This one is really short, but I hope it is satisfying. Only two chapters to go and they will be longer.

Chapter Fifteen

Honestly, I don't care about everyone here with the last names A-JA. I caught myself wondering if it would be easier to go Z-A, but that's impractical and just stupid. Who would go backward? It doesn't make sense.

A few younger siblings of the graduates who are in history ask me why I am here. I actually spent a couple of hours thinking about what I would say. I tell them that I know a few seniors that I would like to support at graduation. This is not technically a lie, and it is enough for people not to ask any more questions.

Finally, we reach the J's and it takes a while for the principal to get to the Je's. I sit with my knee bouncing nervously even though there is no reason for me to be anxious. Maybe I am looking forward to what happens after her official graduation. Or maybe I'm nervous. Or maybe I'm both.

I feel my heart drop into my stomach when I hear her name being called. It feels like the adrenaline rush on a roller coaster ride. Makenna walks across the stage to get her diploma. I applaud her with a smile even though I know she won't be able to see me. As soon as she walks off the stage, the anticipation goes away. I no longer feel anxious. I no longer feel like there is something holding me back.

A vibration goes off in my pocket.

C u outside?

All right.

I have to sit through the rest of the boring ceremony before I can go find her. She's standing on the east side of the building with her parents, sister, and extended family.

"Mr. Prior," she says. I am slightly worried by the enthusiastic fluctuation in her voice. No one bats an eye at it. I smile and stand a feet away from her. Freaking out her family is the last thing I want, even though Samantha gives me an odd look. She doesn't appear to be pleased. "I'm glad you could come," Makenna says. I glance briefly at Jeanine who is giving me an odd look.

"It's nice to see students graduate," I say despite sounding like a doofus.

"Caleb was my student teacher," Jeanine says. I think her sister expects her to elaborate, but she doesn't. She smiles at her sister and turns back to look at me and Makenna. She gives me a knowing expression that tells me not to say anything. I nod once.

"That's nice," Mrs. Jenkins says. "What are you planning on teaching?"

"History."

"Lovely," she says. "Where do you go to school?"

"DePaul University." Mrs. Jenkins gasps excitedly.

"Makenna got accepted into DePaul." I turn to look at her.

"Did you?" I say. I wasn't expecting this. For a very reasonable reason to me, I thought this was the last thing that would happen.

"Yes," she says. "I will be attending in the fall. I hope to see you around campus."

"Me too." She smiles.

I notice Jeanine gives me a stern look. Jeanine was always intelligent. She understands what's going on. She raises an eyebrow before giving her niece a short smile.

"It was nice meeting you, Caleb," Mrs. Jenkins says. I guess this is my dismissal. I nod and smile, glancing once at Makenna. I congratulate her on her graduation and back away slowly.

After disappearing around the corner, another vibration indicates a text. I take out my phone.

Thank you for coming! I really appreciate it.

I think about my response before I text her back, trying to think of the right thing to say.

You're welcome. Now all that's left is for you to come to my sister's wedding with me next year.

A lengthy pause begins to freak me out a bit, but her reply floods me with relief and happiness.

It would be a pleasure to go to your sister's wedding with you ;)