CHAPTER 198

ELLA'S POV

The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. Before I knew it, we were all outside, the summer sun beating down on our black gowns.

I stood apart from the crowd, watching as my classmates tossed their caps into the air, their laughter and cheers filling the courtyard.

I looked down at my own cap, running my fingers over the tassel. Then, with a deep breath, I flung it skyward, watching as it spun through the air before disappearing into the sea of black and gold.

As I searched the crowd for my cap, a familiar voice called out behind me. "Ella! We did it!"

I turned to see Susan racing towards me, her gown billowing behind her like a superhero's cape. She crashed into me, wrapping me in a bone-crushing hug that nearly knocked us both over.

"Can you believe it? We're officially high school graduates!" Susan squealed, jumping up and down while still clinging to me.

I couldn't help but laugh, her excitement infectious. "I know, it's crazy!"

Amelia appeared at our side, her perfe