."

"But I called him a while ago and he didn't sound different or anything. He didn't even mention it."

"I don't know. I'm scared for him, Em. I heard he got a tattoo."

I laughed until I realized she was serious. "You're kidding? Charlie hates needles!"

"I know. And you know I'm moving away for college and everything so who's gonna keep him in check?"

I sigh as this sinks in deeper. Mia is moving to Australia with her elder sister. She wants to study marine biology and suddenly decided that Australia is the best place to do so. And surf.

"I'm gonna miss you. Scratch that, I miss you."

"Me too, babe."

Everything is happening too fast. In a few months, I'll be in college and Mia is moving and Charlie is going through a gangster phase. I need a vacation.

"On a much lighter note, Jace and I have dinner tonight" I say.

"Oh do you now? Well it's great to know that you're having such a fun time while my life is going to bits."

"Come on, Mia. It's not like that. He just brought it up, it's not like--"

"I'm kidding, gosh" she said with a laugh. "I'm glad you finally found the man of your dreams."

"He is not the man of my dreams" I scoff.

"Whatever floats your boat, hon." I can literally hear her smirking.

"I have to go get ready for my date in a few hours" I say.

"Sure, sure. Let me know how it goes, 'kay? And be sure to use a c--"

I hang up before she can complete her statement. Mia really needs a filter at times. My phone beeps with a text and it's Mia.

Mia* Be sure to use a condom. I do want godkids but not so early ;-)

I shake my head and check the time. It's half past 5, which means I have two and a half hours to prepare.

"What do I wear?" I open my closet and begin going through. I have absolutely no idea where we're going, so I have to pick something not too fancy and not too casual. Easy (note the sarcasm)

After about 25 minutes I decide on a grey halter dress. I bought this a year ago and so far have worn it twice. It should do.

I take a long bath and curl my hair. By the time I'm done with my makeup -which is minimum- it's just half an hour left. I don't put on the dress now, that'll be later.

When the bell rings, I dab on my perfume, grab my purse and make my way downstairs.

My mom is talking to Jace in the hallway and he looks up and smiles at me. My mom turns to me and winks and I roll my eyes. You think she'll be used to this by now.

"Hey" I stop in front of him, my heels giving me a boost so I'm looking at him eye to eye.

"You look beautiful as always" he murmurs into my ear and I shiver involuntary.

"You don't look too bad yourself." That was the understatement of the year. He looks good enough to eat in that suit.

"So Jace, I expect her back when?" My mom asks, walking us to the door.

"Actually I wanted her to stay over if it's okay with you" he says and I raise an eyebrow.

"Sure, sure. Have a nice time, Emma" my mom shuts the door and I turn to him.

"Any more surprises in store for me?"

"Just one more."

***
After about 20 minutes, he drives into the parking lot of La Perla.

"Are you kidding?"

"Nope." He grins.

"You got reservations at La Perla" I say in amazement.

La Perla is a very exclusive and expensive restaurant and reservations are booked months in advance.

"How did you.."

"It belongs to a friend of my mom's, so I just made a call and well.."

"I don't believe this" I whisper.

"Come on, let's go" he gets out of the car and crosses over to my side, opening the door for me to step out.

The building is a modern two storey glass structure and so brightly lit and I can even see people inside.

We make our way to the door, where a doorman let's us in. We walk straight into the reception decorated with expensive sculptures and art on the walls.

A woman at the receptionist desk smiles and welcomes us. Jace discusses with her but I don't hear any of it as I'm too busy taking everything in. This place just screamed luxury and I felt a little out of place.

"Emma?"

I turn and notice Jace giving me a worried look. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine" I smile.

"Are you sure? You look a little out of it. We can leave if you want."

"No, no. I'm fine."

The lady leads us into the dining area and to our table. Jace thanks her and she goes back to her desk.

He pulls back my chair for me and I sit down, placing my purse on the table. He sits down across from me and gives me a weird look.

"What?"

"Are you sure you're okay?"

I reach across the table and grab his hand. "I'm fine."

Okay, that's a lie. I feel so underdressed. I should have worn and evening gown or something. Damn Jace.

A waiter approaches us with a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket and places it on the table.

"Oh no, we didn't order any" I say.

"It's on the house, courtesy of Mr Pascal." He pours the champagne into two glasses, hands us the menu and walks off.

"Is that your mom's friend?" I ask and he nods, taking a sip of his champagne.

"That's really good. You should try it" he gestures to my glass.

I feel choked in this place. I stare at the champagne like it's going to bite me and finally take a sip.

I force a smile and put it down, opening the menu and my jaw nearly drops when I see the prices of the meals. I know Jace is really loaded and all but this is way too much.

"What are you ordering?" Jace asks from across me. "The steak seems okay."

My eyes find the steak and I nearly faint. That is ridiculously expensive.

"I don't know" I gulp. "Can you order for me?"

He puts his menu down and stares at me for a long time and I squirm under his gaze.

"Something's wrong."

I bite my lip, debating with myself whether I should tell him or not.

"What is it?"

The waiter approaches us again, asking for our order and Jace orders the steak for the both of us and the waiter collects our menus before walking off.

He focuses his gaze on my again and I sigh. "I don't know, Jace. I feel weird here."

"What do you mean?"

"All this" I gesture at the restaurant. "This fancy life of luxury. I'm way out of my depth here. I don't belong here."

He gives me a look that says "you're crazy".

"If you think you don't belong here, that you're not cut out for this, then you're really crazy." My jaw drops but he just continues. "How do I make you understand this? You're a queen, Emma. You're my queen and I'm the peasant who would do anything and everything to make you happy. You deserve all this and more. You deserve diamonds and pearls and everything expensive. You know what? You're right, you don't belong here. You belong right next to me."

I think my heart just flew out of my body. He stands up and walks across to me.

"I wanted to wait till the night was over but.."

He pulls a slim velvet box out of his pocket and hands it to me. "Happy graduation."

I open it and inside is a necklace. The pendant is a butterfly that has tear shaped diamonds in each of it's wings.

"Jace..."

"You deserve everything this world has to offer and more. If anyone it's me who doesn't deserve you. I don't even know why you agreed to date me" he says with a laugh.

I choke out a laugh and will myself not to cry. I look around is thankful that no one even gives us a second glance.

"Let me help you with that" he says and I hand him the necklace and he helps me put it on.

He places a kiss on my forehead before going back to sit down. I finger the necklace and let out a shaky breath.

As if on cue, the waiter arrives with our food. I thank him and he walks off.

"Now eat."

I pick up my cutlery although I don't think I can eat anything. It's like there's whole zoo in my stomach but it'll be a shame to let all this food go to waste.

"Can you excuse me for a moment?" I pick up my purse and stand up. I walk towards the back and ask a waiter for the both and he shows me. I thank him and walk into the bathroom which is just as fancy as the restaurant. There's even a freaking painting on the wall.

I enter one of the stalls and sit down with a sigh. I close my eyes as I remember everything he just said.

You're a queen. You're my queen and I'm the peasant who would do anything and everything to make you happy.

Oh God. This boy is gonna be the death of me.

I pull out my phone and call Mia. She picks up after three rings.

"Hey there, lover girl. Aren't you supposed to be at dinner?"

"I am. At some freakishly expensive restaurant."

"Oh that's great. Then why are you calling me?"

Great question. I have no idea why I'm calling her.

"I don't know Mia. It's just.."

"What? Don't tell me.." she gasped. "He proposed?!"

"What?! Are you crazy?"

"Then what is it?"

"I don't know. I have no idea why I'm sitting in the toilet of an expensive restaurant calling you when I'm meant to be out there with Jace but.. God, Mia I love him. I really do and I'm scared. I feel like I'm too young to love him this much and he's not doing anything to help and--"

"Whoa, calm down. Take a deep breath." I inhale deeply and breath out. "You're not too young for love, Emma. Trust me. I wish I had someone like Jace. And what are you scared of?"

"I don't know, Mia. I don't know. What if he cheats or something? What if he just leaves or something? I don't think I'll be able to bear it. God it's too much" I say nearly bursting into tears.

"I wish I was right there beside you so I could slap some sense into you. I don't know Jace like that but if there is one thing I know, it's that he loves you to bits. And if he tries breaking your heart, I will break his ribs." I choke out a laugh.

"Now can you stop acting do dramatic. Your boyfriend is waiting for you."

"Sure. You're the best, Mia. I love you."

"Yeah, I know. And if you stumble upon any rich, handsome guys, can you send them to me?"

"Well Logan seems--"

"Don't say it" she says and I laugh. "Love you. Now please go to Jace before he comes into the toilet."

"Thanks. Bye" She hangs up and I put my phone back into my purse and head back to the table.

There's a man standing by the table talking to Jace. They were both laughing about something the man said. When I get closer to the table, Jace smiles and points and the man turns around.

"Pascal, this is Emma. Emma, Pascal."

I am surprised that this guy doesn't even look up to forty. He looks like he's in his mid thirties and he's actually quite good looking. I thought he would be fifty or something.

"Pascal Dubinois, at your service." He said with a slight French accent and took my hand and kissed it gently. "Jace mentioned you were beautiful but he never said you were an angel."

"Oh, thank you." Maybe I should call Mia.

"I hope you're enjoying the meal."

"Well I wouldn't know. I haven't even started eating" I said with a laugh.

"Okay, I'll leave you two to it, then. Really nice to meet, you Emma."

"My pleasure really. Your restaurant is really nice."

"Oh, thank you. And Jace, this meal is on me."

"No way, man. You know I can't let you do that."

"You really can't expect me to let you, my little brother to come to my restaurant and pay. You're kidding."

"Pascal, come on dude. I'm trying to impress my girlfriend here."

"I'm sorry but if you wanted to do that you should have gone somewhere else because no one is going to give you a cheque. Really nice to meet you, Emma. See you later, bro." He waved and walked over to another table.

"He's really nice" I say and take a sip of my champagne. For some reason it doesn't look quite threatening anymore.

"Yeah. His dad is one of my mom's associates. He actually owns quite a few but Pascal just runs this one."

"That's nice."

"And why did you spend so much time in the toilet anyways?"

"Do you really wanna know what goes on in the ladies bathroom?"

"I don't think so."

***
"What's taking you so long?"

I rolled my eyes as I tied my hair into a ponytail. "Stop yelling, you'll wake the whole neighborhood."

I walked out of the bathroom and walk over to his bed where he's seated.

"That shirt looks good on you" he says, his eyes glistening. "Come here."

I sit on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck. "How about a movie?"

"I have a better idea."

Whoo. Jemma feels, man. My first chapter in what, two months is 3000+ words and I feel so fulfilled. So our lovebirds are officially out of high school. Get ready guys, there's a major plot twist coming and soon the second part of this book would start. I might update very soon as I'm already working on the next chapter.

I've been patiently awaiting the release of Avengers: Endgame and finally it's gonna be out in a few days. *cue my squeal* God, I'm so excited. Anyways, happy Easter to all Christians out there.

Bye loves.