Thanks for all of the reviews! I can't wait to start getting into the mob s/l with Juice and Savannah, of course getting to that point means the story is getting to the end. There definitely will be a sequel if you all want one. Gotta get Juice to Charming lol I do not own anything in this chapter, beside Savanna, the Perielli's, Sophia, and Mel. Everything else belongs to their rightful owners.

Chapter 38

$&^^*(&*(%&*

This was it, this was the moment Juice had been waiting for for years. He'd finally done it, he'd passed all his classes. He'd earned his degree that he worked his ass off for. He was dressed in a fucking cap and gown for fucks sakes. Mrs. P got a big kick out of that. She'd had the camera ready the second they got got to campus and he was out of the car. He felt like a fucking celebrity.

He'd even had his beautiful girlfriend on his arm. He smiled at the thought of his girlfriend. He'd woken up this morning to a wonderful blow job and breakfast fit for a king. Not only that, but she'd gotten Sophia here. His big sister was here to see him walk. There wasn't a word he could think of for how grateful he was.

Looking to his right, he saw Sophia, who was in full conversation with Savannah, who was on his left. They were getting along, and he couldn't be happier. This was all he could ever ask for. If he wanted anyone in his family to ever accept Sav, it was Sophia. Savannah touched his arm, getting his attention. "I'm gonna go with the Perelli's and grab some seats. You're gonna do great, I love you." She said, cupping his cheek before kissing him.

He pulled her close, deepening the kiss. It felt like they were the only two people in the room when they kissed, and he wouldn't have it any other way. Sophia cleared her throat, reminding them they weren't as alone as they wished. Resting his head against hers, his smile spread across his face. "Love you too, Savvy." He whispered, kissing her quickly before letting her go.

Watching her disappear into the crowd of people with the elderly couple, he couldn't keep the smile from playing on his face. Savannah was beyond perfect, and he was so lucky to have her in his life. He'd screwed up so many times, and he was still screwing up, but she was still here. She wasn't leaving, and he was gonna try his hardest to keep it that way.

"I'm gonna take a wild guess and say that's the girl you were telling me about at Christmas." Sophia spoke, getting his attention back.

He looked back over his shoulder and nodded, blushing at how silly he must look. He'd never been like this over a girl before. Sure, he'd liked girls before and asked his sister for advice, but this was different. He loved Savannah, and he wanted to keep her in his life. "Uh, yeah. That's her. That's Savannah. She's amazing, isn't she?" He asked, smiling as he tried to look for her.

"Yeah, she seems nice, Juan."

Sophia sighed, watching her brother with a small smile. He was completely head over heels for this girl, and she wasn't sure how to feel about it. This was her brother, she wanted him to be happy. She wanted him to find someone he could love and be happy with like she had, but she always wanted him to succeed and do well. He was finally getting his life in order, and she didn't want anything to set him back.

Today was his day though, and there'd always be others days to have that conversation. Juan Carlos was happy, and this girl was the cause of it. She seemed like a nice enough girl, a little rough around the edges, but still . . . nice. She could definitely see the appeal her brother did, she just hoped those good looks and long eye lashes don't screw him over in the end.

She'd seen him through his last heartbreak before he left for college, and she never wanted to see him hurt like that again. She barely knew this girl though, so she felt the need to give her the benefit of the doubt until she proved to her otherwise. Juan loved her, maybe she'll end up liking her too.

Juice turned and pulled her into a tight embrace. He was so happy she was here. He'd been so afraid she wouldn't be able to come, he hadn't even sent her an invitation. He couldn't handle the rejection from her. But she was here, because of Savannah. "I'm so glad you're here, Soph. You have no idea how much I wanted you here. I-I was just nervous thinkin' you wouldn't be able to come, so I . . . I couldn't bring myself to send the invite." He whispered, burying his head in her shoulder.

Sophia was taken back. Did he really think she wouldn't come to his graduation? Had she really fucked up that badly for him to think she'd stand him up? Today was the day she was hoping to see for years. He'd done it. He'd over come all the odds and graduated fucking college. Pulling back slightly, she cupped his face. "Hey, I wouldn't miss this for the world, Juan Carlos. I am so proud of you. You did it. You proved him and everyone else back home wrong. You're the smartest guy I know, and you showed all those idiots back in Queens. You did it, baby brother. You." She told him, holding his face in her faces and shook him with every emphasis.

Both Ortiz siblings had tears in their eyes. This was a moment Sophia had been waiting for for years. Juice was always a smart kid. Always read when other kids goofed off. When other kids were boosting about their new toys and gadgets, Juice was collecting comic books and fixing cars. He was a born hacker, he could fix anything that had to do with cars and computers. She just happy to see him finally doing something with his life.

When the guy started calling for all the students, Juice cleared his throat and hurried to wipe his eyes. Sophia sniffled, wiping hers as well, and gave him one last hug. "I'll be cheering the loudest. See you out there." She whispered, kissing his cheek before hurrying to go find her seat with Savannah and the Perelli's.

Taking another second, he tried his best to compose himself before going to find his seat with the rest of his class. As he got to his seat, he took the second to search the crowd behind him for his little group. There were so many people here, all here to see their own graduates. His group might be small, but he wouldn't wish it any other way. The Perelli's might not be who raised him, but they might as well have. Savannah had helped him through his last semester, doing anything she could to help him pass his classes so he could be here. Sophia was his blood, she was his hero.

There was just one person missing, someone he didn't want to think about. She had almost ruined his life, taken Savannah from him. She was the devil, but she wasn't always. Mel had been his savior. She took care of him, made sure he had the things he needed and she fed him, gave him a place to go. As much as he hated her, a part of him wished she was here to see it wasn't for nothing.

Taking a seat, the ceremony started. He didn't really pay attention to the person speaking, he was more worried about screwing this up. What if he tripped? What if he did something wrong and made a fool of himself? He couldn't do this. He couldn't. Closing his eyes, he folded his hands on his lap and took a deep breath. Savannah and Sophia both had faith in him. He just had to relax and not over think it.

A good half hour went by before he noticed the others all standing up. It was go time. This was really happening. He stood with the others, moving to get in line. Taking a chance to scan the crowd again, he almost tripped when he saw her. She was here. Mel had come, even though he'd made it clear he never wanted to see her again. He was actually okay with that, glad she was here to see this.

She had tears running down her face, but he could tell they were happy tears. She was proud of him too. She didn't need to say it. Locking glazes, she gave him a sad smile and blew him a kiss. He returned the smile with a small one of his own, silently thanking her for being here. He knew she wasn't here to cause problems, she was here simply to be there for him. Clearing his throat, he turned his head away and focused on not tripping over his robe.

Juice stood nervously in line, his hands shaking at his sides. They were calling people up, but he knew it'd still be a few minutes before they got to him. He had never been this nervous before in his life, not even when he was waiting for his sentence before they sent him to juvie for a couple of months.

Shaking his head, he wasn't going to think about that. He was past that part in his life, he'd grown up. He wasn't that little boy he was back then. He was graduating college, he had a great girl, and he was happy. "You've got this, Ortiz." He whispered to himself, trying not to psych himself out.

"Juan Carlos Ortiz."

Looking up at the sound of his name, he realized it was his turn. Everyone was waiting on him. He took a deep breath and nodded, giving his body a little shake before going up there. Walking across the stage, he tried to find his family again, and smiled when he heard the cheering. Savannah and Sophia were standing, holding up a big sign with his name on it, cheering their little hearts out.

Blowing them a kiss, he got to the dean and shook hands with her. She congratulated him, handing him his diploma before he moved on to shake the other teacher's hands. As he finished up, he looked back out at the crowd and locked eyes with Savannah. He mouthed 'I love you' to her and she mouthed it back, blowing him a kiss. His smile lit up on his face, waving his hand before he walked down the stage steps and returned to his seat.

He watched as the last of the students were called. His knee was bouncing, he couldn't wait for this to be over. He'd really done it, he'd graduated college and he'd done it on his own. He didn't need his parents' help. He didn't need that deadbeat. He'd passed his classes, he'd gotten his degree, and he was ready for the world. He had an amazing girl, they had a place to live, and he was working on the job situation. He'd gotten all of that on his own.

As the last of the kids were called and returned to their seats, everyone stood with their caps in hand. This was it. It was over, and he had really done it. As the dean announced the graduating class, the students, himself included, tossed their caps in the air. He was quick to catch his, not wanting to loose it.

When the ceremony was over, Juice went searching for Savannah and the others. It would probably be a couple minutes before they could get down to him. He couldn't wait to hold Sav in his arms and just swing her around. "Juice!" A voice called out. He turned, ready to welcome his girl in his arms, when he realized it wasn't Savannah who had called him.

Mel was coming over. He looked panicked, he didn't want Savannah to see her, let alone Sophia and then have to ruin her trip by explaining everything to her. He was happy she had shown up, but that didn't mean he wanted to actually talk to her. "I know you don't want to talk to me, but I just need to say . . . I'm sorry. For what happened. I love you so much."

"Mel,"

"Just let me finish." She cut his protest off. "You've grown so much since that kid I met in the laundry matt. You're not him anymore, and I-I need to realize that. You're a man, a man who isn't going to love me. I got caught up in the fantasy, and you-you were right to cut it off. I don't like it, I miss you, but I get it now."

Raising her hand up, her thumb stroked his cheek. Tears were in her eyes, but a smile played on her face. She was happy for him. "You did it, Juice. You made it. I am so proud of you." She said, the tears running down her face now. "I should go. I love you."

And with that, she was gone. He was left there stunned, not sure what to say.

"JC!" Savannah called out, running over.

He barely registered it before she flung herself into his arms. His arms wrapped around her, his head nuzzling into the crook of her neck. "You did it, Ortiz. You're officially a graduate." She cried happily.

He pulled back long enough to pull her into a seering kiss. Their mouths moved together, the rest of the world disappearing around them. When they pulled back for air, both had cheesy smiles on their face. "Muy bien, hija. Deja de acaparar el muchacho." (Alright, daughter. Stop hogging the boy) Mrs. P said out, motioning for them to break apart. The two chuckled, nodding as they moved away from the other.

Once Juice's arms were free, the older woman wasted no time in hugging him. Mr. P took it upon himself to take the pictures. He'd already gotten one of Juice with Savannah, and now one of his wife with the boy they considered a son. He already knew they'd have these pictures hanging up everywhere, from their little apartment above the diner, to inside of the diner itself.

Savannah looked around and smiled. This was how a family was suppose to be. She wondered how her graduation would go. Would everyone be able to come? What if something was going down with the Mayans or Niners and no one could come? Smiling weakly, she ridded herself of those thoughts and held her hands out for the camera. This was Juice's day, she'd worry about her own graduation when it was actually an issue. "Here, let me." She offered, motioning for him to go stand with Mrs. P and Juice.

He smiled thankfully, kissing her head, before passing her the camera and going over. Juice had his 100 watt smile out as he wrapped arms around both of them. Savannah happily took pictures of him with both the Perelli's then one of each other them with him.

Soon Sophia took their place with Juice, and Savannah quickly took a few pictures of them hugging and sharing a smile as they pressed their heads together. Juice would definitely want a few pictures of him with his sister. She got another few of them posing, one serious and a few joking around.

Mrs. P touched her arm, taking the camera from her. "Go, we can handle the camera, hija."

Savannah smiled, nodding, before going over to the siblings. Juice pulled both his girls into a hug, holding them tight. He wouldn't be where is was together without them. "I'm the luckiest guy on the planet." He said kissing Savannah's head as he wrapped his arms around their waists now. Both girls smiled up at him before the three faced the camera and took the picture.

Soon enough, the group packed up and left for the diner. The Perelli's had closed early so they could go to the graduation, but the cook and the other waitresses had stayed behind and set up a small little party for Juice. When the group arrived, Juice led the way in and was surprised as their lights turned on and the three jumped out yelling congratulations.

The party ensued from there. Music was playing, food was passed out. Decorations hung up around the room and Juice never felt so loved as he did right now. He was currently catching up with Sophia while his sister went on to tell Savannah all kinds of embarrassing stories about him. As he listened to his sister, he realized he'd never been happier than he was right in this moment. He had his sister, his girl, and his family, and he wouldn't change a thing about it.

This was definitely one of the best days of his life.