Sometimes Will felt like a dorky ass hall monitor, minus the bright yellow safety sash, which had been replaced by an electric blue and reflective silver 'Need Help? Ask Me' patrol shirt, but overall he really enjoyed what he did. He'd spent all four years of his academic career at this, making sure people got to and 'fro on campus safely. The provost board was thrilled and Weisenger-Papp had actually been ranked one of the safest campuses in the state.
Taking his dad's advice, Will had jump started campus programs which drew volunteers from human service majors like criminal justice, social work, pre-law, and more. There was the Nightlight Escort program, which was not nearly as racy as it sounded, but rather meant that anyone who felt uncomfortable criss-crossing campus after dark alone could send a text and within ten minutes, two or more of Will's safety crew would be there to walk with them wherever they were headed. They operated between academic buildings and dorms until 11 pm and from the library to the dorms from sunset to sunrise. People got a kick out of the hooting night owl noises they used to signal their arrival, the glowing night lights they wore as designation pendants, and the superhero-themed flashlights they used. Will got a small kick out of using his Green Arrow flashlight to light the way.
He'd also drummed up enough donations from local business owners to purchase used passenger vans and create Pappy Cares. It was a designated driver program that ran Friday through Sunday from sundown to sun up where Weisinger-Papp students could get a free, sober ride home from parties as long as they had a student ID and weren't actively puking or unconscious, a rule Will had had to institute after the great Delta Chi Upsilon party of Fall 2026. They played karaoke in the vans and strongly encouraged tips to cover the cost of gas and nobody had to risk driving drunk.
The most popular program, though, was Weiss Gals, where Will and a few buddies taught self-defense to underclassmen. True, it was mostly freshmen girls who stared and giggled non-stop, but Will got a real sense of accomplishment out of helping them transition from bashful freshies there because freshman orientation suggested it to bad asses who could flip Will over their shoulder if they wanted.
Will was very proud of what he'd established on campus and would miss WPU. But it had all been a part of his plan. He figured if his Dad's smoke screen prior to becoming mayor was 'reprobate who wouldn't bother helping his fellow man', he would go in the opposite direction with 'super helpful letter of the law guy who wouldn't dare operate outside the rules'.
His dad had made him promise to get a degree before Will could start his training. Today was graduation day.
"Oh my God, Will. I can't believe we made it." Tyler bounced over in her black cap and gown. A maroon and pink sash, the color of her sorority, was draped over her shoulders. She also wore a blue cum laude cord. "Well, I knew you'd make it, but I thought that capstone class was going to kill me before I could walk the stage."
She straightened his graduation regalia. He had so much it was actually tipping into spectacle territory. A blue and silver sash from the honors college, blue, silver, and white summa cum laude cords, a provost honor medal for the work he'd done on improving, and several honor society pins. Will had majored in Paramedicine Science, which licensed him as an EMT, and minored in Community Development. Tyler had double majored in Communications and Organizational Management.
He looked down at her, watching as her eyes sparkled with glee. Her dark hair spilled from underneath her mortar board. He couldn't help but pull her into a hug.
She returned the hug and he could feel her grin pressing into his chest as her head rested just under his chin, which she loved doing because Will was one of the few people who made her feel short even though she was 5'9".
"Just think, Will. In an hour, we'll be alumni. No more classes. We'll be out in the 'real world.'"
He smiled. "I know, Ty."
She looked up. "Have you even figured out what you want to do?"
Before he could respond, one of the professors in charge of wrangling graduates clapped his hands and yelled for them to get in line for procession. Unfortunately, Clayton-Queen and Speedwell had a lot of students between them. Will would never drop Clayton from his name, in honor of his mom, but he lamented that going by Queen alone would have put him much closer to Tyler.
Tyler gave him a tight squeeze. "Alright. Gotta go. I love you, William David."
"Not as much as I love you, Tyler Rose."
Three hours later, they were celebrating. Music vibrated through the reception hall his dad had rented. Tyler and Will had chosen to combine their graduation parties so it was a full house. Another fast beat song came on and Will finally had to beg off from dancing. Tyler had the energy of Jack Terrier on a sugar high and begged him to dance some more.
"Come on, don't tell me you graduated and immediately became an old man with a bad hip."
Will laughed. "We'll dance some more later. I promise. Even if it's just you and me."
"Ooh. A private dance. Mama likes."
"Such a dirty mind. You're a bad influence, Ty."
She raised her right hand. "'I solemnly swear I'm up to no good.'"
"You should get that tattooed on you. I'm going to get a drink and find my dad, thank him for the party."
Tyler nodded and smacked a kiss to his cheek before returning to the crowd that was doing an enthusiastic electric slide.
Will stopped by the bar and got a soda before searching for his dad. He found him sitting alone, watching the crowd. Will waved and headed over.
Oliver grinned at him, a rarity for such a stoic guy, even if he was far more affectionate with Will than anybody else.
"I am so unbelievably proud of you, right now."
"Thanks. Pretty proud of myself." Will sipped at his drink and looked at his dad, not knowing what to say.
Oliver pressed his lips together and let the silence ride for a moment before he broke it. Some of the joy seeped out of his eyes. "You want me to hold up my end of the deal."
"That's what you promised. I've been waiting for four years."
"And a deal is a deal." He pulled a card out of his pocket. "Meet me there tomorrow morning, 8 o'clock sharp."
Will accepted the card, reading the address before palming it. His dad stood and opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something. But nothing came out. Oliver shook his head and clapped Will on the shoulder before walking off.
Will couldn't help but feel as though he'd disappointed the man. But he wasn't doing anything bad and a promise made should always be a promise kept.
"What's that?" Tyler asked as she hopped into his lap, fanning herself.
Will huffed in surprise at the unexpected weight before allowing her to settle. "Nothing. Just a card. My dad knows what I want to do so he gave me a lead on where I can go to get started."
She hummed and took a sip of Will's soda. "That's awesome. Your dad is supportive. He's so proud of you. I can tell."
William hummed in thought. He would have agreed ten minutes ago, but suddenly he wasn't so sure.