A/N: We've hit our final college chapter. Remember, this will cover the last semester of junior year and all of senior year. They are the Class of 2008, so this chapter begins in the spring of 2007. Strap in, there's a lot going on here. An emotional roller coaster, to be cliche like that.

Winter Break? What Winter Break? Keesha thought as the spring semester began. Her six weeks off had been a blur. She took some shifts at the grocery store to earn extra money after the Walkerville Post again told her to wait until the summer. When she wasn't working, she was driving to Akron to spend time with Casey, or he was driving to Walkerville to spend time with her. Even Keesha couldn't believe how well it was going with him. They clicked in a way she had never felt before, not even with Ralphie.

The only fly in the ointment showed itself the weekend before the start of the semester, when Keesha headed to Phoebe's house to pick her up for the drive back to Ashland.

"Hey, I know you," the dark haired young woman joked when Phoebe entered the car.

Phoebe giggled. "Hey stranger." For her part, Phoebe had been just as busy over the break. She and her father had spent Christmas at Shawn's house, another step as their relationship grew more and more serious. When she wasn't with Shawn, she was working and volunteering as always. As a result though, Phoebe had almost no time with Keesha, or any of her old friends. It seemed like that was the case for all of them. Phoebe said a silent prayer for the invention of Facebook. It wasn't the same by any stretch of the imagination, but at least it was something.

"Ready for another semester?" Keesha asked.

"I guess. I'm going to be so busy, and this is the last 'easy' semester," Phoebe bemoaned. "Next year is all about the field instruction and licensing exams. I'm exhausted just thinking about it." She paused. "I bet you feel the same way about the paper."

"Pretty much. Gotta make my last push to be editor-in-chief."

"I'm sure you're a lock," Phoebe reassured. "The current editors love the job you're doing with sports."

"Thanks Pheebs, but I won't consider it a lock until it's done. When you look like me, and they look like them, well…you know."

Phoebe nodded, understanding exactly what Keesha was getting at. She scanned her brain for a new topic, but only came up with another sore subject. "Um, I'm sorry we didn't get to spend too much time together during break, and I'm really sorry we missed Christmas."

"It's OK Pheebs. I know it was important for you to spend it with Shawn."

"I did bake you some cookies! They're in my bag."

"Don't tell me that. It'll take all my willpower not to pull over so I can grab them."

As Phoebe giggled, Keesha continued. "How bout this? We take this first weekend back at school and ignore the boyfriends and everyone else. Just the two of us."

"Deal. How bout I grab those cookies to celebrate?"

"Awesome, although you know this means they'll gone by the time we get home."

Thoroughly exhausted, Keesha collapsed onto the bed in a heap. The past few days were a complete blur of activity. Ever since they started college, Dorothy Ann had been talking about going on a girls only Spring Break trip. Those plans were quickly squashed by Wanda joining the Air Force, but the other three were still determined to make it happen. None of three were big beach people, so DA suggested a city none of them had been before. Months of negotiation resulted in San Francisco as the pick.

It took until now for their schedules and finances to work out, but the important thing was that the three young women were together again, with Wanda there in spirit. In the three days they had been in San Francisco, it felt like they had been everywhere. They visited the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, the Embarcadero, Lombard Street, and almost every tourist spot in between. The three were as obvious tourists as it gets, but they didn't care. They were having the time of their lives before adulthood took them in full.

Keesha was about to fall asleep before she realized something. DA was conked out on her hotel bed, but Phoebe was nowhere to be found in the room they were sharing. The roll-away cot she was sleeping in (the trio were going to alternate who slept on the cot, but Phoebe insisted she take it because the other two were partially covering her share of the cost) was empty. Keesha's sleepy gaze eventually caught a tall figure on the balcony of their room. She got up and headed on the balcony herself. Not surprisingly, the tall figure was Phoebe, looking out at the San Francisco skyline with a thoughtful look.

"Not tired yet, Pheebs?" Keesha inquired, jolting Phoebe from her thoughts.

"Oh, hey Keesh. No, just enjoying the view and doing some thinking."

"Thinking? About what?"

Phoebe suddenly blushed and looked away. "Promise you won't think this is insane."

"Why would I ever think that?"

"Because, well, I think I want to move here after I graduate."

"What?" Keesha practically yelled. She took a quick glance to make sure she didn't wake up DA before continuing in a lower voice. "I'm sorry, but that does sound insane. Why?"

"Because I love it here. I've loved every minute. I know we've mostly done tourist stuff, but at times I've snuck away and walked around the city. Me being here feels so right. I haven't felt like that since we were deciding to go to Ashland."

"But Pheebs…your life is in Ohio. What about your dad? What about Shawn?" Keesha paused. "What about us?"

"Daddy always taught me to follow my heart. He'll understand. Shawn?" Phoebe made a strange face. "We'll figure it out. And us?" She touched Keesha's arm. "You'll always be my best friend, and the rest of the group too. We're already mostly apart, and we've survived."

"But you don't know anyone here! How will you find a job?"

"I don't know yet, but cities tend to need social workers. I'll figure it out. I have a year to plan this out."

Keesha took a long look at Phoebe's determined countenance. There was only one other question she could think of right now. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes," came the reply, with full confidence and obvious passion in her voice. That was enough to convince Keesha. Once Phoebe was passionate about something, there was no turning back. She would put everything she had into this. Keesha knew arguing with her was pointless.

Nevertheless, Keesha was floored. She had always assumed it would be her that would leave Ohio and her that would have to comfort a confused and devastated Phoebe. To have it be the other way around was world changing to Keesha. The amazing thing was that in one way, Keesha was proud of Phoebe. For once in her life, she put herself first. Yes, it was in a crazy and potentially reckless way, but at least it was solely Phoebe's decision. Her selflessness was the thing Keesha most loved about her best friend, but Phoebe could take it too far sometime. In that way, Keesha was glad Phoebe was looking out for number one.

However, as she went back into the room and into bed, a knot formed in Keesha's stomach. As the years went by, Keesha became less and less religious, but she said a prayer as she fell asleep. Please God, don't let this be a huge mistake.

Keesha sat down in the front row of the staff meeting with an obvious air of confidence about her. The purpose of the meeting was to reveal the editorial staff of The Collegian for next year. Keesha had already been tipped off that she would be named editor-in-chief. In fact, she was apparently the only serious candidate, a "slam dunk" as it was put. In her view, it was the product of hard work, and her mind was already racing with ideas for next year.

Five minutes after the intended start of the meeting, the current editor pounded the table to stop the murmuring of conversations. "Alright people, let's get this show on the road. As your outgoing editor, I'm beyond proud of what we've accomplished this year. You all deserve kudos."

His speech was stopped by a round of applause. When it calmed down, he continued. "Thanks for making me look good and getting me a job at the Plain Dealer." The group laughed. "So, since I'm out of here, it's time to announce who gets to boss you around next year." He went through the opinion, news, sports, and lifestyle editors first. "Last but not least, the big cheese, and your next editor-in-chief of The Collegian, Keesha Franklin."

Keesha let out a broad smile as she went up to the front to another round of applause. "Thank you Justin, and thank you all. I can't wait to get started next semester. We've done some great work here, and I think we can find another level. I certainly have my ideas on how to run things, but I welcome input from each and every one of you. We're all a team. That said though, I know how to bust balls if I have to. Ask the sports writers." The crowd chuckled at that comment. "Thank you all. I look forward to working with you. Let's get out of here and go to the bar."

As Keesha went back to her seat, she listened for any snide side comments, for someone, anyone to have an issue with her appointment. She allowed herself a small smile when no such comments came.

Phoebe wasn't used to Keesha waking up first, but that was the case this Saturday morning in May. Upon seeing the auburn haired young woman, Keesha immediately ran up and gave her a big hug, further surprising Phoebe.

"Happy Birthday Pheebs!"

"Ohhhh….thanks."

Keesha raised her eyebrow. "You forgot your birthday, didn't you?"

"No, but I was hoping you would."

"Why would you ever say that?" Keesha looked hurt, which in turn made Phoebe look hurt for causing it.

Nevertheless, Phoebe pressed on. "Because of all the talk I've been hearing about you throwing a huge party for me." Two months prior, Keesha threw a huge rager for Julie's 21st birthday, a party so immense it was still the talk of campus. Among their circle was talk that Keesha would do something similar for Phoebe.

Upon hearing that, Keesha's hurt turned to laughter. "Oh Pheebs, I'm sorry." She hugged her again. "Our plan to mess with you worked too well."

"What?"

"Why would I throw Phoebe Terese a Julie Haddock party?" Phoebe had no answer for that. "Exactly," Keesha continued. "I have something else planned." She led Phoebe to the living room. "Sit down."

Keesha pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. "I know that the only thing you'd truly want for your birthday is for the gang to be here to celebrate." She dialed some numbers. "Obviously and unfortunately, they can't be here, but I had them all call me and leave a message for you." She handed Phoebe the phone. "Listen."

Phoebe put the phone to her ear and first heard what was unquestionably Dorothy Ann's voice. "Hey Phoebe, according to my research, it's your birthday." DA giggled. "Seriously though, Happy Birthday. You've always been there for us, and I'm sorry I can't be there. I hope though it's everything you want because you deserve it."

Phoebe already could barely contain the smile on her face. Next came Carlos. "Happy 21st Pheebolino! Thanks for everything, especially the time you helped me with the, uh, Tampon Incident." There was a pause. "If you're listening Keesha, ignore that."

"Happy Birthday Pheebs," stated the warm voice of Arnold Perlstein. "We're all forever lucky you transferred to the Friz's class with us. Thanks for always being there for us and being the kindest person I know. I hope today is special for you."

Next came Ralphie. "Hey Pheebs! Happy Birthday to one of the finest people ever. A lot of people fake being sweet and kind, but you're the real thing. For a while I thought we were going to become brother and sister, but to be honest, to me you're already are a sister. Have a great birthday."

Tim was the next voice she heard. "Happy Birthday Pheebs! Uh, you know I'm not comfortable with this stuff, but well, you're pretty cool and I hope you have an awesome birthday."

Lastly was, who else, Wanda. "So Pheebs, you're 21 now. Don't be a wuss about it. Drink out in the open! Have sex! Have the fun I can't right now because I'm in a fucking war zone! Seriously though, thanks for always being the heart of the group. Damn it, I actually miss that weird, awkward face of yours. Toodles."

Tears streaming down her face, Phoebe got up to hug Keesha, but she stopped her. "Wait Pheebs, there's one more message."

"But, that's everyone, who else could it be?" Phoebe's question was answered by the voice of Shawn coming through on the phone.

"Happy Birthday Phoebe. I hope it's your best one yet, and I'm going to do my best to make it so. Get ready. I'll be picking you up at noon and we're heading to Pickerington Ponds for bird and animal watching. Then we're going into Columbus for dinner at a new farm-to-table restaurant. Anything after that, well, I'm not going to say on Keesha's phone. See you at noon. I love you."

Now completely overcome with emotion, Phoebe stood up and almost knocked Keesha down with her embrace. "That was the best gift ever. You're the best friend I could ever have."

"I could say the same about you," was Keesha's response.

Phoebe and Keesha arrived at their apartment late in the afternoon. The fall semester was to start the next day. They were now officially seniors, but the prevailing mood of the two was not excitement or pride but rather exhaustion. Their summer break was the exact opposite of one. Keesha had finally obtained an internship at the Walkerville Post, and when she wasn't working there, she was sneaking time with Casey and preparing for her time as editor of the Collegian.

For her part, Phoebe's goal that summer was to accumulate as much savings as possible. Her impending move to San Francisco was a year away. However, also impending was her required field experience. That would take up her entire spring semester, while the fall semester would be spent preparing for it. She also had to start studying for her licensing exams. That left little room for anything else, which is some ways was proving to be a problem.

Keesha was a little afraid to ask, but something seemed wrong with her best friend, and she figured talking about it would help. "You OK, Pheebs?"

Phoebe sighed deeply. "I guess. Just tired, and a little nervous because it's not going to get better."

"Oh. Is anything else wrong?"

Another sigh. "It's that obvious?"

"It usually is."

"Fair enough. It's Shawn. He's been distant lately, and it's like he's mad at me for being so busy."

Keesha made a face. "That seems strange. He knew what he was getting into." She had a thought. "Have you talked to him about San Francisco yet?"

Phoebe nodded. "Yeah. He didn't seem that pleased with it." She dropped her head. "I love him, and I want to work it out, but I can't if we never see each other! I need him to be the flexible one right now, and he's not."

"That sucks Pheebs. Hopefully he'll come around."

"Thanks. Anyway, enough about me. How are things with you? I didn't see you all summer either!"

Keesha told Phoebe how her summer went, but her thoughts mostly lingered on Phoebe's issues. Frankly, Keesha suspected it wouldn't end well and started to prepare herself for the fallout.

Phoebe had finally had enough. It was time to get to the bottom of what was going on with Shawn. She knew he was frustrated with how busy she was, but that was no excuse for acting so weird and distant all the time. She figured above all else, he missed alone time with her. Phoebe did too, so she secretly carved out some time that afternoon to surprise him at his apartment. Phoebe still cared deeply for Shawn, and she hoped he still realized that.

Phoebe arrived at Shawn's apartment, and was surprised to hear noise from what sounded like multiple people. Phoebe had picked this specific time because she was pretty sure Shawn's roommate wouldn't be around. She grabbed the key Shawn had given her from when they were practically attached to the hip and opened the door. From there, the noise she heard gave way to shuffling and panicked sounds.

"Shawn!" Phoebe cried out in a confused tone. She headed for his bedroom, where the commotion was coming from. For a moment, Phoebe had a thought that she should respect his privacy and not barge in, but she quickly dismissed it. Something was going on, and she had to find out. She opened the door…

… to find Shawn with another woman, both frantically trying to put their clothes on.

"What the hell Shawn?!" Phoebe shouted.

"Um, hi Pheebs. What are you doing here?" Shawn stammered, his voice desperate.

"I wanted to surprise you. Who is this?"

"Who are you?" the other woman retorted.

"I'm his girlfriend. Or was anyway," Phoebe spat out.

"What? You didn't tell me you had a girlfriend. Asshole." The other woman stomped out of the room. On her way out, she turned to Phoebe. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"It's OK." Phoebe reassured. "It's not your fault, and you're not the one I'm mad at." She turned back to Shawn with fury in her eyes.

"I'm…I'm…I'm sorry Phoebe, but…"

"But what! You know, never mind. We're through. You weren't supporting me lately anyway, and now I know why." She threw the key back in his face. "Take that. I never want to see you again." Phoebe ran out of Shawn's apartment and back to hers as fast as she could, desperately trying to keep it together while she was out in public.

Keesha was trying to study when she heard the front door slam. She looked up to see her best friend sobbing uncontrollably. On instinct Keesha ran to her, wrapped her in a hug, and led her to the living room couch.

"What happened?" Keesha asked gently.

"Shawn was cheating on me. I caught him in the act," Phoebe choked out between sobs. She broke down again, unable to say anything else. At first, Keesha didn't say anything; she just held Phoebe tighter. Inside, she was trying to make sense of it. She suspected Shawn's interest in Phoebe was waning, but neither of them thought he was cheating. Keesha felt a rage build up inside of her, but she quickly pushed it away. Acting on that would solve nothing. Right now all she could do was be there for Phoebe.

"I'm so sorry Pheebs." Keesha rubbed Phoebe's arm and stroked her hair, internally cursing that she didn't have anything more profound to say. The room stayed quiet, the only noise coming from Phoebe's cries and sniffles. The silence was eventually broken by a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Keesha asked warily.

"Casey."

Keesha's eyes snapped in recognition. She forgot Casey was coming over after practice. "Come in."

Casey opened the door, but once he saw the two young women on the couch, he knew that he wasn't getting the alone time with his girlfriend he wanted. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.

"Shawn's been cheating on Phoebe. She caught him red handed today," Keesha replied in as even a voice as she could muster. Phoebe only sobbed louder, as hearing it out loud only triggered more pain.

Casey seemed taken aback by the news. "Oh damn. That rat cowardly bastard. Pheebs, I'm so sorry."

"Thanks Casey," Phoebe choked before collapsing back into Keesha's body.

"Do you need anything" he asked.

"Yes. Can you go out and get two gallons of ice cream and a bunch of really sad movies, please and thank you," Keesha instructed.

"On my way. Be back soon."

After Casey left, Phoebe again picked her head up. For the time being, she had finally stopped crying. "You have a great boyfriend," she said in a soft voice.

"Yeah, I know," Keesha replied. She paused. "Do you want me to kill Shawn?"

Phoebe burrowed herself back into her best friend's arms, craving protection from the world. "He's not worth it."

There were few things in life Keesha enjoyed more than post-coital bliss. At the moment, she was wrapped up in Casey's arms, a happy kind of exhausted from well, a long night. The occasion was an Ashland football victory which led into Fall Break. Keesha was heading back to Walkerville with Phoebe that morning, so the couple knew they had to take advantage of the time they had.

"What are you going to do without me this week?" Keesha asked playfully.

"Well, cry for one," answered a droll Casey, "and take it out on the fools that make up our defensive line in practice."

Keesha let out a small laugh and twisted her body to kiss him. They were in mid lip lock when Keesha's phone buzzed. She sighed as she looked at it.

"Damn it, Phoebe's on her way. Why does she always have to be on time for shit?" Keesha squirmed, clearly not wanting to leave the bed yet. "Ugh, I have to go."

Casey took a hold of her and gave her a quick squeeze before loosening his grip. "It's OK. I understand. Um, is Pheebs doing alright?"

Keesha sighed again. "She has her bad days, but she's getting there. I think getting away from campus and going home for a while will help. Her father and I can remind her of how amazing she is."

"Good to hear. Please give her my best."

Keesha stood up. "Do I look like I just had sex?" Casey gave her two thumbs up and a goofy smile.

She started to put her clothes back on. "I'll call you when I get home. I love you." Immediately after she said that, her eyes bugged out in shock and fear. She turned back towards Casey.

"I knew it. You love me…"

"I didn't mean for it to come out like that." Keesha put her face in her hands in embarassment.

"So, you love me. You love me."

"I meant…"

"You love me!"

"You love me!" Keesha yelled back.

Casey pretended to hem and haw. "I don't know. Give me a kiss. Let me see."

Keesha crawled onto the bed to kiss him. The reaction was instant from Casey. "I love you. I do, yeah." His grin was so wide it could barely be contained by the rest of his facial muscles. Keesha found herself grinning just as wide. The two shared one more kiss before they heard Phoebe's car pull up.

As she practically skipped to the car, Keesha wondered if she should keep this from Phoebe. That plan went out the window the second Phoebe saw her though.

"Ooh…something good happened."

"Yeah, it did."

"Well, don't keep it from me," Phoebe playfully pleaded. "What happened?"

Keesha took a deep breath, hoping that with everything going on with Phoebe, she would take this well and not dwell on what might have been. "Casey and I each said I love you."

"That's awesome, Keesh!" Phoebe squealed. "I'm so happy for you." She paused. "Do you want to stay here instead of going home? It feels weird for you to be leaving for the week after you said you loved him."

"No, it's OK. He has practice all week anyway, and I promised I'd go with you."

Phoebe beamed as she maneuvered the car back onto the road. "Then put some fun music on. It's time to celebrate."

"You sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. We'll deal with my stuff later."

Keesha beamed back and she fiddled with the radio, internally amazed at the wonderful people in her life.

Blake into right center field. Crisp back to his left. Still going..And the Red Sox win the pennant!

Phoebe turned off the TV in disgust and buried her face in her hands. "Why did I watch all of that?

From the other side of the living room, Keesha had no answer. She certainly didn't want to watch that entire massacre either. Up three games to one in the ALCS, the Indians had officially blown it, losing three straight to the Red Sox. Even worse, none of the games were even close, and at no point did Cleveland have a lead. Game Seven ended with Boston winning 11-2, the exclamation point a six run eighth to put it away.

For a while, Phoebe said nothing, head still down, fighting back tears. Keesha felt herself getting emotional as well. Not for the Indians, that she didn't really care about, but for her best friend. Phoebe was just now beginning to get back to normal after the break up. The last thing she needed was more heartbreak. Inside, it killed Keesha that she couldn't do more.

The silence was broken by Phoebe's phone ringing. "Who do you think it is?" Keesha asked softly.

"It's either my dad or Ralphie." Phoebe answered the phone. "Hey Ralphie," she said sadly. She ran into her room before Keesha could hear anymore. Keesha didn't mind. Phoebe and Ralphie had always bonded over the Indians. Keesha hoped the two could talk each other through their hurt.

Keesha sighed and went back into her own room. It was late and she still had some studying to do before bed. The next morning she made sure to give Phoebe an extra large hug. The auburn haired girl forced a smile. "Thanks Keesh, but hey, there's always next year."

Both of them were pretty sure she meant that.

It was finally here, the spring semester of their senior year, their last four months as college students. For Phoebe though, that meant one thing- her field instruction. Save for a seminar intending to prepare her for her licensing exams, the field instruction was her only "class" of the semester. She would be required to spend at least 500 hours working at a social agency. That came out to an average of 36 hours a week, so it was essentially a full-time job. Phoebe knew she had to put everything with Shawn behind her. She didn't have time. Her life this semester was her instruction, preparing for exams, and when she had spare moments, finding a job and a place to live in San Francisco for after she graduated.

Luckily, Phoebe had received her first placement choice, a domestic violence shelter in Mansfield. At first, her professors were skeptical though.

"This is a tough assignment, Phoebe, and we know how, shall we say, sensitive you can be. This is going to require some thicker skin that most of the other places," one professor warned.

Internally, Phoebe felt a flash of rage at the insinuation, but outwardly kept it professional. "I understand that Dr. Baker. I took your course on Family Violence. It wasn't easy, but it made me want to do something to help abused women and children. We all got into this to serve. That's who I want to serve. I assure you I can handle it."

The professors conferred. "OK Phoebe, you're one of our best students, so we're willing to give you a chance," Dr. Baker stated.

"Thank you," Phoebe said coolly.

The standard for the field instruction was 36 hours a week. It didn't take long for Phoebe to push it to almost 50. She could always find some task that needed to be done, one person that could use a sympathetic ear, one child that needed a hug and a playmate. Her supervisors at the shelter were amazed at Phoebe's boundless energy and compassion, and that she never showed distress. In front of those staying at the shelter, Phoebe never wavered.

In private, it was a different story. It didn't take long for Keesha to brace herself when she heard Phoebe come home at the end of each day. Keesha was never sure if Phoebe's emotions were going to boil over that day. Usually once or twice a week, something that Phoebe experienced would get to her to the point of tears. Keesha did her part and listened as her best friend described (in general terms of course so not to disrespect anyone's privacy) the awful circumstances that led some people to the shelter. For Phoebe, it was a much needed release, as she knew she couldn't express her pain by proxy in front of who she was trying to help, not to mention those who were observing and evaluating her.

Those who ran the shelter were effusive in their praise at how well she was doing. According to them, she had the perfect temperament for this line of work.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Franklin but we have decided to go in a different direction, but we may have freelance opportunities available after you graduate…"

Keesha stopped listening at that point. Once again a paper had received her resume, interviewed her, but in the end did not hire her as a staff reporter. She had tried every major paper in Ohio, and most of the smaller outfits. She was now moving to papers in nearby states. The one that just rejected her was out of Western Pennsylvania. Even the Walkerville paper didn't hire her despite her summer internship, a result of "significant and painful budget cuts."

Once the HR person stopped droning on, Keesha hung up the phone and gently threw it onto her bed in disgust. She went back into the common area to find Phoebe working on dinner. The auburn haired young woman at first gave Keesha a big smile before noticing her best friend's irritation. Phoebe knew right away what was wrong.

"They didn't hire you, did they?"

"Nope," Keesha replied curtly.

"I'm sorry, Keesh. It doesn't make sense."

Keesha's face and voice softened as she remembered Phoebe wasn't who she was mad at. "Thanks, I know." She let out a frustrated, guttural sigh. "Do you need help with dinner?"

Phoebe said no, and a few minutes later the two sat down to eat. It was at that point that Keesha decided to broach another topic that had been eating at her.

"So Pheebs, any luck finding a job in San Francisco yet?"

Phoebe made a face, suspecting this wasn't going to go well. "No, not yet, but I still have hope."

She was right, as Keesha didn't bother to hide where she was going with this. "I'm sorry, but if that's the case, are you reconsidering moving there?"

Phoebe emitted an odd sound, a product of both her frustration and attempt not to let said frustration out. "Do you not think I can't make it out there?"

"What? Of course not! Why would you think that?"

"Because you don't want me to go!"

"Of course I don't. It's so far away." Keesha paused to fight back the tears welling up. "I'd miss you."

That comment sent Phoebe to fight back tears of her own. "I'd miss you too, but I can do this."

"I never said you couldn't," Keesha shot back.

"Well…" Phoebe trailed off. Keesha motioned her to keep going and share whatever was obviously bothering her.

Phoebe took a deep breath. "When we were growing up, did you ever notice how everyone seemed to think I needed to be protected?"

"Umm…maybe."

"Well, that's how I always saw things. It was like I was the group's little sister. I mean, I get it. I was the sensitive one, and I was the one with a dead parent, and my dad's blind, and we didn't have much. I get why everyone would feel sympathy, and I know it wasn't based on anything bad. However, that doesn't mean I'm not strong and independent!" She pounded the table. "So yeah, part of why I'm doing this is because I fell in love with San Francisco, but I'm also doing it to put those 'poor little girl' thoughts to rest."

Silence filled the room, as Keesha didn't really have an answer to Phoebe's rant. All she could do was look into Phoebe's intense eyes, those eyes that told the world "my mind is made up and do not try to stop me." Keesha had first seen those eyes when Phoebe was determined to save the desert animals. She didn't see those eyes all that often, but Keesha knew not to mess with Phoebe when she did.

"OK Pheebs, I understand," Keesha finally said. Phoebe just nodded. She knew Keesha wasn't thrilled with it, and she understood that. In the end though, she didn't care. It was her decision and no one elses.

"Things will work out. I promise," Phoebe said in hopes of calming down a clearly distressed Keesha. She was mostly sure she was telling the truth.

Sleep? What is sleep? Phoebe thought as she looked at her alarm clock. It was approaching 2 am and she was still awake, hard at work. This was after a full day at the shelter. The next morning was her licensing exam. Phoebe knew she should go to bed, but the way she saw it, she was always going to be too nervous to sleep so she might as well try and be productive.

Passing the exam was yet another requirement for Phoebe to graduate. It was also required for her to receive a license to practice social work in Ohio. Luckily for her, the license would transfer to California once she moved. She was sure to check that. The exam was a combination of oral and written. Between her field instruction and preparing for this, Phoebe had done little of any else for months.

Her body and brain were screaming for a break. Phoebe obliged, but not with sleep, but rather a walk to the kitchen to get some water. Unfortunately, in her fatigue she couldn't keep the glass in her hand and it shattered with a loud crash.

"AAAAHHH!" Phoebe screamed. The breaking glass and her screaming were enough to wake up Keesha. The dark haired young woman entered the kitchen with a look of sleepiness and irritation mixed equally.

"What the fuck are you doing, Pheebs?"

"Oh, um," a mortified Phoebe stammered. "Just getting some water. I'm so sorry. You know how clumsy I can be."

Keesha had stopped listening, preferring to grab the hand broom and dust pan. "Back away from the glass, and be careful stepping in case some of it got on the floor. Let me clean it up," she commanded.

Phoebe did as she was told, which emboldened Keesha to make more demands. "Go to sleep. You've done all you can to study for your exam. You're going to crush it, but not if you go into it exhausted because you stayed up all night. Sleep is going to benefit you a lot more than cramming, so get your ass to bed, and if *I* have to stay up all night to make sure you sleep, I will."

Over the years, Phoebe had slowly gotten better at standing up for herself. For this though, she had no answer. She knew Keesha was right, and that she had to acquiesce.

"OK Keesh, I'm going," Phoebe said softly as she gingerly walked towards her bedroom.

"Good. Oh, and Pheebs?" The auburn haired young woman turned around. "Seriously, you're going to do great tomorrow."

Phoebe smiled. "Thanks Keesh."

The next day was grueling, and Phoebe let out a big sigh of relief when it was over. Because of the exam, she didn't have to be at the shelter that day. She would have loved to do something relaxing, but exhaustion was setting in, and thus she went back to her apartment to nap. She arrived to find Keesha hard at work on her laptop.

Keesha was lost in her own world and didn't notice Phoebe had come back until she felt the surprise attack hug that snapped her out of it.

"Whoa Pheebs. What's that for?"

"Thanks for taking care of me last night."

Keesha smiled. "Anytime. How did it go?"

"OK…I think. Now, excuse me, I need some sleep."

"Damn right it went OK and damn right you do."

Two months later, Keesha was proven right when Phoebe got the letter saying she passed. Keesha was prepared with the celebratory cheesecake.

"I got the job in DC!"

"That's great Casey!" Keesha hoped her congratulations sounded sincere. Of course she was happy for her boyfriend, but like most things lately, it just reminded her that graduation was coming soon and she *didn't* have a job.

"Thanks." Casey wrapped his arms around Keesha and twirled her around as they kissed. He could tell something wasn't right though. "Don't get discouraged. You'll find something."

Keesha tried to smile, but it quickly turned upside down. "What if I don't? I'm having enough problems finding a job here in Ohio. In DC it would probably be even harder."

"I don't know about that. There are a lot of political journalist jobs in DC," Casey suggested.

"You don't think I haven't thought of that. The problem is political journalism is so much bullshit and listening to windbags. I'd feel more stenographer than anything else."

Casey nodded, but his good mood had clearly dissipated. "I understand, but…" he trailed off, looking very uncomfortable.

"What?"

He took a deep breath. "Would you be willing to live in DC even if you don't have a job right away?"

Keesha rubbed her temples in anguish. "Oh Casey, I love you, so please don't take this the wrong way, but no. I just…I just can't let myself be supported by a man without contributing. It goes against everything I believe in."

Things went silent as Casey took that in. "Again, I understand, but that means we'd be long distance."

"Yeah, I know. Ugh, there are no good choices here. Why can't I just find a fucking job? Why doesn't anyone fucking want me? I worked so hard. Idiots whose copy I had to bust my ass on to make passable have jobs and I fucking don't. Fuck." Keesha punched the air in frustration. Casey wisely took a step back. These spurts of anger have been becoming more frequent. Casey understood, but he still didn't want to become collateral damage.

The moment passed and Keesha pulled herself together. She looked at her boyfriend. "I can't live with you without full-time work, but I definitely don't want to break up. I…I." She stopped, trying to find the words that would convey her seriousness. Finally, she found them.

"I love you more than Phoebe."

Casey was visibly shocked. "Wow."

"I know. It was just as weird to say."

"So, you're in this for the long haul then?" Casey asked.

"Yeah," Keesha replied. "Are you?" She realized at that point that she didn't know for sure if he was, and as such the moment before his answer became abjectly terrifying.

Of course, such worries were fleeting and unnecessary. "I am. Long distance will suck, but I'm willing to do it because I love you."

With that, the couple hugged, but despite the sentiment, an unspoken apprehension remained.

At first, Phoebe insisted that they should try and see everyone's Graduation ceremonies. It took as long as a gander at how much a plane ticket to Boston cost to squash that dream. Further complicating matters was that Carlos's graduation at Purdue was the same day as Ashland's, so his was out. Luckily Ohio State's graduation was a week before Ashland's, and thus Keesha and Phoebe headed up to Columbus to stake a spot in Ohio State's giant football stadium for the ceremony.

"Can you see them?" Phoebe asked.

Through her binoculars, Keesha shook her head. "I think I see DA because she's up with the rest of the nerds, but no sign of Arnold. Everyone looks the same with the cap." She turned to their third companion. "You have any idea where he is, Ralphie?"

A vaguely interested Ralphie shook his head as well. "Not a clue." He sighed. Next to him, Phoebe touched his arm. Ralphie had torn his ACL a few months ago, and was still processing the fact that his big league dreams had taken a huge hit. His class load had always been lighter, and thus he wasn't able to graduate yet. He would next year as well as complete his baseball career, having received a medical redshirt this season.

"This is boring," Keesha remarked. "Ours is going to be just as boring, isn't it?"

"Yes, but it's important Keesh, and it's important to celebrate and support our friends…even if we can't see them." Phoebe's eyes began to water at the sentiment.

Keesha laughed. "Never change, Pheebs. Also, make sure to wear something with pockets next week."

A week later, it was time for Ashland's commencement ceremony, held at their (much smaller) football field. Keesha and Phoebe's families found seats near the field, and thanks to the small graduating class were able to locate their daughters in the crowd. DA and Arnold were also there, returning the favor from the week before. Ralphie for his part went to Purdue to support Carlos, along with Tim, who surprised everyone by straight up skipping his own graduation.

None of this changed the fact that Keesha's prediction of boredom was correct. For the Twins, other than the fact that it was their graduation, it felt like every other graduation ceremony they've ever seen. It was so boring Phoebe didn't even cry during it.

Mercifully the ceremony ended and the Ashland University Class of 2008 walked the stage one by one, and with that Keesha and Phoebe were officially graduates. The two milled about the field until they spotted their families and friends.

Keesha arrived first to a big embrace from her father. "I'm so proud of you, Keesha. I love you." His wife for her part stood back looking somewhat uncomfortable.

"Thanks Dad." Keesha moved on to her mother and lastly her grandmother, who to Keesha's surprise was crying. Her grandmother was always warm and loving, but also tended to be stoic.

"Are you OK, Grandma?"

"Oh, I'm wonderful dear. Just so happy for you, and so proud of you. I know you're going to do great things."

Outwardly, Keesha began to tear up and she hugged her favorite adult. Inwardly she winced. It felt hard to do great things when one didn't have a full-time steady job post-graduation yet. She quickly put thoughts away when Casey and his family approached. The couple shared a congratulatory kiss.

A few feet away from that scene, the Tereses were doing what they did best: hug it out. Phoebe was getting it from all angles, from her Uncle Dave to members of her mother's side of the family that she didn't see that often (and where she got a few too many sad "you look just like her" comments for her taste). Her dad intentionally hung back and let the rest of the family have their moments. When Phoebe finished up with them, her uncle corralled the rest of them so father and daughter could have some sort of privacy.

If Phoebe was tired from the hugging, she didn't show it as she practically threw her arms around her father. Mr. Terese felt it coming through intuition of years of it. "I'm sad that you're not my little girl anymore, but you are an incredible young woman. Strong and independent, while still being kind of heart. Words can't fully express how proud I am of you."

"Thanks Daddy." Phoebe sniffled. "And thanks for being best father anyone could ever ask for. I love you."

It was now Mr. Terese's turn to sniffle. "You're welcome pumpkin, but you did this yourself. I love you too. "

For most of the day, Keesha and Phoebe were separated as they were pulled in different directions. Later that afternoon though, they finally had some time to themselves as they packed up the last of their things from the apartment.

Keesha dramatically set a box down. "So, this is it. We're college graduates now."

"Yeah," Phoebe replied. "We're considered adults now." She paused. "Is it normal to be scared?"

Keesha walked over to Phoebe and hugged her. "I can't imagine it isn't. I'm scared too. You're ready though, and I think I am too." She laughed quickly at her self-deprecation before turning serious again. "No matter what happens though, thanks for going through it all with me."

"You're welcome Keesh. Thanks for being the best friend anyone could have."

"You too, buddy."

Keesha sat in her idling car outside the Terese home, waiting for Phoebe. Keesha was still in disbelief that this day had come, the day that Phoebe was moving to San Francisco. Phoebe's flight from Cleveland was still six hours from leaving, but Keesha still wanted to get there early. It was for openly selfish reasons. She wanted as much as time as possible with her best friend before she left.

For now though, Keesha waited in her car for Phoebe to finish saying goodbye to her father. Keesha knew to give them time. Phoebe and her dad had been through a lot over the years, and while she had become slightly less of a Daddy's Girl as she got older, the two were still very close. Keesha could not begin to fathom how hard this had to be for both of them, which of course, made it even more stunning that Phoebe chose a path so far away.

Finally, Phoebe emerged from the house, her last bag in her hand and tears streaming down her face. Keesha had planned ahead with an open box of tissues on the dashboard, and two more waiting on the passenger's side floor. For a while, neither said anything as Phoebe cried herself out. When she encountered stop signs and red lights, Keesha took her arm off the wheel so she could rub Phoebe's arm. That was how the two always comforted the other. Keesha hoped Phoebe would miss it as much as she would.

By the time they left Walkerville proper and reached the highway, Phoebe had stopped crying, but the two still hadn't said anything. To try and pass the time, Keesha turned on the radio, only to quickly turn it off when the opening bars of "Wide Open Spaces" started playing.

The sudden stop of the radio jolted Phoebe. She let out a deep sigh and said in a low voice, "I'm not sure I can do this."

So much of Keesha wanted to say "Then don't," and immediately turn back. However, she knew she couldn't do that. Instead she said, "Yes, you can. I know it's scary, and I know you're nervous, but you always meet every challenge you face. This will be no different."

"Thanks Keesh, but I've been thinking all morning, and this is crazy! I don't know anyone in San Francisco. I have a few contacts from the program, and one is letting me crash on her couch, but that's it. I don't even have a job yet!"

"Don't think about that, at least right now. Look inside yourself, do you still love San Francisco? Do you still want to live there? Help people there?"

Phoebe closed her eyes. A minute later, she reopened them. "Yes, I do, to all of that," She smiled for the first time all day. "You're right, I can do this."

"Of course you can. No doubt in my mind."

Phoebe closed her eyes again, this time in contentment. "Thanks for supporting me all these years, Keesh."

"You're welcome, Pheebs. I feel the same way about you."

From there, the young women were able to engage in idle chatter, casual enough for them to put the task at hand on the backburner. They were able to keep things loose for the rest of the drive to the airport. By the time Phoebe finished checking in, it was still two hours to her flight. Not needing to go through security yet, she and Keesha sat down opposite of the ticket area. Any easy conversation ceased. Neither knew quite what to say. Not knowing what else to do, Phoebe laid her head on Keesha's shoulder. Keesha responded by putting her head on Phoebe's. A few passersby looked at them strangely, but they paid it no heed. At that moment, they were the only two people in the world in their eyes.

With an hour to go before the flight, Phoebe stood up. Keesha did the same. The tears welled in both their eyes. All that was left was to say something, but what do you say to your closest companion and biggest fixture in your life for the past fourteen years? The two looked at the security line and saw time was running out. They said the only thing they could think of that encompassed all their feelings.

"I love you."

"I love you."

The longtime best friends embraced. After what would be considered long by normal standards, but painfully short to them, they separated and Phoebe headed towards the security line.

"Call me when you land. I don't care how late it is here," Keesha choked out.

Concentrating on not crying, Phoebe couldn't speak, so instead she nodded. Keesha watched her go through the security line. She didn't move until she could no longer see Phoebe. Even then she waited another five minutes, just in case she'd get one more glimpse. Finally, she gave up and trudged back to her car.

Keesha climbed into the driver's side seat, but didn't turn the key. She couldn't stop going over the facts. She was a college graduate, but despite her credentials, had yet to find full-time work. Because of that, she had to move back home, as financially she couldn't join her boyfriend in Washington. All of her college friends had scattered, none to Walkerville. Her friends from Walkerville were also going all over the place, and other than maybe Ralphie, none were coming back home. Now Phoebe, the one rock in her life she could always count on, was gone, completely across the country. Keesha had no idea the next time she would see her. Nothing was going according to how she had hoped. Absolutely nothing.

Keesha buried her face in her hands and wept.

A/N: "Why would I throw Phoebe Terese a Julie Haddock party? Change the names to Ron Swanson and Ann Perkins and you have what Leslie said to Ron on Parks and Recreation.

Pickerington Ponds is a park near Columbus I picked at random.

The Keesha/Casey "I love you" scene is heavily borrowed from a similar scene in the movie Life Partners.

*sigh* The 2007 ALCS. A friend of mine (a lifelong Indians fan) won the ticket lottery for the World Series. We would have gone to Game 6 had they made it. Those tickets arrived in the mail the day after the ALCS.

The field instruction and licensing exam are both part of the graduation requirements for Ashland University Social Work majors.

"I love you more than Phoebe." This was similar to JD's "I love you more than Turk" to Elliott on Scrubs.

Up next: The beginnings of adulthood. It might get bumpy.