Epilogue
"EMMA! MOVE IT! YOU CAN'T BE LATE TO GRADUATION," Mary Margaret hollers up the steps. Seconds later Emma comes bounding down the steps in her cap and gown.
"Mom, I had to change shoes. These are way more comfortable," Emma states. Mary Margaret places a hand on her back and pushes Emma out the door.
"Ouch, are you trying to kill me?" Emma says as she stumbles into the car. David has started the car already and screeches out of the driveway. They race to the school and make it in time. They all file into the auditorium.
"See look we're on time. You two freaked out for nothing," Emma says hands on her hips.
"Oh shut up. Go get in line with the other kids," David says with a proud smile. She waves goodbye and finds Killian.
"Hey babe. I thought you weren't going to make it," he says with a sigh of relief. She kisses his cheek.
"We don't start for like ten minutes. Anyway I just wanted to say hi before we are no longer high schoolers," she says with a giggle. He smiles and brushes some hair out of her face.
"God, you're even beautiful in a cap and gown," he compliments. She blushes.
"Thank you. I am going to go now. See you later," they exchange a brief kiss and she heads to her spot in line. Their town and school are relatively small, so the graduating class is about a hundred students. They quickly get through the ceremony and in a blink of an eye Emma has a diploma and has crossed the stage. It doesn't really hit her until her parents find her. Mary Margaret pulls her into a bone crushing hug.
"Oh honey we are so proud of you," Mary Margaret says with tears spilling down her face. Emma manages to wriggle out of her mother's hug. David wraps his arms around Emma's shoulders.
"Oh thanks. I can't believe that it actually happened. Like I am actually done with high school," Emma says with a smile.
"We never had doubt for a second," David says. He can't look any prouder than he does right now.
"You and Killian will have a great time at Syracuse," Mary Margaret says.
"I can't wait. Hold on I have to go find Ruby," Emma smiles. Her parents nod. Emma pushes through the crowd until she grabs a hold of her best friend. Ruby pulls Emma into a tight hug.
"We made it honey! Only the real world from here. Ugh I can't wait! I am so glad we are only a train ride apart, but even then thats a little far for my taste," Ruby say while clutching Emma's hands. Tears spring to Emma's eyes and she can't hold them back. The tears spill down her cheeks and Ruby's smile falls.
"Woah honey what's wrong?" Ruby says worry in her eyes. Emma wipes the tears away and takes a couple deep breaths before she speaks.
"I just don't know what I'll do without you by my side. You're my side kick and you have had my back through thick and thin. It just hit me and I don't know what to do," Emma sniffles. Ruby pulls her in for a hug.
"Oh honey, I'll always be there for you and I know you have my back. Its just a train ride and I'm sure we will text each other twenty four seven. I wouldn't worry about us not being close," Ruby pulls out of the hug, "You know I wouldn't allow such a thing." Emma nods vigorously.
"Okay good because I need my girl to tell me what to do when things get rough," Emma says with a smile.
"Oh you know I'll be there," Ruby winks, "Come on lets go find your lazy boyfriends. Who are probably talking about football or something as equally boring," Ruby wraps her arm around her best friend and they search the crowd for the boys. As always she's right and they are talking about football. The girls double over in laughter and the boys are just as confused as ever. They shrug it off. Emma hopes they all stay friends for a long time.
"Honey, wake up. We're here!" Mary Margaret cheers. Emma opens her eyes and lifts her head of the cool window pane. Emma is awake in time to see the Syracuse welcome sign. Everything is so green here. Emma stares out her window in awe. David pulls into a parking space near her dorm. As soon as the car stops Emma's door opens and she steps out to stretch her legs. She was in the car far too long. Emma grabs her phone. She shoots off a text to Killian.
*Everything here is so green. I can't believe it. How close are you?*
*About fifteen minutes. We had to stop for gas a while back. See you soon, love*
*Can't wait* she smiles and slides her phone in the back pocket of her shorts. Mary Margaret slings an arm around Emma and pulls her close.
"This is so beautiful. You and Killian will do great here," Mary Margaret looks like she is about to say something else when David calls out from the back of the car.
"Ladies, now I am strong, but I can't take all these boxes to a third floor dorm," he pokes his head around the back of the car.
"We are enjoying the view and you had to ruin our moment," Mary Margaret jokes as she leads them of to the back of the car. David smiles, but hands boxes to Emma and Mary Margaret. They make the trek upto Emma's dorm a couple times until they get everything in there. Luckily Emma scored a single room, which means its about as big as a shoebox, but she'll take knows he has a roommate, so he'll be over a lot. Her parents help her unpack. Just as they finish there is a knock on the door. Emma opens it and find Killian and Charlotte. Emma gives Killian a peck on the cheek and hugs Charlotte. Emma lets them in and suddenly the room feels every small.
"Hello, have you guys unpacked already?" Mary Margaret asks. They nod.
"Lucky for me this boy packs light. I am sure in a week or two he'll ask me to send me something he forgot," Charlotte playfully nudges his shoulder. He just shrugs. Killian wraps an arm around Emma. She smiles up at him.
"How about we take these two out for one last proper meal?" Charlotte suggests.
"Sounds great. Plus I am starving," David agrees. Everyone agrees and the groups files out of Emma's room. She locks the door and they head out.
They all agree on an italian place just outside of the campus. After everyone has eaten all their stomachs can handle the parents drive them back. At the dorms there are teary goodbyes. Mary Margaret hugs Emma so tight she thinks her eyes might pop out of their sockets.
"Oh sweetie. I am just going to miss you so much. You know I just love you more than anything," Mary Margaret says through her tears.
"I know, mom. I'll miss you too. I promise I'll call and text all the time," tears spill down Emma's cheeks. They break apart from their hug.
"I'm going to hold you to that promise. Now I guess I have to hand you off to your father," she reluctantly steps back and David steps in. He pulls his little girl into his arms.
"You can call us if you need anything. Even if its the middle of the night. Also, I put mace in your desk. There's an extra one in there. You should put in your purse. Please be safe," he says. Emma pulls away.
"I will be. Please don't worry too much," Emma says with a weak smile.
"I'll try, but you'll always be my little girl," he chuckles. Emma surprises him again and hugs him again.
"I love you, dad," Emma says into his shirt. He strokes her hair.
"I love you too," he kisses the top of her head. Mary Margaret joins their hug. Next to the Swan's Charlotte and Killian are saying their goodbyes.
"Now, when you two come home for thanksgiving that lovely girl better not show up pregnant you hear me?" Charlotte warns.
"Of course not. How irresponsible do you think we are?" Killian asks shocked.
"I have to warn you, that's my job as a mother. You have everything right?" she asks.
"Yes, mom." Charlotte hugs Killian tightly. Killian wraps his arms around his mother.
"Stay out of trouble."
"I'll try my best," he mumbles.
"I love you... if you ever need anything you know where I am," she says as the tears finally spill over.
"I love you too, mom." he holds her closer. All the parents and kids wipe away their tears. Charlotte gives The Jolly Roger's keys to Killian. She is getting a ride back with the Swan's. The parents drive away and Emma and Killian wave goodbye until they can't see them anymore. Killian pulls Emma into his arms and kisses her softly. She pulls away.
"Now what?" She asks looking into his electric blue eyes. She feels a little overwhelmed at the moment. He brushes a few strands of blonde hair out her face.
"Not entirely sure... should we go back to your place?" he asks with a devilish grin.
"I was hoping you would suggest that."
"Why Miss Swan do you think I have dishonorable intentions?" he asks faking offense.
"Oh I know you do," she winks at him. Hand in hand they walk off to the dorm.
That's it for now. The sequel is called Life in the Jolly Roger and I should have the first chapter up in a couple of days. Please let me know what you guys thought and once again thank you much for reading!