6 Graduation

The graduation ceremony is over and they're bodies everywhere, everyone is trying to take pictures. I already took dozens of those with Kate and the others before Kate took off somewhere. Mr Kriss agreed to let me come for my graduation, of course he had his driver drop me off and wait for me.

"Ash" Aunt Stacey says behind me. I've been avoiding her and Kelly today, I'm still really upset about everything.

She holds my arms and turns me around so that I'm facing her. "Happy graduation" she hugs me and I have no other choice but to hug her back. "Your mom would've been proud of you if she were here"

A tear escapes from my eyes as she pats my back fondly. "I'm sorry Ash, I'm sorry"

I pull away from the hug immediately, as much as I need to hug someone and cry for a full 20 minutes, I can't trust Aunt Stacey with that.

Yes, call me a crybaby if you want but sometimes that's the auto reset my brain needs anytime I go through something shitty.

I can't trust Aunt Stacey with that, she's the one who got me here in the first place, if she had just divorce her husband like she was meant to a while ago, this would have never happened.

"I'm going to get you out of there Ash, guilt has been whipping me consistently since you left, I miss you" she says and the sincerity in her eyes makes me want to hug her again but I won't.

"I'm saving up money, I'll take up other jobs so I can clear off the debts and get you back".

"You're unbelievable Aunt, you still want to clean up his mess" I huff in disbelief

"That's the only way I can't get you out of there. Give me one year Ash and I'd do that, I promise"

I want to tell her not to worry as Nathan has already covered that up for me but I can't, I'll enjoy it if she works more and put the money into my college later after I divorce Nathan. I'm not wicked, nope! I'm just being tactical about things.

"I've already filed for a divorce" she sighs and I hug her out of happiness. That's the best news I've heard this week.

"Does Kelly know?" I ask after pulling away from her

"Not yet, but eventually, she'll find out"

"Ashley" Kate walks over to where I and Aunt Stacey are.

"Hello Aunt Stacey" she hugs my Aunt briefly.

"Happy graduation Kate" Aunt Stacey smiles at her and squeezes my hand before leaving the two of us.

"I've been looking for you Ash" Kate says "You don't look okay today, what's wrong? I went to your place yesterday but Aunt Stacey said you weren't around and I tried calling but your phone was off"

"I'm fine Kate" I lie and she raises a brow while crossing her hands over her chest. I don't want to lie to her, I really want to tell her everything but I can't bring that up right now, I just want to enjoy today without having to ruin it with my sad story.

"There's so much I want to tell you, but I can't at the moment, I'll tell you later, I promise"

"You better" she gives me a once-over. "Don't let me remind you to tell me" she adds.

"I won't"

"There's an after-party at Liam's place, are you coming?" She asks

Liam is her boyfriend and by the look of things, I don't think they're going to be splitting anytime soon, given they're both going to Washington State University, I would join them eventually, after I figure out how to get my college expenses.

"Nah, I'll pass" I just want to go back and take a long shower.

"Really?" She pouts and I look away so that I won't be swayed into changing my mind. Actually even if I change my mind, chances are slim that Nathan would let me go.

"I'm having a headache and I won't be able to withstand all that sound at the party" I lie and she finally sighs defeated.

~~~

The car stops in front of a bridal fashion store and I look at the driver through the mirror confused.

"Mr Kriss said I should bring you here" the driver says and I sigh.

I step out of the car and I see Nathan leaning beside his black BMW, checking his time as he taps his leg impatiently.

I cross over to where he stands and immediately I reach him, a beautiful lady grabs my arm smiling at me.

"You must be Ashley" her smile widens as I nod. "I'm Jessica, Nate's cousin" she hugs me "I thought you weren't going to show up again, I mean which bride would not want to try out her wedding gown?" she releases me from the hug.

What does she mean? I throw Nathan a questioned look but he maintains his calm gaze. "You're late" he says in a cold tone.

"Well if you told me about this-" I emphasize 'this' annoyingly "-maybe I would've left my graduation earlier" I add sarcastically and he rolls his eyes.

Woah! Do that again, that was cute!

"Graduation?" Jessica is clearly clueless about this.

"Yes. My highschool graduation" I say and Jessica widens her eyes and looks between Nathan and I.

"Nathan!" She trails off and drags Nathan with her. She stops after going a little distance away. "Why are you doing this?" she asks Nathan. Notwithstanding the distance, I can still hear them, I'm not eavesdropping, she's just not whispering.

Finally someone in their family is sensible.

"Uncle Greg is making me do it" Nathan defends

"You of all people should know better than marrying without love" she snaps.

"That's why I don't want to marry, Jess, because I don't want to fall in love but uncle Greg has figured this out somehow and he arranged this marriage".

"Does she agree with this?"

"No. That's why there's a contract between the two of us for our own good. Now go do what you came here for and find a good wedding gown for her" Nathan walks back to me.

"Tomorrow is our wedding, tonight we're going for a family dinner" he enters his car.

I have so much to say to him but I'll just be cool right now, at least that's a safe thing to do for the three of us.