Not the most exciting chapter but I wanted to make way for a time jump !! So I promise it will get interesting haha enjoy

Ana P.O.V

2 months later

So… I graduate today. The last 2 months have been kinda crazy. Ethan and I… well. That was over almost as quickly as it started. He realised I wasn't… shall we say into it? I was constantly distracted… never really there. It wasn't fair to him and I realised that. He was right to break things off. Ethan's with some other girl now anyway, we don't really talk as much as we used to. People drift I guess?

Classes and exams have been hectic… but it worked out pretty well. Two A* and an A. Pretty satisfied with that. Christians class got me one of those A*s.

We haven't really spoken to each other apart from class. No after school specials or talks. He seems… I don't know, tense all time. Like he's stressed… something on his mind.

I was lying in bed, my 7am alarm two minutes from going off. I looked over at it, not looking forward to getting up. I was excited to graduate and all, but I didn't sleep a wink last night, and covering the bags under my eyes was not going to be an easy task.

Good morning, it's 7am here and it's looking to be…

Slap. I hit my hand on top of the alarm. Shutting that annoying voice off. Who is really that chipper at 7am? He's faking it.

I threw the blankets of my body and got up, making my way to the bathroom. Today was my day at Dads, so mom was going to meet us at the graduation ceremony later. It took me a further 10 minutes so sort those black circles under my eyes, and wrestle my hair into some sort of respectable looking style… eventually leaving it down and straight.

Making my way slowly down the stairs, I couldn't help but think about a Christian. I'm graduating today… he did hint at a possibility of us after I graduated and was over 18.

"Hey honey." Dad sat at the small table, a coffeehouse his left hand and a newspaper in his right.

"Hey, anything interesting in there?" He shook his head no.

"Just the usual really." He smiled. "Excited?" He looked over his glasses at me.

"Yeah I actually am. Also kind of excited just to get it over with." I laughed.

"Hey, after today… the world is all yours." He got up and walked over to me, engulfing me an enormous dad sized bear hug. Squeezing him back, I smiled.

"Ok, time to go." I turned and grabbed an apple, walking out the door. "See you later…" I called before leaving the house.

"I can't believe we have finally finished with high school!" Kate gushed from beside be. We were all seated waiting for the speeches to start. Glancing around the room I took notice of Ray in the front row of all the parents and guests. Looking back at me with a large smile, and a twinkle in his eye. Right beside his was my Mom and Bob, camera at the ready.

I shook my head with a smile, turning back to face the front. "I know, I'm so excited to get out of this school!" We laughed.

"Attention, everyone!" The principle stood at the podium in the centre of the stage. "Welcome… graduates, parents and friends."

It dragged on for a while, but eventually, Kate and I stood in the line, ready to accept out diplomas.

"Miss. Anastasia Steele." I walked slowly, and carefully up the five steps to the stage. Walking across, careful not to trip. I shook hands with the principal, looking out into the crowd. Immediately seeing Christian.

He had a small smile on his face. Looking directly at me. His hands lightly clapping together. I smiled back, noticing the dark hair growing around his face… he must not have shaved for months. He's normally so clean cut. His white shirt, unbuttoned at the top, exposing the hair on his chest. He looked…

"Miss. Steele?" I turned back to look at the principle, his hand still in mine while the other one was gesturing for me to move of the the left.

"Sorry…" I muttered, walking off stage to take my seat again.

"We did it!" Late gushed from besides me.

"We sure did." I smiled, locking eyes with him again.

"Congratulations, sweetheart!" Party streamers, confetti bombs and cake… the celebrations have started.

"Thanks mom." I hugged her tightly, while she tried to continue throwing sparkly confetti over me. "It is only high school though!" I laughed.

"You got some amazing results, honey. You've been accepted to Washington State to study English lit so you can pursue your dream career! Off course we will be celebrating!"

"You better call everyday though, and make sure you and Kate stick together! Got it?" Over protective as usual.

"Promise dad, I'll be home most weekends anyway."

"That's what you think. You're going to be so busy! You might not get that opportunity." He said looking down

"Dad, come on. I don't leave for another few months anyway." I smiled, putting my arms around his waist and hugging him. You'd think I was leaving the country. I get it, they are my parents after all, but I'm only going to be a few hours away.

A few months flew in quickly. Next thing I knew I was packing my bags and about to take a very long drive to start my college career. Dad was considering taking me hostage while mom was trying her best to reason with him, to make him see it's not forever. That he will see me again.

Bags in hand, I made my way down the stairs and out the door. "I'll take those sweetheart." Bob took my last few bags and packed them neatly in the back seat if my little VW beetle.

"Call the second you get there ok?"

"I promise mom." One last, very long hug with everyone and I started making my way down the stone steps.

This should be fun…