Chapter Sixty - Celebrations

(Hello everyone, I am sorry for the delay, had a lot going on. This is the last chapter, the epilogue will follow either tonight or tomorrow. I do plan on realeasing a new book on here but not until after the new year and I promise to have more frequent updates. I am usually great with updates, but for some reason this last six months or more it hasn't been that way. I am eager for a new year.)

Farrah

“Ahh, I can’t believe it. We are officially high school graduates.” I squeal.

Yip, today was the day. The four of us are officially no longer high school students, which excites me! Next stop, Chicago! I couldn’t believe it had come around so quickly.

“I know, baby girl, I didn’t think I would ever get this far.” Asher grins, picking me up and swinging me around.

I am so proud of him, of how far he has come since I first met him. Everything is organised for us in Chicago. We have arranged extra care for Asher’s grandma, and my parents will help her with anything she needs also. It will be hard on Asher to leave her, but I think he has accepted that grandma wouldn’t have taken no for an answer.

Asher set me back down on my feet, and I grabbed his shirt, bringing him to me.

“I am proud of you, my love.” I smile, kissing him softly.

“And I of you, sweetheart.” He responds, hugging me to his chest.

Once we part, we rush over to our family. My parents are quick to wrap me in a hug, and grandma is doing the same with Asher, gushing how proud she was of him. We were all going on to celebrate later, Stuart, Violet and their families coming along, also. We plan on making a night of it. When they finally let us go, we switched places. I love how well my parents get on with Asher. He and my father talked last week, wanting to make sure that Asher will look after me, and I know he will, and so does my father.

“Time to prepare for the real world. Are you both ready?” my mum smiles.

Asher and I look at each other, nod and turn back to them.

“Yes!” we said in sync.

A sudden loud squeal came from behind us as we stood there talking. I recognised that, Violet! I look at Asher, confused, and in return, he smirks. What hasn’t he told me? I fling myself around, and I get my answer. Stuart was down on one knee with a ring in his hand.

OH MY GOD! He is proposing! I could tell by the shocked look on her face she was not expecting it, and neither was I.

“You knew?” I ask.

“Yes, he told me he was thinking about it a while ago and confirmed last week that he was going to do it. He asked her parents permission. They weren’t thrilled with the idea at first but soon came around.” Asher’s grins.

I smile brightly as I watch my best friend say yes, allowing Stuart to put a ring on her finger. This was so unexpected! I loved it, though. I grab Asher’s arm, dragging him towards them. The second Violet sees me, she squeals again and rushes over to me.

“I am engaged!” she gushes, showing me the ring.

“I know. Congratulations, I have so happy for you both.” I beam, hugging her tightly.

Yes, they were only eighteen and just out of high school, but that doesn’t matter when you know you know. I went over to hug Stuart too, who couldn’t stop smiling.

“She said yes.” He said proudly.

“Yes, she did. I am thrilled for you both.” I reply.

Asher congratulates them after me. The two of them seemed so happy. It looks like a double celebration tonight.

***
The four of us were sitting by the lake after having dinner with our families. I am between Asher’s legs, and Violet is between Stuarts. We had some beer, not too much, just enough to celebrate.

“I don’t know about any of you, but I sure didn’t think this is how the school year would end when it started last year,” Stuart said.

“Nope! Who knew my first day here would be the day that would change my entire life? I am so happy I met you all. I don’t think I could have gotten through this year without you.” I smile, resting my head back against Asher’s chest.

“I find it strange how the three of us all went to school together for years without hanging out or even talking, well except you guys since you have been friends a long time, and then Farrah shows up and changes everything,” Violet added in.

Asher kisses the top of my head, and I tilt my head back to look up at him.

“All of this is thanks to you, my love.” He said, kissing me.

“Nah, I can’t take all the credit. I believe this was always meant to be, us four, together.” I grin.

Silence came between us, but a comfortable one. We were all thinking about the last year and everything we have been through, together and apart. It has brought us closer, made us appreciate everything more.

“I love you guys, and I am eager to see where this next chapter takes us all.” I coo, looking at everyone.

It may sound corny, but it’s the truth.

“We love you too,” Violet responds, Stuart nodding in agreement.

“So much…” Asher adds, kissing me again.

“When is the wedding?” I giggle.

“We talked and decided to wait a couple of years before getting married.” Stuart answers, “Our concentration, for now, is college and exploring the real world together.”

It is good there aren’t rushing it and want to enjoy their engagement for a while.

“I wonder what will happen in the next year,” Violet said.

“No one knows, but my gut tells me it is going to be as amazing as this one, even better. Who knows what is around the corner for us all.” Asher answers.

The rest of us nodded in agreement because it was true. No one can predict what is coming our way, but I can only hope and pray it is suitable for everyone.
“To us, new starts and the future. My life would be dull without you all.” Stuart announces, raising his beer.

“Bring it on…” I grin, and we raise our bottles, toasting to everything that has to come.

I know in my heart as long as I have Asher, Violet and Stuart, I can get through anything, overcoming everything, and I think that is the same for us all. I am ready to move on to new and exciting things.