Hey guys! Here's GRADUATION PART 1/3. It's in three parts because it's long and I'm lazy, apologies! I've had A LOT of fun writing this so hopefully going to be back in the swing of things soon. Please enjoy and thanks for being patient :)

"Smile!"

The camera flashed brightly and the seven, reunited Triton sisters' toothy grins faded back into conversation as they turned from their father's camera to one another.

"I can't believe you came all the way from Australia for this!" Arista squealed to Aquata who was rather jet lagged but was smiling in a royal blue pant suit.

"Are you kidding? My little sisters are graduating! I wouldn't miss it for the world. Besides, I miss Disney so much"

"You miss Disney?" Andrina scoffed "I can't wait to get out of here"

"Alright, Little Miss 'Big City'" Aquata retorted, referring to Andrina's desire to get out to San Francisco and study science.

"Come on girls, let's get those gowns on for one more photo!" King Triton smiled. Andrina, Arista and Adella sighed as they pulled their arms through the sleeves of their graduation gowns and adjusted their caps. The seven girls fell again into automatic smiles and hugs for the photo.

"OK, Daddy that's enough photos" Alana sighed. Andrina mimicked cleaning her ears with her finger and blinked several times,

"Enough photos? You? Am I hearing you?" she asked

"Come on Alana, you love having your photo taken" Adella laughed.

Alana rolled her eyes and powdered her nose, "I have a zit the size of, like, the ocean!" Her six sisters squinted at her face struggling to see the oh-so-big zit.

"She's kidding, right?" Arista asked and everyone began giggling at the dramatic Alana who pouted and applied concealer to her chin.

"Girls! The cars outside!" Attina clapped her hands together proudly and everyone rolled their eyes. She had been home for a grand total of one morning and was already being incredibly bossy.

"Get your caps and gowns on you three" she instructed as the graduates walked past her for the car, "Alana stop playing with your face, Aquata your bangs need pinning back, Ariel don't you think you could do with a jacket?"

Ariel looked down at her outfit and then looked out the window at the hot sun. She was wearing a pair of aqua coloured tapered trousers and black shirt. A jacket? If anything, she'd be hot. She looked up at Attina's stern expression before shaking her head and practically jolting out of sight.

She slammed the car door closed. Car was a loose term. Their father had hired out a 9-seated taxi for the big family.

"Now everyone, I know we're excited but we need to stay looking presentable" Attina said

"Attina's right" their father nodded "this is an important day and we want to look good in photos"

"With that zit Alana shouldn't be allowed in the photos" Adella joked, but it wasn't taken lightly.

"I knew you could all see it! You've been laughing at it all morning, haven't you?" Alana slammed her compact mirror shut and began shrieking.

"Take a joke" Aquata sighed

"So now my face is a joke, is it?"

"As a matter of fact- "

"Girls!" Attina tried

"Attina I'm an adult stop treating me like a kid" Alana scoffed

"I'm older than you!" the bossy sister bit back

"And you sound super mature" Arista teased

"I am mature!"

Adella stuck her tongue out and Andrina cackled.

Ariel sighed as the car revved off and the bickering continued. She loved having all her sisters back but God, she had forgotten how irritating they could all be.

The enormous school field had been lined elegantly with white chairs for parents and guests while a temporary stage had been built for seniors who would later be sat up there and receive their graduate papers. A podium was also placed and the entirety of the stage had been lined in reds and golds, Disney High colours. Everyone awaited their graduate papers, university announcements and scholarship resolves. Tiana was, undoubtedly, panicking perhaps the most. Her exam results had been posted three days ago and she was thrilled to read that she had gotten all straight A's, but whether her Harvard placement was secured or not was unsure. It was a sunny day and students strolled through the field with their parents, drinking from the refreshments table, talking to their old teachers and awaiting midday when the ceremony would begin.

Esmeralda had dressed in her typical fashion once again in an off shoulder, emerald green dress that passed her knee. She wore her black graduation gown too, plain and lined in gold and whipping around her arms. Her proud parents behind her, her mother carried her cap for her and was in conversation with Pocahontas' grandmother. As for Esmeralda's exam results, they hadn't been too bad. She hadn't received straight A's like Tiana but mostly B's and a few C's meant that she had qualifications enough to study further if she wanted. Pocahontas too, had done well in her exams. Her A's and B's made her family very proud and today she walked quite boldly in a white blouse and a tan skirt. Her gown also was on and the gold of the lining complimented her skin nicely. Behind the two best friends, their families were in friendly conversation. Pocahontas however, was not so calm today. She was constantly darting her head around, her eyes hovering from spot to spot and her hair tossing as she did so.

"Pocahontas" Esmeralda said, "He'll be here! Don't worry!"

"He didn't specify a time though. He only text back 'OK'..." Pocahontas worried

"OK usually means yes!"

"Oh! I think he's angry about John Rolfe"

"He likes you! He said he'd be here, even if he's annoyed with you I don't think he'll let you down"

Pocahontas nodded "Maybe I'm overreacting"

"Girls?" Mala called and the two turned their heads to their families.

"Yeah?" Esmeralda asked, worried they had overheard their private conversation

"Where are those boys?" Powhatan chuckled. Pocahontas and Esmeralda sighed of relief a little before realising what Powhatan meant.

Esmeralda checked her phone "That's a good question, where are they?"

"We're running late!" Phoebus complained, smoothing himself over in the mirror.

"Relax we've got buckets of time" Flynn said, also checking himself out. The three boys were feeling rather dapper for the second time in a few weeks. Not quite as fancy as prom, but the effort was there. Flynn in a navy suit, Aladdin in black and Phoebus in white.

"Boys, time to go" Phoebus' mother, Sophie, knocked on her son's bedroom door "we don't want to be late"

The boys left the room, following Sophie down the stairs and into the big family room where Aladdin's mother was sat neatly on the sofa, waiting. She had dressed for the occasion in a plum-coloured dress.

"Ready, boys? Or should I say, 'Men'?" Phoebus' military dad boomed.

"Yep... ready" Flynn nodded

"Eugene, my boy! You're sure your mom couldn't make it?"

Flynn sighed at not only being called 'Eugene' but also at being asked about his mother. If anyone knew he hadn't actually seen her for a month now surely, they'd call the police. The truth was, she was in Vegas with Mitchell her boyfriend. She texts him now and then and sent him some winnings but he had money enough she had left him to buy food. She'd be back any day now too... hopefully.

"She's super busy in Vegas"

"Vegas?" Galina repeated,

"For... a funeral" Flynn quickly lied "her great uncle or something"

The adults nodded and Phoebus side glanced his lying friend. He knew for a fact Flynn wasn't telling the truth but knew better than to ask about it.

"My son, graduating!" Galina kissed Aladdin's forehead "And with such good grades!"

"Good grades?" Flynn asked, memories of skipping lessons and sleeping in class came to mind.

"Didn't he tell you? His grades in Mr Jafar's match class were the highest in the entire year! We had an email from Walt himself, didn't we? Oh, I'm so proud!"

"It's only math" Aladdin tried as his mother squeezed his cheeks

"Only math? Nonsense! It's a real achievement, son!" Phoebus' dad said.

There was a beep from outside and Phoebus' parents handed over the three boys graduation cap and gowns, "Let's go, that'll be the taxis"

"I can drive, dad" Phoebus sighed, wishing they'd all be a little less dramatic and patronising.

"Don't be silly, boy. We're having champagne and you can't drive on any of that, can you? Not to mention... it's the strong stuff!" he winked, "Come on Eugene! Stop playing with your tie like a little girl!"

Flynn scowled like a scolded child and stomped off after everybody, dreading being called 'Eugene' all night.

Meg arrived at graduation in all black. Her tired mother, Helen, walked alongside her straight from a night shift at the hospital but insistent on joining her daughter.

"Mom if you want to head home and nap I really don't mind"

"Meg, please! I wouldn't miss this for the world!" Helen said "Oh! And there's Walt Disney! I'm going to go chat to him, did you know little Diane was in my ward the other day? Be right back, love"

Meg nodded and waved her mother off. She stood awkwardly on her own watching fellow seniors and their parents, all talking to teachers... where was he? She looked around timidly awaiting to see the smarmy twinkle in his eye ready to wreak havoc.

"Hi, Meg!"

Meg jumped and turned. Jane Porter was stood with a big grin. Her upturned nose was shiny, her hair was fastened into a drooping bun and she was delicately clutching a little, pale purse.

"Hi, Miss Porter. How are you?" Meg smiled politely.

"The better question Meg, is, how are you?"

Meg sighed. She couldn't look Jane in the eye for a moment.

"I'm better" she finally said

"And Hercules?"

Meg just shook her head.

"I see" Jane frowned, "well don't worry dear. Hades won't be here today, I've made sure of it"

"You- you have?"

"Well I know it was quite cheeky of me but I told him the wrong date" she chuckled in her very British accent "I know I shouldn't have but well... we don't want him, here do we?"

Meg laughed a bit too but wasn't exactly tickled, "So you haven't... told anyone?"

"Not a soul" she confirmed "though I'm sure I should..."

Meg just shook her head "that's fine! Thanks, Miss Porter"

...

Meg climbed into her teacher's car with a tear stained face. Her dark makeup had smudged her entire undereye and her mascara was clumped. Jane fell gingerly into the driver's seat without a word, she began driving and backed out of the car park and drove down the hill, still silent. Meg wiped her face and stopped whimpering. Jane had politely turned the radio on at low volume so that a smooth, low song both soothed and covered Meg's sniffles. It wasn't how she had expected Prom night to end. Finally, Meg saw the loud McDonalds sign and Jane pulled into the drive-through pausing to look at Meg.

"Burger?" she smiled

Meg hesitated "Um..."

"Big Mac?"

Meg nodded.

Jane ordered two meals, collected them and then pulled into a parking space. There was rustling as the two began chomping on fries. It was late now, early hours of the morning and the two were clearly very hungry and tired.

"Would you like to talk about it?" Jane sipped her milkshake, referring to what had just happened between Meg, Hercules and Hades outside of the Disney Castle.

Meg swallowed a mouthful of carbs and put her burger down, "Just some trouble with my... boyfriend"

"Right..." Jane nodded "And... Mr Gray?"

Meg was silent. She couldn't go ahead and tell Jane about Hades. Not just because she was a teacher, or because he'd lose his job but because there'd be undoubted worry, court cases and outcry. She'd be absolutely ridiculed. She was an adult now too but at the time (she realised now) he had taken advantage of a young and vulnerable girl. He was a monster.

"Mr Gray was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wasn't really involved"

Jane put her food down and looked at her previous student. "I've known Hades Gray since college, believe it or not. He's been moody and sarcastic since the day I met him. When we both got to Disney High we were young and ready to settle into the job, practically kids ourselves. He wasn't as bad in those days despite the fact he used to swear in front of freshmen. In fact, he was quite fun at parties"

"Where are you going with this, Miss Porter?" Meg asked sceptically with a stuffy voice and soggy cheeks.

"My point is... I know him. I know what he's like. Meg I won't say anything, I won't tell anyone... just nod"

Meg knew that Jane wasn't stupid. She knew that she knew. "I don't know what you're talking about"

"I think you do"

Meg put some more fries into her mouth.

"Meg, I promise. I just need to know. I can help"

"Help? How? I can't say anything. I won't say anything. I've messed up big time, I've messed up everything!" Meg broke into tears again full of heavy gasping and prolonged breathing.

"You haven't messed up. Now tell me all about it"

Meg took a deep breath before explaining everything. Everything. And when she had finished Jane's distressed, pitiful expression wasn't quite soothing.

"What a pickle" she commented "Especially since you're now an adult and don't want to come forward..."

"Please don't get any sort of enforcements involved!"

"I won't, I promise... but I can talk to Walt and explain he isn't fit for teaching. I couldn't bare it if he went around making anymore schoolgirls lives hell"

"You could? I mean... he doesn't deserve the job. It's wrong"

"Exactly"

"But you can't mention my name"

"I promise I won't"

...

"And your grades? Were they all good?"

"Oh... yes" Meg said, but she was distracted "Miss Porter, I'm sorry, but you're sure you didn't tell anyone?"

Miss Porter lowered her voice "Of course not! In fact, Walt Disney approached me the other day and explained how Hades' hasn't had a class of good results in years! He's doing so badly that he's lost his job of his own accord!"

Meg smiled of relief, hearing about his misfortune made her feel better than she had in weeks. "Really? That- that's actually great!"

"Now enjoy graduation. He won't be bothering you anytime soon, sweetheart"

Meg shared a brief hug with Miss Porter before joining her mother again. Jane sighed as Meg walked away in a lighter mood.

...

After dropping Meg home, Jane sat for a moment in her yellow car. She piled up the fast food rubbish and then rubbed under her eyes. She was exhausted, Tarzan would be home waiting up for her. She wanted so much to be in bed telling him all about prom... but there was one more thing to do.

She sped off for her final errand of the night, she wasn't nervous. Maybe a few years ago she would have been but she was older now, she had Tarzan who she knew would condone her behaviour and she was not scared of Hades Gray. In her little yellow ensemble and clutching her daisy coloured purse she gently knocked at the door of his apartment. Hades flew the door open and frustrated, stared down at her.

"What do you want?" he spat

"I know about Meg" Jane replied calmly "I know everything"

His eyes flickered with panic but he relaxed his face and stared at her, "Right? I don't know what you're on about"

Jane exhaled a laugh, "I think you do"

Hades tried to refrain from showing panic but his jaw was clenched and his fists were balled. "So, what are you gonna do about it? Pick up the pieces? Prove it? You've got nothing on me, Jane. Meg wouldn't come forward so run along home, doll"

"I won't say anything, not to Walt, but I will say this- "

She paused and began slowly walking toward him, backing him into his own apartment. Hades tried to hide the agitation on the shadow of his face but as the small, yellow Jane stepped closer he retreated and hunched.

"Leave Disney High, leave Meg alone, stop nonsense with pretending to be a teacher and find yourself something new to do"

"And if I don't?"

"If you don't, I'll make sure the school board are well informed about your affair with a student. Not to mention blackmailing her for sex and failing Hercules, a well performing student"

"You wouldn't"

"Believe me, Hades, I would. Animals like you make girls like Meg have a hellish time of school and ruin their futures. You will not do this to her, do you understand?"

"I wouldn't have done it if she didn't make it so damn easy! Didn't you ever see her? Strutting around like some whore in those clothes! Yeah, OK, maybe she grew out of that phase but she didn't help herself!"

Jane clenched her jaw. It took every fibre of her petite being to not slap him square around the face and the one thing stopping her lay in the delicate pocket of her cardigan. She pulled out her phone and clicked a button.

"Thank you, that'll do nicely in a court room"

Hades gulped. For the first time in perhaps ever, he felt threatened.

"What?"

"That statement... about young girls being, what was it? 'Whores'?" she tilted her head, "Oh! I recorded it! Gee, I suppose I forgot to mention my phone was recording..."

"You little- "

"Now, where was I? Oh yes. Do you agree?" Jane had kept her demeanour totally calm throughout the entire exchange and her expression barely altered.

"I agree" he mumbled miserably.

"You're sure?" she asked with a cheerier, patronising tone. He nodded slowly, a locked, angry jaw.

"Good!" she smiled and turned to take her leave.

"Oh... and one more thing" she added

"What?"

"You'll explain to Hercules that Meg never cheated. You'll fix this. For her sake"

Jane left the apartment and the angry ex-co-worker. She settled into her car, saved her recording and smiled. She couldn't wait to get home.

Students piled into the neatened field ready to receive their futures in hand and to say their farewells to classmates and teachers alike. They took to their assigned seats on stage and caps began to fall onto heads, capes draped over shoulders and parents created an audience. Pocahontas was still having doubts over the absence of her beloved John Smith and Esmeralda was still attempting to sooth them.

"He may be running late, it's a sunny afternoon! Traffic could be bad!"

"Es, please just admit that he might not come"

"If this were any other guy then I would, but it's John Smith! He likes you and more importantly, I get good vibes off him!"

Pocahontas chuckled "OK, and if he doesn't come?"

"Then... I'll admit I'm wrong" Esmeralda said with a shrug. She never admitted she was wrong and didn't much like doing it, so she very much so hoped John would arrive any second now.

"Hey guys! Aren't you just psyched to be graduating!" Aurora turned from the front row to face Esmeralda and Pocahontas

"I know, it's crazy" Esmeralda replied. Cinderella turned too and was grinning, ear to ear, "I'm so excited! College here I come!"

"And it couldn't come sooner!" Aurora agreed "Not to mention you and Charles are going to be together forever!"

Cindy giggled "What! Oh! I don't know! That's a little... dramatic!" she blushed.

"You and Charles are an actual item now, then?" Pocahontas asked

"Well... we're both going to college in New York so- "

"Sparks are going to fly!" Aurora interrupted "they so like each other!"

"That's cute" Esmeralda nodded along "I'm happy for you guys, college together and stuff" but there was an ache in her voice that only Pocahontas recognised.

"Thanks!" Cindy and Aurora turned back around from mingling, not realising the hurt in Esmeralda's eyes.

"You OK?" Pocahontas whispered. Esmeralda took a deep breath. The only thing on her mind was Phoebus. She wasn't OK.

"No" she admitted and she fell into her best friend's shoulder with gritted teeth.

"Now get up there and make everybody proud!" Mrs Potts told Adam firmly. She was stood by the side of the stage assuring the lonely boy that he'd be great up there but sadly, she too had to leave him. Her son, Chip, had been sick at school and needed to be picked up right away.

"I'll be back very soon!" she said, "I'm so sorry, dear!"

"Don't worry" he shrugged and he moved onto the stage, watching from his chair as Mrs Potts walked away from the school. He wished she'd stayed but he knew that Chip was her son more than he was, despite what she said about him 'being like a son' to her. He saw Belle sat primly and equally lonely in her seat and wanted desperately to speak to her, hear her soft voice, play with her lovely hair and make sure that her father was OK... but he couldn't do that. Not now.

Mulan arrived at the graduation taking her place in the audience with Jasmine and Rapunzel. All three of them had come to support their boyfriends and were sat with the Triton sisters, supporting the three graduates and Eric alike.

"Can you believe we have actual graduating boyfriends?" Jasmine asked, "I mean... it makes me feel so young"

"I wonder if it'll change things" Rapunzel frowned

"Of course, It will!" Mulan said, but Jasmine shot her a look and Mulan immediately changed her sentence "What I mean is- Flynn won't be around getting everyone into trouble!"

Rapunzel chuckled, but she knew Mulan meant otherwise. She hadn't seen Flynn since the night at the police station and she wasn't sure if she should. She felt as though she was getting him into all sorts of trouble that he didn't need...

"You alright, Rapunzel?" Ariel asked, "Excited to see Flynn?"

"Yeah" Rapunzel lied, forcing a smile. She didn't know where to go from here. Perhaps she should have ended things that night in the station, perhaps they were no good for each other.

"Settle down, settle down" Walt Disney stood at the podium and the chattering of excited, tearful parents died away and the anxious seniors stopped awkwardly shuffling and gazed up at their principal.

"Well we've made it" Walt sighed and there were a few chuckles from the audience, "Disney High is not just a school, it is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America…with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all of you. It's a wonderful world and we all have experienced a part of it, now go and be a part of it! Live! Make me proud. Make your parents proud. I have never been prouder of a year group perhaps ever and so, for that, thank you"

There was a huge applause from the entire field and then when it had settled Walt wiped a tear and continued, his moustache upturned in a smile. "Now, for the students. Shall we?" there was more applause.

Pocahontas clapped but her face only truly lit up when she saw him. John Smith rushed into the audience and, clapping, took a seat in an aisle chair staring up at her he caught her eye and winked, grinning. Her heart melted.

"Without further ado, I present Disney High the class of 2017" more applause occurred and the class stood up. Walt pulled a register and in alphabetical order, began reading aloud.

"Pocahontas Amonute. With offers to The University of Virginia and to London, England's University of Oxford both to study War, Peace and International Relations. Good luck!" Pocahontas stood up, received her scroll and shook her headmasters hand before she returned to her seat. She had applied to both countries, not because of John Smith, but because she wanted a change of scene. It was only when John Smith returned did her decision to go to England seem more and more appealing... to be with him. She looked down at him, he was clapping her still and she knew he would support her no matter what... so would John Rolfe.

John Rolfe? Pocahontas saw him, opposite ends from John Smith and neither of them knew the other was there. Oh. Dear.

"Cinderella Ash. The Fashion Institute of Technology, New York"

Aurora cheered loudest for her best friend who practically bowed on stage and sat back down.

"Aurora Briar. A scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley to study whatever she pleases to major in. Congratulations Miss Briar!"

"Charles Charming. Fashion Institute of Technology, New York"

"Aladdin Fa'ar. Offers to study further mathematics in Atlanta and Florida reside. Our young Aladdin here is taking a gap year with plans to travel and explore culture of Asia and Europe"

Aladdin blushed at the excess information. He knew he shouldn't have told Mr Disney about wanting to travel. His mother cheered very loudly and he blushed even more.

"Flynn Rider" Walt started but Flynn was whispering in his principal's ear something inaudible to everyone else. There was a murmur as Walt smiled and allowed Flynn to take to the microphone.

"Err..." Flynn stammered, "Eugene"

Silence.

"My actual name, my birth name, is Eugene Fitzherbert" he wasn't talking to anybody but Rapunzel at this point. He was looking at her, she was looking at him and was smiling warmly.

"I just- ahem- felt I may as well be honest whilst graduating"

Walt nodded and then announced, "Eugene Fitzherbert. Graduating an honest man!" with no credential or university offers, the crowd went wild for the loving and charismatic young boy and he smiled earnestly down at the girl he undeniably loved.

"Belle French. Scholarship to Stanford to study English Language, Literature and journalism. Congratulations, Miss French"

Adam's eyes popped. A scholarship? His heart began pounding, he didn't exactly know why. He couldn't pinpoint it... and yet... he was wholly, amazingly and adoringly proud of her! She was wonderful! Clever! Hard working! He couldn't imagine how proud her father was! He couldn't help it! He was stood up, clapping, whistling, grinning! Belle caught his enthusiastic eye and smiled bringing him back to reality, he sheepishly sat down with looks from his classmates.

"Tiana Green"

Tiana had yet to hear from Harvard. Whilst Aurora and Belle's scholarships were completed of their own accord, hers had been forwarded via her principal. He was the only person here who knew whether or not she had it and she was dying to know. Eudora gripped the edge of her seat... so did Naveen.

"I'm proud to announce Harvard accepted your scholarship application!" Tiana began to weep, she used the sleeve of her gown to remove the tears and her principal pulled her for a brief, proud hug "Scholarship to study Harvard Law! Give her a round of applause ladies and gentlemen!"

Tiana wavered and then sat down, a light heart and heavy, watering eyes.

"Esmeralda Hugo. Graduating from Disney High not only with excellent grades but with a serious thirst for the world. We wish you all the best, Miss Hugo. Don't be a stranger" Esmeralda was happy with everything her principal had said, and yet, was somehow embarrassed. She knew what people were thinking, she knew what Phoebus' parents were thinking. 'No university, that's expected'.

"Charlotte La Bouff. Graduating with an offer as apprentice to fashion designer Donna Gabonna"

"Shang Li. The University of Pixar, studying Sports Psychology playing alongside their team"

"Megara Miratio. Miami University, Ancient History"

"Hercules Olympus. Returning to Greece where he will begin professional training as an Olympian athlete" there were several 'ooh's' and whoops as Hercules politely shook Walt's hand and took his seat. Meg gawped at what she had heard. Greece? This was it. She'd never see him again.

"Adam Pecus. Offers to apprentice Pecus enterprise and a scholarship to UCLA, business and economics"

Belle gasped. UCLA? University of California? Right near Stanford? She wanted to hug him there and then...

"Naveen Prince. Harvard University, Business and law"

"Gaston Reed. Apprentice with our very own Disney High coach, Kida"

"Phillip Rouge. University of Alabama, media and marketing"

"Vanessa Shell. A renowned Disney High artisan and familiar face, graduating with excellent grades"

Ariel shook her head. Clearly Harvard weren't interested in her, after all.

"Eric Shipman. University of Pixar, drama and performing arts"

"Hans South, also apprenticing with our own Kida and Gaston Reed"

The Tremaine twins, Triton sisters, Wasabi and more students continued and then the final two came.

"Elsa Winters. University of Iowa, study of Agriculture"

"Phoebus Victor. Scholarship to Princeton, Sociology"

Esmeralda swallowed, Pocahontas held her hand in support as Phoebus stood and shook the hand of Walt who beamed at the final announcement and of his scholarship.

"We are to be proud of all of our seniors- "Walt began

"Wait, wait!" Phoebus interrupted, both his hands in the air in innocence, he was leant to the microphone very awkwardly and everyone was staring, blinking at him. He gulped uncomfortably and blushed before Walt stood aside and Phoebus shuffled to the right to stand straight

"Sorry... thanks" he adjusted the microphone. A slight feedback occurred and he apologised again before he drew a deep breathe.

"I don't want my scholarship" he declared bluntly with closed eyes. He opened them and saw the disappointed, angry stare of his parents. No one spoke. He continued.

"I don't want my scholarship"

His dad's face grew red. Probably shouldn't keep repeating that, he thought to himself.

"And... here's why" he again, drew breath.

"I don't want to go to university- not yet anyway... I'm just a kid and I don't know much about what I want" his tone was candid, clear and yet casual. He almost shrugged but knew better than to anger his dad more than need be.

"You see... my whole life has been chosen and decided for me, for all of us and yet we get to this stage and suddenly we're on our own. We spent eighteen years asking permission to use the bathroom and now we're expected to choose a certain career? I don't think so"

"He sounds scarily like you" Eugene whispered to Esmeralda. But she didn't hear him. She was looking up Phoebus, her smile growing.

"I know this may sound too deep or whatever but parents- I urge you to just... listen to your kids. We aren't kids long. We know you want what's best but sometimes you just don't know... in fact... you can't possibly understand..."

He wasn't making much sense now. He stopped talking, he was day dreaming. He lifted the microphone from its stand and pulled it closer to his mouth.

"I know I said that I don't know what I want? Well I do... at least... I know one thing. Esmeralda Hugo"

There was a huge gasp from both the students and the audience. Esmeralda's face glowed immediately, shining with happiness. That's all she ever wanted to hear.

"She- she's the only person I could ever possibly want or need. And yeah, sometimes she doesn't shut up about how the Whitehouse is corrupt and she pretends to know everything and she can give me a real headache some nights talking away on the phone about TV shows I don't care about but I love her"

Every single person cooed. An audible 'aww' was felt throughout the field bar a few people and Esmeralda's eyes watered. She stood up and approached him, slowly. Everyone anticipated whether she would kiss him or slap him for being so stupid. She leaned in close to him and the microphone picked up on the words she whispered straight into his ear.

"I love you too" and they shared a wedding-like kiss.

Everyone began to cheer, Eugene and Pocahontas stood up and whooped.

"About time!" Eugene yelled.

Phoebus and Esmeralda smiled at one another, neither of them saw the unhappy faces of his parents. Neither of them cared.

Seniors folded away from the stage most threw their caps playfully but Walt scorned them for doing so and it ceased. Belle headed for her father in the audience who was feeling a lot better if only a little weak.

"Wonderful, my doe!" he hugged her "A graduate and a scholarship! I'm so proud!"

"Thank you, Papa!" she smiled, spotting Adam a few yards off however, she pulled away with sad eyes.

"Go and speak to him" her father ushered

"What? No, I- "

"Belle, don't live life full of regret" he warned with a soft expression. Belle drew a breath and approached him. He was stood alone, inspecting his scroll.

"Belle!" he jumped, "I- how... how are you? How's your father?"

"He's well" she nodded "How are you?"

Adam hesitated before shrugging, "I'm not bad"

"Congratulations on UCLA, I had no idea- "

"My father applied for me. He says I've got to know my stuff if I ever take over the business"

"Right. sounds... interesting" Belle lied

"Sounds boring as shit" Adam chuckled "but... well... Phoebus got one thing right. Parents don't understand"

"I think Phoebus' parents may be a little pushy" Belle reasoned "I'm not sure they're going to be happy he passed up a scholarship"

"My dad would kill me"

There was an awkward silence for a few moments.

"Belle I'm really sorry"

"No, I am!"

"It was me, I was being selfish"

"I shouldn't have called you names that was nasty"

"No, you were upset"

"It's still no excuse"

"Please, let me be sorry"

"No, let me be!"

"Are we seriously arguing over apologising?"

They both chuckled slightly, "I guess we are"

"So, are we OK?" he asked timidly, "I mean... I really am sorry, Belle"

"Sorry?" an unwelcome voice boomed "Been running around causing trouble, Adam?"

"Gaston this is none of your business" Adam grunted

"Hey! I hear you apologising, I assume you've pissed her off. What's he done, Belle?"

"Nothing, he's done nothing wrong" Belle said bluntly

"Somehow, I don't believe that" Gaston said nastily, turning on Adam, "How about this, creep, you leave her the fuck alone? You think she'd want you, here, causing trouble and being rude when she could have literally any other guy out there?"

"Gaston!" Belle cried "You have no idea what you're on about!"

Gaston ignored her. "Look at her" he told him. Adam did. Adam looked at Belle, right in her soft hazel eyes.

"Now tell me this" Gaston continued "do you really deserve her?"

Adam didn't reply. His blue eyes grew animatedly sad masked by the anger on his expression.

"Gaston, stop. This has nothing to do with you!" Belle tried again

"You know what, Adam? Just fuck off home, would you? No one here wants you hanging around. Not even Belle"

Adam squared up to Gaston. For a moment Belle thought he was going to tell him to go away, to leave them alone, she thought he'd punch him, tell Gaston that he loved her just like Phoebus had declared but he didn't. Instead he softened.

"You're right" he shrugged and he turned, walking towards his pick-up truck with a sad look on his face. A look that suggested he had given up trying.

"Why did you do that?" Belle screamed at Gaston, "You know he was being nice! He's gentle!"

"Gentle?" Gaston spat "Please!"

"He is! He's kind and- "

"If I didn't know any better I'd say you had feelings for that monster"

"He's no monster, Gaston! You are!"

"You're crazy!" Gaston insisted, "If he thinks he can get anywhere near you again he's got another thing coming" Gaston shoved Belle out of the way and stormed towards his black car.

"Where are you going?" she cried

"To teach that beast a fucking lesson" he said, the shadow of a smirk on his face as his car roared off the curb and followed the pick-up truck that had previously zoomed off.

OK HOPEFULLY PART 2 IS UP SOON. PLEASE REVIEW DYING TO KNOW WHAT YA'LL THINK!