Graduation, Finally!

The lights burned down on the massive stage of the Juilliard auditorium, transforming the line of black gowns into a shimmering snake of excited graduates. The ceremony was a whirlwind of Latin honours, grandiose speeches, and predetermined pockets of applause. For Kelsi, the moment was a surreal blend of accomplishment and disbelief. Her parents sat somewhere with Jason, all thrilled to share in her accomplishments even if she couldn't see them in the grand auditorium. Now it was finally her turn. When Kelsi's name was called, a surge of adrenaline coursed through her. As she walked across the stage, diploma in hand, she beamed with pride. She'd done it. When the rest of the ceremony was over, she finally met the smiling faces of her family with a dazzling grin.

"Well, K, you did it!" Steven exclaimed, his voice filled with pride.

Lina's eyes glistened with emotion. "We're so incredibly proud of you, sweetie! And with honours too! Look at you go!" she exclaimed taking another look at Kelsi's certificate.

Kelsi hugged them both tightly. "Thanks, guys! It feels unreal."

Jason took her by the hand and pulled her close to his chest. "Hey, grad, you looked great up there," he said, leaning close to her ear, "damn sexy as always even in that robe." Kelsi stifled a laugh, his comments making her feel like a million bucks as usual.

"Aw, thanks, J." They shared a quick, affectionate kiss, managing to keep it PG with the company. She giggled as he slid his hand inside her robe and around her waist, never able to turn down his affectionate touch no matter where they were.

Kelsi and Jason found Ryan in the crowd shortly after, receiving warm hugs of congratulations on their achievement.

"We did it, Kelsi!" he exclaimed. "I can't believe you're going to be teaching at East High, when are you guys heading back to Albuquerque?"

Kelsi squeezed Jason's hand, "we'll probably leave on Monday, I still have some packing to do. When are you guys leaving?"

Tammy hooked her arm around Ryan's and leaned in close. "We're moving to Brooklyn together actually, my residence was approved so I get to stay with you yanks for a little while longer."

"That's so exciting, you guys! Gonna try and make it big in New York then?" Kelsi said, her eyes alight wirh happiness for them.

"Well I got a job as a dance instructor at the studio of one of my professors so that's a start anyways. Tammy's still pounding the pavement but it'll happen." Ryan answered.

At that moment Ryan's parents appeared with Sharpay, eagerly greeting them both with congratulations.

"Well, son, we've got a reservation to keep, we better get moving," Mr. Evans said before he adjusted Ryan's hat forwards. They all said their final goodbyes and went their separate ways, knowing they would see each other soon.

Later, in the bustling ambiance of a downtown restaurant, conversation flowed around Kelsi's accomplishment.

"I can't believe our little girl is all grown up and a musical genius," Linda mused, shaking her head in disbelief.

"She's always been a musical genius!" Steven retorted, "Remember when she was only playing that recorder and driving us crazy?"

Kelsi laughed, the memory bringing a smile to her face. "Dad, that was forever ago."

Jason, with a mischievous glint in his eye, shifted the focus. "Speaking of all grown up," he began, capturing her parent's attention. "Kelsi and I actually have some exciting news." Intrigue washed over the table as he took her hand and they shared a shy gaze.

Lina put her hand on Kelsi's shoulder, her eyes wide with worry. "Kelsi, you're not…" she probed.

Kelsi and Jason both burst into laughter, making her mother breathe a sigh of relief.

"No! Definitely not, don't worry, Mom! I've accepted a position teaching music at East High back home," Kelsi announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It doesn't start until the fall though so I'll be teaching lessons at Baum's through the summer."

"And…?" Jason nudged her playfully.

Kelsi blushed and took hold of Jason's hand. "And…" she started with a sheepish smile, "I'm moving in with Jason."

A wave of surprise washed over Kelsi's parents' faces. Her father, despite his happiness at the joy in his daughter's eyes, couldn't help but add a touch of concern. "That's a big step, sweetheart. Are you sure you're ready for this? Have you two talked about finances, about how you'll share the load?"

Jason squeezed Kelsi's hand, a reassuring gesture both for her and her parents. "We have, sir. We're both committed to taking this step together and we've talked about how we'll split things fairly."

Her mother, ever the romantic, tilted her head. "That's an exciting step, K, but...well, usually there's a couple of rings that come before moving in together..." she trailed off.

Jason, sensing their apprehension, gave her parents a warm, confident smile. "I understand, Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen. It might not be the usual way of doing things, but this feels like the right next step for us. I love your daughter very much, and I promise to take good care of her."

Lina, visibly moved by Jason's sincerity, nodded. "We know that, Jason, and that's all we've ever wanted for Kelsi – to be happy and loved. And if this is what makes you both happy, then we support you wholeheartedly."

Steven smiled in agreement, "We love you, K, it'll be different not having you around but you had to move out sometime, couldn't freeload off of us forever." Laughter rang around the table until Steven caught Jason's eye and added, "And Jason, you better take good care of our girl, you remember what we talked about last summer."

Kelsi sensed the gentle threat in her dad's tone, but when she looked at Jason and only saw calm, confident assurance, she felt nearly certain she was making the right choice.