Page 128 of Foul Territory

“I came to school prepared to make friends and have a good time. Instead, I’m leaving with a lifetime of memories and a family. Newhouse University is one of the best schools in the country because of you.

“Each and every one of us have our own unique set of skills and qualities. All of which we have been able to show off inour safe space at Newhouse among people that we love,” she says. I tilt my head back and try to stave off tears.

“As we close this chapter and move on to the next, I have one thing I want to ask you to do. The world will try to dim the light you have found here. It will try to hold you back. I ask that instead of dimming your light to blend in with others, you choose to stand tall and teach others how to shine as bright as you do.

“I will be leaving here today with an immense amount of gratitude and hope in my heart. Congratulations to each and everyone of you! On to our next adventure!”

I stand, along with all of my friends, and clap for Charlie. I’m so proud of her. I don’t know much about her home life. She never talked about her family much. I can't help but wonder if she is hiding something behind her flirty and fun personality.

The department heads line the stage and begin calling our names. Row by row my classmates walk across the stage and receive their diploma.

Once Wren walks down the steps she looks somewhere behind me with a big smile on her face. No doubt she is looking at Wyatt. She directs the guy behind her to start a new row, making me laugh.

Hart and Lauren join her in our newly saved seats. I wait patiently for my turn and scream as loud as I can when my man walks the stage and shakes hands with all of his professors.

Hesmiles back at me as he walks to his seat. I’ll never get tired of seeing that smile. It’s been gone for so long. If only I had known, that I held the power to bring it back.

I have to believe in the timing of everything. Our break let us grow and mature. It gave us space to miss and appreciate each other. Koa has always been a big part of everything I do even when I couldn't see it for myself.

Standing from my seat, I follow my line to the stage. I glance over at my family again and down to my friends. “Sydney Pierce,” the dean announces my name as I pass by, grabbing my diploma.

As I walk down the steps, Koa is there waiting for me.

“Congratulations, baby. I’m so fucking proud of you,” he says, giving me a quick kiss.

“I’m proud of you too. I love you.”

“I love you too.” He kisses my cheek.

I hug Lauren and Wren when I get to our seats. “We did it,” I whisper-shout, bouncing on my feet.

Wyatt is the last of our friends to walk the stage. He stops in front of Charlie and offers her an elbow. She gladly accepts and they join our group.

We shuffle around so Wyatt can stand with Wren. I sling my arms around Charlie. “Your speech was perfect. I’m glad you’re a part of my family.”

“Thanks, Syd. I wouldn’t have made it through this past year without you. I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you too,” I say, giving her onelast squeeze.

The last few rows of students file across the stage and the dean of students takes to the podium again.

“If I can ask everyone to please stand,” he says. The stadium erupts in loud cheering. It echoes through my chest causing my eyes to well with emotion. Koa smiles softly and kisses my cheek.

“Graduates, you can now turn your tassels.” Another outburst of screams erupts as we move our tassels to the other side of our cap.

“It’s been an honor to have each of you here with us at Newhouse the past four years. Congratulations to this year’s graduating class of Newhouse University.”

I take my cap off my head and fling it into the air with a squeal. Koa grabs me by the waist and lifts me into the air.

“Are you ready, baby?” he asks.

“For what?”

“Whatever you want.” He slides his hand around the back of my head and pulls me in for a kiss.

“I think we should keep up with our tradition,” I reply.

“What’s that?”