Caitlin's POV

As my second year at Oxford concluded I felt a mass of excitement that I knew wouldn't disappear for a while

Robyn had not only passed with flying colours but had graduated in the Top 5 of her class

In five days I would be flying over to New York for her graduation and from that moment on we would never be parted again

Milly advised me not to move in with Robyn though as a cousin of hers was in a long distance relationship too. She had moved in with her boyfriend after a period of long distance and their relationship had fallen apart soon afterwards

'I don't want that for you and Robyn' she said, tears running down her cheeks. 'You're such a lovely couple, I want you to last'

'Me too' I replied softly as my own tears streamed down my face

I had quietly noted over the last year that my two best friends were more open to crying in front of me, Millie especially. When we had first started our private weekly film sessions, she had always wiped her tears before they fell. Now almost two years later, if a film made her tear up, instead of dabbing her eyes she let them run down her cheeks.

For our latest film she had chosen E.T. The Extra Terrestrial which had been making everybody cry since the eighties.
Not surprisingly me and Millie added ourselves to the list as we both sobbed at the ending

When we parted, Millie gave me a hug and  said she was grateful to have me as a best friend and hoped I enjoyed my girlfriend's graduation

Robyn's POV

I was making my final preparations to leave for my new life after graduation. The night before it was time to say some final words to two of the most important people in my life

'You are both extraordinary people' I told Susan and Marie in the living room that had been our home for two years. 'And I'm so lucky to call you my best friends'

I did try not to cry but it was no use and tears began running down my cheeks.

'I'm lucky too' Marie said taking me by the hand as tears ran down her cheeks. 'I wouldn't be Valedictorian if it wasn't for you two. Thank you for loving me for being me'

It was Susan's turn to speak. Tears were streaming down her face

'I'm lucky you got picked to be my roommate in our first year. I was so nervous to meet you and you were so kind' She had to stop speaking because she was sobbing so much.

All three of us had a group hug as we cried together

'My sister has a surprise for you when she comes down' I told my best friends when our crying had disappated. 'And I've got one for each of you'

I both handed them a book each.

'Everything that happens to you, write it down. So when we meet up again I can still be involved in my besties life'

We all cried again and had another group hug

The following day, Billie told Susan and Marie their surprise. They were both speechless with happiness when she told them she wanted to pay off their student loans

'You both deserve it' she told them 'For looking after my sister'

It was a very generous gesture. Whilst I knew about Billie and Gemma's lifestyle and their combined fortune, I never used them as an ATM. They were free to spend their own money as they wished

It was soon time to travel to our graduation ceremony. Marie carefully put on her Valedictorian sash and we all travelled by bus to the college

Before long it was time for Marie to speak.

'My legs are shaking' she said to me and Susan

'You've got this Marie' Susan told her.

'Best of luck' I replied. Taking a deep breath Marie stood up and walked up to the podium

I looked down just after the ceremony started as I felt Jarrod jiggle my thigh just a bit stronger than before. I was a bit surprised to see a wet patch on the front of his boxers. That's when I felt his hand freeze and squeeze my inner thigh firmly. I looked back up to see him blushing and what appeared to be tears starting to fill his eyes.

"Would you like to sneak out to take care of your problem? I mean if there's anything I can do to help...I hate to see you so embarrassed. I can just excuse us saying I don't feel well." I whispered  hoping to be of some help.

Sadie's POV

I'd seen Gemma with a girl I recognised. As I looked closer I realised I had seen her before in Vancouver the last holiday  me and Liz had taken together

At my partner's encouragement I gently walked over. Gemma it appeared had found  a new girlfriend after all, as she tenderly placed an arm on hers and gave us some space

It had been three and a half years since I had said goodbye to her at the bus stop, but I was pleased to see she was well and looking happy

'It was a tough few weeks but then I met Billie' she explained. 'She was trying to get over an unrequited love too. As luck would have it we fell for each other and now we both enjoy slowly spending our lottery fortune'

'I'm glad' I told her, tears running down my cheeks. 'I met Liz when I moved to Bellingham. She owns the juice bar where I work and has been for the last two years'

I wiped my tears and told her I would leave her be. Liz took my hand in comfort when I returned to her

'In the back of my mind I was always worried about her' I explained, as another tear ran down my left cheek. 'It's so nice to see her happy and content and in love again'

Liz tenderly wiped my tear and kissed me on the lips. We got ready for the ceremony. The speeches by the Salutatorian Amit and Marie the Valedictorian were very good. Despite showing a small amount of nerves they delivered them perfectly without any pauses or hesitation

When the three of them had got their diplomas I was asked to take a picture of them with their friend Poppy and her boyfriend Amit

Caitlin's POV

The graduation ceremony was perfect and Amit and Marie did really well with their speeches.

However amongst the congratulations from their fellow classmates one wasn't so complimentary. In fact she was very rude to Marie. Not surprisingly Robyn and Susan told her to chuff off.

'She's never going to forget not being Valedictorian is she?' Marie asked.

'Probably not' Robyn told her.

'Well good' Marie replied. 'I hope she drowns in all that salt'

But not before she pays off her student debt. I quietly reminded myself. It was so nice of Billie to gift Robyn and her best friends the funds to pay off their student loans.

We had a lovely meal at a nice restaurant in the city and after a final look at Coney Island from the train station we all went to bed.

The following day Robyn had an emotional goodbye with Susan and Marie until Christmas when they would meet up again in France. They had already agreed to write to each other regularly along with their friends Poppy and Jen, who were doing a challenge on the Subway in a couple of days.

Before the plane to the airport Robyn asked me if we could make one last stop and I agreed

Last edited by reptongeek (September 7, 2023 8:28 pm)