I came up with an idea for graduation, so I just had to write it. This is just Chapter 1, so there will be more to come!

Graduation.

Who wasn't anxious for it? The after-parties, getting to throw your cap up in the air, listening to heart-felt speeches? Hell with that; they just wanted to get out of there.

But in everyone's hearts, even in the toughest bullies, there was a piece of them that wanted to hold on to the memories and never let go. High school creates your future, and leads you to where you are to go next.

Finn stood in front of the mirror in the choir room. Slowly, he straightened his tie underneath his graduation gown. This was it; the last time he would step foot into the school. It wasn't like he was going to move to the other side of the country, but if he did come to McKinley High again, it wouldn't be the same.

He wouldn't be a true student; he would just be a faint memory. Sure, he helped the football team win their games, and he was part of the Glee Club win at Nationals, but part of him wouldn't be recognized there.

The jock stood there, staring at his reflection. He had gone through so much, and he had gone so far from where he was almost four years ago. Nothing much came out of freshman year. It was sophomore, junior, and senior year that made an impact on his life. So many lessons, heartbreaks, and happiness gave him the strength to move on and get through. Maybe he learned them so he could use them later in life.

Just before he was going to straighten his gown once again, because of his nerves, a familiar voice said his name.

"Hey, you ready?" Rachel asked. Finn turned to her and made a weak smile, knowing that he was literally ready but maybe not emotionally ready.

"Yea"

"I'm so excited." She walked over to him and looked in the mirror beside him.

"Graduation…it's finally here."

As happy as he was to get out McKinley, Finn's emotions started to build up inside. "Yea." He made a weak chuckle.

Rachel, noticing her boyfriend's emotions, wrapped her arm around him, and stroked his face. "Hey…..hey," she whispered, trying to calm him. "What's wrong?"

Sure, she knew that one reason why he was breaking down was because she was going to New York without him. But she thought she had that locked into his head well enough. Maybe it was not enough.

Finn came closer to her, wrapped an arm around her side, and continued to stare in the mirror at their reflection.

"I feel like a part of me's…..being ripped away." He had finally realized; it wasn't just Rachel he was losing, it was his friends too.

"After today, there won't be any more Glee Club…any more football games…anymore skipping classes-" Rachel looked up sternly at him, a little disappointed, but then relaxed, not really caring anymore because it was the last day of school. Finn continued.

"It'll never be the same."

Rachel rested her head on Finn's chest, holding him closely. "I know….I know."

Their moment was interrupted by a speaker that blared down the hall. "Will all students proceed to the football stadium please? Thank you."

Rachel sighed, looking up at her boyfriend, who still looked a little overwhelmed.

"Come on, it's time to go," she said to him. Reluctantly, he nodded his head and they both grabbed their caps and walked hand and hand down the halls the last time.