A/N

The picture that you see above is for all of you that comment, vote or just read the story that I have created.

You guys inspire me to continue to write and I couldn't be more grateful for your support.

Thank you.

xx

********

The doctors said that I could leave today. The day of our graduation ceremony.

They have cleared me of any life threatening issues and said that as long as I take it easy I'm allowed to leave. The nurse said to stay in bed as much as possible and not to do anything that is too strenuous on my body.

So, I am waiting for Archer to pack my belongings into the bag that my mom had brought for me, containing a change of clothes. He insisted that I do absolutely nothing.

I think Archer still feels bad about everything, but I forgive him. I'm just happy to be alive.

After I woke up form the anaesthetics I couldn't remember what happened when I was in the accident, but since then all the horrifying memories have come flooding back in, piece by piece.

I remember the impact, the disorientating spinning, the flipping of the car. I remember hitting my head and blacking out. I remember segments of the ride to the hospital, with panicked paramedics trying to preserve my life.

"Aurora, you ready?" Archer asked, bringing me out of my thoughts.

"Yah." I smiled at him.

He took my hand and assisted me off of my hospital bed. When I was up he placed his hand on my back to guid me through the hospital.

"Archer, I'm okay. Just a little sore." I said with a soft laugh.

"I just want to be sure."

I laughed again.

Ow. Stupid ribs.

We walked through the hall slowly and the nurses said goodbye to me as I left.

These last few days in the hospital weren't too bad, because I made friends with two of the nurses and they kept me as comfortable as possible. I missed my bed and the nights of disturbed sleep were lonely, but I'm glad to be going home.

I did not get to go to the school and collect my final report, so my mom collected it for me and brought it to me at the hospital. I did well. I'm thrilled with the marks that I have and couldn't ask for better. 

As we walked down the hall I saw Cody and Devin approach us, holding a massive plush bunny and a silver helium ballon. Dorks.

"Oh my word." I said to Archer, smiling widely. "They're so sweet."

"Hello, feisty." Cody greeted, moving in for a soft hug. "I'm glad to see that you're up."

"Hey Cody." I laughed lightly at the sight of him holding the plush bunny.

"Hey, Aurora." Devin said smiling and giving me a hug. "We're going to hold ono these until you're at the car."

"Thank you guys. This is so sweet."

Cody and Devin came to visit me twice while I was in the hospital. Both of them brightened up the dreary room with their bickering, jokes and comments about the nurses. They made hospital recovery so much more tolerable.

Archer hardly ever left and only went home when he was forced to. He too made the hospital experience that much more tolerable.

We continued down the halls and elevators until we reached the exit of the hospital.

"Why aren't your parents picking you up?" Cody asked.

"They're getting my stuff together for the graduation ceremony." I replied. "Considering I haven't, and won't, have time."

"At least we know that they trust us to transport your injured self safely." Cody said.

"I guess." I laughed.

"We have two hours until we have to be at the hall. So, we're going to get you home, help you with whatever it is that you need done and then we have to leave to get ready our selves." Devin said.

"Thank you guys. I appreciate it."

"Our pleasure."

"Oh! Aurora." Cody suddenly cheered. "Devin has something for you."

"Oh , right." Devin took a large chocolate slab out from his pocket and handed it to me.

I laughed at their gesture. They're always giving me chocolate.

"To make everything better." Devin said smiling.

"Thank you." I felt myself tearing up at how amazing they have been.

"Don't cry! That wasn't the point." Cody said.

"They're happy tears." I said laughing through the tears that rolled down my cheeks.

Archer smiled and kissed me on the head.

We reached the car and Archer helped me into the backseat, next to Cody.

The drive was comfortable and it felt like I was back to some kind of normal. I listened to the conversations that were happening around me, allowing myself to relax.

"I cannot believe today is the day we finally finish high school." Devin said.

"'Finally' is correct." Cody said.

"And in a weeks time we'll know which university we'll be attending." Archer said, sounding nervous.

"Can't believe it." I replied. "Real life is about to start."

"Ugh, from one thing to the next." Cody said causing us all to laugh.

We drove the rest of the way discussing more lighthearted things and enjoying our last few hours as high school students.

When we arrived at my house the guys assisted in getting me out of the car, up to my house and then up to my room. Devin and Cody brought in the ballon and plush bunny.

They sat with me for a little while, keeping me company, until my mom and dad returned with what I needed for the ceremony.

The guys said goodbye and left, allowing me to get ready.

The school requires us to wear black and white formal clothing under our robes, because the robes slits down the middle reveal what we're wearing underneath.

I'm wearing the black dress that I've had my eye on fo a month, which my mom went to pickup for me while I was on my way home.

I'm wearing my hair in a braided bun with a light layer of makeup on my face to cover up some of the bruising. I also decided that I'd be wearing black high heels to top of the formal look. Not to mention the fact that I would still be wearing my casts to the ceremony. 

I placed the robe over my dress, which thankfully concealed most of my arm cast.

After I was ready I went down stairs to find my parents and they insisted that we take a few photos before we left. So I stood outside, in front of the flower bushes, as they took hundreds of photo's.

Eventually when they were satisfied with the photos that they took, the whole family piled into the car.

"Only a hour longer of being a high school student. How're you feeling?" My dad asked.

"Nervous." I said.

"You'll be fine. You've worked long and hard to graduate." He replied.

"Exactly, Aurora. You're going to enjoy the adult life. The freedom, the university years, all of it." My mom added.

"I'm jealous that you're finished. I still have two years left." Willow groaned.

"Thanks mom and dad." I said. "And you enjoy it while it lasts, Wil."

When we arrived at the parking lot of the school ceremony hall, we all stepped out of the car and made out way inside.

My parents joined my friend's parents in the guest area and I found my place in the crowd of students, as they socialised before we had to take out designated seats.

I made my way over to where my group was standing and they all gave me a hug. I took my place under Archer's arm.

Archer looked drop dead amazing in his all black suit, putting everyone in the hall to shame.

"Is anyone else also really excited right now?" Erin asked.

"Extremely." Alice said.

"Were almost free!" Caitlyn added.

We laughed.

"Erin, is Jake watching with you parents?" I asked.

"Yah, he insisted on coming." She said with her cheeks heating up.

"Adorable." I said.

A voice came over the speakers: "Could everyone please take their seats, the ceremony is about to start."

We all made our way to our seats, wishing each other farewell until we're 'free of high school'.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen." The principle began his speech. "I welcome you all here today to celebrate the achievements of our fine young adults who are about to begin their journey into their new lives."

The crowd of students cheered at our principles words.

"We are sad to see you all leave, but we wish you all the best for the adventures that you are about to endure. Life will be difficult, but I have no doubt that each and everyone of you will be successful. I have had the great privilege of getting to know each of you who have walked through these halls throughout the past years."

He went on for another fifteen minutes before he began the ceremony. He started with the top achievers of our year, with individual subject and other awards.

I was surprised when eh said, "Ms Aurora West for top marks in science." The crowd cheered as I steadily stood up to accept my award. I heard a few people cheer my name, which I had no doubt was Devin, Cody, Caitlyn and Archer.

I walked slowly between the chairs of students and made my way up toward the stage, turning red as I did so.

"Ms West was in an accident a few days ago, as you can see: she's a little damaged." The principle announced. The crowd laughed lightly, with a few awe's, and cheered for me as I accepted my plaque.

After a few more individual awards were given out, he began with the matriculation certificates. Each one of us was called up receiving huge amounts of applause.

When we were done with the final certificates the principle said, "Congratulation to this year's Matric class, you have finally graduated high school."

The group of students rose from our seats and cheered as he finished his last words. Some of us crying from the emotional experience and others jumping in relief to finally be done.

We were eventualy dismissed and were allowed to mingle with the parents and other students.

I was greeted with hugs from each of my friends in congratulations and excited squeals.

"We did it we're done!" Caitlyn cheered, causing the rest of the group to cheer as well.

"Congratulations." Archer's mother approached me. "I knew you were a smart girl, but wow." She said giving me a soft hug.

"I've been saying that she was a science genius for a while now, haven't I?" Alice asked the others.

"I chose the right tutor." Archer said smiling at me. "My grade improved by a whole ten percent."

"I told you that you could though."

He smiled at me.

"Aurora," My mom called. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Me too." Said my dad.

"Thanks guys." I managed to get out before they engulfed me in hugs.

A few more excited parents joined us, giving us all awkward hugs.

"Pictures!" Caitlyn's mother interrupted the hugging. "All of you together now."

We all stood (Me, Archer, Caitlyn, Devin, Cody, Ethan, Barry, Alice, Erin and Jake.) as our parents took our photos. After a few group photos, our parents pulled us each aside for individual photos. I took a photo with each of my friends individually, as well as one with the guys and one with my girls.

By the end of the day I probably had enough photos to fill two photo albums.

"Are we still on for celebratory drinks at your house, Margret?" My mom asked Caitlyn's mother.

"Of course." She replied. "And you're all coming right?" She asked.

"Absolutely." Archer's mother replied.

We all left for Caitlyn's house for a celebratory gathering. The group planned on going out tomorrow night for our own 'celebration'.

We spent the rest of the afternoon socialising and enjoying the feeling of achievement while it lasted.

I'm going to miss high school, but I'm starting to like the idea of freedom to start my life. I have many plans that I intend to follow.

"I can't believe it." Archer said from beside me.

"Me neither." I said. "You ready to start the rest of our lives?"

"Yes." He said turning to me. "And I intend to do it along side you." 

"Can't imagine it anyway else."

He leaned down and kissed me on the head.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

**********

A/N

Guys, there are only a few chapters left!

I cannot believe that the journey is almost over.

I'm thinking of writing a (Archer's sister) life. What do you think?

Hope you enjoyed.

xxx