It was sunny outside, brighter and hotter than it's been in a while. It's understandable since we're well into April. Miguel and I sit side by side on a bench at the park. Our eyes are trained on the pond in front of us, separated by grass and a trail. Birds are chirping and every so often we can hear flapping wings and rusling bushes. It's truly a beautiful day out.

"So you guys leave tonight?" I ask, looking over at Miguel. We had been so quiet for the last five minutes.

When I had arrived at their house, courtesy of my mom, I had gotten a chance to see their empty home. Everything was packed away and they were finishing up the kitchen. It was so odd to see how bare their house was when the first time I had been there, toys were all over the place. Now to see it empty, it was kind of sad.

"Yeah," Miguel answers, nodding his head slowly. "We kind of put the kitchen off so that needs to be done before we go. Once I get back home, I'll help with packing then we'll be off."

"Oh."

We become quiet again, the two of us just sitting calmly. It's hard to believe that we have absolutely nothing to say to each other. Miguel and I had become such good friends, I guess I'm just speechless that he's actually leaving.

"Listen, Emerson," I turn to Miguel as he speaks. With a small smile, I wait patiently for him to continue. "The day I came up to you, the first time we really talked...I have a confession to make."

I raise an eyebrow, my breath hitching in my throat. Lord, please don't let it be something vile or terrible. "Okay, go ahead. Wait! Please tell me it's not something creepy like you've been spying on me."

"Oh, God, no!" Miguel gives me an odd look, shaking his head rapidly. I start laughing at how funny his face looks. His bushy eyebrows are furrowed, but his eyes are still somehow wide. His mouth is agape as he watches me incredulously. Then he starts laughing too.

"Damn," Miguel breathes out, coughing lightly. "I'm really gonna miss you, Emerson. But seriously."

I hold my hands up. That was a nice ice breaker and I'm happy it happened. "Okay, go ahead."

"So, when I said that teachers had wanted me to tutor you," he starts, glancing at me before looking away. "Well, I kind of lied. No teachers had come to me about you."

I raise an eyebrow. Honestly, I'm not feeling really too freaked out. Maybe if it had been someone else who I hadn't gotten close with, I'd be running for the hills, but not with Miguel. I know at the time he had needed a friend and I'm happy that I could be that friend for him, just as he was for me.

"Okay," I nod.

Miguel's head snaps over to me, his eyes wide in surprise. He gives me another look, now confused. "Okay? Just okay? But like...I lied to you."

I shrug my shoulders, giving hima small smile. "Listen, I know both of us were having a rough time for different reasons. Yours was worse than mine and I'm glad we became friends from it, okay? No regrets, no doubts."

Once again, we become silent. We just enjoy each others presence, happy that we at least get this last moment together. I feel like I'm being sappy, too sappy, but it's never easy to lose a close friend. This sounds terrible, but I have a feeling we won't be seeing each other for a very long time. Don't quote me on it, but I can just tell we won't be seeing each other for a very long time.

"So, you and Sebastian?" Miguel breaks the silence again. I glance over at him, gauging how he's acting to make sure there's no malice there.

Nodding, I turn my gaze back to the pond. An acorn falls into the pond, vibrating the water causing small ripples.

"Yeah, we're back together."

"And the whole gay thing?" He pries further. I look over at him to see his eyebrow is raised. "Was that just a fluke? With all the rumors...I mean, I don't listen to them, but it's kind of hard when it's all anyone is talking about."

I purse my lips then proceed to tell Miguel just why I had been alone when he started talking to me. It feels good to not have anymore secrets save for the whole Damien Caldwell thing. I know Miguel won't tell anyone since we're tight knit and he doesn't exactly care for high school gossip. Like I said, I'm happy to have called him a friend.

Miguel snorts. "Always the talk of the town, Emerson. Your life wouldn't be exciting if we had started dating."

I'm reeled back to our kiss. There's still guilt from when I had told Miguel that I wasn't ready for a relationship only to fall back into Sebastian's grasp. I feel as if I had betrayed him by going behind his back like this. Sometimes I do imagine if I had given him a chance, then maybe things would've ended differently.

"Stop," Miguel suddenly commands. I blink and look at him in confusion. "I'm happy we didn't date, Emerson. We'd be here with me telling you that I'm leaving. It's better for you to be with who you love anyways. I don't think I'd make a good rebound."

The two of us smile at each other, settling into silence again.

* * *

Glossy lips and smokey eyeshadow. I look like a different person as I'm staring at myself in the full length mirror that hangs on my closet door. My hair, having grown over the past several months, was curled with one side clipped behind my hair. The prom dress I had gotten fit perfectly, hugging in the right places and the skirt flared out beautifully.

Pulling my phone from the charger and grabbing my small clutch, I make my way downstairs. Sebastian had arrived a couple minutes ag and we were due to take pictures before heading out to dinner. We were going out to eat with Jenny and Greg. Micah had opted out of it, stubbornly saying that her date should only be revealed at actual prom.

With a smile on my face, I step off the last step. Sebastian is stood talking to my mom while my dad tries to figure out the camera. Shelly is even there, Jackson held firmly in her arms. If i wasn't worrying about him spitting up, I'd grab the little guy right from her arms. I just can't risk it.

"You look handsome," I say as I make my way towards everyone.

Sebastian has cleaned up so nicely, I know I'll have a hard time keeping paws off of him. His tux is so nice and crisp and I can tell it's expensive. His hair is slicked back, making him look so suave. With my direction, he had gotten a bow tie that was the same color as my top, a nice neutral color. The plainness doesn't take away from how beautiful he looks though. My heart swells just looking at him.

Sebastian's smile grows as he turns to face me. It soon drops as he looks at me. With his intense gaze, I become self conscious of how I might look. Fiddling with my fingers, I step closer until I'm right next to him.

"Emie," Sebastian breathes. "You look beautiful, simply gorgeous."

And just like that a smile is back on my face. Grabbing his arm, I lean up to kiss him. As my lips connect with his cheek, I hear the click of a shutter, letting me know a picture was just taken.

"Finally got the damn thing to work." My dad mumbles, putting the camera down. "Let me get some pictures, kiddos."

After about a dozen photos, Sebastian and I are finally able to leave. The door is shut and locked behind us as we step out. I grab Sebastian's offered arm, leaning my cheek against his arm. When I don't see the truck, I look up at Sebastian with confused eyes.

"Got a new car. A sort of...welcome to the business gift." Sebastian tells me sheepishly. His cheeks and ears grown red as he gives me a small smile. I giggle and nod.

Sebastian leads me to the car and soon we're on our way to the restaurant.

* * *

Loud music comes from the ballroom of the hotel. It makes the ground slightly vibrate as we walk. Many students greet us as we pass by and I can't help but think of the rumors. Somehow things had died down. I guess since the rumors were never addressed and since Sebastian had disappeared, everyone quickly lost interest. At least we'd be able to enjoy our prom.

Sebastian pulls the door open. Jenny and Greg walk in first, me following, then Sebastian. It's truly a sight in this ballroom. The place is kind of dark with colorful lights that flash to normal every so often. Speakers are set up next to a large projector that displays pictures of the seniors. A lot of people are dancing while some are sat at the tables place on the sides. Against a wall, I see a bunch of shoes there. I'm glad I'm not the only one who's feet are on fire.

Sebastian pulls me to the dance floor and we begin dancing with our classmates. The DJ begins playing throwbacks making everyone shout in glee and soon we're shouting out lyrics to Souja Boy.

Once we grow tired, Sebastian and I settle at a table. We lost Jenny and Greg a couple songs ago, but that's fine.

"Any word from Micah?" Sebastian asks me, his lips pressed against my ear so I can hear him. I pulls my phone out and check it.

"Oh!" I exclaim. "She said she's here and walking in now."

Just as I say that, Micah walks in. On her arm is a gorgeous girl I've never seen before. Micah is dressed in a black, form fitting gown while the girl next to her has on a silver, sparkly gown. They look amazing together. I look over to the dancefloor to see a bunch of people looking over and whispering. Micah struts in, her head held up high, not caring what they say.

I'm proud of her in a way. I feel like this is Micah's way of saying a big eff you to everyone. Like the rumors don't matter and to be who you want to be.

A slow song comes on and I grab Sebastian's hand.

"Let's dance," I smile at him, leaning over to kiss his cheek.

"Let's."

Sebastian and I dance, our bodies close and our foreheads pressed against each other. I think both of us closed our eyes, I'm not sure. I just know that I'm held in his arms and it's a feeling so amazing that I can't help but bask in it.

I really love this boy.

*Oh, the time has come. One more chapter plus an epilogue. Oh goodness. I can't believe this. I can...wow. Thank you for reading, really. Please, tell me how this chapter was. Don't forget to vote.*