I ruffled my hair while looking at my reflection in the mirror. Today was the big day, graduation day. So many memories made throughout my senior year and now it's all coming to an end. Time to move on to newer, better things once summer is over. I didn't think I'd make through the year when I moved here and now I'm proud of myself. I've gone through many ups and downs, many if not all were caused by Evelyn but I survived with the help of my friends and boyfriend by my side. Now I can say I've made it. 

After the graduation ceremony, me, Ruby, and Ivy were all going to go shopping for some grocery items before heading to the beach. We were going to set up the area for Kylee, Thomas, and Atticus' going away party. Tomorrow they were going on a plane to Italy since the music producer's company is originally situated there. He waited for them to graduate before flying them over to discuss further details. They were going to be releasing an album that they've been working on and they'll be going on an international tour once it's released. I was so proud of them, I couldn't be happier.  

I wore a pink ribbed knit long-sleeved skater dress with a mock neckline and a self-tie cutout back. Since I knew we'd be walking around a lot, I decided to slip on my white converse before heading out. Ruby was going to be driving us to school this time, considering we needed Kylee to be distracted. Felix and Storm are going to be at the graduation to take Kylee away so they could distract her along with Thomas and Atticus who is also coming to the graduation. Atticus was the only one in on it since he wanted the surprise to be perfect for her.

Kylee had revealed during prom that she was dating Atticus. Since I had left my clutch at the prom with my phone inside, Ruby wasn't able to tell me straight away. Luckily she was able to hold onto my stuff and give it back the next Monday at school. Ruby was the one to call Daniel that night to ask us where we were. It's probably bad that inside I felt slightly relieved that we didn't return to the prom after she'd told us that Daniel won prom king and Evelyn surprisingly won prom queen. They would have had to share a slow dance and I don't trust her anywhere near him. 

"Bitch, who's ready to graduate!?" Ruby shouted once I entered the car.

"I'm not answering that" Kylee mumbled, shaking her head. 

"You're no fun" Ruby pouted.

"Let's just go, we don't want to be late" I interjected. 

"Oh shit! You're right!" Ruby exclaimed.

She pressed her foot on the accelerator, speeding down the street. She drove as if she was in a fast and furious movie. I'm surprised she didn't get a ticket. It's no wonder Kylee doesn't let her drive us to school. When we got to school, we stumbled out of the car in a daze while Ruby jumped out all bubbly. She was practically bouncing inside. Kylee and I trailed behind her, shaking our heads. We had to collect our black gowns and caps first before we'd have to head to the hall for the ceremony. 

"How do I look? Sophisticated?" Ruby asked, twisting side to side in her gown. I laughed when she kept bobbing her head to play with the tassel on her cap.  

"Sure you do, you look great Ruby, love it" I complimented as I threw on my gown. 

"Oh my god I forgot to tell you guys the good news, I received a letter from the Fashion Institute of Technology and guess what?" Ruby bubbled. I raised a brow for her to continue. "I got in! I'm coming to New York with you!" she squealed. I let out a small scream of excitement and hugged her. Kylee laughed and mockingly clap. Some people swivelled their heads in our direction to glare but we ignored them. Not only is Ruby going to be in the same city as me but so will Daniel. He told me last week he got accepted into NYU, same as Storm, and will be attending in the upcoming semester. 

"I'm happy for you Ruby" Kylee smiled.

"Thanks, I mean I didn't think I'd get in, I can't believe I did it, I'm so excited" Ruby grinned. 

"Well FIT better look out because they got a real prodigy coming their way" I joked. Ruby chuckled while Kylee rolled her eyes with a smile still plastered across her face.

Soon we saw Daniel, Ivy, Lukas and Ace enter the room together. We greeted them with a hug and I greeted Daniel with a peck on the lips. They had come in just when there were a few minutes before the ceremony was about to begin. Ruby rushed to grab my hand and drag me to the hall, leaving the others behind. We sat in the front row. I glanced over my shoulder where my mother should be. I spotted her a couple of rows behind, she talking to Mariah who was sitting next to her. Silas was sitting next to my mother with Carlson.  

Even though they were friends before, this year they got a chance to become even closer friends. They are both continuously busy with their jobs but still find the time to hang out. We either go over to their house and her family comes over to ours. Evelyn may come with them at times but I'm civil with her or ignore her so that I didn't ruin the day. I'm glad that she's got a friend, it'll reassure me to know that she'll have someone to talk to once I'm gone to New York. It hurts at times knowing that I'm going to be leaving her here but I know that she's in good hands and that I can always talk to her over the phone.

Being here, at graduation, it made me realise that even though most of us when we think back to our life in high school, we'll think of the bad times, reflect only on the mean kids, fights, arguments, petty drama, stress, schoolwork, strict teachers, and the heartbreak experienced. But that's not what we should be remembering in my opinion because what's truly important, what we should always remember is the people that stuck by our side during those bad times to either fight with us, comfort us or support us. We should cherish them, the friend's we made. After all, they're the one's that knows us best and are the one's that never left when we were feeling at our lowest point because they knew that we needed them.

I know that I'll always reflect back on my time here and think that I was lucky enough to have met such amazing people during my short time here. My friends have made me recognise that I wasn't alone, that I had them to count on if I needed someone to talk to, they helped me find myself again, they showed me that even when the world is against you, it's not over. The memories I've made here will be held dear to me even if most of them weren't the best. 

I was brought out of my thoughts when Ruby held onto my hand while bouncing her legs with a wide toothy smile. Kylee grabbed my other hand and brightly smiled. The ceremony then began with the principal, Mr Davis, starting with a speech. Ruby was the first to go up out of us. She ran up, snatched her certificate and threw her fists in the air. Mr Davis looked irritated. Thomas was cheering loudly, above all the clapping and few whistles. We laughed when Thomas stood on his chair to blow a kiss at her. She did the same back.

"I love you" Thomas shouted.

"Love you too baby!" Ruby exclaimed back before hopping off the stage.

"Did you have to be all extra?" Kylee questioned. Ruby just grinned and nodded rapidly. Everyone else went up to collect their certificate. Daniel was the only one to go up and snatch the mic out of Mr Davis' hands.

"Yeah losers, I made it, fuck you all!" he shouted into the mic. 

Everyone laughed while I shook my head with a smile. He put the middle finger up but winked at me before he was shooed off the stage. I was last out of my friends to go up since my last name started with a W. Before I could walk away, I was picked up into Daniel's arms. I laughed and wrapped one arm around his neck before raising my fist in the air that had my certificate in it. People were either laughing, clapping or giving me the death stare, mainly Evelyn. Inwardly, It felt satisfying to see her have a silent temper tantrum over us. 

Once the ceremony was over, I headed over to my mother and Silas. Silas was invited to my graduation. He's trying to get to know me. I can see he truly loved my mother. He always treats her like a queen, something she deserves. I'm hoping he moves in with my mother because then she won't be alone. He sleeps over on days that she's either not working or doesn't do the night shift since she cut down on her hours. Silas had convinced her to not go back to long hours each day of overworking herself. He was better than my father ever was. 

After taking some pictures with my mother and Silas and some with my friends, I headed off with Ruby and Ivy to the grocery store before we'd be heading to the Santa Monica Pier. Daniel, Lukas, and Ace were going to be helping out with setting up on the beach. Luna, unfortunately, wasn't able to make it until later at night since she'll busy with her family but that's fine. Ruby spent two hours yesterday at her house, detailing how she wanted it to look like using a whiteboard. She even gave them a binder with a diagram inside. I fear for their lives if they don't set it up the way she organised it. Daniel was complaining to me that night when he walked me home. I can't stop Ruby when it comes to things like these.

Ivy grabbed a trolley once we entered the store. I decided to muck around and climbed inside to sit down. They both laughed as Ivy pushed the trolley with me in it. Ruby started throwing in items from the list sent to me on my phone. It didn't take us long to collect all the items. Since we had time to spare, Ruby decided to stand at the front of the trolley and stand on the wheels. Ivy ran down the aisles while we laughed. We probably would have gotten kicked out if we didn't avoid the workers, swivelling away every time we saw them. 

"Hey isn't that Fletcher?" Ruby asked, pointing behind Ivy. Ivy turned her head to look over her shoulder. I leaned over the trolley, to the side. My eyes widened at the presence of Fletcher nearby, skimming over the food on the shelves. 

"Oh no, run" I mumbled. Ivy was quick to push the trolley away. Unfortunately, he noticed us and tried to go after us.

"Hey wait! Harmony!" he shouted. I bit my bottom lip and looked down to avoid eyes from ongoing shoppers. 

"How are we going to pay for this when he's going to be following us?" Ruby asked.

"I don't know but I don't want to talk to that bastard" I shrugged. I'd rather punch him in the face for what he did or what he was planning to do, all just to help Evelyn. 

"You have to confront him sooner or later," Ivy said. I huffed in annoyance. I hate that she was right. It's been months since the accident. I haven't seen him since he ran away. Daniel tried to track him down just so he could beat him up again but I persuaded him not to. Fletcher probably had to fix his broken nose. From what I could tell, he has healed completely. It's as if the accident and fight never happened. 

Lucky bastard

"Give me two minutes," I said as I jumped out of the trolley with the help of Ruby. I walked over to where Fletcher was standing a foot away. I crossed my arms with a glare, making sure to keep my distance from him. "You wanted to talk?" I inquired. He rubbed his arm and avoided eye contact with me.

"Listen I'm sorry for....for leaving you that day to-"

"To die? Yeah fuck you for that" I sneered. He winced at my words. 

"It wasn't my intention to hurt you that day" he tried to defend himself. I raised a brow at his bullshit lie. 

"Evelyn told me everything Fletcher, don't give me your shit lies" I scoffed. Fletcher narrowed his eyes and grumbled curse words under his breath.

"That bitch just couldn't keep her mouth shut" he growled lowly. I took a step closer to him and reared my hand back to slap him across the face. The noise of my palm hitting his cheek echoed throughout the shop. I felt a hint of satisfaction. It was something I've wanted to do ever since he cowardly ran away, probably scared that he'd go to jail or some shit. 

"You disgust me, don't ever talk to me or acknowledge me again you fucker" I snarled. He was glared down at me while rubbing his now red cheek and remaining silent. That seemed to do it for him. Ruby and Ivy cheered in the background. I spun around and walked back to them. 

"That was amazing!" Ivy exclaimed, pushing the trolley to the front counter.

"You should have seen his face, he looked like he was going to cry" Ruby giggled. 

My lips curved up in a half-smile. They kept praising my actions. The only people who could ever make me feel better inside were those closest to me. I would feel guilty but he had it coming for months now when he hid from the police. They wanted to question him to see if he was drunk driving that night when he swivelled off the road. If he did, then that was another lie he told me. He not only put us in danger but also put the other driver at risk. It was relieving to know that none of my friends would judge me for doing what I did and snapping at him. They knew my reasons why. 

Once we bought the items, we walked to the beach with the trolley but this time Ruby sat inside. When we walked over where we planned to set up the surprise dinner/party, I was amazed at the scene before me. There were crates placed in the middle, on top of a couple of various boho rugs. Thrown over it was a white lace table cover. There were a couple of coloured cushions and pillows surrounding the crates. Overall it looked perfect. All we had to do was put the food on the plates before the others arrive. 

"Hello, beautiful" Daniel greeted. He snaked his arms around my waist and leaned down to kiss me. I giggled and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"Hello handsome, had fun setting all that up?" I asked, tilting my head. 

"No, Ace and Lukas are a pain in the ass and I missed you" Daniel grumbled. 

"Fuck you" Ace and Lukas shouted in unison. 

"Come on Harmony! You can make out with him later!" Ruby ordered. I rolled my eyes. At this point, I'm used to her embarrassing outbursts. It doesn't mean I'm immune to them. Now I just expect them. 

I quickly kissed Daniel before separating to help out Ruby. Ivy was with Ace, playfully fighting each other. By the time we were done with everything, the sun had begun to hide behind the ocean. Music played in the background from Lukas' Bluetooth boombox. We set up Ruby's laptop in the middle that I had Daniel bring over. It was going to be playing a video we edited for them. Luna had arrived and was currently with Lukas. She was still getting used to us since she's not around to hang out a lot and the long distance. From a distance, we noticed Kylee walking over with Thomas, Atticus, Felix and Storm. 

"They're coming" Ruby squealed with a wide grin. She snatched out her phone from her denim jacket and started recording when they got closer.

"Surprise!" we shouted in unison when they got close to us. Kylee's eyes widened as she took a step back and gasped in shock. Thomas had a wide grin. Ruby ran over to wrap her arms around him. 

"What's all this about?" Kylee muttered. Atticus held onto her hand with a smug smile.

"We did all this for you guys, it's a going-away party, we wanted to spend our last night together rather than at a crowded party" Ruby answered. 

"Aw that's so considerate of you guys" Kylee gushed. 

I chuckled and gave her hug first before the other three. We sat down on the cushions to start eating. Ruby sat on Thomas' lap next to Kylee. I know she's been trying to spend as much time as she can with him before he leaves tomorrow. Ruby hasn't told Thomas how upset she was inside that he was leaving, she didn't want him to feel bad or to change his mind about going tomorrow. I was going to miss them all. Kylee was one of my best friends. I've gotten to become close with her and Ruby and share many memories. The video we made will show that for her. Tomorrow we plan on heading with them to the airport to say our last goodbye's. 

"I hope you enjoy the video we made, we compiled all the video and photos we've taken throughout the year of all of us," I said. 

I pulled up the video on the laptop that was on the USB before placing it so that we could all see. Everyone crowded around the laptop, piling on top of each other as I pressed play. The thing about the video was that more than half of the clips and images were taken without us knowing from Ruby. We were trying to be funny in them. There were laughs but what I noticed was that Kylee was acting nonchalant. She contorted her face to seem unfazed but I could see the noticeable tears in her eyes. 

Just like the rest of us, she was sorrowful about leaving. I know that our friendship will not end and that we'll still stick together even after. Ruby and I will already be the same city. I've lost one friend and that was enough. Ruby and Kylee have been with me through thick and thin. Even though she'll be travelling to various countries, we'll still all keep in contact over facetime and watch their shows over TV. Unless they make a pit stop at New York or Santa Monica to visit or to do a show, then we'd visit them. 

Once the video was over, the boys went over to set up a bonfire while we got the drinks out from the cooler. The sun had now disappeared beyond the horizon. The only light was from the attraction site on top of the Santa Monica Pier. The echoing screams coming from the rollercoaster filled the air along with the thumping of the music. The beach was void of people. The wind whistled as it blew past us. It was a tranquil night. I preferred being surrounded by those closest to me than being in a crowded room full of strangers while being stared at. 

"I want to make a toast" Thomas announced, holding up a red solo cup that was filled with something called 'Moscow Mule'. It was a mix of vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice. I was hesitant to try it since it'll be a first and because Felix is the one that mixed it for us. We all turned to direct our attention toward him. "I want to thank you all for tonight, especially to my wonderful girlfriend" he grinned. Ruby gave him a quick kiss before he continued. "This probably wouldn't have happened without the help of Kylee and Daniel that day, now we have a new singer and guitarist, I'm excited for you both to join us tomorrow when we get to record our very first song and start preparing for a world tour" he finished. 

It took a moment for his last words to register in my head. Did he say a new guitarist? And that both Daniel and Kylee were going to join him tomorrow in leaving? Fuck, I could feel the small pang in my heart. I turned to look at Daniel with a frown. He was already staring at me. I could tell by the look in his eyes, the guilt in them confirmed my suspicions. He'd accepted to go with them and lied to me about going to NYU with Storm. 

"Harmony I-"

I didn't bother to stay and listen to his explanation. I quickly gulped down the drink, slammed it on the crate before getting up and walking away as fast as I can from everyone. Daniel called out my name as he tried to catch up to me. Many thoughts were going on in my head. I couldn't get over the fact that I was lied to and I didn't even know if he was going to tell me. I would have been happy for him to go achieve his dream and start playing the guitar again in something big. But he didn't even tell me and they were leaving tomorrow morning. 

Was he even planning on telling me? He probably wasn't judging by how late it was. He even seemed frustrated at Thomas for revealing the last part to everyone. I wonder how long he's known and hasn't told me. If he told me straight away, I would have been fine. I didn't need to be protected from the news. He must have known that he had to tell me sooner or later unless he planned to just leave without saying goodbye and leave me wondering what happened. I sighed as I rest my back against the wooden stand that held up the pier. 

"Harmony you can't run off like that, we need to talk about this" Daniel said once he caught up to me. I glared at him. 

"Talk about what Daniel? You lied to me, you knew you would be leaving tomorrow morning and you didn't even tell me, you left me in the dark, Thomas had to be the one to let me know by accident" I fumed. That was the part that hurt the most. I wouldn't have known if it wasn't for Thomas. I didn't even know if any of the others knew and just didn't tell me but I know it would hurt even more if they did. 

"I-I meant to tell you when I was offered the position to join last month but-" He stuttered, running one hand through his hair. My eyes widened. One fucking month?! He knew for that long and decided to make up an excuse to cover up that he was leaving?!

"You knew for one month!? One whole fucking month!? And then you chose to lie to me just last week about going to NYU?! What? Were you trying to protect my feelings?!" I snapped. Tears started to well up in my eyes as I felt the slight sting from trying to hold them back so they wouldn't escape. 

"I didn't know how to tell you! I never meant to hurt you, I was planning on telling you straight after but then I looked at your face that always lit up with a bright smile and I couldn't bring myself to tell you because I didn't even know if I wanted to take the position, you're the second most important person in my life, I didn't accept it until a couple of days ago" Daniel explained in a rush. 

"You were going to reject the offer to join their band because of me?" I asked in a soft mutter. He hesitated to answer my question. He was going to reject the opportunity to join them. It would have been my fault. "What changed your mind?" I questioned, casting my eyes downwards at the sand to avoid eye contact with him. I knew if I looked into his amber eyes, I'd find a way to forgive him and give in.

"My mother convinced me to join, I thought I could spend a semester with the band and join NYU after without you knowing" he mumbled lowly. That hurt. He didn't even trust me enough to tell me that he got offered a position in the band. 

"Why didn't you even tell me that you were asked to go with them?" I inquired. 

"Because I knew you would have wanted me to go-"

"Exactly Daniel, I would have wanted you to go and live out your dream, let other people see how amazingly talented but you decided against telling me and lying to me for a month about it!" I exploded. It's good that the beach was empty besides our friends a distance away. "You wanna know what hurt the most? It's that you weren't the one let me know, it was Thomas who revealed it at the very last minute, on the very last night together, that's what killed me inside." my voice shook as I spoke. The tears that had threatened to spill began to trickle down my cheek. I kept wiping them away. My heart was aching. 

"It wasn't my intention to leave you in the dark, I was planning on telling you tonight" he tried to defend himself. I shook my head while slamming my eyes shut. My wet eyelashes were brushing against my cheek. 

"But you didn't, it's almost midnight and you haven't said a single thing about any of this until you were caught" I mumbled glumly. 

"Listen, I'm sorry, this wasn't how you were supposed to find out but now you know and I don't know how to make up for it, I want to spend my last night with you, please can we do that?" Daniel pleaded. I looked up at him. His eyes were filled to the brim with tears. Mine flowed freely down my cheek. I bit my bottom lip. I wanted to forgive him, to join him and the others but I couldn't bring myself to forget. He thought I would be stupid enough to notice that he would be gone a whole semester. He didn't tell me anything. 

"I-I'm sorry, I can't" I stuttered out, shaking my head. My voice broke as I spoke. I gulped down the lump in my throat. 

He reached out to grab my hand but I was quick to run around him, towards the main road. Various voices echoed behind me, calling my name for me to stop but I ignored them all. I didn't stop running until I got home. My house was empty, dark and cold when I entered. My mother was with Silas tonight. At least she won't see my tear-stained cheeks and red puffy eyes. I felt like I was hyperventilating. I walked into my room and slammed the door shut. My back fell against the door before sliding down to the floor. I brought my knees to my chest and let out a sob. My body wracked with an onslaught of fresh sobs and tears. My heart was aching in my chest as if it had shattered into a million broken pieces.

My phone kept ringing but I just threw it across the room in frustration, letting it hit the wall and onto the floor. It hurt to not be trusted and to be lied to. It may have been something small to others but to me, it was a big deal. I felt angry at myself for letting it end like this but I couldn't bring myself to face him, not after everything and knowing that it would be our last time for who knows how long. I just can't go tomorrow, I can't see him because I'll break all over again. I doubt he'll be gone for a semester, that just seemed like hopeful thinking. Maybe it's a good thing that I leave things like this. 

He can leave without worrying about me holding him back. He can move on with his life. I mean who knows if we would last in a long-distance relationship. I probably should have known that no high school relationship ever lasts forever unless you're one of the lucky ones. I wanted Daniel to be happy. Even after everything, I didn't want him to have to think of me while he's gone. This way now he won't have to. He won't have to think of me before making any other decisions. I didn't want to be the one to hold him back from what he wants in life. 

Sometimes as humans we act on impulse. We do and say things without thinking. And sometimes that's so we don't get hurt, we see it as a way to protect ourselves from heartbreak. Maybe I acted on impulse to make it easier for us so that we won't have to suffer long-distance and worry about each other constantly. Maybe I was overreacting. All I knew was that it was done, we were over. I didn't say anything but I didn't need to. My actions did the talking for my unspoken words. That night I cried myself to sleep at the realisation that everything between Daniel and me was officially over. Daniel will forever be in my heart, he was and will always be my first love. That's something I won't deny. Because even though I didn't know it then, I know now that when we first met, I instantly fell in love.