Anyone out there? Long time no see! Thanks to Tropical Sorbet for assuring me this didn't suck.

The rest of the school year passed by quickly and soon I was consumed with studying for finals and daydreaming about the upcoming changes in my life.

Finals passed and on the day of graduation, I woke up with butterflies in my stomach.

Mom, Phil and Dot were staying in Forks, at the Inn and a few days prior, Mom and I went to Port Angeles to shop for dresses.

I insisted that I didn't need anything fancy, since I would be wearing the hideous yellow gown on top, but in the end I came home with a new sundress.

Graduation wasn't until early afternoon, but it was tradition that Seniors go to school at the normal time as a way to spend time with friends and sign yearbooks.

By the time I was finished getting ready, Edward was waiting outside in his car for me.

Angela and Ben were both back from college, so we were meeting them at the diner along with Victoria and James.

"Bella!" Angela exclaimed as we walked to the booth where her and Ben were already sitting. She stood up and hugged me. "I've missed you! You look so good."

I smiled. "Thanks, Ang. I've missed you too."

A few minutes later, Victoria and James arrived and we all ordered.

It felt like old times when we would hang out, but a bittersweet feeling gnawed at me.

At the end of the summer, we would all be going our separate ways.

Edward, having noticed that I was feeling down, scooted closer to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

I leaned into his embrace and sighed, thankful that we would still be together.

My mood brightened though as Angela and Ben told us all about their first year of college.

Their happiness was palpable as they talked about teachers, new friends and their dorms.

After spending almost an hour and a half at the diner, Angela and Ben went back home and Victoria, James and I loaded in Edward's car and went to school.

0-0

"I hate this, Bella. Why can't we just wear dress clothes? I'd prefer a suit over this...dress."

"Shut up. At least you aren't stuck wearing some yellow gown. Why can't I wear a blue one like you?"

"Oh, Bella!" Renee called out, walking over with Dot in her arms and Esme trailing close behind her.

"My baby is just so grown up! Look at you!" Renee exclaimed, thrusting Dot at a surprised Edward and throwing her arms around me.

"Woah, Mom. Easy there." I said, patting her back. "Save the tears and emotion for afterward, okay? None of the other parents are getting over emotional."

"Oh, don't be silly, Bella." Esme chided me, taking Dot from Edward. "I would be a mess too if I hadn't had strict orders from both Carlisle and Edward to behave."

"Bella!" Rosalie yelled, walking through the crowd, dragging Emmett behind her.

"Hey, Rose, Emmett." I smiled and hugged them both.

"Wow, can you believe we're graduating?" Rose and I had gotten closer in the last few weeks of school. I didn't want to leave Forks without at least being on good terms with her. I wasn't sure if we'd ever be super good friends again though, since our college plans were taking us in different directions.

A moment later, a teacher came through the audience. "Okay, everyone. Line up, it's time!"

"Are you going to the party tonight?" Rosalie asked. The teachers had planned a party to take place at the school later in the evening.

I shook my head. The only people I really wanted to spend the evening with would be at Edward's. "I don't think so."

"Okay." She smiled sadly. "I guess I'll see you around then. I'll be going on vacation, but hopefully we can get together before you leave in the fall."

I nodded. "That sounds good. I'll be sure to give you a call."

After a brief hug, Rosalie turned around with Emmett and disappeared back into the crowd.

0-0

Once all the parents were seated and the students lined up, Pomp and Circumstance began to play, we walked out and took our seats.

As far as graduations went, it was pretty standard.

After the principal spoke, the Student Body president and the Valedictorian made their speeches as well.

I couldn't help the huge smile that spread across my face when Edward's name was called as he walked up to receive his diploma.

After the graduation ceremony was over, there was a reception with snacks and drinks. I was standing with Edward's and my parents, anxious to go out to lunch with them.

I heard throat clearing from behind me and turned to see a nervous looking Jessica.

"Do you think we could talk?"

"Um..." I looked past her to where Edward was standing, getting us something to drink. He shrugged. "Yeah."

"Okay." Jessica looked relieved. "Can we go someplace a little more private?"

I nodded my head and followed her to an empty classroom.

"What's up?" I asked once the door closed.

"I'm really sorry," she blurted out.

"What?"

"I'm sorry. For everything."

"Okay." I paused, wondering what to say next. "It's a little late, Jess."

Jessica sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I messed up our friendship. I've known Lauren my entire life, she's my best friend. But I should have never let her divide that wedge in our friendship."

"Well, thanks, Jessica. It's been over a year though, I'm over it. But I still appreciate your apology."

"Good." Jessica said, letting out a breath. "I know I should have apologized a long time ago. Things were just...crazy."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Mike cheated on me. With Tanya."

"What?" I had heard talk of Mike cheating, but I had never seen them not together. They looked solid.

"Yeah. It was horrible. We're good now though. Moved past it."

"Are you sure? I can't imagine how I would feel if Edward did something like that."

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Please. Just from looking at that boy it's obvious how pussy whipped he is."

"Jessica!"

"I'm sorry." Jessica laughed. "It's true though. I want to have that. Mike and I don't have that. Not really. I think."

"You'll have that eventually, Jess. Even if it's not with Mike. You'll find someone," I reassured her.

"I need to tell you something. But can you promise me you won't tell anyone? Not even Lauren."

Jessica's eyes were getting watery and she sniffled a bit. "I'm...pregnant."

I stood, shocked for a moment before I could say anything. "Are you sure?"

She nodded her head. "Positive. I've been to the doctor. I'm almost 3 months along."

Jessica ran her hand over her gown, showing me a tiny bump.

Wow. Of all things for Jessica to tell me, that was the very last on the list. "Do your parents know? Does Mike?"

"Yeah, they were pissed, to say the least. I'm going to stay in Forks now, Mike's mom is giving me a job at the shop and I guess we'll just take it from there."

"Wow, Jess. I don't know what to say."

"Yeah, that's pretty much me as well. I'm happy though, I think. Or I will be. It's a blessing, right?"

I nodded. "Babies are a lot of work, but if you're happy, then I'm happy for you as well."

Jessica's mom walked up to us then, putting her hand on Jessica's shoulder.

"Are you ready to get going then, honey?"

Jessica nodded. "I was just finishing up talking to Bella.

Her mom turned and smiled at me. "Hi, Bella. It's been a while. Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Stanley. I guess I should get going too."

"Everything okay?" Edward asked when I found my way back to him.

"Yeah." I shrugged. "It was...weird. I don't know. We're okay now though, I suppose. She actually apologized. I'll tell you about it later."

Edward nodded in understanding. "Ready to get out of here?"

I took a deep breath. "Yeah, I am."

I felt nostalgic as I walked through the halls of the school for the last time.

In a way, it was surreal, the fact that I wouldn't be returning come fall hadn't entirely hit me yet.

The last three years at Forks High had its ups and downs.

I'd made both new friends and enemies.

I had stood up for myself and in turn, met Edward, who I knew without a doubt was the love of my life.

Sure, we were young and had a long road ahead of us, but with him by my side, I knew I would be ready for whatever came next.

Hope you liked it! All that's left now is the epilogue. It's already written, so it'll be up in the next few day and I'll probably have a longer, more sappy A/N for that one. Let me know what you think in a review and follow me on facebook and twitter at HappyMess89 for both!