The end is near, this is the penultimate chapter of the story. I hope you enjoy it! :-)

Chapter 8

Graduation – Vitamin C

The Graduation Ceremony was set to begin at 7.00 pm at the Starling Academy Theatre, a modern and at the same time classic structure that was already full at 6.30, waiting for about 150 seniors to come in.

Felicity arrived early too, and found a place on the left side of the theatre, where the high school band was positioned. Jeb played the trombone and Felicity managed to sit behind him. She had a pretty good view at the stage and the front of it, where the seniors chairs were positioned.

Oliver had told her that she could have sit near her family, but she kindly declined as she thought it was too early, especially when she hadn't met his parents yet. And obviously it would have been quite embarrassing for her. Oliver understood but then made sure that they would see each other after the ceremony was over.

After the school's principal gave his speech, it was the turn of the two chosen valedictorians, one of them being Laurel, Oliver's former girlfriend. Whatever she was feeling, since the break-up had been recent, she had put a brave face on and gave a sympathetic speech. Oliver applauded loudly, nodding to her exemplary academic achievements.

When they started to consign the diplomas, Felicity stood up to see Oliver and clasped her hands together. The principal finally called his name and he walked up on stage with a cool swag. Some of his friends, Tommy included, cheered up loud, the subtitle being "Yes, we can't believe you made it!"

Oliver took the diploma, shook hands with the principal and then he turned to the public looking for Felicity. When he finally found her, he winked and raised the diploma, giving her the hugest and sweetest smile. Felicity shyly waved at him, feeling quite proud of "her" Oliver.

When the ceremony was over, graduates and families headed out to the garden where photographers were going to take official pictures, especially near the statue of the founder of Starling Academy, which apparently was a popular picture subject.

Felicity was one of the last to exit the theater, as she had stopped to chat with Jeb and Emily for a few minutes.

She gingerly reached the garden and started looking for Oliver, while mentally thinking of how to present herself to his parents. She met Tommy, who happily introduced her to his father, the very famous Malcolm Merlyn. He was polite but looked quite intimidating.

Then Tommy offered to go with her to look for Oliver.

"Don't be afraid of them, they're nice people. And Oliver's sister is still a child"

"I've met Thea Queen once. She's very cute!" Felicity said.

"I didn't know that" He was surprised. "Thea is the most precious thing in the world for him!"

"I have no doubt! She's lucky to have him as a brother. Well anyone with a sibling is"

"I know, I agree. I'm an only child" He nodded.

"Me too…I'm not really alone, but I wish I had a brother or a sister, do you understand?"

"Yeah. I think I'd be happy to have a brother to fight with. I don't know why, but it's like I miss having someone that is family outside my parents" he said giving what seemed a sad look to his father.

"Well let's go find Oliver, shall we?" he added quickly.

Oliver found them first, as he was looking for Felicity too. He'd opened the gown and you could see he was wearing a perfectly tailored navy blue suit and a green tie. He looked really gorgeous.

When he saw Felicity, his face lightened up. He took her in his arms and gave her a passionate kiss, leaving her stunned and breathless. Tommy had never seen his friend acting like this so he was highly amused. In these past months he had seen his friend slowly change. And it was all because of Felicity. They were going to be a match nobody would have ever bet money on. He wondered if something like that could happen to him, and looked at Laurel who was there at a distance.

"Hey, lovebirds!" Tommy said then, clearing his voice. Felicity and Oliver both stop staring at each other and turned to him.

"You very cute, but honestly…" he joked patting Oliver's shoulder.

"Sorry mate!" Oliver said while not being really sorry.

"Oliver, I'll pick you up to go to Grant's house. 10 o' clock?"

Oliver pondered for a moment "I don't think I'll be coming!"

"Why? It's like our last senior party all together!" Tommy was baffled.

"I've got something else on my mind" He answered looking at Felicity, who raised an eyebrow.

"Wait Oliver! No, you should go to your friend's house and celebrate with them. If it's not tonight, then when? We'll have time to spend together later on."

"But really, I don't feel like going there, I'd rather celebrate with you." He objected.

Felicity rolled her eyes. Tommy was trying hard not to laugh.

"That's very sweet of you Oliver" She said with irony. "But again, I think you should just go and celebrate with your friends. You'll take me out tomorrow or next weekend"

Oliver finally accepted it.

"Well, she is a keeper, isn't she? See you tonight, thank you and goodbye Felicity" Tommy said, giving her a kiss on the cheek and leaving.

"The last thing I thought I would do, was to force you to go to a party!" Felicity said giggling.

Oliver said dramatically "You have crushed my romantic attempts, you know"

"The summer is long. I'm going nowhere"

"Now things have changed, so I've been thinking about a few things we could do together."

"Like what? I'm all ears!" Felicity asked.

Oliver loosened up his tie and said.

"Have you ever gone camping?"

Felicity's eyes widened up in surprise "No, never!"

"I was thinking that we could go to the Green Hill National Park. Go hiking, lit a fire and grill something, look at the stars and sleep in a tent. I've heard they have great facilities"

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah of course" he said, feeling slightly offended.

"I didn't know you liked camping!"

"Well, to be honest I've never been camping. But I thought I'd try it with you"

"I'm not sure why would I inspire you to go camping and how should I take it, but well….why not!" she said finally.

Oliver winked at her and said "Well, let's go meet my family, shall we?"

Felicity nodded nervously. She had only seen them in television or in the papers, Moira and Robert Queen were a rich and powerful couple, and she knew in her heart that while they might like her, they definitely wouldn't approve of her. But it was a chance she had to take.

They crossed the garden and found his family. Oliver took her hand and called his parents.

"Mom, Dad. I'd like you to meet someone. This is Felicity Smoak" He paused and looked at her smiling "And she is my girlfriend"

Robert and Moira Queen observed and studied her. But when Thea saw Felicity, and happily hopped to hug her, they looked at each other as a sign of approval and smiled at her.