Chapter 9 Milestones

Graduation day had arrived, but for the Pogues, it felt more bittersweet than celebratory. For most students, this day was about celebrating with their parents, taking photos, and talking about the bright futures ahead. But for John B, Sarah, and JJ, it was another reminder of what they didn't have.

That morning, in a rare moment of quiet, Sarah and Kiara had holed up in Sarah's bedroom, getting ready together. It was the first time in months they'd focused on something so simple as doing their hair and makeup—something that felt almost luxurious after everything they'd been through

Kiara held up a curling iron, twirling a strand of Sarah's hair around it. "I can't believe we're actually doing this. It almost feels… normal."

Sarah smiled, watching her reflection as Kiara worked. "I know, right? It's like I don't even recognise us. Last time I did this, I was probably getting ready for Midsummer," she said, her tone lightly sarcastic but with a hint of sadness.

Kiara smirked. "You look way better without all that Kook polish, anyway." She finished the curl, stepping back to admire her work. "Look at us, getting all dolled up. It feels weird."

Sarah laughed, reaching for a tube of lipstick. "Who knew that after everything, we'd end up worrying about mascara and eyeliner?" She paused, then looked at Kiara. "Thanks, Kie. For being here, for helping me through… well, everything."

Kiara softened, reaching out to squeeze Sarah's hand. "Always, Sarah. We're family now. And today, we're going to go out there and show everyone that we don't need anyone else but each other."

They finished up, adding the final touches to their hair and makeup, sharing a quiet smile in the mirror. They'd been through hell together, but in this moment, it was just two friends getting ready for a big day—something they hadn't allowed themselves to enjoy in a long time.

The Pogues gathered outside the Chateau, adjusting their caps and gowns in the midday sun. John B stood by the porch, staring at his reflection in the window, his fingers fiddling with the tassel on his cap. Sarah came up behind him, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"You okay?" she asked softly.

John B smiled faintly, though his eyes were distant. "Yeah. Just... thinking."

Sarah didn't push him. She knew exactly what he was thinking about. None of them had parents coming to the graduation. John B's dad was gone, JJ's dad had left town, and Sarah's family… well, they had made it clear she was on her own now.

"Kiara's not sure if her parents are going to show either," Sarah added after a moment. "They're still pretty pissed."

John B sighed, turning around to face her. "At least we've got each other, right?"

Sarah smiled and nodded, though there was a flicker of sadness in her eyes. "Always."

As they walked into the school auditorium, Pope's parents and Cleo were already in the crowd, waving enthusiastically. Pope's mum blew him a kiss, and Heyward gave a proud thumbs-up. Pope's face softened, and Cleo gave him a grin. He'd been worried about how his dad would react to their plans to leave again, but for now, seeing him proud was enough.

"Good luck up there, kid," Heyward shouted with a smile that carried both pride and bittersweet understanding.

"Thanks, Dad," Pope said, the words heavier than usual. He knew his dad was proud, even if there were things he couldn't say out loud.

The Pogues took their seats together, their caps tilted at odd angles, as they half-listened to the principal drone on about futures, dreams, and success. JJ leaned over to John B at one point, muttering, "I can't believe I'm actually here, man."

John B grinned. "You earned it."

When it came time for the students to walk across the stage, the absence of family members hit the Pogues even harder. One by one, names were called, and students went up to shake hands and receive their diplomas. As they waited, tension settled over the group. Kiara kept glancing back to see if her parents would show up, but the seats remained empty.

"Ki, it's okay," JJ whispered, nudging her. "We've got you."

Kiara smiled, though her eyes were wet. "Yeah. I know."

"Kiara Carrera."

As Kiara's name rang out, JJ shot to his feet, cupping his hands around his mouth and shouting, "THAT'S MY GIRL!" His voice echoed through the crowd, and Kiara couldn't help but laugh, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and pride.

The whole group cheered for her, but JJ's voice stood out loudest, filling the air with his infectious energy. Kiara shot him a grin from the stage, rolling her eyes playfully. She knew he was her biggest fan, and in that moment, it meant everything.

When she returned to her seat, JJ nudged her proudly. "You killed it, Kie. Seriously."

Kiara laughed, giving him a quick kiss. "Thanks, JJ."

As they listened, Pope glanced at Sarah, confusion crossing his face. "Shouldn't you have gone already? Alphabetically, you're before Kiara."

Sarah shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned closer to him. "Late enrolment. They probably just threw me on the end."

Pope gave a small nod, letting it go, though he made a mental note of her quiet resilience. Sarah had been through more than any of them, and she'd managed to adapt to everything thrown at her without complaint.

Then, finally, "John B Routledge."

John B took a deep breath, stood up, and walked across the stage to receive his diploma. As he shook hands with the principal, he glanced out at the crowd, feeling the weight of his dad's absence. Yet, instead of sadness, he felt a sense of pride. He had made it here, against all odds, and his family—his real family—was right beside him.

Just as he was about to step down from the stage, he heard the next name called out:

"Sarah Routledge."

The name echoed in his ears, and he turned in surprise. Routledge? He looked back to see Sarah making her way across the stage, a soft smile on her lips as she accepted her diploma. She was glowing with pride, and for a moment, it was as if the whole room had dimmed, leaving just the two of them in the spotlight.

Instead of heading back to his seat, John B waited for her on the other side of the stage. As soon as she stepped down, he pulled her into his arms and lifted her off her feet, spinning her around with pure joy.

Sarah laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. Their classmates chuckled, and even a few parents applauded, but they didn't care. In that moment, they were in their own world.

"You changed your name?" John B whispered, awe filling his voice.

Sarah grinned, looking at him with shining eyes. "It's our name now."

Overwhelmed, John B hugged her tightly. "I love you," he murmured against her ear.

"I love you too," Sarah replied softly, her heart full.

They returned to their seats hand in hand, the Pogues exchanging smiles and quiet congratulations. This day, against all odds, was theirs to celebrate.

That evening, the Pogues gathered on the beach for their own celebration. The usual bonfire blazed brightly, casting a warm glow against the twilight sky. The sound of waves crashing on the shore mingled with laughter and the crackling of the fire.

Kiara, JJ, Pope, Cleo, Sarah, and John B sat together, each of them basking in the rare feeling of peace. John B looked around, his heart swelling with gratitude. For the first time, they had all achieved something together. This was more than just a graduation; it was a victory against the odds, a moment of normalcy in lives marked by chaos.

Nearby, Pope's parents joined them, bringing food and celebrating alongside them. Heyward pulled Pope aside at one point, giving him a fatherly pat on the back.

"You've done good, son. You and your friends," Heyward said, his voice thick with emotion. "You're making us proud."

Pope nodded, trying to keep his emotions in check. "Thanks, Dad."

Hayward wrapped an arm around JJ's shoulder. "And you. You're a good kid, JJ Maybank. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

The group laughed, the warmth and love between them filling the gaps left by absent family members. For that evening, they were each other's family.

Later, as the fire burned lower, John B caught sight of Sarah sitting on a log, her hand resting on her stomach. He knew he had something for her—something he had been holding onto for a while now.

He walked over and sat down beside her, taking her hand. "You okay?" he asked, his voice soft.

Sarah tilted her head, looking at him with a curious smile. "Yeah, why?"

John B reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. His heart raced as he opened it, revealing a simple but beautiful silver ring. A real wedding ring—something more than the bandanna she'd been wearing since they'd made their promises in the Bahamas.

Sarah's eyes widened, her breath catching. "John B…"

He gently took her hand, sliding the ring onto her finger. "I know we already made our promises, but I wanted to give you something real. Something that's ours."

Tears filled Sarah's eyes as she stared down at the ring. "It's perfect," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

John B leaned in, kissing her softly. "I love you. And I'll always be here for you. For both of you."

Sarah's hand found his, her heart swelling with love. "Till death do us part."

They stayed close by the fire, wrapped in each other's arms, watching as JJ and Kiara danced to the music from Pope's speaker, laughing and twirling in the sand. Cleo threw in her own wild dance moves, pulling Pope into her rhythm as he tried to keep up.

For once, there was no treasure hunt, no threats, no worries. Just laughter, friendship, and the quiet joy of a day they had all earned together.

As the night deepened, John B glanced around the group, his family. They might not be bound by blood, but they were bound by love, loyalty, and all the adventures they had shared. This was their beginning, a family forged through hardship and joy, ready to face whatever the world threw their way.

The Pogues' laughter and cheers filled the night, each of them looking ahead to the future with excitement and a hint of nerves. Graduation was over, and the road to the treasure hunt was calling. But for now, in this fleeting moment, they allowed themselves to feel the full weight of what they had achieved together, and the bond that would carry them forward—whatever came next.

As the party went on into the night Kiara grabbed JJ's hand, pulling him into the Chateau. She led him into the small room that had unofficially become theirs, closing the door softly behind them. The noise of the beach and the others faded, leaving just the two of them in the dim light.

JJ looked around, a bit out of place, not used to having a space he could call his. Kiara pulled him closer, her fingers lightly resting on the collar of his shirt. "You know, today was the first time I saw you look… proud of yourself."

JJ chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, well… I guess I don't really feel like that often. For so long, I thought I'd be no better than my dad. Just… Luke's kid. A screw-up who'd never amount to anything." He paused, his voice softening. "But standing up there, hearing you guys cheer… I don't know, Kie. It's a weird feeling. I don't like... good."

Kiara laughed softly, a warmth in her eyes as she looked at him. "That's pride, JJ. And you have every right to feel it. You're not him. You're you. And you're so much better than you think."

Before he could say another word, she reached up, pulling him down by the neck of his shirt, bringing him close. Her eyes searched his, filled with affection and something deeper. She closed the gap between them, pressing her lips softly against his. This kiss held everything they'd been through, all the words they hadn't said, and the feelings they'd kept buried.

As they leaned back onto the bed, JJ's fingers trailed through her hair, their quiet understanding settling into something more. For the first time, they allowed themselves to be fully vulnerable with each other, letting go of the world outside and sharing in a moment that was just theirs. They made love softly, unspoken promises held in each touch, and when they lay side by side afterward, everything felt a little bit more like home.